Does one ever recover from overactive bladder?

@tlcampbell you can google bulk filler for stress incontinence and should come up with websites to give you descriptions, diagrams, etc. to start your information journey.

@babe2004
Do you mean ProAct? or something similar?

@mawre, I believe the product used on me was called Bulkamid (sp?) but there may be other similar products.

@babe2004
Similar but for men i guess, thanks

I have been on Oxybutynin ER for Decades and now I learn that it is linked to dementia. The other available class of drugs ( myrbetriq) is very expensive. I would like to explore if there is a way to heal OAB. In other words, how can one self-treat for Overactive Bladder? What exercises should be done? What foods should be eaten or not eaten?

I am not sure if there is anyway to self-treat for OAB. I tried the medications and they did not work for me. What has worked in significantly reducing the problem is Botox shots. Not a cure, but definitely better than where I was before I got them.

The meds caused blurry vision for me, so I self-treat by avoiding triggers like caffeine, chocolate, and sugary or acidic foods. The Kegel exercises won't stop OAB, but they do reduce accidents when urge occurs. The key I learned about pelvic muscles is that they can be too tight. I had a PT use pressure/massage to relax these muscles first, and after a few treatments, I started Kegels. She explained it with a visual that may be hard to describe...
---Bend your elbow to bring your hand close to your body. Look at the distance from your hand to your shoulder, 5-6 inches? This demonstrates a tight muscle, all crunched up.
---Now straighten your arm and measure the distance from your hand to your shoulder, roughly 2 feet? This demonstrates a relaxed muscle.
The difference in length that your hand travels from a relaxed muscle demonstrates that a relaxed muscle can squeeze much tighter than a tight muscle. So, when I do a Kegel now, it actually can keep me dry until I get to the bathroom.

Wondering what medications worsen OAB and incontinence? My constant nocturia and sleep loss is getting dangerous.

I’ve dealt with OAB and tried everything except getting a bladder transplant (if that’s an option ). I know I shouldn’t make humor of it. It’s been at least 20 years so my answer would be no. I continue to be bothered. We can only manage OAB. I think urethral dilation lasted about the same as Botox for me (2-3 months). There’s more involved though. Botox is supposed to last about 6 months. There’s a pamphlet out on Botox (everyone is different). There’s no final fix for OAB because once Botox wears off you have to return for another treatment.

I try to be positive but on this
platform and this is why I subscribe to it now where I can be truthful with my OAB saga. To your question, I’ve been sleep deprived for years because I get up all hours to pee. Once in a while 4x then back to 10 or more times (4x I can be thankful for). You have to keep trying to find the right, knowledgeable urologist to help you and try to stay with him/her). This OAB condition is not a one and done nor is there a magic bullet. I know, because I last tried Gemtesa for OAB, and it seemed to work for the first 6/9 months then it didn’t. I’m back at the drawing board. Also, pelvic floor therapy did little because after the therapy you have to make a commitment to continue for the duration of your life. Pelvic floor therapy did not help me. Lastly, when you try these OAB meds you will be tested with the side effects. At this juncture I will return to urethral dilation or maybe Bladder Botox.