OAB?

Ask our experts your questions about bladder problems including, continence, weak pelvic floor, overactive bladders or any other bladder related issues.

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bookstore
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jul 09, 2014 12:42 pm
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by bookstore on Wed Jul 09, 2014 1:17 pm

OAB?

This is my first time asking anyone anything about what I have been experiencing.

I had it in my head that I might have a kidney problem as it seemed to me that not long after drinking fluids I experience an urgent need to urinate. I eat healthily and drink plenty of water through the day as I do understand how important it is to be hydrated. but most days, well, every day, I find that these extreme and sudden urges to 'go' just come on really suddenly. so I have been researching on the internet and now wonder if it might be OAB?

I have learned to manage it over the last couple of years just by making sure I know where the loos are wherever I go (I am quite anxious about going somewhere new in case there isn't a toilet or its not accessible). Despite the urgency I have pretty much always been able to keep control of my bladder, though I have definitely had some close calls where I genuinely thought I was going to wet myself. but I have looked up self-help strategies for distracting myself or telling myself and believeing that I won't lose control. Once in a long car journey, stuck in traffic in the middle lane for several hours, I did lose control, which was just awful, so embarrassing, though noone knows about the incident. so I suppose I am a bit worried because I know that it can happen. and when the urgency comes on very strongly I noticed that I begin to leak urine just as I get to the toilet, but I think this is quite common.

but recently I have noticed that the leaking is happening a bit more often. sometimes I use pads, just in case. I have come to believe that this is normal for me, but it is becoming a challenge, not least because I am deeply embarrassed by the whole thing and find it difficult to ask where the toilets are even when I really need to go. I hate people knowing that I have this need.

thanks in advance for any thoughts.

VictoriaAbena
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:37 pm
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by VictoriaAbena on Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:43 pm

Re: OAB?

Hi,

Other than seeking professional medical advice I would definitely recommend taking a look at the COB foundation - a really helpful team of people who have suffered with overactive bladder / have a good understanding about it.
www.cobfoundation.org

Their advice line number is: 0121 702 0820

Thanks,

Victoria

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Mr Benjamin Challacombe
Posts: 121
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:41 pm
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by Mr Benjamin Challacombe on Wed Jul 16, 2014 6:45 pm

Re: OAB?

Bookstore
fear not this may well be OAB and it can be treated
Few things:
How old are you?, how long have these symptoms been going on?, do you smoke?

You definitely need a referral to a urologist in my view.
GP can start by sending your urine for culture, checking it for blood/protein/infection and giving you a frequency/volume chart where you fill in what you drink and how much and how often you void over a 3 day period.
Then take that to the urologist.
Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol at present.
Don't drink too much or it will exacerbate the problem- 1.5 litres per day fine.
Urologist will get renal tract ultrasound and probably start you on an anticholinergic such as solifenacin or detrusitol for your symptoms.
You won't be like this for ever and there are many things we can do

Ben
Mr Benjamin J Challacombe
Consultant Urological Surgeon and Honorary Senior Lecturer

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

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Debbie Gordon
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Joined: Mon Nov 11, 2013 1:33 pm
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by Debbie Gordon on Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:51 am

Re: OAB?

I echo all comments above. You may also wish to speak to a Continence Nurse at the Bladder & Bowel Foundation. www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org/

They can offer clinical advice and answer any questions that you may have - please call 0845 345 0165 and leave your name and number. You will be called back.
Debbie Gordon
Independent Specialist Physiotherapist in Bladder & Bowel Health

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

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