Re: Took the first step.

Thu Jun 25, 2015 7:25 am

I recently had a health care check at my local doctors' surgery, with the nurse practioner. I had some blood tests done, in which they were looking for heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems. I mentioned to the nurse that I was having bladder problems, so I am not sure what will occur next. I have to return to the surgery next week, to get the results of the blood test.
Would these results reveal why I am having bladder leakage? Have I done the correct thing, by mentioning the bladder leakage and what would the possible outcome be?

Thu Jun 25, 2015 8:23 am

Good to see you are taking the correct steps to see what's causing your bladder issue, hopefully the tests come back that there is nothing wrong with any major organ. Your next step will be to see a urologist to have some more testing done IE check the internals in the plumbing if the blood work comes back clear for infections.

When am went to see my urologist he did the camera and fill the bladder tests and it wasn't to bad watching the video screen was interesting.

Hope all is ok and they find the issue and can treat it.

You have found the perfect site for information and support as we are all dealing with bladder issues

Thu Jun 25, 2015 8:48 am

Thank you, Rob110 for your reply.
So, you suggest that I should request to see a urologist? From the blood tests, I had taken can the nurse practioner tell my why i am experiencing the bladder leakage? If the blood test come back showing that nothing is wrong, should I press to see a urologist, although I do not want to waste the professional time.
If the blood work comes back showing something is wrong, what is the next step to take?

Thu Jun 25, 2015 10:15 am

aurora, the blood tests cannot identify the cause of your bladder problems although it is one way to identify prostate cancer..

You definitely should make an appointment with a urologist. The urologist may recommend that you take certain urological tests to determine whether your bladder, prostrate, and urethra are functioning normally. Many of us here have been through these tests (I just had mine two months ago) and they are worth it.

--John

Thu Jun 25, 2015 12:45 pm

Yes, you need to follow up,with a urologist where they will work you up for any of the many caises of urinary dysfunction. The only things that you'll find that may be applicable to the urological function which they've done thusmfar will be a PSA level and blood sugar. High blood sugar signals possible diabetes but also can cause urinary frequency. At the urologist, You will be due for a rectal exam, cystoscopy, and a urodynamics test. It's not all likely to happen at the first appointment.

Thu Jun 25, 2015 4:19 pm

Aurora

When I first had my Bladder issue My doctor did some blood work and then prescribed Flow Max when my blood tests came back clear. I saw a second doctor a few weeks later who set me up with an appointment with a urologist, he did the proper tests and found out I have an OAB and that the Flow Max that my family doctor prescribed would have done nothing for me.

Ask your doctor to get you an appointment with a urologist he or she will do some detailed tests and will have a better understanding in what's happening to you.

I decided to skip the meds and use Diapers to deal with my OAB due to the side effects. But every one has to decide the best course of action after seeing an urologist and getting the correct facts.

Fri Jun 26, 2015 5:31 am

JD, thanks for the reply. I am a female, so I don't have prostate problems, but I understand your concern. Perhaps it is better to get things checked out, so I will be asking about seeing a urologist. My incontinence isn't too bad at the moment, as I usually only go through 3 or 4 small pads a day. I haven't mentioned to my health care professional about urologists, because I don't wish to waste the urologists time, or take the time away from another patient, who may have worse condition than myself.
I will start keeping a bladder diary, to note down how often I use the loo, and whether there is a large, or little stream, and color etc. Would this be the right thing to do, to perhaps present to nurse, or urologist, if I get to see one? What could/would you suggest I do in regard to this? Any help is much appreciated!

Fri Jun 26, 2015 5:58 am

Rob, thank you for replying. I will ask to see a urologist, and see if I can get some tests done. This problem began when I used to run, so wondered whether something is going on with the detrusor muscles. When i stopped running, I naively thought, that this would be the end to my bladder problem, but apparently not.
I don't really want to have to take meds, especially if there a side effects, or if the meds make the problem worse. What happens if the urologist doesn't find anything, to indicate why I am experiencing bladder leakage? Where do I go from there? Sorry for all the questions!

Sat Jun 27, 2015 4:53 am

Aurora
To deal with your current issue of small leaks, I would recommend getting some pull-up diapers, they are not to thick and not really noticeable. This will give you the protection you need and still allow you to use the toilet. You can use pads to catch the small leaks but since pads move when you move they may not be the best idea.

After you have seen the urologist you will be in a better position to decide on what to do. There are pullups that look and feel like underwear but have a bit of padding for small leaks. If you go with better protection like the Abena Level 3 pullups they will handle more volume and small to medium wettings.

Hopefully when you get your tests back its just a small urinary infection that can be cleared by antibiotics in a few days. But in the need time grab some pullups to deal with the slight leaking.
If they can't find a reason why your leaking then stay with the pullups unless you start to have floodings then even the Abena level 3 pull-up may not be good enough and you will have to use premium taped diapers.

All you can do for now is wait until you get your tests back and see an urologist and talk about your options with him or her. Then you can make your desision on how to proceed

Good luck with your tests and please let us know the results and always remember you are not alone with dealing with bladder issues as we all are dealing with similar bladder issues.

Sat Jun 27, 2015 7:38 am

Aurora,

I will second the advice Rob has given you about wearing pull-ups. Two good brands are Abena Abriflex and the Tranquility Premium Overnight. While these are marketed for night use, I wear them during the day when I wear a pull-up. They will give you security that you will not leak and you will not need to be changing every hour or so.

--John