I’m struggling with overactive bladder and need advice

@redsox2026 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I’m sorry you’ve had to struggle with prescriptions for overactive bladder. Do you also have an incontinence problem? There is a slight difference. As I understand it overactive bladder means that you have to spend a lot of time using the restroom. Incontinence means you don’t get there in time and have urinary accidents. Is it just a nighttime thing or anytime? I have fought incontinence for as long as I can remember. At least with using some kind of protective garments (Depends etc) I have less to worry about when the inevitable accidents occur. There is a cost but most are discrete. It saves my clothing, bedding, furniture and self esteem!

I too have struggled with overactive bladder. I’ve gone through all the steps and then I had an Inerstim implant by Medtronic. It improved by trips to the bathroom by 50%. Maybe see if you are a candidate for this.

@cehunt57 I have a severely overactive bladder. During the day I can have urgency issues if I’m not close to a bathroom. At night I’m prone to wetting the bed. I have ADHD, sleep apnea and OAB so it’s hard to pin down a cause, it’s like a perfect storm type thing. My urologist and wife want me to wear protective garments during the wear off period of the Botox shot. I’ve done the shot 2 times and both times it worked perfectly but it wears off between month 4-6 and it happens fast so it’s tough to get the appointment for the shot lined up at the same time it wears off. They call this the Botox gap.

I found the bladder friendly diet on Mayo Clinic website. I didn't want to take medication for my condition. I've been eating only foods which are bladder friendly for almost three months. It's working for me. I hope this is helpful information for you because I fully understand.

Have you discussed with your Urologist being set up for Botox on a fixed schedule. It doesn't work as well if you have your symptoms come back and then have to call and schedule with a busy Urologist. I'm receiving Botox 100 units every six months on a schedule. It has been highly effective. In fact, it is the only thing that has made a significant difference and I have been through it all. I have my life back.
I have an Interstim which is being taken out. I thought the Interstim did help at first. In retrospect, it may have been more hope than reality. In comparison to the benefit of Botox it wasn't effective for me but can be helpful for some patients with severe OAB.
I also find that altering your diet and managing stress does help to a degree but modestly so.