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 Post subject: My tests are imminent...
PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 8:17 am 
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2017 10:38 am
Posts: 64
Location: UK
Hi all,

It's my turn (finally) for tests this Thursday.

I've been told they want me to turn up with a full bladder... haha! They then want to do an ultrasound of the bladder, a urine flow rate test and a prostrate examination. Before I go, I've also got to complete 3 days of a chart documenting what I drink and when I pee (leaks or of my own accord).

I'm worried that they won't take me seriously. Most of the time, I get no feeling I need to go except for a second or two of cramping before I start wetting uncontrollably. I also don't get any sort of feeling of the bladder filling up. Then other times I go pee normally. The times I go pee normally, I don't have any urgency or feeling of needing to go. I just go use the loo and try to make myself pee. My wife works in a nursery where she is often potty training kids and says it's basically like I'm back to that stage. You get the kid to try and sometimes they sit on the potty and go. Other times, they can have just been on the potty 2 mins before hand but then still pee their pants.

Anyone know or have any advice for the tests? What happens if they find 'nothing wrong'? Do they label me as a fraud of some sort? I'm not a fraud and I know I'm not. I'd love nothing more than to go back to having full control but I know I can't.

I'm also worried about turning up in a nappy style pad. I guess they see it all the time but it's still not something I want anyone to see.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 9:22 am 
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Joined: Mon Mar 05, 2012 11:15 am
Posts: 292
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Your symptoms sound virtually identical to mine. I've had the tests you describe and others several times. My bladder-control issues developed as the result of unexpected abdominal bleeding following surgery 60 years ago. However, none of the tests that I've had have ever shown precisely what urological problem is responsible for my loss of bladder control.

What will happen if your tests don't reveal what the problem is? Your doctor will likely prescribe one of the several drugs that as supposed to help people with overactive bladder and urge incontinence. If the first drug you try doesn't work, you will likely be tried on another drug, and another, and another until you find one that does help or until you've tried them all. I've been through that; and none of the drugs had any significant effect on my incontinence. However, these drugs do work for many people. So I would recommend that you try them.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 9:35 am 
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Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2014 2:11 pm
Posts: 216
Location: England
Good luck with the tests. Hope all goes well.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 9:56 am 
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Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2015 11:49 am
Posts: 890
Location: Jacksonville Fl
There isnt anything you can really do to prepare for a urinary test. Just drink water normally beforehand. And don't worry about showing up with a pad in place, or in a diaper. Urologists see them a LOT, and won't bat an eye at them. And if you can't show up with a full bladder, that's also no big deal.

Unfortunately inconmiss is right. If your tests come back inconclusive, then most urologists will typically just throw more pills at you. If that is the case, I've found it is much eaier and faster to just take them. This imperically rules them out, so your urologist will then be able to move on to something else.

If you don't, then your urologist will not be able to move on. You'll get frustrated, and either not return for some time or otherwise try and start over with some other urologist. Either of which could waste up to a year of your time in finding a solution.

Just stick with it, and be persistent. I found it also helps to become your own expert. Do research online, and make your own recommendations on what to look for and how to treat it. Nobody knows your body like you do, even if you don't understand the medical aspect of it. Conversely, your urologist will understand the medical aspect, but has to guess what's going on with your body. If you can work through it together, things will go much faster and smoothly.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 11:04 am 
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Joined: Sat Mar 29, 2014 11:45 am
Posts: 1836
Drew81,

Good luck with your upcoming tests. I've had this workup several times. When my bladder was dry, the staff simply inserted a Foley and filled it until the urologist told them to stop. Pressure and flow rates are important, and the doctor will look for scar tissue or another obstruction, such as a swollen or inflamed prostate. It is embarrassing; even after I've had this test numerous times, I still am glad to put my protection back on and get dressed when it is finished.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 11:46 am 
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2017 10:38 am
Posts: 64
Location: UK
Thanks all.

Inconinmiss wrote:
Your symptoms sound virtually identical to mine. I've had the tests you describe and others several times. My bladder-control issues developed as the result of unexpected abdominal bleeding following surgery 60 years ago. However, none of the tests that I've had have ever shown precisely what urological problem is responsible for my loss of bladder control.


I'm glad that my symptoms are not unique, it means a greater chance of the urologist not thinking I'm a fraud. I'm obviously gutted that someone else is going through the same thing, it's really not pleasant.

Inconinmiss wrote:
What will happen if your tests don't reveal what the problem is? Your doctor will likely prescribe one of the several drugs that as supposed to help people with overactive bladder and urge incontinence. If the first drug you try doesn't work, you will likely be tried on another drug, and another, and another until you find one that does help or until you've tried them all. I've been through that; and none of the drugs had any significant effect on my incontinence. However, these drugs do work for many people. So I would recommend that you try them.


I've already been tried on Oxybutynin. It was evil and made me a walking zombie for a week. I'm hoping some drug will work or the urologist will find a simple reason for the problems and be able to sort it.

B Brian & Patrick - I'm hoping if I drink enough water whilst I'll almost inevitably leak some that enough will remain for them not to have to insert a foley and fill me up.

Thanks all for the good wishes. I'll check back after the tests and let you know how I got on.


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PostPosted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 2:48 pm 
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Joined: Sat May 03, 2014 8:08 pm
Posts: 480
Location: York, Maine
Drew, we've all been through your tests. They are unpleasant but seldom are they painful. If you normally wear a diaper, my advice is to go ahead and wear your diaper, they've seen it all before. If the doctor is an asshole, get a new one. I've been to 5 urologists.
If showing up with a full bladder is risking a major accident, explain that to them when you show up there that day. It is honestly too much for certain people to hold a full bladder for that long. You risk having an accident in the waiting room. Let us know if we can be of further help to you. Furthermore; folks here are right, they are likely going to push pills on you. It sounds like you've taken one of the standard seven (pretty sure there are just 7 of them?) medications for OAB/incontinence. I took 4 or 5 of them with almost zero results before I called it quits with expensive medications in favor of Foley catheters and diapers.
Again, let us know if we can help you out further. Good luck and keep us posted.

PB


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 7:28 am 
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Joined: Sat Nov 02, 2013 8:28 am
Posts: 219
I echo all that has been said. I have had all the tests numerous times, and now my prostate will be removed next Tues. I have other issues going on as well, so after my prostatectomy I still may not be done with everything. I was very anxious and embarrassed the first time my urologist saw me in a diaper. I'm not anymore, and the urologists I have seen are ok with it. It's easier said than done, but be confident and be sure and let them know everything.


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PostPosted: Tue Apr 04, 2017 8:19 am 
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Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2015 9:13 am
Posts: 397
Hi Drew

Your first trip to the urologist can be embarrassing but try to remember they deal with these test daily and have seen 100's of adults in diapers so you showing up in a diaper is no big deal for them its just part of their daily routine if you feel you need to wear protection then wear it.

Be open and honest and hold nothing back from the doctor, explain whats happening and relax no one is going to think you are a fraud and are fakeing your issue.

When I had my test they could not find any thing to explain my no warning voids and I was diagnosed with an Over active bladder unfortunately some times the cause of the bladder issue is not easily found, all of us here like you would love nothing better then to get our continence back and be rid of diapers and or meds.

Good luck with your tests hopefully they will find the problem and can provide a treatment

Rob


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PostPosted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:21 am 
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Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2017 10:38 am
Posts: 64
Location: UK
Well that wasn't what I thought it'd be....

I was expecting the full urology work up. I obviously misunderstood. What I got was a chat with a specialist nurse who asked some questions, looked at my intake/urination chart, got me to pee in a pot to measure flow rate and then did a bladder ultrasound.
She suggested I cut out the caffeine completely (I was drinking around 12 cups of coffee a day, I'm now down to 2) and that I do some pelvic floor exercises and they'll see me in 2 months. In the mean time, she will talk to the consultant and see if they feel it's necessary for the complete work up to be done.

Not what I was expecting, however, it was a proactive drug free approach to getting things better rather than just pile me full of meds. I'll try the exercises and cutting out caffeine and see what happens.

Oh, and she didn't bat an eyelid about the pad.


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