Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: stupid bladder

  • The Trouble- Making Bladder

    Before my hysterectomy last April, I only had one episode of bladder (uti infections) issues. Now, it’s a full time job. Yesterday, I went to MUSC in Charleston to see my urologist who is great! He put me on a 7 step plan for straightening everything out.

    The most important step is to self-catherize more often. This means I have to give up the lift on my toilet and struggle to get up from it. For now, I am keeping the same catheters but if this plan fails, then I will start using a closed system that prevents infections better.

    I am also starting an estrogen cream to prevent future infections. I was told when I asked, that I shouldn’t have any symptoms from using the cream. I am all for not being on daily antibiotics!

    I was also strongly encouraged to do the Botox treatments. I hesitated last time I was scheduled mainly because I didn’t think my condition was “bad”enough. I have learned that it certainly is and the Botox will make a big difference. I am never one who is scared by needles or procedures, but the idea of 60+ injections into my bladder with only local anesthesia, doesn’t thrill me!

    I also have to go for a ct scan to accomplish two things. The first is to confirm that the kidney stone is truly gone. The second is to ensure nothing else is going on, especially with my bladder. Luckily, I can do the scan here in Myrtle Beach and I don’t have to go back to Charleston for it!

    See, a full-time job I tell you! When I am not going to an appointment, I am dealing with the various medications and/or catheters. Wish me luck!

  • A Little Setback: A Return to the ER!

    It was bound to happen! Last night I found myself in the ER after spending the day trying to urinate but barely able to even with self cathing. After about 12 hours of this, I decided that I should go get it checked out.

    It was interesting that with the bladder scan, I didn’t have a ridiculous amount of fluid in my bladder, but enough to cause pressure. The ER dr ordered some fluids to flush out any bad stuff and then we cathed again. The urine showed a bladder infection so I was put on antibiotics, given some pain medicine and sent home. All in all, it wasn’t a terrible visit, but still less than desirable!

    I am now on antibiotics for the bladder infection and they also called in some medicine that will help with the spasms. I am looking forward to seeing the urologist tomorrow to get his input on the situation.

    I am so thankful that I was able to take an Uber to the ER as opposed to needing to call an ambulance. My mobility is so much better. I appreciate how far I’ve come and know that it was because of all my hard work!

    This little setback isn’t a major deal, just frustrating! I am hoping that everything heals correctly and without any other trouble.

  • Trials and Tribulations of My Bladder- The Latest Chapter!

    My bladder is quite obnoxious! After my hysterectomy last April, I struggled to urinate. I was told that it was a “Floppy Bladder” and would not be able to fully empty without the assistance of a catheter.

    So, I learned how to self- cath and actually got quite good at it. Fast forward to January when I was hospitalized for numerous things including a very large kidney stone, a UTI, and a picc line infection. When I got home I required the use of a bedpan and slowly relied less on self- cathing. I thought my bladder was finally waking up and I would be cured.

    The fun only lasted a few weeks because I began retaining urine again and having to cath to be able to fully empty my bladder. In the last 24 hours, I am completing a voiding diary where I chart all this liquid I take in, and everything I am able to get out via urinating or self- cathing. I will then send the voiding diary to my doctor and we will meet to talk about it.

    The biggest challenge right now is that I require a riser on my toilet so that I am able to stand up from the toilet. This riser greatly diminishes the room I would have to self- cath and isn’t really possible over the toilet. I tried to get up from the toilet without the riser and it wasn’t possible, yet!

    I am curious about what the next steps are for my obnoxious bladder that gave me false hope. Until I meet with the doctor, I will continue to brainstorm solutions and rise to meet these challenges!