Incontinence / OAB Community

My sympathies. I wish I had answers. You had such a rapid increase in symptoms, I am surprised there is not some medical explanation. Or a severe, identifiable emotional component. Perhaps you have had a change in your sleep habits that have resulted in very heavy sleep from which you are not easily aroused.


I don't know what experience you had as a child or what you may have learned at the time, for better or for worse both physically or emotionally. I, too, wet the bed as a child, probably a couple of times a week until I was 11, at which time I stopped completely within a month. Never had an adequate explanation. At that time, I recall dreaming that I had to urinate and looked for a toilet. When I found one in the dream, I would actually consider whether or not it was a dream or real, decide it was real since dreams almost always seem real, and then proceed to at least start to wet the bed. Fifty years later, I again started toilet dreams but usually encountered a problem in the dream: I couldn't locate a bathroom, or there was a line, or the toilet was very dirty or stopped up. Unfortunately, I would sometimes find an acceptable restroom, and sometimes, but not always, I would start to pee.

The frequency did not increase as rapidly as yours. I had 2 or 3 years in between. When I had 2 in one month, I got quite depressed. The only precaution I took was a bed pad with a moisture barrier on my side of the bed.

My medical experience was for urge incontinence, which does not seem to be a problem for you. But I presume you would go through similar tests. The urologist checked to make sure my bladder was emptying properly, how much fluid intake would trigger the muscles that empty the bladder, et.c. (Unfortunately, my bladder muscles are very sensitive and are some of the strongest in my body....) There are several meds on the market to relax the bladder muscles. I have tried about 3 and have been on one for several years with limited success. The urologist had no more suggestions, and I see him only if something changes.

I hope you find some help. You are very young to start this problem, and it does seem to be interfering with your life.

I will finally see a urologist this week, so I'm still hoping we find a physical reason for this and a means to correct it.

I can't completely rule out an emotional reason either, though I'm doubtful. I don't care to go into details, but there's definitely been some major emotional trauma recently. I discount it because I've been through other times of stress/tragedy and never had this effect.

I agree that the pace at which the frequency of my episodes is increasing is alarming. I also think it's odd that its restricted to a night time problem (though I'm exceedingly glad for it.)

Because of that, I'm tempted to think its more a sleep issue than a urinary one, but I'm at a loss beyond that.

Hopefully the docs come up with something soon...

You may have UI problem. It is good that you are using diapers. They will protect your bed from wetting. Urinary incontinence is frequent leakage of urine in which person did not get message that he/she needs to go to washroom. You can also use bed protection sheets .

I agree with eveleen12, and believe that protective underwear and bed protections sheets are extremely helpful. It's also great that you contacted your doctor and I hope that you will be able to find a solution soon! If you're looking for quality products to help, I recommend this site: www.theqolstore.com The Quality of Life Store. They ship free, fast, and discreet to your door. Worry Free!!! Their website will direct you to all the products they provide and a lot more information on bladder leakage. They are reliable and locally owned in Washington. I really trust them to provide quality items at a great price! Thanks for your honest open post. We need more of these!!