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Hello All, Being new to all of this and trying to mentally steel myself for the doctors appointment I find I have a lot of questions. I'm wondering if those of you with post void retention can tell if they haven't completely drained their bladder. I myself feel like I'm completely drained yet have to go again almost every hour. This hasn't been a problem whien I have easy access to a bathroom but when a bathroom isn't available I can pretty much count on some "pressing" moments.

I really can't tell. One thing I try to do is what is called double voiding. Essential, once my bladder stops going, I try to go again. This helps when I do make it to the bathroom.

Ted,

I self-cath for PVR. I cannot tell how much residual remains in my bladder. The amount of residual an vary considerably.

--John

Thanks Guys, I'm slowly melting down over all of this. I have some anxiety issues and this chapter of life is really putting a strain on me. Apparently my sister has had the same trouble only to a lesser degree that I'm experiencing. She's been experiencing OAB for years (as I also have -my diagnosis). She informed me of all the juicy neat things that will be done to me. My problems are identical except I'm experiencing some leakage when the urge becomes too great. I'm getting tired of self diagnosing myself a hundred times a day. I'm literally terrified with the thought of full blown urology tests. I was hoping I could discuss this with the doctor and try to resolve this with just meds but it's starting to look like the professionals want to take their pound of flesh in the form of pain and dignity. I truly understand the point of "maybe" something serious is wrong. My problem is with my anxiety issues, there "is" something wrong with the assault on my body and my too fragile dignity.

Nearly every time I've been at the mercy of doctors I've had results that can only be considered as callous disregard. These instances left me both physically and emotionally damaged. I see nothing but more of the same for this round with the "boys in white". Sorry I just need to vent. Ted
Oh, I should say, I started this whole mess myself. I have only myself to blame. I guess I need to "man up" and just "take it". D Day is the 29th at 10:30. I just hope I can make it till then.

Ted, I can relate to a lot of your issues. I developed the severe anxiety when the bladder issues began. Some days it's a struggle to get through the day. As far as my bladder issues, I now have OAB and interstitial Cystitis (IC hasn't yet been diagnosed officially) my bladder isn't happy unless it's completely empty, I double and triple void sometimes and not really by choice. I rarely feel empty unless I have a foley in. The last time I had testing done for PVR I happarently showed little to none. On top of my aforementioned issues, I also have some bladder leakage. I've been to 13 doctors and been through all kinds of tests. That stuff was no fun but I got through it and you will too. The doctors all like to push medications and surgeries. Be your own advocate!! If you're comfortable in diapers then stay in them. I think for most of us the diapers (and in my case Foley catheters as well) are the lesser of all evils!! If you find a doctor that you really can't stand, keep looking. You're bound to find somebody competent at some point!! Don't settle for some treatment (interstim or Botox) that's going to have more side effects than it's worth.

Ted,

I don't blame you for getting nervous. Just remember you have not been the first one to go through all this. I have had my share of bad doctors, but I also have had some GREAT doctors. Yes the test are not pleasant, but most test are not pleasant. To share with you during most of my testing, I had female nurses helping the doctor out. All I could keep telling myself was they see this stuff all the time and I am just a patient to them and they are running test to found out what is wrong. The important thing is to find out if there is something serious going on or if it is your bladder playing bad jokes on you.

Thanks Guys, Yeah. I know everything you're saying. This bladder issue has been going on at least 25 years. I have a problem thinking this is going to kill me. Circumstances that occurred in November kind of forced my problem into the lime light. I finally got up the nerve to talk to my loved ones about it. The kindness and understanding they expressed was totally unexpected. Had I even begun to think they would have shown me this kindness I probably would never have involved the health industry. My family and friends compassion alleviated the greatest stress that I was experiencing at the time.

The only thing is I contacted my sister as she has experienced the same bladder issues and is an RN. When she explained the tests I went into shock. I can only say is, to me I will experience this as rape. I'm not kidding. The descriptions of the tests left me shaking. With the mental health issues I deal with I end up thinking irrationally. Half of me understands this irrational thinking and the other half has caused me to be literally sick to my stomach. My past experiences with doctors left me hospitalized because of their actions. I have ZERO trust with doctors, much of it is justified if you knew the circumstances. I'm going to a new Family Practitioner on the 29th. I'm going to explain my bladder problems AND my mental issues. A loved one has this doctor as their GP. They feel that he is the most fantastic MD the have ever seen. And this person has had a rough life with their health issues.
My intent is to leave this decision in this doctors hands. If he feels the tests are so important that it's worth the risk of having me hospitalized for a mental breakdown, then that's the way we'll go. I can't say this is the way I'd like to handle it but I cant seem to find a means of coping rationally. Thanks again for your thoughts, Ted

Ted, I just went through my first experience with urological tests. I had braced myself for the worst, but it was much easier than I thought it would be. These people are professionals and they know what they are looking for. The good news is that you won't really have to do anything. The doctor handles the examination. It's sometimes physically uncomfortable, but most exams are. Just try to relax enough so that you can answer questions and follow instructions.

I have one piece of practical advice. Your doctor will approach this appointment the same way that you would approach a business meeting. Try to think about it that way. Write a brief account of why you made the appointment, and be brief and succinct when the urologist asks, "So what brings you here today?" My urologist was not interested in a detailed recitation of every symptom I have ever had, or in my analysis of my symptoms based on things I had read in this forum or elsewhere. He is a surgeon with a full docket. All he really wanted from me was, "My GP referred me because I have an enlarged prostate and bad dribbling." That, for him, triggered a list of things to check. Be concise and direct. Avoid superfluities.

This will indeed be an examination of your private parts. I can understand how that might be anxiety-producing. But remember that these are specialists. They will be calm and professional, which should help you to be calm and professional.

Noe

Ted,

You have received some good advice. I, too, was very anxious prior to my tests. That is only natural. The tests were not nearly as bad as I had feared. I experienced some discomfort, but no pain. There is, of course, a total loss of privacy, but the staff were very professional and courteous.

Use the tests as an opportunity to learn and ask lots of questions. I learned a lot about how my own incontinence functions and why. It even helped me to plan better for my own selection of diapers, etc.

Noe has made an excellent suggestion that you write down a brief account of why you are there. It helps to focus the urologist to your personal situation.

Good luck!

--John

Hey, Thanks again as always.
My plan is to sit down with my GP and have a bit of a "long discussion" with him I've been told this doctor not only tolerates this but promotes it. During this time I'll inform him of my emotional issues. Yes, they're diagnosed and the details are readily available to him. I'll then discuss my incontinence issues. I'll explain the overwhelming anxiety this all exerts on me. Another three weeks of this anxiety and having it ramped up in intensity presents me with real dangers of breakdown.
I will then submit to his recommendations. If he really feels so strongly that he'll risk a breakdown and that my conditions are that dangerous to my health then I'll proceed with his recommendations. So, I'll let you all know the outcome after the 29th. I hope he has some good drugs though...I'm gonna need em.....LOL