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Recently diagnosed w OAB...
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KThornABQ posted:
My primary care dr. thinks that I have OAB. After having urge and frequency issues (no stress incontinence or pain) infrequently for the past 2 months, he prescribed medication. In May, my symptoms lasted for 2 days on 2 separate occasions. But, in June, my symptoms lasted from 3 to 14 days (currently having urgency and frequency issues). I have been taking an OAB med for 8 days and don't seem to have much relief. My pharmacist said it takes only a few days to see the results of the anticholinergic medication. Is that true or what is the time frame for improved symptoms? If I don't see relief, should I request another anticholinergic med? I am also having some unusual symptoms that accompany my frequency and urgency issues. I have A LOT of pressure/bloating in my lower abdomen and have hypersensitivity in the perineum and vaginal areas. Do those symptoms still indicate OAB? What is the difference b/tw IC and OAB when dealing with symptoms?

I am also a distance runner. So, being diagnosed with OAB has been very difficult and very depressing for me. I have decreased my fluid intake which isn't ideal for training in the summer months. So, I become easily dehydrated during my runs. Trying to manage my fluid intake to stay comfortable and staying hydrated during my runs is a constant battle. I carry water with me while I run but I am hesitant to ingest enough bc I don't want to feel the need to urinate during my runs. How do I manage my symptoms with OAB and stay hydrated while running in the summer? According to my pharmacist, the med I am on increases your sweating threshold so that I am at higher risk for heat related illnesses. Are there any anticholinergic meds that don't have this side effect/warning? I am concerned about becoming overheated/dehydrated while training in the summer.

Is OAB a lifetime disorder? Are there times of "remission"? Will I have to take some sort of med for the rest of my life? OAB comes on so suddenly, w/o warning. Do we know what causes the bladder to malfunction? I have not had any injuries to my lower abdomen but did deliver my daughter via c-section 19 months ago. Could this be a contributing factor?

Thanks for your help!!!
4 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Recently diagnosed w OAB...My primary care dr. thinks that I have OAB. After having urge and frequency issues (no stress incontinence or pain) infrequently for the past 2 months, he prescribed medication. In May, my symptoms lasted for 2 days on 2 separate occasions. But, in June, my symptoms lasted from 3 to 14 days (currently having urgency and frequency issues). I have been taking an OAB med for 8 days and don't seem to have much relief. My pharmacist said it takes only a few days to see the results of the anticholinergic medication. Is that true or what is the time frame for improved symptoms? If I don't see relief, should I request another anticholinergic med? I am also having some unusual symptoms that accompany my frequency and urgency issues. I have A LOT of pressure/bloating in my lower abdomen and have hypersensitivity in the perineum and vaginal areas. Do those symptoms still indicate OAB? What is the difference b/tw IC and OAB when dealing with symptoms? <br /><br />I am also a distance runner. So, being diagnosed with OAB has been very difficult and very depressing for me. I have decreased my fluid intake which isn't ideal for training in the summer months. So, I become easily dehydrated during my runs. Trying to manage my fluid intake to stay comfortable and staying hydrated during my runs is a constant battle. I carry water with me while I run but I am hesitant to ingest enough bc I don't want to feel the need to urinate during my runs. How do I manage my symptoms with OAB and stay hydrated while running in the summer? According to my pharmacist, the med I am on increases your sweating threshold so that I am at higher risk for heat related illnesses. Are there any anticholinergic meds that don't have this side effect/warning? I am concerned about becoming overheated/dehydrated while training in the summer.<br /><br />Is OAB a lifetime disorder? Are there times of "remission"? Will I have to take some sort of med for the rest of my life? OAB comes on so suddenly, w/o warning. Do we know what causes the bladder to malfunction? I have not had any injuries to my lower abdomen but did deliver my daughter via c-section 19 months ago. Could this be a contributing factor? <br /><br />Thanks for your help!!!
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fanficactress responded:
OAB, is controllable with medicine but if it's severe enough and in your position, surgery is required to fix it. They will lift the bladder up and place it in a type of sling sort of thing made from your body, and it allows the bladder to work better than it was presently.
Report This| Share this:Recently diagnosed w OAB...OAB, is controllable with medicine but if it's severe enough and in your position, surgery is required to fix it. They will lift the bladder up and place it in a type of sling sort of thing made from your body, and it allows the bladder to work better than it was presently.
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JimG28 responded:
I have been taking Vesicare since last november. It didnt work overnight and I didnt expect it too. I began to have relief after about 3 weeks. I upped the dosage with my primarys permission and about 3 weeks after that I had my life back. Do I still have issues, yes, medication is not a 100% cure. I can feel it coming on when its going to act up so I wear protection...just a pull up, but its better than a full brief and life could be worse.

Jim
Report This| Share this:Recently diagnosed w OAB...I have been taking Vesicare since last november. It didnt work overnight and I didnt expect it too. I began to have relief after about 3 weeks. I upped the dosage with my primarys permission and about 3 weeks after that I had my life back. Do I still have issues, yes, medication is not a 100% cure. I can feel it coming on when its going to act up so I wear protection...just a pull up, but its better than a full brief and life could be worse.<br /> <br />Jim
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Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP responded:
It may take up to 4 weeks to see the effectiveness of OAB medications. They do have side effects, but in your case, the topical or skin gel OAB medication (Gelnique), may be better as it has fewer side effects. You need to drink so as to maintain your hydration especially if you run in hot weather. OAB does not usually cause discomfort or pain in your pelvic area. IC does cause pain which is relieved (goes away or lessens) after voiding. I suggest you try behavioral interventions such as diet modification , bladder retraining and pelvic floor muscle training . You need to see a provider (like myself) who specializes in these areas.
Report This| Share this:Recently diagnosed w OAB...It may take up to 4 weeks to see the effectiveness of OAB medications. They do have side effects, but in your case, the topical or skin gel OAB medication (Gelnique), may be better as it has fewer side effects. You need to drink so as to maintain your hydration especially if you run in hot weather. OAB does not usually cause discomfort or pain in your pelvic area. IC does cause pain which is relieved (goes away or lessens) after voiding. I suggest you try behavioral interventions such as <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.seekwellness.com/incontinence/behavioral_therapy.htm">diet modification</a> , <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.seekwellness.com/incontinence/bladder_retraining.htm">bladder retraining</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.seekwellness.com/incontinence/pelvic_floor_muscle_rehab.htm">pelvic floor muscle training</a> . You need to see a provider (like myself) who specializes in these areas.
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KThornABQ replied to Diane K Newman, RN-C, MSN, ANP's response:
Thank you very much for your help. I have made an appt w/ a urologist, but it has been very difficult to find a specialist that will "see me". Most urologists in my area refer our cases to PC. I have modified my diet (no caffiene, chocolate--boohoo!, spicy foods, citrus, etc.). I am also in the process of bladder retraining--attempting to go to the bathroom every 3 to 4 hrs. All these these interventions are helping but I need to be patient. I will give the meds 4 weeks to take effect too.

Thank you very, very much for your help. I am taking this day by day.

THANK YOU!
Report This| Share this:Recently diagnosed w OAB...Thank you very much for your help. I have made an appt w/ a urologist, but it has been very difficult to find a specialist that will "see me". Most urologists in my area refer our cases to PC. I have modified my diet (no caffiene, chocolate--boohoo!, spicy foods, citrus, etc.). I am also in the process of bladder retraining--attempting to go to the bathroom every 3 to 4 hrs. All these these interventions are helping but I need to be patient. I will give the meds 4 weeks to take effect too.<br /><br />Thank you very, very much for your help. I am taking this day by day. <br /><br />THANK YOU!
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