Bladder problems with MS
Bladder problems occur in 80% of people with MS. Bladder dysfunction can limit independence, reduce self-esteem, increase fatigue and impact upon long-term health. Therefore here at Multiplesupplements.com it is no wonder that we are frequently asked for advice on how to manage this debilitating condition better.
Bladder Dysfunction occurs due to the damage to nerves signals and their inability to communicate the correct message from the brain to the bladder and urinary sphincter.
Identifying what kind of bladder dysfunction you might be dealing with helps in order to take the right steps towards limiting the effects it has on your daily life. Unfortunately some of us have more than one issue to deal with.
- Urinary Urgency - People with this problem feel the need to urinate frequently and urgently. That familiar "tickle" and pressure that help us recognize the right time to head to the restroom is unusually intense. When urinary urgency takes place, the signals that synchronize urination are disrupted which creates an uncontrollable urge to urinate—the very definition of incontinence.
- Nocturia - People with nocturia must wake frequently during the night to go to the bathroom. There are a number of causes for this type of incontinence, but persons with MS may experience nocturia due to the interruption of brain impulses that travel up and down the spine to coordinate urination.
- Urinary Hesitancy - This refers to difficulty initiating urination. With multiple sclerosis, this problem may be caused by interruption of brain impulses that control that part of the urination process.
- Sphincter Dyssynergia - Another common problem seen in a bladder affected by MS is sphincter dyssynergia (SD). This occurs when there is both a storage dysfunction and an emptying dysfunction. The bladder is trying to contract and empty, and the urethra is contracting instead of relaxing, therefore allowing little or no urine to pass. This phenomenon is usually due to nerve damage in the spine as opposed to the brain.
- Underactive Bladder - The nerve damage occurring from MS can cause the bladder to weaken, and as a result, the bladder may not contract to release the urine. If nerve signals from the bladder cannot tell the brain to empty, the bladder continues to fill and expand. Eventually, it overflows, with leakage of urine (i.e., overflow incontinence). Even if urination occurs, the bladder usually does not empty completely, resulting in urinary retention.
If left untreated, bladder control problems can cause other health concerns, including:
- Repeated urinary and bladder infections or kidney damage
- Personal hygiene problems
- Interference with normal activity, leading to isolation
A Urinary tract infection is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Abbreviated to UTI.
Why are people with MS more prone to UTI’s?
As discussed the bladder is not functioning correctly resulting often in the bladder holding onto urine and never fully emptying the bladder. This then creates a “stagnant pond” effect, which allows infections to grow. Catheter use also increases the risk of introduced bacteria. Steroid drugs can also weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight the infection.
What are the Common signs of a UTI:
- Fever
- Urinary incontinence/leaking around the catheter
- Cloudy urine
- Spasticity
- Back pain
- Bladder pain
- Lethargy
- Painful or difficult urination
- Sudden, high blood pressure
- Increased weakness
- Any worsening MS symptom
Treatment
If you have a UTI or suspect one, go to your GP that day and discuss your options, most likely you will need antibiotics.
Urinary Track infections are debilitating when you have MS, and once you have had one the likelihood of having more increases. Preventative measures can help with stopping re infection.
Preventative measures
Be aware of the symptoms of a UTI and watch for them. If in doubt do a self bladder test from Multiplesupplements.com. A supplement to help maintain the healthy binding ability of E. coli bacteria in your bowel is essential. MS Bladder Boost will provide this. (A prescription is not needed)
Drink plenty of clear fluids, maintain high levels of personal hygiene, avoid tight fitting underwear and pants, and eat a diet high in fibre to maintain bowel function.
Treatment options for Bladder Dysfunction
There are a number of options available to make living with MS bladder dysfunction manageable. Incontinence clothing and pads have drastically improved and are available in most supermarkets and online. MS Biotin Boost supplement has been identified to help people who suffer from this debilitating condition manage their bladder control more effectively. (A prescription is not needed).
Prescription medications to manage symptoms are also available and improving. It is important to discuss these with your specialist.
Where to start?
Take control of your bladder an accept that it isn’t working properly. Be aware that options are available to help you manage this condition and regain confidence. To do this you could start a bladder diary to record what is happening. Download the PDF here: Bladder Diary - Urology Ca#1DF3.
Book an appointment with your specialist, they may refer you to a Urologist who will run tests to establish a treatment plan. Once you have established that something can be done you will feel lot better. Be mindful that as your MS changes so could your bladder dysfunction which could mean that you may need to see your specialist more than once.
References
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Bladder-Dysfunction#section-4
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections#1