Urine Retention & Voiding/Bladder Dysfunction

Posted by terwifwoods @terwifwoods, Oct 21, 2021

Hello,

Over a month ago, I went into the ER with a distended bladder. Thankfully, my kidney function is good. After seven days on a foley catheter, I started self-catheterization, which continues. I can only empty approximately half of my bladder with a weak stream. I have seen up and down progress with my ability to urinate and empty.

After further visits and a cytoscopy, I was told my external urethral sphincter is very tight and I had bladder hypertrophy. My current doctor gave me grim news stating there was a low probability of my bladder recovering and I may have to catheter the rest of my life.

Prior to this, I was a very physically active forty some year old and over twenty years into a career where I would not be able to work based on having to cath. My career is physically and emotionally demanding. I have been doing pelvic floor exercises, meditation and mindfulness, frequent deep breathing exercises, and of course prayer. I am also on Flomax, but I am not sure if it is effective. I have noticed more constipation.

I am seeking a 2nd doctor's opinion, but can anyone offer any other options they have used to relax the external urethral sphincter/pelvic floor muscles? Or in general, anything you have done to increase urination and self-voiding?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bladder Conditions Support Group.

fplg | @fplg | Nov 20, 2025

In reply to @fplg "@nicky6969 Thanks for replying. I guess at this point we can only pray for relief." + (show)

@fplg

sonomamtn | @sonomamtn | Feb 17 6:56pm

Have some great success in voiding a 1.4-liter distended bladder due to enlarged prostate ( prostate cancer). Long story: I took a friend's advice and read up on pelvic floor/diaphragm use for voiding. I stopped the catheter use and now only void with multiple contractions. I have tested with a post-catheter, and Doc checked with pre and post ultrasound showing result of 1 liter to 15ml after voiding. If interested in more detail, respond, and I will provide information.

urhugebladder | @urhugebladder | Apr 3 3:28am

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to put the information out for people. 58 year old male urinary retention found incidentally when being reviewed for another condition. Urinary retention we are talking over a liter at times no kidney damage, Urologist afraid if we catheter I’ll never be able to urinate again, fast forward to today what helped was the combination of tamsulosin and acupuncture. Yes acupuncture, there are NIH studies showing very good results- it didn’t completely cure me but I am able to urinate better and actually have the urge at times to urinate which had almost gone away. I have to keep a close watch on getting constipated it really affects the ability to urinate. When I feel I am starting to bloat or get constipated I take mirilax ( non habit forming) and see about going into the acupuncturist for a tune up. I take a fiber pills to help also. I hope this helps someone.

God Bless.

nicky6969 | @nicky6969 | Apr 4 8:12am

In reply to @urhugebladder "I know this is an old thread but I wanted to put the information out for..." + (show)

@urhugebladder - that is Awesome! The question i have is - Is there a procedure to ask for in acupuncture? There are many Acupuncture dr's out there - some specialize and others are just basic folks that took some training. If you can provide what it was called that would help to look for one with that skill. Thanks