www.incontinentsupport.org

Hello,

I've joined the forum, because I'm at my wits end with my issues and I'm looking for help. I've now been given a diagnosis from a urologist, which I'm not sure about and I'd like some advice if anyone out there recognises my symptoms.

I am male and 34. Other than this issue I am fit, healthy and active. For as long as I can remember I have found it difficult to initate passing urine. Most people it seems can go to the loo at almost any time to empty their bladder, say before leaving the house. I've always found this really difficult to do, and have only ever really been able to go when I feel the need.

Whilst this has always been anoying, it's been manageable, because the gap between feeling the need and being bursting to go has always been a reasonable period of time, say 30 minutes or so. Over approximately the last year this gap has reduced to maybe 30 seconds - 2 minutes. I am now left in a situation where I can only go to the loo when my bladder demands and I have very little warning indeed.

This is having a significant impact on my life and has now lead to several accidents where I have wet myself, including one excruciatingly embarrising incident on a train, which I don't think I'll ever get over.

I first went to my GP about 4 months ago and was referred to a urologist. Since then I've been subjected to a series of tests, including a blood test, urine test, and ultrasound. I was also booked in for a flow test, but this was unsucessful as I couldn't go on demand!

So far all of the physical examinations have drawn a blank and they've given my plumbing the all clear. That has lead my urologist to conclude that my problems are somehow physcological and I've just been referred for Cognative Behavioural Theropy (CBT), which I haven't yet started.

- Has anyone else here got symptoms like mine?
- What do you think of my diagnosis? I'm struggling to come to terms with the fact they say it's in my head!
- Has anyone else been through CBT? Does it work and what is it like?

Thanks,
Paul.

It sounds like you've always had a shy bladder, and because of that you might be developing urge or overflow incontinence. Off hand it sounds like your CBT might be a good place to start off treating it. If you can overcome the shy bladder then you should be able to go before you get to the point of an urge.

I myself have urge incontinence, and extreme difficulty going when I need to, but for different reasons. I had a car wreck that damaged my L5-S1 disk. It gave me the urges, but also developed bladder and sphincter dyssenergya.

Basically when I get an urge my sphincters would automatically clamp shut. I had to strain and push real hard just to go, and to the point of bleeding out. I've since had a whopping seven sphincterotomy surgeries to open me up. I still have to push just a little to initiate peeing, but that's a fraction it used to be so I don't bleed much anymore.

I go to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Bipolar Disorder. We talk about all my health issues. I have a lot. The therapist will help you basically retrain your brain and the way you think. It can help you deal with stressors that may be affecting you and dig out their root causes. You will be given many tools to put in your "kit" for when you may be dealing with different problems in your life. It's not something to be feared. Sometimes, the things you talk about can hurt. But you will be there with your therapist to process them. Bottom line, find a good one that you trust. They deal with many people with chronic illnesses. They may dig out some things you didn't know you had. Something you can present to other doctors. It may not be all in your head. My first urodynamics was essentially "unremarkable". But as time went on, my incontinence progressed and showed up on a later test. So you never know. Be persistent. If you believe you have an issue, find a doctor who will listen to you. It took me 8 years to get a diagnosis. Don't give up.

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to answer. Your comments have given me some encouragement. I still haven't received my CBT referral through, it's all so slow!

I've been trying to drink more and practice going to the loo more myself, just in case it is me. It's not working though, I've been standing over the loo for nearly an hour today, then after I'd given up I got a massive urge.

I've drunk so much I'll have to stay at home for the rest of the day now lol.

Paul.