Question:
This last week I've noticed a painful need for frequent urination
but when I do go it's just a small amount. But today the problem is much worse. I feel like I need to "go" constantly & it hurts. Not a "burning" like an infection but like the muscles are in constant contraction. Could my bladder have fallen? I've had surgery twice for this but I've never felt anything like this discomfort before, only incontinence. Has anyone had this or known anyone who has? I'm not sure how much longer I can handle this feeling. I guess it does stop when I lie down, but only then. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks — Terri G. (posted on April 28, 2002)
April 28, 2002
I haven't had this, although I had similar symptoms when I had a bladder
infection. However, if this is not better by morning, I think you should
probably call your doctor. It may be nothing, but it sounds like something
you should have checked.
— garw
April 28, 2002
FINALLY!!! I experienced that exact same feeling early post op. Off and on
for about 2 months. I saw my urologist and Gyn and they both thought I was
a lunatic and had no answers for me. My urine was cultured twice and both
times came back clean, so it was not an infection. Isn't it almost like a
painful organism? Sounds strange, but true. When I would urinate, those
muscles would contract and it would hurt so much! I think I finally decided
that maybe I was dehydrated, so I increased my water intake and it slowly
went away. I was straight cathed in the hospital, and I am believing that
there was some damage done in that area and it took awhile to heal. It did
eventually subside and I haven't had that feeling for about 8 months now. I
will be 16 months post op in about a week. I'm sorry I don't have any
answers for you, but I did want to let you know that I can sure relate!!!
Shelley
— Shelley.
April 28, 2002
Yes, I did have the same type of thing. Very very uncomfortable. I felt
like I had to go ALL OF THE TIME. I never had relief. I minute I left the
bathroom I turned around and went back in. It was always just a little
"dribble". It was so frustrating. I took tylenol and this other
medication (over the counter) for painful urination and urgency. But when
I started drinking loads of water it finally broke it. It's happened
twice. If I stay very hydrated it's much much better. I searched the
internet and found things I thought it may be but it actually went away on
its own by drinking lots of water (at least with drinking lots of water
when you go it's more than a dribble) smile. Try drinking at least, at
least 64 oz of water a day and see how that works for you. Good luck!
— Laurie Z.
April 28, 2002
When I've had bladder infections in the past, I'd buy "Uristat"
to get relief until the antibiotics kicked in. You might want to try that.
Though it does make your urine a weird orange-red color, but it doesn't
hurt you.
— Angie M.
April 28, 2002
Hi Terri,
Sounds as if you have a Bladder Infection. They are pretty nasty and the
only way to truly get rid of it is with medication. Until then..you can
take an over the counter pain med made just for bladder infection pain.
There are several different brand names..just ask the pharmacist for help
finding them. Also try drinking cranberry juice..or taking cranberry
capsules..it helps keep the urinary tract healthy. I've heard that
drinking lots of caffiene..eating spicy foods and stress can cause
problems. Might want to take all that into consideration. Oh..and always
make sure you wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement..if you
don't you can cause yourself more grief. Women are more prone to catching
these god awful infections..with indoor plumbing and all it's easier to
spread bacteria. Good luck and hope you start feeling better soon.
Bladder infections are absolutely NO FUN!! *HUGS*
— Sherry B.
April 28, 2002
You could have a bladder infection, or you could possibly have a kidney
stone. My mother had a kidney stone once, and she described the sensation
the exact same way you are describing it.
— Kristie B.
April 28, 2002
I'm having this very same thing. I had my annual GYN checkup last week,
and they did a urinalysis. Everything looked fine. The doctor said it
sounded like it might be from drinking too much caffiene. He said that
caffiene can irritate the bladder and cause a sense of urgency. He said
cut down and increase the water. I already drink a lot of water, but
haven't cut out the caffiene yet since I just bought a 12-pack of diet
cokes for my office fridge! Hope that helps!
— Want2bslim
April 28, 2002
Yes. That sounds exactly like the warning I got before the kidney stone
attacked me. I took it to a urologist and she said to stop brown liquids
(coffee, tea, colas--decaf or not), no spinach (AAAA! I love spinach!), and
NO calcium carbonate. When she asked me what I was taking & I told her,
she nodded knowingly. I did the pee-in-the-jug test and the crystals were
already forming. Only took 3 months to hit me with stones. I changed a few
of my behaviors, but not 100%. That was the result.
— vitalady
April 28, 2002
Sounds to me like a bladder infection, which will only get worse unless
your doc prescribes medication. I'd call and describe the situation and
tell him you are in so much discomfort you can't go in. You should be all
cleared up within a couple of hours once the meds kick in, but I believe
you have to finish the prescription to make sure it stays clear. Ouch.
Have someone pick up the prescription for you and get on it. Or this may
even be one of those meds they sell over the counter now--call and ask your
pharmacist. Get well.
— blank first name B.
April 28, 2002
Terri, I experienced the same thing post-op. My Doc tested me for stones
& infection...I had neither....What seemed to happen in my case was
scare tissue from the cathater (spelling??) I had during surgery. He is
now treating the symptoms with Detrol LA....my husband calls it my
"anti-pee" medicine...lol!! It works GREAT!! Still check out
all possibilities!! Good Luck, Karan
— chance2lv
April 29, 2002
If it isn't an infection you may want to get you glucose checked. If your
blood glucose is even slightly elevated in many cases it can cause frequent
urination even though you are not expelling much urine. Just a thought.
— Tracey W.
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