Along the lines of our last few weeks posts, patients often do not realize that medications they are taking for a completely different health condition may cause bladder symptoms.  Some medications we have seen contribute to bladder symptoms include: muscle relaxants, narcotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics and some anti-hypertensive medications.

As we noted in our last post, we frequently see patients that are dealing with one health condition but then begin to see bothersome urological symptoms set in.  Patients are often surprised that their current condition could be related to these bladder symptoms.

We frequently see patients that are dealing with one health condition but then begin to see bothersome urological symptoms set in.  Patient are often surprised that their current condition could be related to these bladder symptoms. Overactive bladder symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency and leakage may be experienced with conditions such as Diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and a variety of musculoskeletal issues that affect the nerves running down the spine.

Not all stones are created equal.  The most common kidney stones are made up of calcium oxalate.  This a natural substance found in fruits, veges, chocolate and nuts and also produced by your liver.  High doses of vitamin D, gastric bypass surgery and metabolic disorders increase your odds of these types of stones.

Who gets kidney stones the most?  Well this is one place where being a man is not in your favor.  Also, kidney stones are more common in non-Hispanic Caucasian people than any other ethnicity.  If you have had a kidney stone previously...look out.  This isn’t usually a once and done kind of proposition.

Sometimes, it’s nice to sport a big stone but of course not when it comes to kidney stones. Very small stones move easily through the urinary tract and you may not even know you had a kidney stone. However, large stones when they move cause blood in the urine, sharp pain in your back or lower abdomen, nausea or vomiting.

Alright Ladies, there is no test but let us review the past 5 weeks of bladder retraining lessons.

Do you have a urination schedule set up by the clock starting every 2 hours working up to longer, to help retrain your bladder to wait and hold more.

Self Affirmations: Believe in your own success! Your mind is powerful.  Tell yourself that you are doing well. “I got this!” “I am doing it!” The battle in our minds can sometimes be half the battle.  Treat yourself for all your hard work. Maybe it’s a manicure, time reading a book or magazine, or a beautiful walk.

Go by the clock!  You may have gotten to a place where you get the urge and you just run to get to the bathroom.  Now that we have strategies to work against those urges, we are going to work to break this habit by retraining your bladder with a schedule.

You mastered relaxation techniques, you mastered quick flicks, now we’re going to shake it up with a little distraction.  If you’re like me, that’s easy enough!  Our goal will be to distract yourself from the faulty messages of urgency your brain is sending you.