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How Can An Enlarged Bladder Be Treated While On Self-catheter?
Question: My husband has an enlarged bladder. After catherization and Urodynamic tests, he was told the sphincter muscle was not working and he now has to self catheter twice a day. He urinated frequently prior to the test, but now cannot urinate at all. He releases 600 to 800 ml of urine twice a day, but cannot urinate in between. Is there a way to reverse this? He is physically fit, exercises daily and is 70 years old, still working.
Brief Answer:
The decreased function can occur with catheterization.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Catherization of the bladder can sometimes be associated with a decrease in the normal bladder function.
Meaning that a person finds it difficult to initiate bladder function on his or her own because they come to rely on the catheter.
Once he is able to empty the bladder enough times with the catheter so that there is no pain due to retention, he can continue catheterization.
But if this is an issue or he is not comfortable with the decreased function then he may need to consider seeing his urologist for an assessment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
The decreased function can occur with catheterization.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Catherization of the bladder can sometimes be associated with a decrease in the normal bladder function.
Meaning that a person finds it difficult to initiate bladder function on his or her own because they come to rely on the catheter.
Once he is able to empty the bladder enough times with the catheter so that there is no pain due to retention, he can continue catheterization.
But if this is an issue or he is not comfortable with the decreased function then he may need to consider seeing his urologist for an assessment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
He has seen a Urologist. The self catherization has been done 3 1/2 days. Will his bladder shrink down some after a few weeks?
Will the sphincter muscle regenerate?
Are there any exercises he can do to strengthen it?
Before, he could urinate but the bladder would still be half full. Is there any hope to reverse this?
Will the sphincter muscle regenerate?
Are there any exercises he can do to strengthen it?
Before, he could urinate but the bladder would still be half full. Is there any hope to reverse this?
Brief Answer:
It can be possible to retrain the bladder in some persons.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The bladder itself does not shrink but the muscles in the bladder and the sphincter do not work as well as they should.
Because of the enlarged prostate and the fact that he was told the sphincter is not working, it may not be possible.
Bladder retraining is sometimes done but this is usually done in persons who no longer need a catheter.
It involves trying to empty the bladder at specific intervals, holding the urine for a few minutes then trying to empty it voluntarily.
Before catheterization or every few hours in between, he would need to try to continue to urinate as he likely has been doing.
If he continues to have a problem, he would need to revisit his urologist.
Because of the enlarged prostate, it may not be possible to go without the catheter altogether, which is the normal way to retrain it.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
It can be possible to retrain the bladder in some persons.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The bladder itself does not shrink but the muscles in the bladder and the sphincter do not work as well as they should.
Because of the enlarged prostate and the fact that he was told the sphincter is not working, it may not be possible.
Bladder retraining is sometimes done but this is usually done in persons who no longer need a catheter.
It involves trying to empty the bladder at specific intervals, holding the urine for a few minutes then trying to empty it voluntarily.
Before catheterization or every few hours in between, he would need to try to continue to urinate as he likely has been doing.
If he continues to have a problem, he would need to revisit his urologist.
Because of the enlarged prostate, it may not be possible to go without the catheter altogether, which is the normal way to retrain it.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So, the bladder can expand to hold 1000 ml of urine and remain enlarged, but cannot go back to normal size?
I am wondering if there is a problem with his kidneys. Why would he eliminate more that he takes in?
What would you recommend if it was your husband?
Please help - we want to find a way to reverse this if at all possible. Thank you so much.
I am wondering if there is a problem with his kidneys. Why would he eliminate more that he takes in?
What would you recommend if it was your husband?
Please help - we want to find a way to reverse this if at all possible. Thank you so much.
Brief Answer:
Can improve function in some cases.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry for the late reply.
The decreased function is due to reduction or further reduction in the muscle tone or ability to contract of the bladder.
The ability of the bladder to contract and let out urine is reduced. The muscles of the bladder are weakened. There can also be a reduction in bladder sensation.
It can take a long time to retrain the bladder, in some persons, unfortunately, it does not occur.
Timed urination is the method commonly used. This involves trying to urinate at specific times and eventually prolonging the time interval.
Persons would start at trying to urinate after 1 to 2 intervals. Remain at this point for a short time and then move on.
He may want to consider seeing his urologist again
Take care
Dr Michelle Gibson James
Can improve function in some cases.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Sorry for the late reply.
The decreased function is due to reduction or further reduction in the muscle tone or ability to contract of the bladder.
The ability of the bladder to contract and let out urine is reduced. The muscles of the bladder are weakened. There can also be a reduction in bladder sensation.
It can take a long time to retrain the bladder, in some persons, unfortunately, it does not occur.
Timed urination is the method commonly used. This involves trying to urinate at specific times and eventually prolonging the time interval.
Persons would start at trying to urinate after 1 to 2 intervals. Remain at this point for a short time and then move on.
He may want to consider seeing his urologist again
Take care
Dr Michelle Gibson James
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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