Hi All!!

I am new to this site and I have been experiencing for the last few weeks frequent urinating very small amounts at times. As soon as I finish, and go back to doing what I was going before my bathroom trip, I have to go again.

I have a appointment with my GYN on Monday, but sometimes these urges are unbearable!!! Has anyone ever experienced anything similar to this?

Any feed back will be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

DJONY

DJONY,

It's good you are going to the doctor. I know exactly what you mean because I've experienced it also. I thought I was getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) for the past 3 months because of this, but when they tested 3 different times, I had no infection. It has gotten better. Sometimes, if you have a yeast infection, this
may affect your bladder also.

I do drink a lot of water though, so I don't know if my frequency is due to the water drinking.

Plumeria

DJ..I have and found out later the causes...


1..was pregnant

2..had increase my fluids and my bladder was trying to adjust

3..needed to do more kegels

4.. I didnt have this but had my Dr. check to make sure it wasnt diabeties

Hi Djony;

Another reason for what you are experiencing is called Overactive Bladder. There are several Prescription medications which assist with the spasms in your bladder which makes you feel like you have to pee. Another prescription assists with the strengthening of the sphyncter muscle. The meds I am familiar with are named Detrol LA and Ditropan. My Gyn prescribed Detrol for me. It works for me.

Linderful

Thank you everyone for all of your help. I am noticing today that the urges are no as bad. I still have my GYN Appointment on Monday so hopefully I will be able to get some answers then. Thanks Again!!!

DJONY
Your first post above on Sept 21 could be me at the moment. I am just wondering how you got on with this problem, and hopefully how you solved it?

I have a constant urge to urinate, with very little there, for the past couple of months, with three antibiotics for low grade UTI, but not much difference after treatment. Also strong bladder or urethral spasms - very distressing at times. I have tried lots of fluids, cranberry juice, something to change the PH of the urine, all to no avail. I have also tried antifungal OTC creams which didnt help either.

Now I am beginning to worry about MS because I have other symptoms which I may be putting down to perimeno, but maybe wrong. These are mainly dizzyness and weak legs, which many people discribe on these boards, and recently tinnitus.

If anybody could give me any advice or opinion on this, and I suppose reassurance, that this bladder irritability can be a perimeno symptom, I would really appreciate it. I am at my wits end with this.
Thanks
Alfreda

Okay. This is something I know about. When this first happened to me, the urologist did a scope and stretched "the area." He called my bladder "pristine" and I didn't have an infection, although had been treating for one for weeks prior. I was retaining a lot of urine even after urinating, and he told me I probably did myself in by holding in my urine for so many years. The stretching took care of it for a while. By the way, this is a pretty common condition. I had been feeling a lot of pressure down there prior to this event, and I got a period right after that.

Then it happened to me again, and instead of waiting until I was desperate, I went to the urologist again. I was not retaining urine this time, but probably had something wrong with the muscle down there and it wasn't relaxing to allow the urine to pass through. I was scheduled for a test which tests the pressure of your bladder, but I canceled it as "the flood" seemed to return to normal after taking the prescription they gave me for Cardura, which is a drug they give to men with prostate problems. Now when I seem to have the problem, I just pop a pill, and everything goes back to normal.

I do feel this has something to do with hormones as when this does happen I have sore boobs and feel like I'm going to get a period.

I hope this all makes sense. I wouldn't worry too much about it because it's evidently pretty common.

lack of estrogen can also give you this feeling, also can give you stress or urge incontinence, where you can't hold your urine when you have to go, or when you laugh..it's caused by too little estrogen.

Lisa

I noticed this constant feeling of urination and leakage ever since I had my son 13 years ago. Within the last...five years...I've noticed that I make frequent trips to the restroom at night and when I have to go...I really have to go...I've also been through the leakage from coughing, laughing and sneezing.

All of these symptoms improved when I began taking bcp. Now that I can not take bcp I've noticed that this symptoms has improved by only using compounded progesterone.

Anxiety can also give the feeling of needing to urinate alot...
June

Thank you Meryl, Nurselisa, My Faith and June Berry for you replies. I am grateful for any help or suggestions on what this is, and how to get rid of it.

I am constantly hopping to go to the loo, but have practically nothing there when I do, its like my bladder is registering full, when it isnt. It is most uncomfortable and distressing at times. There is no leaking - except perhaps before a period, a small amount if I get caught short, and do not empty my bladder frequently at that time. This makes me think there is a definite hormonal link, and I have seen another post, cannot remember who, that mentioned this same 'before the period' thing.
But this is constant, not leaking but urgency, even before I leave the bathroom, I have to return again with nothing to do, its really awful.

Meryl, your story is very interesting, and I hadnt thought of retention being the problem, but I will mention it to the doc. I couldnt go through the stretching process that you had, though. Even the thoughts of that makes me shiver!! My doctor did mention a drug for overactivity of the bladder, and I will have to try that, even though I am not a person who likes medication, and am afraid of side effects of everything, to an unreasonable extent, I admit.

Nurselisa, my hope is that this is due to the oestrogen drop, and will ease off soon, but I cannot have hrt because of a family history of breast cancer, so wonder if I will have to suffer this, on an ongoing basis. If so I couldnt bear it, and would try the NHRT. At the moment I am taking nothing at all.

My faith, how did you put up with something like this for 13 years? Its interesting that the bcp helped, again showing a hormone link in the whole thing. I have unfortunately been told by the breast doc to stay away from progesterone, although I decided to risk it, should this horrible thing persist, as quality of life counts as well.

I am feeling sorry for myself at the moment, and only for this site and you wonderful ladies who respond to each others problems, I dont know what I would do. Ten minutes in a doctors surgery, when going through this, is not enough support. This complaint on top of vertigo for 2 years, aching arm, and a host of other things, has finally got me down. June Berry I know anxiety can cause many things, but could it really cause this too? I have certainly had my anxious moments, and I know anxiety makes everything worse.
Thank you all - must fly (you know where) again!!
A worn out and tearful - Alfreda

I used to suffer from this a lot (during a period) but not so often now, though I usually find it happens when I'm tucked up in bed on a cold night, all warm and cosy, then I have to go, and then have to go again, once I've got back into bed! )

"Dribbling" is certainly no fun!

Hello all
I am amazed that there are not more posts on bladder spasms and cystitis, as it is my very worst complaint at the moment. Is there anyone out there having this too? I have been on four different antibiotics, one long term, since last end of August, and each time the problem has returned, when the antibiotic finished. So that means it is responding, almost immediatly to the antibiotic, but comes back a few days after finishing the course.
I have a feeling that this has a menopausal connection, as I missed a period in December, which was the first I missed.
It is very severe when an attack comes, with a few hours going by of not being able to leave the bathroom, practically at all. I even wondered if kidney stones could be present, as the spasms are so severe. Then I commence the antibiotic, (tests showed up e coli) and all is well temporarily. I have never had this problem before perimenopause.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Alfreda

Alfreda,

Have you been tested for Interstitial Cystitis? I have this condition. It may not be what is causing your symptoms, but it's worth investigation.

The condition is caused by inflammation (without infection) in the bladder walls - no one knows what causes it, and there are varying theories. There are treatments, including pills that will "coat" the bladder, different types of anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, certain anti-depressants that act on the bladder nerves, etc. Not every treatment works for everyone, but there are things to try. You can google for the address of the Interstitial Cystitis Association, and get some good information.

Symptoms of the condition are a constant urge to pee - some people only have this. There can be pelvic pain, lower back pain. I am one of the UNLUCKY ones who gets terrible bladder pain and burning at times (seldom now, thank God!). I've had I.C. since I was 39 (I'm 53 now), and have learned many ways to calm my bladder down.

Most people with I.C. have to watch acidic foods. Cranberry juice is NOT good for an inflamed bladder! (BTW, I've never had kidney stones - but avoid this for the burning potential!) Likewise citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, alcohol, and chocolate. I am careful with these foods, but have not taken them completely out of my diet. I eat them in small amounts, though, and sometimes must follow up with a few TUMS to alkalinize my urine.

I know how wearisome it is to have your mind constantly on your bladder! It makes travel difficult, and that constant "urge" makes you want to scream. As I said, I am doing much better now, although I do have flare-ups. It's required self-care, a change in diet. Oh, and drinking a LOT of pure water!

Some of us with IC also develop pelvic-floor dysfunction; that is, the pelvic muscles can't relax, so sometimes there is trouble PASSING urine. Or other pelvic pain, often registered in the lower back.

This is a lot of information, and I don't want to alarm you - again, you may simply have an infection that is hard to manage. But if no one has spoken to you about interstitial cystitis, I recommend your seeing a good urologist.

Jacquie

Thank you JJ for the helpful reply, I have often read your posts on this topic, and was actually thinking of writing a personal message to you, in the hope of some of your gained wisdom on this complaint.

I am wondering about IC too, and if I have it now. The only thing that is puzzling me is the fact that there was a bacteria present, but on a low scale at the beginning, and that it seems to respond for a time to the antibiotic. I am wondering was this the same in your case?

My doctor is very rushed all the time, and irritated with me at times, because I am not the most compliant of patients in her view, anyway! I am quite wary of the new strong antibiotics, BP meds, hospital tests etc, although this past few weeks I would have taken anything to be rid of this! And at present am on a strong antibiotic, large dose, which has improved it once again in the last few days. I am beginning to get worried about this and indeed think I will ask for an appointment with an urologist, if this last treatment doesnt work. Doc has prescribed a low dose of the antibiotic to continue for 6 weeks. I have a real dread of a cystoscopy!

Let me end by saying it is good to see your posts back on the boards again, and that you are feeling better. I missed reading your letters, which I always noticed were so kind and helpful and so prompt to give encouragment to others in distress. Glad to hear from you. Alfreda

Jess, I complained about this a year ago, probably to the day. It's very annoying and can be alarming. I had an emergency cystoscopy and dilation last year because I finally couldn't urinate at all. The doctor found nothing; just stretched the area and things were fine after that. I got a period soon after that and it had been a year. I absolutely think this is hormonal, and I think I've even read it somewhere that it is. By the way, I also had a bacterial infection prior to the constant urination, and even afte that passed, the problem persisted. It sounds identical to your problem.

Oddly enough, I have an appointment with the urologist today, just to make sure things are okay. I've had only one other episode where the urine seemed difficult to pass and came out frequently, and they gave me Cadura, which is a drug they give to men with prostate problems (it's really for blood pressure) and that worked. I keep it around just in case. They also gave me a prescription for Cipro in case I get another obvious infection.

Try not to worry. Maybe you should see another doctor just so that someone tries to address your concerns and not blows you off. I would see a urologist. Mine was an absolute doll, and I feel very comfortable there.

Good luck,
Hugs,
Meryl

Alfreda,

I wouldn't put up with an "impatient" urologist. You need someone willing to work with you on this. There is nothing as distressing as an unhappy bladder! We simply can not take our minds off it, if we're sensing we have to pee every minute. Also, frankly, I'd look for a young urologist. They are trained in diagnosing I.C. Some doctors don't believe in it! (This is when you wish you could wave a magic wand and give them the condition for only 3 DAYS so they'd know what it's like to live with pain and frequency!).

Interstitial Cystitis is a rare condition - chances are that you DON'T have it. Some infections take a long time to heal, and it's not uncommon for people to be on antibiotics for a few months in persistent cases. If you are seeing improvement with the antibiotics, that's a good sign. They did nothing for me, and made things worse, in fact, which is when my doc began thinking it could be IC.

I had a cystoscopy, and didn't find it painful. A little tenderness afterward, but not bad at all, and for awhile afterward I felt better from the bladder having been stretched by the water. You are anesthetized for it, but only for a very short time, so I awoke with no dizziness or anything.

If this is caused by infection, you still might try not eating anything too acidic for a little while, until you feel better. Drink lots of pure water, and if you get any bladder pain, you might try eating a few TUMS to alkalinize your urine. (This could help a bit with the frequency, too.) You can do this a few times a day.

Hormone changes do affect the bladder - women sometimes begin getting "leaking" around this time. A good urologist can work with you in this instance, too. I tried a vaginal estrogen cream, and had no change, but it might be helpful in your situation.

Good luck - my hope is that your problems will just improve. I've seen that happen for many women!

JJ

All you people who have the bladder problems - I really identify with you! My story is that around mid-December I realised I was needing to urinate more often than normal (up to 13 times a day rather than the usual half dozen). A 10-day course of antibiotics made no difference and I have spent many an hour worrying about what was going on. Urine tests and blood tests showed up negative, as did tests for various vaginal conditions which can also cause urinary frequency. (I am lucky to have such a thorough GP).

Other strange symptoms have included a feeling of numbness/coldness "down there", kind of centred on the urethral area - goodness knows what such a symptom could mean, and I would be really interested to hear if anyone else has ever had something like this.

I had an ultrasound about 10 days ago and am still waiting for the results to come back - the radiologist would not give much away except that she spotted some "residual urine" in the bladder.

I think the next stage will be referral to a urologist but like Alfreda I have a total dread of undergoing a cystoscopy - especially as the results of this procedure often seem to come up with no results/no cause found for the problems. Can one see a urologist just for a chat do you think?

I have been keeping a log of what I drink & when, how much I urinate and when (some would say I am getting a tad obsessed but it's just desperation)

I heard that dryness could cause frequency symptoms so I have started using a personal moisturiser called Replens - have others heard of that? Oh and I drink more water than I used to - surely that has to be good for me anyway. And I've bought one of those home menopause test kits to see if I really am "peri" - does anyone know how reliable these are?

At least I can't be accused of not trying things out, while I wait for whatever results to come through. Any comments and advice would be very welcome.

Rita

Hi all
Thanks JJ and Meryl for your replies, I am sorry for not posting back sooner.

Well, I have been on ciproxin for weeks now, only at night, and it seems to be keeping the problem at bay, or hopefully curing it for good this time.

Acapella I am sorry to hear you have this too. It does sound like what happened to me too. Perhaps the antibiotic you were on was the wrong one? I had to have four different ones, and the problem did not respond to the first two at all, after the third one it came back, and now hopefully with this last stronger one, it will be cured!!

I have done some research and came across a report which advised doctors to treat colony counts in the urine numbering 50,000 and over, instead of waiting till it reaches 100,000, which most of the GP's go by. They usually say if its between 50,000 and 100,000 then it's contamination of the specimen. This was my experience, and there was a delay in getting started on treatment, which was no picnic as you can well imagine! As JJ said above, an unhappy bladder really focuses the mind! - on the whereabouts of the nearest loo!!

Meryl, I am wondering how you got on at your check-up with the urologist. Hope all continues to be well. At first I thought my problem sounded different to yours, in that I did not feel like I had retention, but then I realised that that was precisely what it felt like, bursting to go all the time, but doing nothing!!
Sometimes I feel that this must be hormonal, yet I am puzzled because of the response to the antibiotics??? I missed a period in December, and then had two since, and I notice that at the end of the period, the problem seems to start up again. So there must be a hormonal connection too.

Acapella, of course you can go for a chat to a urologist, you have to give your consent before they proceed with anything, although I understand that its difficult to be assertive when a consultant is recommending something. I am in the same situation, but if and when I see the specialist, I will request time to think, for any suggestion he might make. Sometimes they are a bit quick to suggest invasive tests, so I go by my own instinct a bit, and try all else first.
I understand the feeling of being a 'tad obsessed' with all this, I myself am the same, and am so particular about showering, boil washing towels, wondering where this came from, and the soaps I'm using, and avoiding acid drinks etc. It is all very wearing...
Let us know how you get on. And thanks to all of you who replied to me.
Alfreda

This is a topic that was once near and dear to my heart. Saw 2 MDs and 2 urologists, to no avail. The burning and need to urinate small amounts went on for 2 years at the beginning of perimeno (thought I didn't know that's what it was at the time - I was "only" 38 and no one suggested it could be hormones), sometimes getting a little better, but never going away. When other perimeno symptoms finally led me to a naturopath because I was willing to try ANYTHING, she prescribed a low-dose, bio-identical hormone cream that cured the burning completely. That was years ago....I've cut back on how much I use, but don't dare to stop completely because that burning sensation is THE PITS!! Something to check out. Good luck!

Alfreda, thanks for asking. My appointment went extremely well. I didn't retain any urine at all, and my urine was perfect! The urogenital problems are absolutely hormonal! No doubt about it!

There is no doubt in my mind that my hormone levels affect my bladder. Before I started taking bio-identicals 2 months ago I was peeing 12-15 times a day. It always felt like my bladder was full. Since I started taking estradiol and prometrium I finally had bladder control again and could go hours without peeing.

I stopped taking the BHRT 5 days ago so I could cycle this month and one of the first things I noticed was the increase in the frequency to urinate. I'm also feeling more light headed and spacey today than I have in ages. I can't wait to start back on my bioidenticals Thursday.

This is all so interesting, that the bladder frequency thing could be hormone-related. I have not heard of the bio-identical hormone cream before though. Where would it be available (I'm in the UK!) and where could I find more info about it?

My Ultrasound results came out OK except they found gallstones but apparently these can just sit in the gallbladder without causing symptoms so I will just concentrate on sorting out my other probs.

Bye for now

acapella

I am experiencing something new, and I'm wondering if others feel this too. When I feel an urge to go to the bathroom, I feel the urge right where it comes out! In other words, I don't feel the urge so much in my bladder, like normal, it's more right at the urethra opening (?).

Am I headed for incontinence? Is this a normal peri thing?

I have come across this too, in the sense that after I've passed urine, the feeling of "needing to go" right afterwards seems to be not in the bladder, but at the urethral opening. My hunch is it's all tied up with general skin problems/dryness in that area (certainly could be peri-related), which is so close to urethra that the urethral nerves become irritated. I have had a recommendation for a specialist vulval dermatologist who I might try to see, as all other tests have come up negative so far. I've been like this for a couple of months by the way - pretty stressful. Do you have other symptoms?

Acapella

I'm having this too. It's only been two weeks, but it seems like me life is on hold because of it. I've had all the tests and an ultrasound - all negative. Saw a urologist two days ago and he's getting new urine tests and has me scheduled for a cystoscopy next Friday. Yes, I get the feeling of the urethra urgency, too. The urologist had a look and said nothing appeared inflamed. I'm having the cystoscopy under local anesthetic. Has anyone had that? My GP seemed to think it was just minorly uncomfortable.

I have a pathetically stupid question. Is a urologist and urigynocologist the same thing. I went to a urigyn yesterday for my bladder problems. Fortunately for me there is great Boston woman's hospital with a branch near my town. I was so relieved to know that what I was feeling was real or not my imagination. I am now planning on having them correct 2 problems. One is my incontinence which at 43 is far too young in my eyes for this. They said the procedure is 90% effective. The other was a problem to correct what all I could describe was this sensation of my insides falling out. Turns out I have a combination prolapse in two areas. Now I have to figure out my time frame for the 4 to 6 week recovery. They said no lifting over 5 pounds. They said to plan on a housework vacation which would be OK if I didn't have this anal OCD disorder. LOL

Mobi,

I want to encourage you - I've had several cystoscopies, and they were NOT painful at all! I had 2 without any local anesthesia, and there was very minor discomfort when they inserted the tube (which is tiny, by the way), but nothing else. You'll feel the bladder filling with water, but this is a sensation you already know, like when you have to pee. They may ask you when it feels like it's "full," or something like that.

If you have local anesthetic, this should be a very simple procedure. Also, it doesn't take long at all - I'd say under 3-4 minutes.

Mariann,

That's not a stupid question!! All of these "ists" are hard to figure out, LOL. But no, they are not the same thing. A urologist focuses on the bladder and kidneys, while a urigynocologist can focus on how the bladder interacts with pelvic organs. This can be complicated at times, because people who have endometriosis, or issues with pelvic swelling can experience symptoms in the bladder. In a woman's body, all of these organs are kind of crammed together, and one can definitely affect the other.

Hope your procedures go great, and that you can really enjoy the time of not doing housework! Do you know how many women would love to give that up??

Good luck to you both,


JJ

Hi Mariann,

After reading your comment about the prolapse, I was reminded of a very helpful message I read on this site recently. Here's the link to the thread -- it's Post #4 by sybilleruth, as well as comments following her post:

http://www.power-surge.com/php/forums/inde...wtopic=8338&hl=

I visited the website she talked about in her post, and found it extremely helpful for me, as I have a problem with a prolapse too.

I sure hope all is well with you; I really feel for you on this one! It's NOT fun at all.

RedFox

thanks redfox. It was really helpful and I actually sent a message to peggysue to ask about her surgery. I was reading the other posts and I realized that yesterday I had a cystoscopy among other tests. I should tell Mobi that it wasn't painful but was somewhat uncomfortable. I didn't realize you could have one under anesthesia. Do you ever think of having surgery? I don't want to have it, if it's one of those that in the end you wish you didn't bother. I am definitely having a bladder suspension to correct my incontinence. I feel that at 43 I have way too many years (I hope) left to have to deal with that.

Hi Mariann,

I'm glad that site helped you. I've been reading there quite a bit and have been practicing the posture she describes, and I have to say that I immediately felt better! I'm able to relieve that heavy feeling pressing down on me. Surgery scares me to death, like it does to so many women, and I'm determined not to have it; though who knows what the future will hold? I'm sorry you have to go through with the bladder suspension surgery -- are you sure this is the only recourse? Have you had a second opinion? If there's any way at all to avoid surgery, I know you would want to pursue that. Sometimes though, that's the only way.

I think I may have had a cystoscopy a long time ago. I was having a lot of bladder infections, and I remember the urologist did insert a thin tube. I remember it being painful, but then I didn't have any kind of pain deadening or anesthesia at all! Afterwards, I read all I could on bladder infections, learned why I was getting them, and pursued a natural course to heal myself. I realized that I never needed that procedure the doctor performed on me. But, I was very young, and trusted doctors completely... now, a different story!

Good luck, Mariann -- keep us posted on your upcoming surgery.

RedFox

Thank you SO much jj. Since this urinary things started, I've started also having panic attacks again - despite being on clonazepam for my burning mouth syndrome. The panic feeds the bladder problem and vice-versa, so I'm pretty much a mess. My worst fear is that they don't find anything and I'll have to live with this. Your support and explanation of the procedure has made me feel a lot better - thank you!

Mobi

Mobi,

Are you having any pain or burning in your bladder? If so, you may be helped by sucking on a couple of TUMS every few hours (my understanding is that it's safe to take up to 12 of these a day). It will alkalinize your urine, so the nerve endings in the bladder can calm down.

Also, you might want to be cautious about eating spicy or acidic foods (fruit, tomatoes, coffee, alcohol, chocolate), and see if things improve. When the bladder has pain, one should NOT drink cranberry juice - the acid will hurt.

Once your bladder is better, you can add these back in and see how you do.

Wishing you well, dear Mobi - let us know how it goes, okay?

JJ

Alfreda I also can relate to your symptons. The other day I read on this website posted by joliejacq, THEY KNEW ABOUT THIS BACK IN 1882, try to find it and read it, the author talks about alot of our symptoms. God bless you, hope you do feel better, tinkybug

My understanding is that this "irritable bladder" is a very common menopausal issue. (ergo all those "gotta go" commercials!)

I haven't had leakage (yet...) but I do have the urge a zillion times a day. The smallest amount of urine triggers the feeling. The worst for me (besides getting up to go all night long) is that I have to go during sex. Not exactly romantic to have to hop out of bed right in the middle of things!

My doctor offered to prescribe Detrol but I'm going without for now, because it can cause constipation, and I already have enough problems with that.

-Mindy

Hi everyone, thank you for all your wonderful comments and suggestions. Firstly, I want to say that I've tried a urine alkalizer but it didn't do anything in this instance. I've had this happen before - where I felt the 'urgency' and 'pressure' but usually it cleared up within about 3 days. This time it went on for about 3 weeks - off and on. By the time I had to go in for the cystoscopy, it was cleared up again. However. I still had it done - better safe than sorry. And, as expected, everything was normal. I was told I had a pristine badder with excellent capacity. So...I'm pretty positive this has to do with hormones - or changes in the uteran area. It appears to happen when I'm 'supposed' to have a period, tho I've gone since last October without one. So it seems to me that, even though we may not HAVE a period, the body, in many ways, is trying to have one and still making changes. All I can say is that I hope this doesn't happen again.

Maureen

Sorry messed up reply on previous post!

Hi ladies,
Just to encourage those who are having trouble, and God knows with bladder trouble you need all the hope and positivity you can get!! Well I am much better now, I was on a 6week course of ciproxin, and although the bladder does not feel 100% as good as in the past, it is very much better now. I too hope that awful urgency does not return, I was beginning to feel as if I would have to live with it always. It is such a relief that it is better. I too avoided the cranberry juice, and interestingly enough, while shopping one day, I noticed 'lemon barley water', the kind you dilute with water. I remembered when I was young, older ladies drinking this for their 'water works'!. So I started to drink it everyday, and I feel that it was way ahead of the cranberry juice, in relieving symptoms. The only thing is that it is loaded with sugar, and I am trying to find one with reduced sugar!
Lastly, be assured if you have this complaint, that it will settle, perhaps with antibiotics, but mostly I think the hormonal upheaval at this time is the main culprit.

Hi,

I've seen articles in older medical texts suggesting drinking barley water for urinary problems, also. You can make your own by boiling barley, then discarding (or using in a recipe), and allowing the water to cool, then sipping. I'm sorry I don't remember the specific amounts of barley to water, but I suspect a google search would find this.

JJ

I too have this problem, and I'm at the end of my rope. I went to my gyno a few months ago when my DH was treated for a UTI. I was on a 3-day course of Levaquin, which did nothing, then she put me on a 7-day antibiotic, which cleared it up for a while. But it's back. So I'm going to a urologist on Friday.

Re: cranberry juice. It is possible to get unsweetened cranberry juice at health food stores and at Trader Joe's. You simply cannot drink it undiluted, it is nasty, nasty stuff. I dilute it about 1 part juice to 2 parts water, and sweeten it with Stevia. It still isn't great, but it's drinkable.

I hope the uro can do something for me. I was on an airplane for 2-1/2 hours the other day and had to get up and pee 3 times.

Hi Newcrone, I had similar problems and was treated for a UTI and it cleared it for a few days then it came back worse and after alot of searching on my own I discovered mine was hormonal due to maybe thinning of the vagina area which the another docter in the past had suggested. I didnt want the estrogen creams so I found a natural salve with alot of soothing ingredients and that solved my problem, in fact one salve is for dryness and a lubricant and the other is for when its beyond that and its a yeast infection. Hope this helps, sometimes we just have to look out for ourselves, Good luck , Tinkybug

Tinky, can you perhaps tell me what these natural salves are? I'd rather not do the hormone thing OR have to run to the doctor every time I need more.

I went to a urologist today; he says my bladder is not emptying fully and I am going for a cystoscopy next week. He thinks there may be like a kink or something in the urethra that's keeping me from fully passing urine. Based on what I read here, some of this is probably normal, but I have dealt with this my whole life, it's just gotten worse post-meno. I am kind of yeasty too right now which doesn't help.

Frankly, I think it has something to do with growing up in a house where I don't remember EVER being able to pee in peace. My mom has all kinds of boundary issues and would barge into the bathroom while I was in it, or holler my name to come and get her something and keep hollering until I came out because she couldn't hear me behind the closed door. So I think I probably learned that I might have to stop at a second's notice. Anyone think this is possibly where this came from?

While in the shower, get on your hands and knees and attempt to urinate. That should tell you if you have residual urine as it "unkinks" the urethra to allow additional urine because the bladder is resting where it should.

Hi again Newcrone, I will PM you the ingredients to the vaginal salves. One more thing I also had to do was stop drinking coffee and sodas and now I drink herbal teas, with green tea,uva ursi, and cranberry all in it with a lil honey, really yummy and good for the UTI'S. They do say to keep ur bladder empty when possible. Anyway keep me posted on how it goes or if theres anything I can help you with, Tinkybug (lety)

Tinky,

Will you PM me the info on the salves, too? My hub and I are actually trying to be intimate again (after about a year!) and it's very painful. I'd appreciate any info you have!

JJ

Ok Joliejacq I just read your posting and your PM is on its way. I am happy you will be trying it I almost guarantee you 100% that it will be great for you, its all natural and sooooo soothing I was blessed to have found this product. Took me a lot of years to find something that really works. Also just as with everything natural sometimes you will notice a difference right away and sometimes it takes a lil longer so be patient. It was almost immediate relief for me I was skeptical and couldnt believe it was workn, take care, Tinkybug (lety)

Hi all ladies above with the water works troubles!
Well, as my bladder seems to be acting up again, my mind is very much on it, and the causes and treatments. I have had severe cystitis in the last week, and sent off a sample to the lab which returned with no organisms found! Meanwhile I am on a strong antibiotic, which is having no effect.

I have a new theory on this now. When I was around nine years of age, just a year or two before the start of my periods, I recall having to have a micturating cystogram, which I was horrified about, (they gave you dye, then you passed urine standing in front of x ray machine). I wouldn't do it, and the thing had to be cancelled!! But the memory triggered this theory. After the periods began, I had no more bladder trouble, except maybe pregnancy, until now - when the periods are stopping. My theory is this...... A surge in some hormone comes along at puberty, maybe FSH, to start things up, which also gives some young girls a general sensitivity in that area, and then at menopause, the body again tries to keep the periods going, by increasing the FSH from the pituatry gland, thus giving the same kind of symptoms.

If I am correct, then urine should be tested not only in bacteriology, for germs, but also sent to biochemistry, for levels of hormone being released, as in most cases I believe this is the real cause of the trouble, and what happens instead is that we end up on antibiotics - in desperation - when what we really need is something to counter-act the FSH?( or whatever substance we are putting out at this time)

Has anyone got any similar thoughts, I think the docs just are not interested in this, or maybe its something to talk to an endocrinologist about? I think we end up also having unneccessary cystograms, a thing I am really trying to avoid having!
love Alfreda

Hello Alfreda, I also have had problems in this area. I will say what you have to say your theory is very interesting and does make sense and worth mentioning. I have posted before with this bladder, vaginal problem and after years of antibiotics and missed diagonois I just did alot of searching and found some teas I drink that stimulate the flow when I have a flow problem or bladder spasm I use another tea and when its similar to a yeast infect. I use a salve of natural oils really soothing. I also have another when its just the vagina area being sore I just went thru a hormonal after period espisode and it only last a few days.Sometimes as long as I use the salves once a week I have gone a long time with out an espisode. Keep us posted on anything you find out sounds very logical, God bless , Tinkybug

Hi Tinkybug
Thanks for your reply. I would really like to know which teas treat which symptoms, and about the salve too. Could you send me the info by PM, if this site does not allow them to be mentioned. It seems great that these work for you, as always we have to do our own research and you have had some success with that, I am glad to know!
I am also wondering if anybody suffered this urgency/frequency thing at a particular stage of peri or menopause, and if it then gradually gets better of its own accord, without the HRT? When the hormones balance out again? I am hopeful that this is just a short phase, and that it will improve in time, am I foolish to believe this? I would love any comment from someone who has been through this, and come out the other side, if not as good as new, then at least with some easing of this bladder symptom!
Thanks again Tinky for replying to me, stay well!.
love Alfreda

Hi Alfreda, Relief is on its way I sent you the PM Tinkybug