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Urine Retention & Voiding/Bladder Dysfunction
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?
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Thank you for the replies. I obtained a second opinion from an experienced urologist, who at minimum, gave me more hope for recovery than the first. My bladder will recover, but not fully. There are more questions than answers, and both urologists agree a urodynamic test will provide more information. I have a pelvic floor therapist who I trust, who has expressed sincere confidence I can heal. The common answer I get regarding pelvic floor therapy for men is some see progress in several weeks, and other see progress in 3-6 months.
Has any men out there seen progress with pelvic floor therapy, or used any other methods to relax their urethral sphincter muscle?
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1 ReactionHad a Urolift done and since then had to self cath as my Bladder will not wake up. Does anyone else have this? any ideas on how to wake up the Bladder? its been 2 months.....
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1 ReactionNicky, you'll find people talking about Urolift in this discussion:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Surgery Options https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/bph-surgery-optons/
How are you doing?
The bladder is still a flat line and will not engage...i was told there is not much out there to help. I have been seeing stimulators on websites that are new that might but nothing else....someone said acupuncture but have not heard much about that or links to see. Any ideas from anyone or success would be greatly appreciated.
@nicky6969
From the National Institute on Health, talking about neurogenic bladder in diabetic patients:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7886445/#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20it%20can%20be%20widely,of%20diabetic%20neurogenic%20bladder%20patients.
From bladderandbowel.org, a UK based organization, about acupuncture and bladder issues: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/conservative-treatment/acupuncture/
For me, acupuncture has been a blessing at a couple of different times in my life, with some issues. I hope you might find something you can use going forward.
Ginger
So how do I look for the proper acupuncture person that can focus on Bladder? I type in Acupuncture and just get a list. Is there some secret way to get the right qualified person - just not sure how to find them? Thanks
@nicky6969 I am not sure you may find someone that focuses just on bladder. A certified acupuncturist is trained to work on the whole body, and parts of it. When you present to them, you discuss what is going on, and how you need help. They go from there. At least that is what my experience has been. If you have any acquaintances who have used acupuncture, ask them for recommendations to the person they used.
Ginger