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?