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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Concerns About Potential Rectal Injury
Greetings, everyone! I’m a 36-year-old man who is slightly above my ideal weight yet remains relatively fit. I do not take any prescribed medication but did consume paracetamol last night. Yesterday evening, around 11 p.m. in my timezone, I engaged in some activities using anal toys, specifically a variety of butt plugs, with an ample amount of lubricant. The last plug I used was likely larger than I should have chosen and featured a prominent, mushroom-shaped head. Even though the material is soft, I felt encouraged to try it after gradually working my way up in size. When I inserted this particular toy, I experienced a great deal of discomfort, especially while attempting to remove it, which raised my anxiety. It didn’t feel like a tear, but more like I was pressing against something deeper inside me due to its size, which triggered an immediate sense of panic. While I did not observe any signs of bleeding, since that incident, my bowel movements have become notably softer and have taken on a light brown color. I can sit without much trouble, but I’ve begun to notice a slight pain in my lower back when I walk. There's a persistent sensation that something is amiss in my rectal area, although the discomfort isn’t severe. I haven’t developed a fever, and my heart rate appears to be within a normal range, which I've been monitoring since last night. Fortunately, I managed to get some sleep. My primary concern is whether there is a possibility of having injured my rectum, considering my vital signs seem stable. I’m seeking advice on whether a visit to a healthcare professional is warranted or if the lingering pain is simply a result of pushing my limits a bit too far. My worries seem to be consuming my thoughts, and I’m uncertain whether consulting a doctor would provide any benefits or reassurance. Thank you for your time and input!
Increased Sound Sensitivity and Ear Discomfort After Extensive Headphone Use
At the age of 23, I found myself overusing my AirPods for a month, even though I kept the volume within 30-56 decibels. I frequently listened to audiobooks at night, sometimes drifting off while the volume was set low. During the day, I would watch movies and enjoy music through them. One particular instance stands out, where I had my AirPods Pro in for a total of four hours: two hours of listening to music, followed by another two in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) mode without any sound. After turning off the ANC, I was taken aback by how amplified the voices around me felt—they seemed extraordinarily loud. I quickly reactivated the ANC feature, still without music. Later that evening, I experienced a ringing sensation in my right ear, and by morning, both ears had become unusually sensitive to noise. Could it be that the ANC function is causing alterations in ear pressure? I've observed that wearing headphones can lead to a quick onset of ear fatigue, especially when it mutes sounds like running water. Following an ear trauma, I experimented with putting one earbud in my left ear, which was less affected than the right. However, when I activated the ANC mode, it resulted in immediate discomfort in my right ear, not the left. Fast forward 2.5 months, and I haven't used any headphones since I can no longer tolerate them. My ear sensitivity has not improved; if I attempt to wear larger headphones for even 15 minutes, my ears remain fatigued by sound for the entire next day. After consulting a doctor, various tests were performed, confirming that my nerves are intact, yet they remain puzzled about the source of my sensitivity. They suggested an MRI of my neck, which I am skeptical about as a potential cause because this sensitivity arose specifically after my excessive use of AirPods. I firmly believe the issue lies within my ears, and not with my neck.
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Back Pain
Age: 22 Two years ago, I experienced a Strep A infection, which later resulted in debilitating lower back pain that has progressively intensified. I'm uncertain about the next steps to take. An MRI scan didn’t reveal any underlying issues, but those around me are starting to believe my pain might be psychological. However, this situation is significantly impacting my daily life and activities.
Can Beer Consumption Lead to Inflammation or Arthritis?
A 24-year-old male who enjoys drinking beer has recently experienced troubling symptoms that seem to correlate with his drinking habits. Over the past couple of years, he has noticed that occasionally, after consuming several beers, he suffers from significant inflammation lasting about a day. Having consumed four beers within the last day, he now finds himself dealing with considerable pain. Specifically, one wrist feels intensely painful and sensitive, accompanied by a pronounced clicking sound when it’s moved. Additionally, there’s a sensation in his finger joints reminiscent of old, rusted machinery—feeling stiff and sore. His knees, elbows, ankles, and toes are also experiencing similar discomfort and warmth. While he has learned about the potential for gout linked to alcohol consumption, he is uncertain whether his symptoms indicate a broader form of arthritis, given their systemic nature. Most often, these episodes dissipate after a single day, leaving him questioning whether there might be a legitimate concern here or if he is simply worrying too much. He notes that, at 24 years old, he feels like he has the mobility challenges often associated with someone much older, which is understandably distressing for him.
Strange Stomach Discomfort When Drinking Water?
Greetings, Recently, I went on a hike before my workday and experienced an intense, sweaty day. During my break, I drank a significant amount of water quickly. However, while swallowing towards the end of my break, I felt a peculiar pain in the upper part of my stomach, accompanied by a feeling of bloating. Initially, I attributed this sensation to my fast drinking, reminiscent of a child at a soccer match. However, it has been days, and I find that if I take more than a couple of sips of water, I experience a sharp discomfort as if my stomach can't handle it, followed by that bloated feeling again. I’m able to eat without problems, although I have been forced to dine slowly and take smaller bites, opting for more modest meals out of caution. Should I consider seeking emergency medical attention? While I don’t experience pain outside of drinking water, I do notice unusual hunger pangs at times that seem excessive. Being somewhat of a hypochondriac, I hesitate to search online for symptoms, yet I don’t want to ignore what could be an issue. Visiting a doctor is usually a financial strain for me, so I thought I would seek advice here first. I appreciate your help!