I went to my trusty neurologist yesterday for my regular appointment, people with MS do those kinds of things. She always comments on how she doesn't see me very often and I always laugh and tell her I'm not really very sick except for this silly little MS and brain tumor thing.
It is good banter.
Then she takes inventory of how I am doing. And she really wants to know.
I hate it. I rattle off all the things that I have noticed in the last six months that have been major and the few things that I am concerned about and we discuss my options.
She orders a few normal tests and my annual MRI.
I mention, "Oh by the way I seem to have this issue with peeing all the time."
Being the kindly doctor that she is she wants to get to the bottom (no pun intended) of my comment and starts asking me all kinds of doctor questions.
What kind of issues?
How often?
Do you empty?
Do you wet yourself?
You know, all those neat questions one wants to tell others.
Then she does this mini ultra sound test, after I tell her I just went potty and says, "Oh, that's no good. Your bladder is still full. Are you sure you just went?"
I assured her I had.
She announces......"You may have to learn to use a self-catheter. "
I don't know what that means but it better be some type of cooking pan.
I have an appointment with an Urilogist. (How do you spell pee doctor???)
January 15th
One year ago today I began to eat differently. It is called the Ketogenic diet and the information is out there for free ...
U-R-O-L-O-G-I-S-T
ReplyDeleteI've had more than my fair share of experiences with them, thank you very much. I feel for ya, darlin'. Let's talk...in a less-public forum. Love ya!
Paula
having a chronic illness has it's curves. the smooth ones, the ups and downs and the dips that you weren't expecting...this is another one and it might be an incovenient and upsetting one (like any of them really are not)...i don't know what to say more than we are cheering for you and hope that this bump in the road gets resolve in the quickest and smoothest way possible.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love is your indomitable spirit. Pee doctor or not, I know that you have the strength and persistence to take this for what it is and not let it get you down!
ReplyDeleteYou ROCK!!!!
Charley
http://journals.aol.com/cdittric77/courage
Catheterization is just one more thing you get used to, not pleasant, but not a nightmare either. It's a regular part of my nephew's world. I'm sorry you're having to face this, but your spirit is indomitable.
ReplyDeleteYour creative spelling never ceases to amuse me, Christina! :)
ReplyDeleteWish I had some great words of comfort, wisdom, or wit. But I just want to say...(((Christina)))
LOL you made me smile this morning.
ReplyDeleteI love your spirit and I do hope the urologist can figure something out.
Years ago we called them In and Out Catheters. I did them when I was a medic in the Army. They're small tubes you insert up your urethra (sp) to drain your bladder. I don't know what they feel like, personally. But, I've been told it feels like a burning sensation.
ReplyDeleteI think it would probably more of a pain in the butt (no pun intended) than anything else. I'm sorry!
Shit, Christina, I mean pee. I don't wanna talk about it of course but I have that too and it is worsening I mean getting worse all the time. Isn't it fun? I don't talk about it to my doctors. Just to myself. THANKS and big hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteAnn Marie
Okay...let's talk about this! Have you ever been on any of the oral medications that she can prescribe to help out with this before sending you to a Urologist? There are alot of options out there that can be explored and this is a VERY common problem amoung us MS'ers.
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit it but I used to have to know where a bathroom was everywhere I went...and I would have NO warning...all of a sudden I would have to go and everyone better had better get out of my way or I would have an accident. It was just that way. Now I take Oxybutynin 5mg each morning...much better!
It all has to do with the muscle spasms and control that we have with our MS...very common problem! Before going through a bunch of tests and spending a lot of time, energy, and money with another specialist...I would recommend checking into this option.
I am amazed and surprised she did not give you this option. I hope this helps Christina, it is not comfortable being in this situaton (having to pee that is, lol). I wish you the best! Take care.
Jaime
I like what Jamie wrote Christina, check into it Okay?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mom
Precious Christina. Always finding some original way to share with us what ails you. While our hearts hurt for you, we cannot help but smile reading your descriptions of the goings on between you and your docs.
ReplyDeleteDo check the side effects of the medications. I recall a very bad experience my father had when he had to be put on meds to help with his urinary problems. I am loathe to turn to pills without fully knowing what can occur while taking them. Having said that, pills can also be manna from heaven. Knowing everything about all of your options is wisest.
Love you and miss you~
Nikki Ü
Jamie may be on to something!
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers, dear one.
Sorry I`m just visiting; I`ve been sick.
V
ARGH. I force myself to empty everything as much as possible whenever I have the chance. Of course, as a man, that pretty much puts every tree and rock within miles in the target list.
ReplyDeleteSelf-cath is one of the few things that gets me a little freaked out - but so did the idea of giving myself a shot. Hey, people do it all the time, so how big a deal can it be? I have not had to self-cath yet, but when (if) I do, I know there will be a lot of understanding support out there. Thanks for your honesty!
ReplyDeletesorry I have not been here... there has been no time to read. Have you been to the other doctor yet? Know that I always think of you. judi
ReplyDeleteUrologist is not my favorite word either... Hope you get all the information before you make a decisions.
ReplyDeleteTake care...
ps I love your picture on the tree swing!
xoxo
I have had my bladder repaired twiced ans still need a diaper or at least three undies and box of jumbos! I am going to give it one more shot....I would rather live witha a cathiter then this way. Once I let myself get deydrated just for some peace!
ReplyDeleteHate it. They really screwed it up with my cancer surgery...I know I know! I am lucky! Just a little pisser is all....love ya!
TJ
Prayers and ((hugs)) to you, Christina. Wishing you well.
ReplyDeletex's and o's to ya,
--Tom
Christina, Brave of you to openly share your feelings with this symptom onset and your interaction with your own "trusty" medical people. MS mainstream media can ramble on about sphincters, emptying dysfunction, etc. but it comes down to how this symptom onset rocks a person's world. People sharing with people is the real thing.
ReplyDeleteIf you've got the insurance and/or money go with the additional testing. In Patti's case several years ago she went through a painful and dangerous several months of UTI's because, as too often happens, medical people tend to look at MS as the cause of all problems when it may not actually be the culprit. I would TRUST an urologist over a neurologist on this problem any day any where. But then again after 16 years as a spouse/caregiver I probably have more faith in a witch doctor than a neurologist (grin).
Patrick http://journals.aol.com/daddyleer/CaregivinglyYours/
Good luck! I started having to self cath all the time the weekend I got engaged 18 months ago. Very romantic, not! Anyhow spend the xtra to get soft tip catheters the xtra comfort is worth it. MS sucks but you gotta keep plugging away! Chris
ReplyDelete