Urinary frequency

[Mamabug]

I seem to need to use the bathroom often -- once every two hours, when I don't drink a lot. More often, when I do.

Even at night, I get up, usually 2-3x to use the bathroom.

Any suggestions? I assume this is an MS thing.

~ Faith

[newme]

Hi Faith,
I am not a medical professional but I have dealt with urinary issues all of my adult life (and much of my childhood according to my father).

Have you been tested for diabetes? I know this is the first thing all the docs do with me. They may also do some other types of testing.

I have moments (days) with increased urgency and days where I only "go" about 4 times in the whole 24 hour period. For me some of it has to do with what type of liquid I am ingesting. Even types of food can make a difference.

My issues are some MS related and some other ways related. Hormones added to this greatly. Now that I have "changed" this isn't as much of an issues.

[Mamabug]

My PCP tests my blood sugar as part of annual lab work every year. I'm pretty aware of the symptoms of diabetes, since both of my siblings were dx with Type I diabetes before they were teens.

Wow. I don't ever have times when I only "go" 4x in 24 hours. If I drink several 16 oz. glasses of water or soda, I "go" 4x in an hour, though.

~ Faith

[GJinUK]

Faith,

Excuse this response from a male, but I think you should try and see a urologist.

MS can cause urine retention, i.e. you never fully empty the bladder, which then can cause the irritation that requires numerous visits.

Urine retention can also cause other problems with UTIs and kidney infections.

Personally, I now practice Intermittent Self-Catheterisation, which ensures that my bladder fully empties at least twice a day.

And, before you ask, self-catheterisation is no big deal - honest.

[MBC3mom]

Yes, I have this problem. I also sometimes completely wet my britches without warning. It is one of the first sx I had (although all the docs had various other reasons for the problem). Anyway, noone has ever taken this seriously, so I just live with it.

[Jules A]

Hi Faith,
I have a neurogenic bladder with failure to store. Like you there are times when I can got 4x in 1 hour, usually morning after coffee, and I get up at least 3 times overnight EVERYNIGHT, sigh. Thankfully I have always been able to fall back to sleep easily but this still interferes with my sleep and overall well being.

There are medications for this but my concern, and it may not be accurate, is that by relaxing the urge to urinate I will tip myself into the failure to empty type of neurogenic bladder and imo that would be worse especially with the increased chances of UTIs.

If you talk to a doctor and get different or new information please share it with us. In the meantime I just limit caffeine when I won't be near a bathroom and try not to drink too much before bed.

[Mamabug]

Thanks, everyone. I have my 6-month appointment with my MS Specialist tomorrow in Kansas City (3 hours away). Will probably talk with her about it, although i don't know if my PCP would be a better person to discuss it with, as he is local.

Self-catheterization really sounds yucky. I sincerely hope that I don't have to go that route.

~ Faith

[Jules A]

Thanks, everyone. I have my 6-month appointment with my MS Specialist tomorrow in Kansas City (3 hours away). Will probably talk with her about it, although i don't know if my PCP would be a better person to discuss it with, as he is local.

Self-catheterization really sounds yucky. I sincerely hope that I don't have to go that route.

~ Faith

Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong but, at least in my case, I don't think it is an emptying problem so self-cathing wouldn't help. Its more about increased impulses when small amounts of urine are in the bladder=spastic bladder, failure to store.

[LIMBO72]

Hi Faith. I hear ya. I have the same issue here. It started about two months ago. My girlfriend said I was just getting older....ha ha.

It took me awhile, but I finally went to my family doc and he is sending me for bloodwork to rule out anything else. I'm pretty sure its an MS thing as it's starting to get a little better the last few weeks, but I will still get the tests. It's always good to rule everything else out.

I've found that limiting my fluid intake within a few hours before bed helps. I'm still up at least once through the night, but it's better than going 6 times in an hour after a glass of water......sheeeshhh

Good luck

[Mamabug]

Sorry, if TMI

Actually, I do suspect a urine retention problem (not emptying all the way). Lately, I've been trying to squeeze more out, after I feel like I'm done. Sometimes, it makes no difference. But, other times, I can void a little more.

I've been reading some things, online, about physical therapy helping with urinary retention problems for people with MS. And, about "pelvic floor rehabilitation".

Haven't yet looked up exactly what types of exercises those might be (Kegels? -- they never seemed to do much for me).

But, I'll be interested to hear what my MS Specialist says. Somehow, I doubt that she'll say much at all. May end up following up with my PCP, or, even with my previous neurologist. I guess I'll just see who says what, and who seems to take an interest in helping me solve the problem.

I'm really not very much into the urologist/cath idea yet. However, I do have 2 long car trips to Canada planned for this summer. And, it would sure be nice not to have to stop for restrooms every two hours, even when I dehydrate myself for a day or two.

I may also do some more searching online, to see what kinds of exercises are involved in "pelvic floor rehabilitation".

Has anyone tried physical therapy for urine retention?

~ Faith

[SNOOPY]

Seeing a Urologist would be a very good idea. No one, from what you have written, has said you will need to self-cath...it appears to be an assumption on your part.

I have dealt with UTIs, retention and urgency for almost 46 years...I have never self-cathed. From age 4 to about age 13 I was being cathed by urologist on a regular basis, hospitalized once for the procedure.

Cathing stretches the urethra which can decrease urine retention --- didn't work for me.

When I was about 13 I saw a new Urologist that told my mother not to allow cathing and to just leave me alone and treat UTIs as needed. I loved that Urologist.

I don't have a problem stopping often on road trips...it's not a big deal.

If you are de-hydrating you are doing yourself more harm than good.

[SNOOPY]

I have dealt with UTIs, retention and urgency

Forgot --- frequency.

[grannylin]

pee oh me

I have been to every type doc there is have had so many test did the self-cath went as far as to ask for surgery and have a cath put in but nooooooooo to many infections then the doc I talked to about this did it on another woman and cut into bowels glad I didn't do it so now I don't even know when I have to go just wear depends and pads 24/7 so if anyone hear of something better I will try till then I guess I will depend on depends.. Good luck

[Mamabug]

Snoopy --

GJ said that he self-caths. Yeah; although I don't like that idea, I wouldn't allow that to stop me from seeing a urologist, if that seemed best. Haven't ruled out asking about the wisdom of a physical therapy consult, though, either.

About the dehydration -- I was (somewhat) exaggerating. Although I drink very little while driving (for 10-14 hours), I try to drink a lot in the evening, after we arrive at our destination for the day.

I feel less bad about frequent stops if the only other traveler is my husband. Our kids are grown, so, they won't be travelling with us this time. But, my husband's parents will be going on the June Canada trip with us this summer, and, I hate to slow others down so much.

But, once every 2 hours is generally the longest I can go, with very few liquids.

~ Faith

[Toomnyhats]

Everyone, please see a urologist for your bladder issues BUT ... while waiting for your appointment & testing, try taking 400mg of magnesium 2X/day. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxer. For me, it virtually solved my issues (similar to everyone else here) within hours! Magnesium is a miracle drug to me.

It's cheap & safe - if it doesn't help you like it did me, what have you lost?