www.incontinentsupport.org

Well, I'm just back from my post 10 month prostatectomy check up. Due to some of the complications I was having, my urologist ordered another urodynamic study. I can't remember how many of those I've had, but numerous. I past the test very well. I have a very large bladder, which is probably the cause of the retention I continue to maintain...drained 750ml at the beginning of the test after I had already wet some in my diaper on the way to the exam. I can't really sense that my bladder is filling. The urologist believes that my sphincter doesn't relax enough when I void which causes me to not empty as much as I should. It was suggested I try pelvic therapy. Has anyone experienced this kind of treatment? I'm thinking that if my sphincter becomes too relaxed, it could make my incontinence worse. Any thoughts?

Dp66,
I’m the opposite of you. My bladder is small. It only holds roughly 280-300mL. I have OAB and urge issues and have been diagnosed with pelvic dyssynergia, or spastic pelvic floor (also known as anismus). My Gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic diagnosed it with anorectal manometry. It was a highly embarrassing test. But proved useful. It contributes to both my urine and bowel continence issues. I was referred for pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy. I didn’t end up doing it because it was too far from my house and my wife works all the time. I also homeschool my 10yr old son. The schedule didn’t work out. You can look up how it works online. The instructions are on the web. It is performed by a specially trained physical therapist that deals with continence issues. The closest one to me was over an hour away. And I had to go like 3 times a week. So...anyway. It deals with complete emptying of the bladder and bowels. To make sure you get complete evacuation. I discussed it with my doctor as it deals with constipation. I have chronic diarrhea from a nervous system disorder affecting my GI tract. Needless to say, I’m not constipated (ever). And I get complete evacuation. My bladder and bowels completely empty so my doctor believed the test may only mildly help me. They also works on kegels with you. This may prove useful. 750mL would be a large bladder. For my urodynamics, 300 was painful for me. At 300, my bladder wouldn’t hold any more. I pee’d on the floor as my bladder spasm‘d and forced urine out. That’s how they diagnosed urge incontinence. I felt bad for the techs doing the test. Haven’t had to repeat it since. Go figure!

When I had my urodynamics test two nurses and the doctor tried to get a catheter in me and couldn't. I ended up peeing on the floor too. I had to go under general anesthesia for it to be done and even then it was "inconclusive". That doctor went to another practice and I tried a new one. After pill after pill I gave up on him. I met with yet another doctor who had me waiting for a half hour and saw me less than five minutes. He told me to do pelvic floor therapy and I just said forget it you didn't even talk to me. I may try another doctor but I dunno. I hope things turn out well for you.

Also that urodynamics test was so freaking traumatic I cried. I will never do another one again.