www.incontinentsupport.org

My doctor has suggested that I should try a Botox injection for my bladder. He says this will almost certainly stop the OAB issues I have been having.

This should last for a few months before it wears off. He did caveat this treatment with the possibility that I may need to use a catheter to pee. So stopping the OAB is very attractive, however the possibility of needing a catheter to relieve the bladder is frightening. The doctor says a catheter is easy to use, but I'm not so confident.

Has anyone else had this treatment and how did it work for you?

I had Botox injections in 1998-1999, followed by a urinary sphincterotomy in August, 1999. My experience with Botox shots was that they worked pretty much as advertised; however, each successive shot lasted less time than the previous one; the sphincterotomy worked much more permanently. However, it too needs to be repeated, now. Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the approvals necessary for a Botox shot. I anticipate that, eventually, I will need a sphincterotomy again. Good luck with your Botox shot, and report back about your experience.

Thanks for the reply, I'm not sure I want to go that route, yet.
When you had the Botox, did you need a catheter to relieve your bladder, or were you able to pee when needed?

I think Patrick is referring to botox in the urinary sphincter while you may be referring to it in the bladder wall. The first means the sphincter will be open all the time and you will need either an external collection device or a diaper. The second cuts out spasms and you may need a catheter but it's designed to relieve incontinence.