www.incontinentsupport.org

Saw my G.P 2weeks a go she diagnosed my with Overactive Bladder and put me on Oxybutynin to see if that work she was trying to put me on Imipramine but I refused as I knew my psychiatrist wouldn't allow it because Imipramine is an anti depressant and could make my bipolar worse .

My caseworker and psychologist keeps saying its incontinence but G.P says its not I'm confused I tend to think its incontinence as most times I'd "leak" without warning

The "leaking seems to be more frequent I think and the meds aren't working I feel has anyone here had Overactive Bladder if so how long did it last and how did it heal?

My G.P said if the meds don't work she'll send me to an urologist as well as a continence advisor

Tom,
I think you need to see a urologist to determine what your problem is. A GP has a general ideal what is wrong,but a urologist can actually tell you what you have. But be carefull selecting one, though. Some can lead you around saying they can cure you and cost a lot on time, trouble and money. There are a lot of medications out there for Overactive Bladder. They have there side effects, though.
On that same front, though, my wife has an overactive bladder, and she takes Detrol LA. She says it has decreased the number of trips she makes, and she does not have any broblems with side effects.
It's your decission, though. Good Luck! ...Paul Martin

I just don't know what caused it neither does my G.P. My G.p has ruled out medication as I am hardly compliant. Medications are Lithium (bipolar), Naproxen (due to RSI in my hands and a back injury (mild thoracic scoliosis) early last year.)

Used to take Valium (prescribed by G.p)couple times a week due to anxiety disorders (I no longer take due to a whinging psychiatrist)

Used to drink a lot of coca cola (a couple 2lt bottles per week) which I haven't drink any since January or anything with Caffeine and stopped drinking soft drinks.

I am so confused what is causing it and so is my G.P and Psychiatrist which makes my worried my psychologist whom works with my psychiatrist says I should accept it as I can't do anything about it which I just can't accept and scared I'll be like this for a while.

Tom,
I have Type 1 Bipolar Disorder as well. I don't take lithium though. I take Depakote, Saphris, and Wellbutrin. I also have overactive bladder as well as urge incontinence. Mine is caused by my medication. I had it checked by a couple urologists and all my doctors are in agreement. I have tried detrol, enablex, vessicare, imipramine, and gelnique. All to no avail. I have had to resort to wearing diapers full time due to my incontinence. Good luck finding your answer and if you need someone to talk to, I'm here!

Hi all have trouble with oab but can't take the meds as will retain urine and uti's my enlarged prostate causes the incontinence so can't win for losing.Ha

My GP referred me to an urologist 2 weeks a go haven't heard a thing which My G.P will follow up.

With my case it seems a large amount of stress/emotion seem to cause the symptoms

Hi Tom,
I hope it doesn't take much longer for you to get into the urologist.

I find it hard for a G.P. to give an accurate diagnosis with out doing some of the normal test that urologist normally perform. From what you have already read here and maybe other sites, medication doesn't work for a lot of us.

There could be many factors causing problems. Stress could be one as well as what foods you eat. The more I am stressed and the more spicy foods I eat will cause me to go more than normal.

K.T.: Spicy foods make you go more than normal? I'm a huge spicy food eater! I may need to look into this.

Has anyone else experienced the spicy food causing more flow?

Yes they do. I normally wait till Friday night, Saturday, or Sunday to enjoy my real hot, spicy foods that I like. Everything I have read on the net and even what my urologist gave me said this;

It also may be helpful to eliminate foods that may irritate the bladder, such as:

* Caffeine
* Carbonated drinks
* Highly acidic foods such as citrus fruits and juices
* Spicy foods

On the days I elect to ignore this, I have gone through about 5 Secure XPlus diapers in about a 16hr period.

KT: I have heard of the other items. Just not the spicy food one! Learn something new every day!

I'll try your regime (i.e., save the spice for the weekends) to see how that works.

Thanks for the hint!