TMI.... Incontinence

And when was the last time you had a complete pelvic exam? Did your OB rule out a fistula, an opening, between the bladder and the vagina? And your bladder is in the right position? have you seen a female Urologist?

I'm just so sorry to hear this for you. You have a lot of years left raising kids. And then grand kids...you want to be more in control of your urine output than the current capacity.

Have you tried using Depends? The newer models are so slim you cannot tell the difference under clothes. From what I hear. I don't know personally - yet.

Please see a specialist. GL!

Time to go get some help. You need either a gyn who works with older women (not one who is an OB), and deals with incontinence issues all the time, OR a urologist who specializes in women's incontinence. They can do a surgery that will really make a big difference for you. They will most probably try a medication first to see if it will work. If it doesn't, the surgery will.

I would also start doing Kegels -5 a day for a start, 3 times a day, then work your way up to 10 a day. That will help.

Good luck!
Dawn

T.,

I know its horrible. Go see a urogynocologist and ask them to give you biofeedback for your pelvic floor muscles. It will do wonders for the bladder and also your intimate life as well. Do your Kegels daily several times a day. Talk to the doctor about a bladder sling as well--you may be a good candidate. No shame or worries here---hang in there. You will get through this!

Talk to your doc!
There are both medications and procedures that might really improve this for you.
Life's too short--get some good medical advice from a professional--the sooner the better.
Good luck!

Have you talked to a Uro-Gynecologist? They can diagnosis you with what is going on. You may need to look into pelvic floor physical therapy options or a bladder lift. I (only after one chld with a large head), will need a bladder lift sometime soon. - KWB

I just started seeing a physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic floor issues. With her guidance, I learned how to isolate the specific pelvic floor muscles I need to strengthen. She says it takes about 3 months to build enough muscle strength to see a difference.

I am not sure if you have such resources near you, but please keep searching for something that works.

It can cause depression. It's not from a diurectic. You probably have a urologist so tell him or her. They will not be surprised. There are tests and procedures that can help. I had surgery at a young 35 ish age and will probably have to have it again as I age. It can be from all the birthing trauma or just hereditary weak pelvic structure. You are worth getting the help you need!

I suggest you talk with your gynecologist. There may very well be a way to correct or at least lessen this difficulty. Incontinence has recently had new treatments offered.

I have the same problem. I also have an autoimmune disease, it causes me to cough alot when I have a flare up, and if I vomit oh lord the damn is broken! There are procedures, but my doctor said unless I was sure I wasnt going to have the coughing fits i couldnt have it because the coughing can undo the procedure! There is a thing you can use called a pessery that you put in yourself and take out yourself, it helps, might want to ask your ob about it. Good luck!

I think it is just part of aging. Not to say you are old at all though...lol. It is just something our bodies do. A LOT of women have this issue.

The thing about coughing is that it stresses those muscles when we repeatedly cough. Just as our torso muscles ache and hurt when we cough over and over. They get stretched out and can't hold the urine inside when the bladder is compressed by the abdominal muscles during a cough, laugh, or sneeze. I imagine there are things a doc can do but I would think a Urologist might have better understanding of this issue before a Gynecologist but I have no real information about it.

do you drink coffee? if so-stop. Are you able to get the pneumonia shot? I would consult a urologist and see if a structural change can me made with surgery-best of luck!