Overactive Bladder

[IanBish]

Over the last couple of years I've developed an overactive bladder. I don't think it's related to diabetes as my HBA1c has been in the thirties for the last eighteen months or so. It seems to have a got a bit worse lately.

I've been to the GP, had a prostate examination and a PSA blood test, both of which were normal. The GP didn't really offer much reassurance, and just gave me a link to a PDF on it. I've been trying the pelvic floor exercises mentioned, but they haven't helped.

Caffeine and spicy food doesn't seem to affect me. But alcohol does. I've cut down quite drastically recently, but I used to drink a lot in the past. I gather that it's a neurological thing between the brain and the bladder, and I'm wondering if there's a link with my past alcohol consumption.

Anyway, it's making me quite miserable, and I was just wondering if anyone can offer any advice, solutions, guidance, or thoughts on improving it.

 

[Hopeful34]

I'm sorry you're struggling with this @IanBish and you've got my sympathy. It's a horrible condition, and I'd suggest you ask your gp for a referral to a urologist. There is medication available, which has helped me tremendously, so don't suffer in silence!! (Gp's may even be able to prescribe it now, but I don't know on that score).

 

[IanBish]

I'm sorry you're struggling with this @IanBish and you've got my sympathy. It's a horrible condition, and I'd suggest you ask your gp for a referral to a urologist. There is medication available, which has helped me tremendously, so don't suffer in silence!! (Gp's may even be able to prescribe it now, but I don't know on that score).

Thanks. I was thinking about asking for a referral to a urologist. I'd rather not go down the medication route if possible.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Thanks. I was thinking about asking for a referral to a urologist. I'd rather not go down the medication route if possible.

Get the referral, please. They might suggest certain types of physical therapy or treatment that doesn't involve medication... But sometimes it does work wonders if you need it, long term or temporarily.

 

[Lainie71]

Mine was like this a week or so back, turned out I had a wee infection.

 

[mariavontrapp]

Do you take any blood pressure medication? They can make you wee

 

[IanBish]

Mine was like this a week or so back, turned out I had a wee infection.

I very much doubt I have a water infection.

 

[IanBish]

Do you take any blood pressure medication? They can make you wee

Yes, I take ramipril and amlodopine. But I've been taking them for years.

 

[Jo123]

I had this, my sympathies it is horrid. I resolved mine by giving up caffeine plus I can't even drink decaffeinated coffee, that sets it off too. Also my home made kefir.
I know you said its not caffeine but I found it took about a month of no caffeine to go completely. I'm OK with a few drinks thank goodness, but not too much.

 

[IanBish]

I know you said its not caffeine but I found it took about a month of no caffeine to go completely. I'm OK with a few drinks thank goodness, but not too much.

I gave it up for a week, but maybe it'll take a bit longer. I do drink a lot of coffee. Maybe I'll just have a couple of coffees in the morning. Thanks.

 

[Jo123]

@IanBish , did you give up caffeine completely for that week?

 

[Resurgam]

I find I need to be careful with some diet drinks - It might be the type of artificial sweetener as it is not every brand.
The effect lasts a day or so, then just as I have been getting worried, it goes away - once I am back to drinking tea and coffee.

 

[IanBish]

@IanBish , did you give up caffeine completely for that week?

I can't remember exactly, probably not completely.

I find I need to be careful with some diet drinks - It might be the type of artificial sweetener as it is not every brand.

Stopping coffee will also stop sweeteners, sucralose in my case.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

I can't remember exactly, probably not completely.

Stopping coffee will also stop sweeteners, sucralose in my case.

If it's due to irritation of the bladder lining/wall, vinegar or tomatoes could be in issue too, if caffeine and sweeteners are...