BLADDER DYSFUNCTION is common in multiple sclerosis, in people with minimal symptoms and those with major impairments. Effective bladder management strategies make it possible for people with multiple sclerosis to pursue daily activities and participate in the world with comfort, dignity and confidence. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the incidence of bladder complications is greatly diminished. It is important to remember that:
* Bladder symptoms may be responsible for withdrawal from social and vocational activities.
* Frequency, urgency, and incontinence may negatively affect interpersonal interaction.
* Bladder involvement may threaten the individual’s health, with complications leading to serious morbidity.
* Bladder symptoms are often mismanaged, precipitating such problems as acute urinary retention, damage to the detrusor (primary bladder muscle) and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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How to Manage MS-Related Bladder Dysfunction
I hate bladder problems! The frequency and urgency drives me crazy. I think it got worse when I started talking Cymbalta.
ReplyDeleteAndy
My biggest scourge!
ReplyDeleteI take Detrol every day twice a day, so I am down to four to six pee runs per day. It used to be 12 to 15 times per day and maybe 4 to 5 times during the night. I never got more than an hour and a half sleep in a row. Needless to say, when I am catherized, I get great sleep!
Alot of the problem is that I drink alot of bottled water (or Brita water) because many meds make me thirsty. And with the voice and throat problems, I feel the urge to keep it wet with fluids.
Oh, well just wanted to say good article!
After going through the "I can't go anywhere unless I know where the bathroom is" stage, then the "near-miss" accident stage, then the meds: oxybutinen, Detrol-LA, Sanctura, Vesicare, and I think one other stage, I and my doctor decided to give up on Depends and I had a supra-pubic catheter put in. I have occasional bladder spasms which usually, but not always, indicate an infection - with resulting leakage.
ReplyDeleteI am very happy with this decision. It has changed my life. And rather than using a leg bag - I use a Belly Bag, and they are great. They've come down in cost a lot, too! My Secure Horizons covers them.
I know this is a long comment, but I think it fills in a gap your article glossed over.
Wow, do I experience this! All of a sudden I have to go NOW! Usually happens when I'm nowhere near a bathroom...
ReplyDelete