Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: neurogenic bladder

  • “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!

  • Still Stuck: Needing an SOS To Get Home, Just Not a “Ride or Die!”…But Maybe a Zeen too!

    SO, I’m still stuck at the hospital awaiting a new picc line, everything else is all set to go home. I wish I was stronger and felt more confident about getting up and about, but it is beyond time to leave here and just “make it happen.”After all, my Zeen is awaiting me, along with my comfy bed.

    My Zeen is awaiting me and I am eager to try it out and use it for meals and getting around. It will be a big game changer for me in terms of using my legs and not always being “stuck” in my awesome wheelchair. I will be sure to post some videos once I get the hang of it and such. Decorating the Zeen is of high priority as well!

    I am glad too to not being taking the foley catheter with me, of course this means I have to be able to manage the toilet and self-cathing again. The foley causes so many problems including kinks and what I call “floods” meaning I feel like I have to pee but its happens too quickly to do anything with. So, I make a mess. Hopefully, once I get home and back on my regular meds and without a foley, I’ll stay dryer.

    In other worlds, I found this image and it too fits me like a “T” Mostly about needing to stop and get some food. I miss my friend who is in rehab from shoulder surgery and looking forward to reconnecting with her again. She is working hard at rehab and hopefully all the hard work will pay off. We are not necessarily “a ride and die” type of people, but I do trust her with my life and count on her as part of my “Tribe.”