Desperate for Relief: Ongoing Urinary Urgency for Three Weeks
Greetings, fellow Redditors. I find myself in need of some advice as I struggle with a persistent issue. The earliest I can see a urologist is on September 24, and today is August 3. This waiting period feels never-ending. I’m a 19-year-old woman from Massachusetts, with a background of mental health concerns, exercise-induced asthma, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, although I no longer deal with asthma nor qualify for juvenile arthritis now. On Sunday, July 13, I woke around 8:45 AM with an overwhelming urge to urinate. After attending to that, I was surprised to find little to no relief. This discomfort lingered throughout the day and into the night, making it difficult for me to fall asleep, and even harder to stay asleep. I found myself waking roughly every two hours just to attempt to relieve myself, but only managing a small amount. Around 2:00 AM, the urgency became so intense that I couldn't return to sleep. After visiting urgent care, I underwent a UTI test which returned negative, and they sent samples for further analysis as well. A subsequent appointment with my primary care physician yielded the same results—a clean catch test showing no infections. An X-ray was performed to check for possible constipation or kidney issues, but everything came back clear. I started taking AZO bladder support, beginning with three pills a day for the first two weeks, followed by two pills daily for the remainder of the month. Unfortunately, I haven't noticed much improvement yet, although I understand that it has only been a short while, nearing two weeks now. Any insights or suggestions would be immensely helpful. I’m finding myself waking at odd hours, particularly around 2:00 AM, and I don’t think I can cope with this discomfort for another two months. Thank you for any advice you can share!
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 8:30:58 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a very challenging and uncomfortable situation with ongoing urinary urgency. It’s understandable to feel desperate for relief, especially with the discomfort impacting your sleep and daily life. Let’s break down what you can do while you await your appointment with the urologist.
Main Points:
- Ongoing urinary urgency, despite negative tests for infections.
- Current management with AZO bladder support hasn't shown significant improvement yet.
- Need for effective coping strategies while waiting for specialist care.
Explanation:
Your symptoms suggest a condition that may not be solely related to a urinary tract infection (UTI), as those tests have come back negative. Conditions like interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) or overactive bladder could be considered, but only a urologist can make a definitive diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Hydration and Diet:
- Stay well-hydrated, but consider reducing your intake of irritants known to affect bladder sensitivity, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.
- Keeping a food and fluid diary can help identify any dietary triggers that worsen your symptoms.
-
Bladder Training:
- Gradually extend the time between urinations. Start by delaying urination for 10-15 minutes when you feel the urge. Slowly increase this time each week to train your bladder to hold more urine.
-
Manage Urgency with Techniques:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness. Stress can often exacerbate urinary urgency, so finding ways to calm yourself may provide relief.
- Consider sitting in a warm bath to relax your pelvic muscles, which may ease some discomfort.
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Sleep Hygiene:
- Try to optimize your sleep environment to improve your overall rest. This includes a dark, cool, and quiet bedroom and establishing a calming bedtime routine.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a symptom diary detailing the frequency and intensity of your urgency and any other associated symptoms. This information will be valuable for your urologist.
If your symptoms worsen or if you develop new concerning symptoms (like severe pain, blood in urine, or fever), consider seeking immediate medical advice. Also, ensure to communicate your ongoing discomfort to your healthcare providers when you have your upcoming appointments; they may be able to expedite care.
Remember, you're not alone in this, and it’s okay to seek support from those around you as you navigate this challenging time.
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