At my first neuro appointment I was asked if I had any bladder problems, I said no. But embarrassingly I need to ask if this is normal, I thought it was but now not so sure…every time I have a wee, I finish, start to stand and then a dribble more comes out. This has been going on for several months before I first started with problems with my legs/numbness/balance etc
I didn’t mention it to the neuro because a) I was embarrassed and b) I’m 46, had 3 normal births and presumed it was kind of normal at my age. However I’ve been talking to a couple of very close friends, both post menopausal, and they assure me it’s not normal.
I have another appointment thus coming week to get my MRI results, should I mention this or is it likely to just be age and something us women have to get used to? (Also will feel a bit of a fool for not mentioning it first time round)
Hi don’t be embarrassed about bladder problems - it took me at least 3 years before going to the doctor to discuss my bladder problems (all this before my recent MS diagnosis and they now appear to be linked to the MS) along with issues with urgency I had symptoms as you describe. At the time I was referred to the urology department and they send me on to a urology physiotherapist (I never knew one existed!) - she said that it was a common problem when there were issues with urgency. She said the problem relates to your bladder not knowing whether it is really empty - I tended to find when I had to dash to the toilet because of urgency I would need to go again within about 10 or 15 mins to completely empty my bladder. I have to say compared to the urgency issue (which can result in me wetting myself) this was a very minor problem.
Myself and my husband have learnt to plan our journeys knowing that I will need to go to the toilet every couple of hours. I have become expert at finding a bush when we are out for a walk, finding the public conveniences, I’m not sure how many coffee shops we’ve had a cup of tea in just because I’ve needed to go to the toilet! I’ve also learnt to go to the toilet when i first get to where we are stopping and then going again before we leave.
This goes against what I was told by the physio therapist who said that it was better to go only when I needed to so I “taught” my muscles to hold on. I have the view that I’d rather go more often and not have accidents then wait until the last minute and not get there in time so probably go more often then I should.
I know it’s really easy to get embarassed about bladder (and bowel) problems but I have learnt that it is easier to discuss the problems with the doctor then deal with the issues when you soil yourself. You never know they might be able to suggest a solution you can live with that will make life easier.
I don’t think that the two words, ‘bladder’ and ‘normal’ go together at all. Our bodies are made up of such complex and diverse systems. So we often make assumptions that something we’ve got used to is common with everyone else. Or alternatively, something that we think is strange and unusual turns out to be what everyone experiences.
So don’t feel embarrassed that you didn’t know that your bladder was behaving in a way common to MSers and not to others. I’m sure there’s little peculiarities in everyone’s bodies.
I saw a urologist the other day who told me I was ‘unusual’ (for an MSer) in my bladder problems. I don’t believe a word of it. I think to some extent we are all unusual. That is both the worst thing and the most wonderful thing about the human body.
Thank you all for your replies. I think the reason I didn’t mention it is that it’s not really a massive problem, just a little annoyance which I’ve got used to and now avoid by rocking slightly (like when heavily pregnant) to make sure I really am empty. I don’t have any issues with urgency or frequency thank goodness but sometimes leak when I laugh, sneeze, cough or once several years ago bouncing on a trampoline but that definitely isn’t uncommon for any mother I guess.
I remember years ago being advised by my MS nurse to do a sort of massage / drumming on the bladder area to make sure I’ve emptied. There is actually a device you can buy that vibrates on the outside of the bladder area. (It works very much like a different kind of vibrating device!) It’s purpose is to gently stimulate your bladder to make sure it’s properly empty. I actually bought one of these devices and had a go with it but never found it to be that useful. Drumming on the outside of your bladder, rocking back and forth on the other hand, that does help.
I was having investigations for bladder problems before my MS dx. Then I started going to a bladder clinic which has helped greatly. I’m on long-term antibiotics for a chronic UTI.
I’ve noticed that my ‘weak’ areas with my RRMS are bladder and bowel. When I’m having MS-y problems, that’s where they strike first! And I’m one of these people that has to go to the loo two or three times in one visit, which is very irritating.
I agree that you should certainly tell the neuros about this, as there’s definitely a connection.