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Let's talk about Urinary Incontinence, Kegel, and Sleep Disorder

Posted by cb3 @cb3, Jun 13 12:06pm

I don't sleep through the night because I wake up at least twice to urinate in the toilet. I've been this way ever since I went through treatment for anal cancer 10 years ago. The broken sleep makes me tired the next day which interrupts normal activities in my personal and social arenas. I don't always fall back to sleep but I am working on it.

I've also been diagnosed with radiation proctitis. This is inflammation of the rectum that occurs as a result of acute damage to the rectum from pelvic radiation. The worst part about this is the sudden onsets of diarrhea that come on without warning. I don't recall waking up with the big D during my sleep hours, but I'm sure in the past ten years it's occured at least once.

I wear Pre-fit underwear and Extra Length Guards for bladder control protection. This doesn't bother me and I feel blessed that my health insurance covers this need.

Bladder surgery is not an option for me. But directly as we speak, I'm trying to convince myself to try Kegel again. Has anybody been helped by Kegel?

I would like to have an open discussion on the subject of urinary incontinence, Kegel, and sleep disorders.

Reaching out ... Best in happiness and improved health care. CB

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emo | @emo | Jun 13 11:18pm

Hi there- Have you ever tried pelvic PT? I don’t want to sound redundant because I find myself frequently mentioning this on this forum lol, but it’s only because I’ve found so much benefit from it, and I almost didn’t find out about it. And when I did, I was amazed at all the things a pelvic PT can treat.

I don’t have incontinence, but I had/have the opposite problem—urinary retention related to an overly tight pelvic floor and possibly related to POTS. I was initially told there was not much that could be done except medication, but that turned out to be wrong.

When I was referred for a course of pelvic PT, I was amazed because they explained they can help teach how to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles just like any other muscles in the body to help with incontinence or retention or even constipation. They also frequently treat people who’ve experienced conditions like anal cancer or have lingering effects of chemo.

And yes…they can teach kegels as well. Interestingly, I have both a tight and weak pelvic floor, and even though I have urinary retention, kegels help me because contracting the pelvic floor also helps relieve the tension as long as I don’t overdo it. And strengthening it helps keep me from bracing my muscles so much that I literally get pain. It’s sort of like how taking a walk can sometimes relieve pain.

If you haven’t looked into it, I highly recommend it. I found it very empowering and have had a really positive experience.

I don’t have as much direct experience with incontinence since I have the opposite problem. But I do know that other than doing regular kegels, sometimes kegel weights can be appropriate. You could even try it at home if you’re not able or comfortable seeing a pelvic PT. A website I find helpful is Intimate Rose. It’s a brand founded by a pelvic PT, and they do sell products but there are also lots of educational videos and resources.

Wishing you all the best!

REPLY
1 reply
cb3 | @cb3 | Jun 13 11:41pm
In reply to @emo "Hi there- Have you ever tried pelvic PT? I don’t want to sound redundant because I..." + (show)
@emo

Hi there- Have you ever tried pelvic PT? I don’t want to sound redundant because I find myself frequently mentioning this on this forum lol, but it’s only because I’ve found so much benefit from it, and I almost didn’t find out about it. And when I did, I was amazed at all the things a pelvic PT can treat.

I don’t have incontinence, but I had/have the opposite problem—urinary retention related to an overly tight pelvic floor and possibly related to POTS. I was initially told there was not much that could be done except medication, but that turned out to be wrong.

When I was referred for a course of pelvic PT, I was amazed because they explained they can help teach how to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles just like any other muscles in the body to help with incontinence or retention or even constipation. They also frequently treat people who’ve experienced conditions like anal cancer or have lingering effects of chemo.

And yes…they can teach kegels as well. Interestingly, I have both a tight and weak pelvic floor, and even though I have urinary retention, kegels help me because contracting the pelvic floor also helps relieve the tension as long as I don’t overdo it. And strengthening it helps keep me from bracing my muscles so much that I literally get pain. It’s sort of like how taking a walk can sometimes relieve pain.

If you haven’t looked into it, I highly recommend it. I found it very empowering and have had a really positive experience.

I don’t have as much direct experience with incontinence since I have the opposite problem. But I do know that other than doing regular kegels, sometimes kegel weights can be appropriate. You could even try it at home if you’re not able or comfortable seeing a pelvic PT. A website I find helpful is Intimate Rose. It’s a brand founded by a pelvic PT, and they do sell products but there are also lots of educational videos and resources.

Wishing you all the best!

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@emo Wow! thank you for your very thorough and helpful response. Never heard of Kegel weights. I will look into everything you suggest plus Intimate Rose.

Update: Just checked out Intimate Rose. Wow, again! You know, finding the Mayo Connect website and members like you, has been a giant step forward in my health maintenance this year. Finally, I'm "beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel" regarding urinary incontinence and sleep problems. You know, we just go on and on and cope because that's part of life. But now, I can see that HOPE is more than possibility thinking. I believe it will change my life.

I need to thank you for being so open and honest about this sensitive subject. And as silly as it may seem, I feel like I have gained a pal in you. Happy Pal's Day.

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