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I have been scheduled for an ultrasound appointment to follow up on a stricture issue, prior to booking a urologist. Normally that would not scare me, nor even the fact that I'll be wearing a diaper going in there. What scares me is the fact that they want me to drink FOUR cups of water for the appointment. I know I won't be able to hold that much before an urge happens. The secretary suggested that I drink less than that, and arrive early, then drinking the rest when I arrive. This still seems like a disaster in the making.

Anyone else been through this? They want an Abdomen and Pelvis scan. I guess I now need to find out how much I can hold before the urge hits. I have about a month before the appointment. It seems that I'll be learning how much embarrassment I can endure.

Hi Wayne sadly situations like this are part of our daily challenges however you must not feel embarrassed. Your medical team will have seen this all before so don’t stress if the urge hits so be it if it does they know you history don’t own the problem it is down to them to help you through this!

Don’t stress it is honestly not worth it!

Greenbank

Yeah, I gotta echo Greenbank's comments. You're going to a Urologist. There really isn't anything in that arena they haven't seen/experienced.

You will need to be producing urine for the test so you need to be well hydrated.

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Thank you kindly,
CG

Thanks for your encouragement, especially about not stressing. I think my next step is figuring out how much water I can reliably hold and work out the timing.

Hi Wayne

We are all here together helping each other through this journey we are on!

I do keep a daily bladder diary that helps with this sort of conundrum.

This also ensures that I am drinking 2 litres of water a day.

Hope everything goes ok you will be in safe hands.

I have incontinence but incontinence does not have me.

All the best.

Greenbank

Well, I survived my appointment. The big surprise for me was why I didn't urge with all that water I drank and held. It was uncomfortable but I believe it was the fact that the urine was watered down enough that the bladder did not get upset and urge.

The doctor/technician could have used some interpersonal skills, however. If these people hate their job so much, why can't they find something else to do? At the end of the appointment, with his back to me I get a "you may leave now". I felt like saying something like "yes, your highness!" There were women doctors/technicians there that were friendly but unfortunately I got the guy that hated his job.

It reminded my of my 2nd vaccination. That guy had to make sure that I knew he was a doctor and this implied he was doing me a great big favour. The egos in the medical profession kill me.

Having a good urologist is very important. I am grateful that I do , he is actually the head of urology and a specialist in micro surgery. He is concerned efficient and committed, all business, I like him.
I had the same fears going in to my first exam, coffee and two liters of water , I could not go for the flow test but right after the exam immediately after he removed the scope , it was Niagara Falls no stopping it, the nurse just gave me a towel and said don't worry about it it happens to lot of people. Very professional I felt very reassured and comfortable when I left.
The Rapaflo is working very well I have been on it for five months now so flow is better , but no change in the incontinence with the Myrbetrig, so he has just increased the dose to 50mg .
My apologies for the long silence , it is like I am slowly crawling out of a long dark hole, I don't know if it is the PTSD the med's , the incontinence , the pain the insurance adjuster, the future or what ,maybe a combination of it all. I think I am slowly coming out of it, I don't want to ever go back to that dark place again. Thanks to everyone here , providing the safety to share.

Paul Henry

I was glad to read of your successful exam. And yes, not all medical professionals are skilled at what they do and respect their patients. Urological and bowel procedures and exams are challenging in this regard. Embarrassment aside, patients still need competent, empathetic care, and especially for the procedures we must endure.

I was recently at a sporting event where I consumed a fair amount of water (rather than juice or soft drinks). What surprised me again, was that I didn't urge as I usually do, even though the bladder was quite full. I did eventually urge when I walked back to my vehicle to drive home, but that was later.

Drinking water (not juices) seems to calm the bladder. Another factor is standing or walking, as this tends to bring it on.

A person's got to know their bladder's limitations!

I like it! Channelling Clint Eastwood from a Bladder standpoint.

Seriously though, that really is the key to successfully dealing with our incontinence challenges.