Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: botox

  • “B” is For Botox and Bladder: The Next Chapter!

    Almost three weeks ago I went for my first Botox injections series for my bladder. To catch you up the short story is after my hysterectomy in April of 2025, I lost the ability to fully empty by bladder by “normal” means. Sometimes it was ok and I could push out urine, other times it was completely impossible. So, I learned how to self-catherize using and in and out procedure each time. I do this 4-7 times a day depending on fluid intake. In addition, sometimes urgency is a major issue leading to leaks and messes.

    I am currently on two different medications to help as well: Gemtesa and Vesicare, both of which have helped tremendously, but I knew I was missing something else. In talking with my incredible Urologist at MUSC, he suggested Botox. I had used Botox in the past for headaches and didn’t have any adverse reactions so I thought this was a good idea.

    I had to wait for an appointment availability, but the time went quickly and soon enough my appointment happened. The process was done in the doctor’s office and the process was smooth but not the most comfortable. I will have a Telehealth appointment in a few weeks to follow up and then continue doing the injections every 5-6 months.

    Now for the positive… I was told it would take 2-4 weeks before I saw the results of the Botox injections, and right on cue, in the last couple of days I have seen great progress. I am now just waking up once per night and the urgency/leakage issues are almost non-existent! I am super happy thus far and the less than comfortable procedure was totally worth it for these results.

    I am so thankful for my honest, straight forward, and kind urologist a MUSC. He has helped me so much and his staff is wonderful. I am thankful for the nurse who took so much time to teach me how to self-cath and for his honesty that this could get better, but most likely not go away.

    I am tempted to place a “sorry for the graphic information” type thing, but also feel like this is my story. I can’t change what is happening to me, but only can change how I react. So, if you don’t like me talking about my bladder issues, I understand and more posts about dogs are coming! lol!

  • An Un-Modest Update on My Stupid Bladder!

    Now that I have “mastered” the art of self-catheterization, it has just become part of my everyday (well every 4-6 hour) lifestyle. I am successful outside of my own bathroom and having few issues with the process. The biggest point of frustration with my bladder and the process is having to be always prepared. I have a small cosmetic bag full of any necessary supplies. Most of the time, I remember it if I am going somewhere without my wheelchair(I keep it on the back of my wheelchair).

    In the spirit of losing all modesty, medically speaking, I also want to disclose my other issues with what I like to call, “My Stupid Bladder.” I am dealing with incredible urgency issues- like a 3 year-old- who just left the house after being told told to use the bathroom before getting in the car, but of course did not have to go- issues- BOOM! They can be painful and because of recent events, I cannot move quickly to get to the toilet all the time. If I am out of my apartment, it complicates matters even more.

    Additionally, despite not being able to successfully urinate on demand, my stupid bladder leaks. This I believe is the worst symptom, as it is unpredictable, unpleasant, and embarrassing. I have found good success with my favorite Lil Helper reusable pads and “system” These usually prevent leaks from being a bigger problem, as I stubbornly refuse to start bringing a change of clothes with me places. I highly recommend them for both urinary and period issues. SO much more comfortable than disposables and such a better option for the environment. They are super easy to “deal with and clean.”

    This past Thursday, I went back to MUSC for more bladder studies and an appointment with my wonderful urologist. I completed a urodynamics video study that required not much more than my lack of care for modesty. Basically, I sat on a converted table-to-chair where various catheters were placed to record bladder “strength” and other measurements. I then received a large amount of fluid into my bladder that contained contrast material. During the filling, various x-rays were taken of my bladder and vitals were kept.

    The nurse recorded when I reported that my bladder was feeling full and would need to urinate soon, needed to urinate immediately, and feeling immense pressure to urinate. She then told me to try “going” which of course was unsuccessful. She then cathed me and I felt immediately relieved!

    After cleaning up, changing, and getting settled into a regular room, the urologist came in and started talking. The study showed that although my bladder can hold a large amount (thank you teaching), it cannot empty on its own. So in addition to being “a floppy bladder,” it also shows signs of detrusor under-activity (essentially the muscle used to empty the bladder is weak). He recommended trying an additional medication to help with all my symptoms as well as starting botox treatments for my bladder.

    Botox would be administered via the urethra and would involve many injections each treatment(30-50). None of this sounds like fun and would need to be repeated every six months or so in the urologist’s office. The upside would be that If/when it works, I should be completely dry! So that part is very exciting! I am signed up to start in 6-8 weeks.

    So there it is. There is nothing glamorous about any of this and yet the self-catheterization process is in a weird way, empowering. The learning curve was steep and medical professionals seem to always be impressed that I mastered it. I see it as one more thing to keep track of, that is needing to always be sure I have enough supplies on hand, do my part to prevent UTI’s, and keep smiling!

    I will be sure to keep you updated on my bladder, and I was about to apologize for the more “graphic/medical” approach to this post, but feel strongly that more information needs to be shared about this “private” matter. Like I said, my modesty is out the window, anyway! Please reach out to me if you have any questions, especially if you are going through bladder issues.