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Ask The Nurse

Need some expert advice? Sometimes it’s important to speak to a medical specialist. Our nurses are specially trained in issues around bladder weakness and have answered some of your questions below.

I've just had a hysterectomy and a bladder sling. Is it possible that my incontinence will continue for a while? The doctor told me I had a hernia on the bladder and that he had to repair that as well. Is this a common occurrence? Adrienne

Most women regain their bladder control fairly quickly following bladder surgery. I’m not sure what your doctor meant by a hernia on the bladder so you may need to ask him to clarify. When the bladder is falling it comes down into the vagina because of weakness in the pelvic floor and the vaginal wall. This could be described as a type of hernia and may be what he meant.

 

Do you always get bladder weakness after a hysterectomy? Elaine

Some women experience bladder leakage following a hysterectomy but it’s not inevitable. The uterus sits over the bladder and provides support for it. Sometimes, when the uterus is removed, the bladder becomes more unstable, causing leakage.

Due to nerve damage in my back, I have a neurogenic bladder. I have overflow incontinence and have been tested for feeling in the bladder as I only feel it when it's overfull. I’m seeing a Urologist who’s sending me for a cat scan and blood tests... Francesca

It sounds like you’ve already had a urodynamic assessment. This is a test to determine if bladder function is present, and was probably used to establish your diagnosis. If this is a neurogenic bladder and you are in overflow incontinence, a means to empty your bladder must be established. I don’t know precisely what is causing the problem but, given your history of nerve damage, it’s probably not correctable. Providing you have no underlying handicap relating to your hands or arms, the most likely option would be a self-clean intermittent catheterization. This involves the placement of a catheter into the urethra several times daily. Other less desirable options include a suprapubic cystotomy or an indwelling catheterization.

There are certain times in a month when I seem to have issues with urine leaking out. This is not a permanent thing but usually once a month I get this. I can't even get up without urine leaking out. Is there a reason for this? Oksana

It’s not unusual for women to complain of urine loss just prior to or during their periods. This is related to fluid retention and the increased pressure caused by menstrual flow. Try using a purpose-made bladder weakness product at these times.

What can be prescribed to help an overactive bladder? So far I’ve had Oxybutin and Elmiron with no success. I also took oestrogen for many years. Nothing seems to work for me. Please help - I’m sick of having sleepless nights! Alicia

An overactive bladder can be caused by many factors. These include: too much caffeine, too little fluid intake, and loss of oestrogen to the bladder lining following menopause. If you regularly drink tea, coffee or cola, you could help yourself by switching to decaffeinated beverages. Many people reduce their fluid intake because they believe drinking less will make them go less. In fact the opposite is true because low fluid intake results in concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder lining. It is important to drink as much fluid as you feel like during the day, though you may want to limit your fluids about 3 hours before going to bed.