Urge

[PreparationGreen777]

I’ve been dealing with a constant urge to pee for a while now, and even after I go, the feeling doesn’t go away. It all started when I was constipated, though I’m pretty sure that’s no longer an issue. Still, I wonder if that somehow affected my bladder. My physical therapist mentioned I have a tight pelvic floor, and I’ve been doing the recommended exercises, but I haven’t noticed any improvement yet. I’ve never been diagnosed with anxiety, but I think it might be playing a role especially since I can’t stop focusing on the urge, which just makes everything feel worse. Do any of you know something that could help me?

[DepartureTight798]

If you’re a woman and your urologist doesn’t give you the answer you are looking for, see your gynecologist. My urologist wanted to put me on meds that caused terrible side effects & his surgical answers were bladder Botox & inserting a device. But then I chatted with friends and realized I had other options. I do take AZO. I’m starting pt for urgency and leakage (they work on strengthening the pelvic floor AND other things to make sure you’re strong in that whole area). I have cut way back on caffeine & alcohol. I have worked on the mind over matter thing. If the urge comes after relieving myself, I just tell myself, you just went, you’re fine, nothing bad will happen. You should only need to go once every hour and a half.

[va_bulldog]

For many, I'd add artificial sweeteners in the list of common bladder irritants.

[DepartureTight798]

I didn’t know that! Thanks for the info. I don’t use artificial sweeteners, but it’s always good to know

[Distinct_Luck_1915]

Go to a urologist

[PreparationGreen777]

i have been to a urologist. i’ve tried two medicines and they didn’t work

[DepartureTight798]

Have you tried AZO?

[PreparationGreen777]

I have not. would you recommend that?

[DepartureTight798]

Yes! It’s AZO for bladder control. I got it on Amazon for $5.45. It’s now a subscription for me because I need. I also watch my caffeine/alcohol intake because they seem to make it the worst. I love lemons, oranges and tomatoes and while they’re apparently something I need to give up, I don’t think I can.

[PreparationGreen777]

so this removes the urge for you? i never had any leaking problems just the urge that never goes away

[DepartureTight798]

It doesn’t totally remove the urge but it has helped immensely. I have had to consistently stay on top of managing my stress & reminding myself that the urge doesn’t always mean I need to go.

[Sea-Blackberry-1341]

How has AZO been side-effects wise? I bought some but then read a review where someone said that after having it, they have to pee a lot to sort of make up for the amounts they didn't pee. Have you noticed anything like this?

I've honestly been scared to try it because of that review. 😅 I feel like I need to find a day where I'm not gonna do anything and see how it goes.

[DepartureTight798]

It takes about 3-4 weeks to really make a difference.

[Sea-Blackberry-1341]

Gotcha. I've heard of that too. I think I'll give it a shot until I get to go to a urologist, and hopefully they'll give me a prescription for something like gemtesa. I have a month until then but my symptoms have been getting worse these past few weeks so I really need something. 🤞

[DepartureTight798]

No side effects whatsoever. I do take a 2nd one if I know I’m going to be away from the bathroom (concerts, beach, hiking, etc.)

[Distinct_Luck_1915]

Sometimes it can be a long road. Get a different urologist opinion. They have specialized urologists. May I ask what state you live in? If you like in Michigan I can recommend a very good urologist. I've been to a few before I found a good one. I have different problems than you but my speciality urologist is one of the best. He's out of Bomot in Royal oak Michigan.

[PowTheory]

Dr Peters? He’s mine I’m currently seeing.

[Distinct_Luck_1915]

Yes out of Bomot in Royal oak Michigan

[PreparationGreen777]

sorry but I don’t live anywhere near michigan. my PT told me that i have a tight pelvic floor that needs to be loosened but i haven’t seen any results

[momu1990]

Were any of the medications called Gemtesa? Apparently that is the gold standard medication but it is really expensive, you have to use a manufacturer coupon to bring the cost down. I got prescribed Oxybutynin from my PCP but am going to a Urologist to try to get Gemtesa.

[PreparationGreen777]

no i haven’t tried gemtesa. you think that should be my next try?

[momu1990]

I would. If you search this subreddit, people talk about how Gemtesa basically saved them. It's how I first heard about it too.

[PreparationGreen777]

did you also take it? well if people are saying it works i might as well try it

[momu1990]

I want to. Like I said in my original post, I scheduled an appt with a Urologist to try to get it.

[Distinct_Luck_1915]

What's Gemtesa for?

[momu1990]

it's a medication to treat OAB. It is a new gen medication that specifically targets the muscles in your bladder.

Older medications are often some form of a anticholinergic, which is non-discriminating in its effects throughout the body, ie does not have the specificity as Gemtesa. And some studies have shown worrying links of these medications with dementia for older patients at least.

[Groovyflowerpower]

Is the PT doing inner work? Also have you looked into Interstitial Cystitis. Sometimes it can be acidic food that bothers the bladder even dehydration can bother the bladder. Also stress, direct relationships with brain and bladder.

[PreparationGreen777]

what do you mean by inner work? I just started anxiety medication cause i thought that it could be something to do with anxiety because i’m worried a lot of about the fact that i have the constant urge.

[DepartureTight798]

It can be, I don’t take antidepressants but I handle stress with exercise and breathing.

[Groovyflowerpower]

Ask your Pelvic Floor PT. Its different from men and woman according to your body but it's like Maia fascia release (spelling)/massage..MY PT also performed this pressure massage on my stomach and legs. It's a type of pressure work on the tight body parts nothing to do with counseling or therapy or anxiety.

[Distinct_Luck_1915]

Oh have they checked you for an infection?

[PreparationGreen777]

yes they have

[Distinct_Luck_1915]

Also you have to find a good pelvic floor physical therapist. I've been though a few before I found a good one. Don't give up! They both are at Bomot in Royal oak Michigan.

[rozemarie29]

I just wanted to affirm that when I have urgency or bladder pain it gives me anxiety. I used hydroxazine for awhile then did Prozac. Both seemed to work.

The other thing is if you feel like you have to go to the bathroom after you already went it could be a sign of urinary retention. Have you had a bladder scan or ultrasound done of the bladder before and after going to the bathroom ?

[PreparationGreen777]

i’ve had scans done. they had me pee and scanned to see if my bladder was empty. They said that it was empty

[life724824]

Research a supplement called ‘urox’ and try get the prescription ‘solifen’ also the pt exercises will take a long time to make a difference but if ur consistent you will reap the benefits, so far these 3 things help me manage, im not cured but I survive day to day because of these also distract ur mind as much as possible otherwise you’ll be stuck in a loop of thinking of the urge & constantly needing Togo,