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An overactive bladder is not a normal part of aging. It is one of many types of urinary incontinence (UI) and more than 33 million people in the US have this condition. Overactive bladder causes a frequent and urgent need to empty the bladder. It may cause anxiety for those that have urinary incontinence as well.
Along with anxiety comes depression and embarrassment or shame. Treatments are available to help. OAB can alter your work life, social life, exercise, and fitness, as well as sleep. The symptoms make it difficult to get through the day without making many trips to the bathroom. Some don’t want to leave the house. If they do, they never travel far from a bathroom and seldom go out with friends for fear of accidents. Sadly, OAB can result in loneliness and isolation.
When the bladder fills or is getting full, the brain sends a signal (the feeling you get when you need to void) that it’s time to empty the bladder. If you have OAB, the signal occurs when the bladder is not full. The need to empty the bladder is so strong and urgent that you need to find a bathroom right away. For some with OAB, the muscles in the bladder are too active and that feeling occurs too frequently, again it is sudden and urgent.
The first step in seeking treatment of OAB is to talk with your doctor. Many feel embarrassed to bring up the subject. Remember, your doctor is there to help and has experience with this type of problem. Be prepared with a list of questions for your doctor. The questions should include lifestyle changes you can make to improve your symptoms, medications used to treat OAB, and the side effects they cause.
Keep a bladder diary. Track the incontinent episodes you have (and how much urine you leak), how many times you need to use the bathroom a day, and how many times you wake at night to empty your bladder.
Include how often you have that “gotta go right now” feeling. You should also include the foods you ate and what you drank before your incontinent episodes. Also, include how much fluid you drink each day. Another tracker is any activity you do that causes UI. By keeping a diary, you may start to see patterns in what worsens your symptoms. Bring the diary with you to your appointment.
Once you are with your doctor, be totally honest. Don’t make the problem seem insignificant when it is impacting your life in so many ways. Talk about the physical feelings you’re experiencing and include the emotional ones this problem is causing. Let your doctor know you are ready to take action to improve your situation. They may suggest a consultation with a urology specialist.
A diagnosis of Overactive Bladder Syndrome is determined after an evaluation is completed. The evaluation includes:
When you are void, you may not completely empty your bladder Once done, sit for a minute then try to void again.
Medications & specific treatments can be prescribed to relax the bladder muscles and include:
HPFY carries many quality products that can help you feel a little less anxious when you need to leave the house.
If you have spoken with your doctor, you’ve taken the first step toward an improved quality of life. Be sure to follow up with the doctor to be sure your planning is working optimally.
Author Profile: Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse
Christine Kijek is a colorectal nurse at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT. She has a wealth of knowledge in this field as well as personal experience. HPFY is thrilled that she has been an active participant in the Ostomy Support Group. She has experience working as a coordinator for cancer patients, post-operative care, and home health care for disabled children and adults. And guess what! Christine is also the recipient of the Nurse Exemplar Award. Christine lives in Bethel, CT with her husband Ed. Her children are married and live nearby. She has 4 grandchildren and is known as GiGi. Christine enjoys riding motorcycles and spends many hours gardening. She can often be found onboard a Carnival Cruise ship lounging by the pool.
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Christine Kijek is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has completed courses for wound and ostomy specialty and has 20 years of experience. She has ...
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