How do you cope with Overactive Bladder/Urge incontinence?

There is a medicine called Myrbetriq designed for that purpose. High in price with no generic, but I have used it successfully with no side effects. Also, an older medicine, Oxybutinin, which some claim can produce unwanted cognitive issue in older patients. Any urologist would be aware of both of these. Also, Dr. Google can be of help for general information

Much appreciated. Will discuss with my provider.

Are you talking about Estradiol?

I saw my doctor and when I received this prescription, the packing had a lot of warnings about cancer..., I’m hesitant to insert that into my body?!?

@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

@maflynn777 Hello....Absolutely! I use the same creme, every 3 days and it's helping. I too read much of the enclosed paperwork with meds, But, I read it critically. Just because there are some reports of possible side effects, I consider the reason I'm prescribed the medication, the doctor who prescribed it for me and her credentials, my trust level and logic. If you have a serious concern, why not contact the doctor's office and ask for help with the questions? I also use the internet to research on only trusted sites - then make an informed decision right for me. Did that and use the creme. Also, I feel better.

Am I getting more pragmatic as I get more gray hair? Maybe. Also, may be learning more and fearing less, taking more control of my health, making decisions that are best for me. This feels good and is becoming a good time of life! I think I'm going to enjoy every day I have. Connect is one huge way I do that! Good folks. Good info. Good help and support. What a beautiful thing!

Blessings, all. elizabeth

Thank you Elizabeth. I hear nothing negative about the cream and yes, I believe and have confidence in what my Stanford Medical Center
Urogynocologist recommends. Thank you...!!!

@maflynn777 Sounds like you are getting great care. Hope the creme helps.....blessings and be well! elizabeth

You don’t have to use the applicator, put on a disposable glove. Wash it with soap & water, I don’t think they are sterilized. Put a dab of the Estradiol cream on a finger and insert it yourself and rub it in. I do it every other day. The tube will last almost a year. Replace cap immediately, so it stays fresh.

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)

@ainsleigh
I’m late to this discussion but I had an overactive bladder about 10 years ago and tried a medication from a urologist that did not work. I happened to be referred to a woman urologist who said I had the beginning of bladder prolapse...dropped bladder. I used Poise at that time to prevent leakage and accidents. Surgery or a pessary was the option.
About a year later when the prolapse had reached its final stage I got fitted for a pessary...took a couple of different fittings. I use vaginal estrogen twice a week when I remove the pessary . I have not had an uncontrollable urge or any problems with inserting or removing the pessary or with the estrogen...just a pea size amount twice a week. I don’t feel the pessary one bit. I was scheduled for physical therapy when I received the pessary but only went to the first session. I do pelvic exercises on a semi regular basis but I have gym classes during the week and walk and exercise daily.
I think everything combined helped me to return to normal. I can hold it in if necessary but don’t if I can help it.

Was just wondering if anyone here was ever told they had a prolapsed bladder and that it could be the cause. I am glad I never opted for the mesh surgery and that a simple thing like a $50 pessary was the answer.

Hope this helps someone else . BTW I have an 80th birthday coming up and have to keep checking my birth certificate for a typo. Old dogs can learn new tricks lol.

Regards from FL Mary