www.incontinentsupport.org

A little bit of an update. As I previously have posted, I have a lot of bladder retention...last appointment was over 350ml. post void. This is caused mostly by a large bladder diverticulum. My urologist, a new one, wants me to have a urodynamic study done (not sure if that's spelled right). I have had one of these done a number of years ago, and it wasn't pleasant. Since then I had my yearly physical that included an xray and mri of my lower back. The results indicated some spinal stenosis and compressed discs. I have an appointment at the pain clinic on Oct. 7. I'm not sure what they will say and/or do. I'm also concerned how they will react if they see me in a diaper. I have thought of maybe taking a chance and not wear one, but worried about what could happen if I don't. My incontinence is quite unpredictable. I have read that lower back problems can cause some incontinence, but so can bladder diverticulum. My next urologist appointment isn't until the end of April. Should I be more pro active and request one earlier? Wait until I get the results from the pain clinic? What to do, what to do?

dp66,

Let me start off by telling you, I, and many here in the forum have spinal cord injuries so the information you have about lower back issues (spinal cord issues), CAN cause you to become incontinent IS correct. Simply stated, there are MANY nerves all up and down the spine that can cause you to become incontinent, but what I will call the "MAIN NERVES" are located towards the end of you spine staring at L4 and lower. It sound like you have either damaged one, or more of these nerves, OR the lower disc is compressing one, or more of these nerves causing you to be incontinent. Compression of the ANY nerve is NOT GOOD and can lead to permanent nerve damage to that nerve(s) if not treated (surgically) right away. Having an MRI of your spine will tell a LOT so in my opinion, so it is GOOD that you are having this done. I would say, yesterday was not quick enough to have an MRI done.

Anyone here will also tell you health professional are very professional about their job and they see people wearing diapers all the time so this is nothing new to them so DON'T worry about wearing a diaper, or even if your wet when they take images of your spine......it is still NOT a problem so don't worry about. As far as the urologist is concerned, I would say next April is a little too far out, but I also understand the urologist is only going to tell you the "cause" of your incontinence, and there is nothing he/she can do about the nerve(s) in your spine that are causing the problem. They can only add to what you already know, or about to find out from the MRI that nerve(s) in your spine is the source of your incontinence. The urologist may do several tests, but the bottle line is he/she will only confirm that the source of your bladder incontinence is mostly likely caused by nerve damage to one, or more nerves in your spine. The urologist can NOT fix the nerve damage, so they can ONLY confirm your incontinent and tell you how much retention and loss of urine you have as a result of any tests they perform. I have nerve damage in my lower spine so I know first hand as do other in this forum where your situation is headed. You need to "fix" the cause of the problem before you can stop the results (incontinence).

There is NO easy way to repair the damaged, or compressed nerve in you spine outside of surgery. This could solve your problems, but maybe not. It just depends on the condition of the damaged nerve(s). It is entirely possible that you may only need to have the pressure relieved, but it also entirely possible you may have permanently damaged the nerve and that is not reversible. It just depends on the exact cause, and condition of the nerve(s) involved.

Hope this helps.

dp66,

When I arrived for my urodynamics testing in a taped diaper they didn't even blink. Don't worry about that.

I have lower spine and pelvic trauma from an old accident. I am both urinary and fecal incontinent. Even after a recent L3/L4/L5 fusion the incontinence continued, and the pain. I have quite a bit of nerve damage and my internist has noted that, in such instances, physicians are not good at finding the exact causes of either the incontinence or the discomfort.

If your stenosis becomes severe, surgery will be required, but, even if "successful," there is no guarantee about the outcome with regard to your incontinence.

Good luck.

--John

Thanks for the information of what to expect or not expect. I guess I will know more after Oct. 7, and will make some decisions at that time. I will let everyone know after that time what was found.

I am sorry to hear this! I think your problem could be cure with acupuncture therapy. I am also going to get acupuncture therapy for my migraine as well as anxiety disorder. After visited so many clinic I have selected the best acupuncture Mississauga clinic for this.

I spend a lot of my time in the pain clinic, adjusting medications and the spinal stem blocker. I always wear ATNs 24/7 do to the fact I am totally incontinent. I have never had anyone say anything about me wearing a diaper at any visit, except to check my skin condition and ask how things are going.. I have been through all the testing, and didn't care for any of it. Good luck and don't worry about your diaper, they are professionals.

Yesterday I had my appointment with the pain specialist. He was very informative and a pleasant guy. I have a lot going on in my back. He used the mri images to explain to me, and my wife what my back looks like and what it should look like. I have a lot of issues with bulging discs, compressed discs, and sever arthritis in my lower lumbar area. He did notice my diaper, and asked what the control issues were from. I told him of my large bladder diverticulum, but he mentioned my spine issues because of where they are should not have any association with my incontinence. So, I did have an epidural steroid shot in my lower back, and will begin some physical therapy this morning. I will see the doctor again in a month. He said it may take several epidural shots before any results are noticed. He does not recommend surgery if at all possible. The success rate is not that great. So, there you have it. Seems to be another one of those "geezer" ailments that many of us have. In the mean time, I will be seeing my urologist to determine if I need to have a urodynamic study done. I have a strong feeling that he will want to proceed with one. I did have one almost 7 years ago before I had green light prostate surgery done. I'm to the point that if any kind of surgeries whether for the back or bladder could make things worse, I will manage as I am. At least I can function fairly well, and I'm getting used to wearing protection of some kind. Thanks all for listening...I guess actually reading. Now off to the Smokey Mountain area for a little vacation, and some inspiration for some new paintings.

DP66,

Good luck on those tests, I know mine was uncomfortable as all get out! Oh, and enjoy your vacation!! Maybe share some of your art with the rest of us!

_________________
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

Marcus Aurelius

Porkchop, I would love to post some examples of my paintings on this site. Is there a way to attach images?

I don't want to be a cop here, but it's my understanding that the forum is not intended to be a venue for folks to sell items. I know there is a Northshore rep and a Depend rep here, but they don't market. I'm guessing that anyone who would like to see your paintings could send you a pm. Of course, it may not be your intention to use the site for free advertising, and you can certainly ask Schoppy for permission to post images.

Wetters