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How do you cope with Overactive Bladder/Urge incontinence?

Posted by ainsleigh @ainsleigh, Mar 10, 2021

Does anyone have suggestions on how to cope with overactive bladder and urge incontinence? Are there any meds that can help without causing unwanted side effects?

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imallears | @imallears | Mar 13, 2021

@artist01
I also have read about the mesh deterioration and have seen where lawsuits have been brought against the doctors but I know of no one personally who has experienced this. I share your concern and think a visit to a urologist is the next (however unpleasant)) step. It’s on your mind so I wouldn’t hesitate too long. Of course that’s easy for me to say. Let us know what you decide.

FL Mary

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2 replies
imallears | @imallears | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @maflynn777 "Hi lindes, So if the initial amount I am instructed to insert is 2 grams, I..." + (show)
@maflynn777

Hi lindes,
So if the initial amount I am instructed to insert is 2 grams, I just put this on with the glove. That does sound less stressful!?!

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@maflynn777
Hi,
Don’t make this any more complicated than it has to be. Wash your hands, put a pea size amount on your finger and insert as far up as you are able using a circular motion. I went to a urogyn. and his nurse practitioner (who is the one who checks me out ) said to do it that way. So I have been doing that for several years. Also, this Rx doesn’t expire on the date indicated on the tube. Use it until it is gone. My daughter, also an ANRP said the same thing. Frequent use will get the job done regardless of the size of the pea....it works it way up there. And I look great inside lol. The tube is not necessary but clean hands are and we are all use to that by now.

FL Mary

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imallears | @imallears | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @jeanne5009 "Thank you that helps me a bunch! I had a prolapsed uterus and had a hysterectomy...." + (show)
@jeanne5009

Thank you that helps me a bunch! I had a prolapsed uterus and had a hysterectomy. That I believe was caused by a 16 hr induced labor and high forceps delivery. After my second child with another difficult delivery my bladder dropped and was lifted. That was in 1979 so it was whatever procedure they used. It worked for 4 years and had to be repaired again. All has been well until about 10 years ago when it started to drop again. I did the PT and some drugs...don't remember what. Now I am having real trouble with urgency as well as interstitial cystitis. Because of my cirrhosis Stage 4, I cannot do the drugs and surgery is not high on my list. The pessary and PT seem to be my destiny. So glad to hear it worked so well for you. Can you or anyone add more details on this delicate subject?

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@jeanne5009
You may have to try different type of pessaries until you find the right one. You should not even know you are wearing one. The PT I went to for my one visit said she had one and it was a ring with a hole in the middle. She said her husband doesn’t feel it when they have intercourse which is great. Goggle the different shapes. Mine is a solid circle with a stubby type handle on it that lets me kind of grab it when taking it out. There are different sizes and they measure you for one. And no, it does not stick out of the vagina. If it falls out then it is too small. If it hurts it may be too big. You put a small dab of lubricating jelly on it prior to insertion and generally have to have the dexterity to bend it in half for insertion. I could see this being a problem for anyone with arthritic hands.
Whoever you are working with should be explaining , in detail, what you have to do and make you practice inserting and removing before you leave the office. I know of an older women who needs to have it done for her so she has to go back to the office to have it removed and cleaned periodically.

FL Mary

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straightway22 | @straightway22 | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @maflynn777 "Hi imallears, My first time doing the vaginal cream. I was instructed to use the plastic..." + (show)
@maflynn777

Hi imallears,
My first time doing the vaginal cream. I was instructed to use the plastic tube that pumps the cream into a deeper part if your vagina.
Are you saying you figure our how much you need and use a gloved hand and reach reach inside to apply?

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The cream does not have to go deep into your vagina. I use a disposable glove and insert a small amount into my vagina. I do not go deep. It works believe me.

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straightway22 | @straightway22 | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @lindes "You don't need a sterilized glove to apply cream into your vagina, a clean glove from..." + (show)
@lindes

You don't need a sterilized glove to apply cream into your vagina, a clean glove from the box is good enough. Concerning sterile/clean fields on the human body, the vagina is a known dirty area (similar to our mouth), and sterility is not required there.
(my field of medical specialty is infection control & prevention)

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I got an infection from a glove that I took right out of the box. It doesn’t need to be sterilized but I wash my hand with the glove on with soap and water before I apply the cream.

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maflynn777 | @maflynn777 | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @imallears "@artist01 I also have read about the mesh deterioration and have seen where lawsuits have been..." + (show)
@imallears

@artist01
I also have read about the mesh deterioration and have seen where lawsuits have been brought against the doctors but I know of no one personally who has experienced this. I share your concern and think a visit to a urologist is the next (however unpleasant)) step. It’s on your mind so I wouldn’t hesitate too long. Of course that’s easy for me to say. Let us know what you decide.

FL Mary

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Thank you.... just nervous since I don’t have sex and the area is pretty sensitive... sorry for the graphic language. I’ll try the washed glove and put as much as I can.
Thank you again....

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2 replies
maflynn777 | @maflynn777 | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @jeanne5009 "Good to know.." + (show)
@jeanne5009

Good to know..

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I am also 79!!! What a coincidence!!!

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artist01 | @artist01 | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @imallears "@artist01 I also have read about the mesh deterioration and have seen where lawsuits have been..." + (show)
@imallears

@artist01
I also have read about the mesh deterioration and have seen where lawsuits have been brought against the doctors but I know of no one personally who has experienced this. I share your concern and think a visit to a urologist is the next (however unpleasant)) step. It’s on your mind so I wouldn’t hesitate too long. Of course that’s easy for me to say. Let us know what you decide.

FL Mary

Jump to this post

@imallears Yes, I know the next step is to visit a Urologist! I was running out of text space and couldn't finish my thoughts for fear I would lose my entire post, which happens all too frequently with my little cell phone!
I live in a town with not too much access to specialists. I'm 85 years old now, no longer drive, and take our excellent service, Wheels for Wellness, to transport me to out of town medical appointments. I've got so many health problems that I currently have seven specialists for just about every part of my body! Lol. Just this week, my family doctor wanted to send me to yet another necessary specialist, and laughingly said, "But you've got SO many specialists!" I think I have just about every disease on the Mayo Connect discussion list. Lots of autoimmune stuff. Gotta sign off now!

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1 reply
Len Allman | @newhorizons | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "@ainsleigh Hello, Ainsleigh. I saw my urogynochologist yesterday and scheduled an injection procedure in a couple..." + (show)
@ess77

@ainsleigh Hello, Ainsleigh. I saw my urogynochologist yesterday and scheduled an injection procedure in a couple weeks. I hadn't been to a gynochologist since my hysterectomy at age 35....but,

I've experienced stress incontinence and overactive bladder for several years. I never addressed this directly with my PCP. I'm not sure why, other than the fact I was dealing with possible MS or MG, tremors, etc.and probably the bladder issue was down on the list. And, I had IBS for years with many accidents when in public or shopping or working. But, I did mention it to one of my Mayo docs during a recent visit. She said she would refer me to see a urogynachologist to find out what and why and if there is help...

Best move ever. After several yucky tests I don't know how anyone thought up, the doc determined I have an issue with the muscles in the urethra. They open to release urine when the bladder isn't full, but can't close all the way. So, if there's a full bladder with pressure on the urethra, and I cough or sneeze or turn over in bed or move or get up or walk.......then the urine leaks out.

My doc said we have 2 choices re possible remedy. Surgery to place a mesh band in the middle of the urethra to support the muscles OR a bonding injection procedure done in the procedure room in about 20 minutes total. She injects the muscles of the urethra with a bonding agent to tighten or support the muscles of the urethra. I walk out and hopefully Issues of leakage are resolved.

Surgery has about an 8 weeks recovery, general anesthesia, etc. Pain naturally. But, it lasts and is likely to help. Procedure, 20 minutes in procedure room, not hospital, and no help needed for recovery since there isn't recovery time. Varying degrees of success in each case, I may need to come back for follow-up injections, and there is a slight possibility I will need the surgery to solve the problem.

I personally took 3 seconds to suggest, strongly, the procedure. I trust implicitly my Mayo physicians. Trust their knowledge, talent, ability and training. I'm so pleased there is a procedure for this diagnosis that works and is less invasive. One more reason I am a Mayo fan.

I'll let you know how everything goes. One key to this outcome is I went to a specialist who knows this area of medicine, and to Mayo. The doctors at Mayo have helped me in many areas and given me a better working body, sharper brain, fewer falls, complete diagnoses and treatment.....a new quality to living. But, something had to start the process, begin the walk to find out what is happening and why. That is you and me. I began the process by mentioning this issue to my doctor and following through with the referral and new doc. We are in charge of our bodies. Be proactive. Find answers. Take control.

I look forward to some good changes in my life after this procedure, some improvements. It's been a long time since I even considered such a thing! Just think.....I'm actually having something fixed that's causing me discomfort and interrupting my life. I'm getting fixed! What a wonderful thought!
Goody....
Blessings to all of you. I hope you find help in this area. elzabeth

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Is there a similar treatment for men?

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jeanne5009 | @jeanne5009 | Mar 13, 2021
In reply to @artist01 "@imallears Yes, I know the next step is to visit a Urologist! I was running out..." + (show)
@artist01

@imallears Yes, I know the next step is to visit a Urologist! I was running out of text space and couldn't finish my thoughts for fear I would lose my entire post, which happens all too frequently with my little cell phone!
I live in a town with not too much access to specialists. I'm 85 years old now, no longer drive, and take our excellent service, Wheels for Wellness, to transport me to out of town medical appointments. I've got so many health problems that I currently have seven specialists for just about every part of my body! Lol. Just this week, my family doctor wanted to send me to yet another necessary specialist, and laughingly said, "But you've got SO many specialists!" I think I have just about every disease on the Mayo Connect discussion list. Lots of autoimmune stuff. Gotta sign off now!

Jump to this post

You are my hero! At 85 you prove that with a good spirit, knowledgable specialists we can still have a life. And a sense of humor too!

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