can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

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radiohead
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by radiohead on Fri Jul 12, 2013 11:21 am

can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

HI.
I'm 32 yrs old, and recently referred to a urologist 2 weeks back. He diagnosed I had an OB - thickened bladder walls,(small benign prostate) and prescribed some medicine for treatment alongside bladder re-training and pelvic floor exercises. (solifenacin to take for 6 weeks). The thing is that I also have issues with my bowels /GI - I have pretty bad acid reflux, a hiatul hernia, and possibly IBS. I was taking lansoprazole but the side effects were too much (high blood pressure and dizziness) - now on zantac which doesnt really seem to help my reflux (most mornings I wake up with a sore throat and my whole throat and neck has been feeling really swollen for the past few months). But my concern here is that I dont really want to be taking different medications for different things at the same time - or moreover is it safe to?
My main problem in terms of OB is having the sudden and at times seemingly unstoppable need to void. This seems to have got worse since I visited the urologist (including now getting up in the middle of the night to pee) - which suggests to me a lot of it is actually psychological.
On my walk home, like clockwork, when I turn into the road, I feel a pressing need to go - again psychological trigger
In terms of the bladder training - I am finding this difficult as it is really hard to hold it in when I need to go. Do I just need to fight through the pain? Should I try the solifenacin for 6 weeks?
Is there any possibly connection between my bowel problems and my fairly recent onset of OB (in the last yr).
As said I am only 32 yrs young, and these health issues I am experiencing are really getting me down. I am otherwise happy and enjoying life, but the variety of issues I have right now with my GI, bowels and bladder are really getting me down, and affecting my life and relationships.
Any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

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Ann Moore
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by Ann Moore on Fri Jul 12, 2013 1:51 pm

Re: can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

I find lots of patients with IBS often have overactive bladders. I assume you have had urodynamics performed/ urine samples to rule out UTI etc..? Drinking plently of fluid regularily can sometime help.. but unfortunately i am unaware of any natural remedies to calm a true overactive bladder down. As with most medication it takes some time to work.. bear with it. I would assume the Consultant would have looked at all your medication and checked it was safe to do so. Bladder retraining is very hard to do alone and often it helps to be referred to a continence advisor.. Your GP or Urology Consultant could do that..Stress can certainley affect bowels and bladder so any relaxation techniques may help.. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and dehydration..
Ann Moore
Clinical Nurse Specialist in Urology

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Mr Benjamin Challacombe
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Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:41 pm
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by Mr Benjamin Challacombe on Fri Jul 12, 2013 10:59 pm

Re: can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

It should be fine to try the solifenacin for 6 weeks
If no better you need some urodynamic studies to prove what is exactly going on.
Getting up at night means it is less likely to be psychological so you can be reassured by that
Bladder training is pretty hard
Solifenacin can make you constipated
Might be worth trying the new class of tablet called Betmiga (mirabegron)
Ben
Mr Benjamin J Challacombe
Consultant Urological Surgeon and Honorary Senior Lecturer

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... acombe.php

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Debbie Stuart
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by Debbie Stuart on Mon Jul 15, 2013 2:27 pm

Re: can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

You may find it helpful to speak to a continence adviser at the Bladder & Bowel Foundation. Call 0845 345 0165, leave your name and number and an adviser will call you back.
Debbie Stuart
Chartered Physiotherapist

radiohead
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Joined: Fri Jul 12, 2013 11:04 am
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by radiohead on Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:04 am

Re: can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

Thank you everyone for your advice. Greatly appreciated

radiohead
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Joined: Fri Jul 12, 2013 11:04 am
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by radiohead on Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:25 am

Re: can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

Mr Benjamin Challacombe wrote:It should be fine to try the solifenacin for 6 weeks
If no better you need some urodynamic studies to prove what is exactly going on.
Getting up at night means it is less likely to be psychological so you can be reassured by that
Bladder training is pretty hard
Solifenacin can make you constipated
Might be worth trying the new class of tablet called Betmiga (mirabegron)
Ben
With this is mind, is there a recommended time to be taking this? The urologist suggested before bedtime. Although I rarely get up at night
Thanks

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Ann Moore
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by Ann Moore on Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:10 pm

Re: can overactive bladder be treated without medication?

So long as it is taken at the same time every day it doesnt really matter when you atke it.
Ann Moore
Clinical Nurse Specialist in Urology

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