Rapid Deterioration of Neurogenic Bladder in Late 20s – Urethra Nearly Obstructed
Hello everyone, I’m a woman in my late twenties from the USA, and I'm currently at a standstill with my bladder complications. To provide a bit of background, I am dealing with multiple health challenges: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, chronic migraines, Spondylolisthesis, neurogenic bladder, and there’s a suspicion of an occult tethered cord (OTC). My urinary issues have persisted since I was just three years old. However, all structural assessments have come back normal—there are no strictures, stones, or other anatomical blockages. My urologist has attributed my condition to neurogenic bladder and is quite concerned that OTC might be contributing to my symptoms. Currently, I am facing some pressing issues: - I am struggling to urinate, managing only a few drops at a time. - My urethra is so constricted that it is nearly impossible to visualize or insert a catheter without significant discomfort, and not due to any strictures. - The pain from retention is becoming increasingly unbearable. - Although my urologist advised me to visit the emergency room, I’m left wondering what they could do if even catheter insertion proves difficult. I have a forthcoming appointment with a spine surgeon (I met with a neurosurgeon last week), yet I can't shake the feeling that my condition is worsening. The prospect of the ER feels futile, but the pain from retention is severe, and I worry about my bladder's ability to cope with this situation. What should I do in the interim? I am feeling frightened and utterly drained. Any guidance or shared experiences would be immensely appreciated.
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 11:40:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. Your concerns regarding bladder function and pain are valid, and it's understandable to feel frightened and drained given your situation. Let’s break down what you can do next in this difficult time.
Main Points:
- Immediate Management of Urinary Retention: Focus on relieving retention and managing discomfort.
- Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of changes to inform your healthcare team.
- Prepare for Upcoming Appointments: Gather information that may be helpful for your specialists.
Explanation:
With your history of neurogenic bladder and the complications you’re experiencing, it’s critical to address the immediate issue of urinary retention. The pain and difficulty with urination suggest that you may need further intervention, as this could lead to more severe complications. While your appointments with specialists are on the horizon, addressing your discomfort in the meantime is a priority.
Next Steps:
-
Use Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to your lower abdomen may help to relax the area and provide some relief from the discomfort of retention.
-
Hydration: Ensure you continue to drink water, as staying hydrated is essential to maintain urinary function even if urination is difficult.
-
Attempt Gentle Self-Catheterization: If you have been taught how to self-catheterize, you may try doing so very gently. If it is too painful, it’s better to stop. Avoid any forceful attempts that could cause further irritation.
-
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (if you can take them and they are not contraindicated for your other conditions) can help manage your discomfort. Always ensure they are safe considering your existing health issues.
-
Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your urinary patterns, the severity of your pain, and any other symptoms. This can be very helpful for your upcoming consultations.
-
Emergency Room Consideration: If your pain escalates, or if you become unable to urinate completely and start experiencing fever, chills, or severe abdominal pain, going to the emergency room may be necessary despite your concerns. They might be able to provide interventions like catheterization or pain relief that could help while you await further specialist care.
Emphasize Your Concerns in Appointments:
When you meet with your spine surgeon, be sure to express your current challenges with urinary retention and pain. They may have new insights or interventions that could help alleviate your symptoms.
Remember, you are not alone in this, and it’s important to continue advocating for your health. If you need any more support or tips along the way, please ask. Take care, and I hope for a solution that brings you relief soon.
Related Questions
Adjusting PEP Dosage Times: What You Need to Know
I began my Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) yesterday at 6 PM and have a question regarding timing. If I take doses a few hours sooner, will it still be effective, or is it best to adhere to the same schedule? A bit of context about myself: I’m 24 years old, 5’8" tall, and weigh 135 pounds. I have researched this topic, and the opinions appear to vary. My primary goal is to maximize my chances of a negative result. I initiated PEP approximately 64-65 hours after a potential exposure. Would it be alright if I took the doses scheduled for today around 1-2 PM instead? For reference, I am prescribed Emtricitabine-Tenofovir DF at a dosage of 200-300 MG and Tivicay at 50 MG.
Experiencing Sudden Testicular Discomfort: Should I Be Concerned?
Hello everyone, I'm a 14-year-old male, standing at 6'3" and weighing 190 pounds, and lately, I've been experiencing sporadic pain in my testicles. This discomfort occasionally affects one or both testes and tends to occur intermittently over several days. The frequency isn't alarming, but it does seem to be more pronounced at certain times of the year. The intensity of the pain varies significantly, ranging from mild to quite severe. I've already performed a self-exam and found no lumps, which is somewhat reassuring. Furthermore, I’ve taken numerous precautions—ensuring I stay adequately hydrated, avoiding over-exertion, and being mindful of my posture whether I'm sitting or working out. Additionally, I've opted for looser-fitting clothing to eliminate any pressure. Can anyone shed light on what might be going on with this?
Experiencing Discomfort in the Basement
Greetings, I’m seeking some insight into a curious issue I’ve been encountering. After spending approximately a minute in our basement, I occasionally begin to feel nauseous, leading to involuntary retching. This seems to be a problem exclusively for me, as others don’t report similar discomfort. Despite conducting a mold test that returned negative results, I have ruled out radon exposure as well. An air quality monitor indicates no significant concerns either, showing levels well within acceptable ranges for various substances such as 2.5ppm, and 10ppm for volatiles, along with satisfactory readings for humidity, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde. Nonetheless, on certain occasions, a tickling sensation develops in my chest, which is quite distressing. Do any of you have potential explanations or suggestions? I'm contemplating redoing the mold evaluation—perhaps the previous test was inconclusive? Demographics: 42 years old, nonbinary, standing at 5'11" and weighing 189lbs, and I do not smoke.
Curious Bumps on My Finger
Hello everyone! I’m a 24-year-old woman who has undergone a liver transplant and ileostomy at 18, followed by a total proctectomy at 23. Currently, I am prescribed three different immunosuppressant medications: 5mg of prednisone, 2mg of prograf in the morning, and 3mg of prograf in the evening, alongside 500mg of mycophenolate mofetil taken twice a day. Additionally, I take 150mg of sertraline, 30mg of codeine for managing my stoma, a calcium supplement, and 10mg of Mounjaro every week. Recently, I've discovered a cluster of small, pus-filled bumps on my finger. Previously, I've experienced similar bumps, but this time they’re unusually close together, almost overlapping, and I’ve also noticed a few on my thumb. They consistently appear only on my fingers, predominantly on the palm side, right where the finger meets the palm. While I suspect these bumps aren't anything serious, they are quite hard to the touch, and can be painful if I accidentally scratch them. My suspicion that they are pus-filled stems from the first time I noticed them—I attempted to squeeze one and managed to do so after some effort. However, it caused significant discomfort, so I stopped after that incident. Though I can't share a photo, I’m very eager to understand what these bumps might be. Thank you for any insights you can provide!
24-Year-Old Male Facing Shoulder Problems from MMA Training
I have been practicing Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for around a year now. Approximately four months back, I began experiencing discomfort in my right shoulder, specifically in the rotator cuff region. Lately, I've also noticed some issues with my left shoulder. After consulting with an orthopedic specialist, I was informed that the ligaments in both of my shoulders are overstretched. I was warned that if I ignore this condition, I could be at risk for tears. During my visit to the orthopedic clinic, I underwent an X-ray. However, I am curious: can an X-ray actually reveal problems with ligaments, or is it solely intended for diagnosing bone-related issues?