cindi o'h Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 Okay. I said it. It is out there. I had it going through chemo to an embarrassing degree. It seemed to clear up for awhile. Now, and for quite awhile, really, I get it with SOB. It happens so quickly that I have no control. Just lose it. My little pal, Justakid, had it too. We were able to laugh and cry over this together. I went to my pulm. rehab. yesterday. I was walking too fast down the hall at the hospital and became short of breath. I peed my pants and felt compelled to go home after many tears in the bathroom. It is so frustrating for me. I just hate it. I had put alot of energy into attending this class yesterday and then to have it all spoiled by a slip of urine was just maddening. Anyone else have this problem? thanks, Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 Cindi,I know where every public restroom for an hours drive in any given location is located.I also am well aware of all big oak trees and ditches and ravines.Sometimes fire hydrants,bushes,car wheels and neighbors yards enter into the equation as well. My philosophy tho sometimes embarrising is better out than on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 Yep. Happens to anyone who has a severe cough, but especially women who have weakening of their pelvic floor due to pregnancy and/or steroid use (hey, steroids weaken all muscles). There is a product called "Poise" for women. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopeandstrength Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 Don't feel bad, Cindy. I have had two kids and can't jump on a trampoline without peeing my pants. Kinda takes the fun out of jumping! Chin up...it's okay! Cathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 cindi, my mom has this too. she has since her surgery in June. I think what Fay said is true, my mother's docs describe it as a condition related to the trauma her abdominal muscles, and everything else in that region, ahve been through. we call them 'attacks' - SOB, heart palpatations and peeing without warning or the ability to stop it. my mother was told that her therapies - physical and pulmonary - should help alleviate the problem. it does happen less frequently now. she also uses incontinence products (depends, etc.) when she wants to, especially after she had an 'attack' in a clients home. Fay, does Poise work for this type of control problem? Suki could really use that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 Poise is a pad that is similar to a sanitary napkin and is not so bulky as a Depends. It is made to inhibit the odor of urine, and she can carry spares in her handbag so she can change them as needed. Sold in supermarkets and drug stores. Comes in number of different sizes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 We use the Poise pads with many of our clients. They are much easier than using a brief. Another hint Cindi-- go often to lesson the amount that will leak. Hit the rest room as often as you can so your bladder isn't full. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted January 13, 2006 Share Posted January 13, 2006 Lucie has leaked more since chemo,but it is under control with pads. Actually, I became incontinent after the second radiation for prostate cancer, and was wearing 8-10 pads a day. I had to carry a bag of pads around with me. I finally had an artificial sphincter (for men) put in and only use one pad a day as a precaution. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 Thanks for bringing this subject up, Cindi. I think a lot of people found some helpful information from this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerbil runner Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 For some reason, the brain mets caused incontinence for my mom (which cleared up after WBR). I get stress incontinence when I run - after 3 kids, not uncommon. I use Poise pads when I run, unless it's early in the morning when my bladder is completely empty and I'm running a short distance. Warning - TMI possible here... When you use the bathroom, try pushing your fist into your belly to help empty your bladder completely. You have to push very low and down. You may be surprised at how much your "empty" bladder is still holding. Kegels may help, also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 Hi Cindy, I have these "attacks" too when I get short of breath and I have to double over to catch my breath but I just cry uncontrollably. Last time was in the docs office when they asked me to take 20 big breaths as fast as possible, I broke down into tears at about breath number 10! No pain, no pee, just lots of tears. If my husband holds me down and tickles me and won't stop, then I get to laughing so hard that I can't breath and then I pee totally too. And we've all probably thought we'd pee our pants when we laugh so hard we can't stop laughing, or laugh so hard we cry...so I'm wondering maybe there is some physical connection between hyperventilating and these attacks? I am just so curious as to what exactly these attacks are...physical or post tramatic or left over anxiety? I've asked docs about my sob attacks and they just shake their head. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmek Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 Mom has it, specific to her having a coughing episode.And even I do at times, also when coughing really hard. Mom looked at me like i was crazy when i brought her home some "feminine products", like 'Kim, I have needed those in years'...but I just figured they might help if she had an acccident while out or just give her more confidence...well they have never been opened (she goes nowhere). So no its not just you!! Love Kim PS..SO glad you finally got the nerve to "come out". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted January 14, 2006 Share Posted January 14, 2006 So far, I only come real close to peein' when I sneeze. My bladder alarm isn't near what it was prior to the last surgery so I don't "know" that I need to potty and the bladder gets rather full. I have to make a conscious effort to go more often to save myself a flooding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted January 15, 2006 Author Share Posted January 15, 2006 I can be more clear about my symptoms. It is dreadful. I thank all of you for sharing here and pms. With me, it happens only when I become SOB...severely SOB. Sob comes on rapidly and so does the loss of control. Try as I might and with all of my strength, I cannot hold that sphincter closed. I will have just thoroughly and completely voided, and if I become sob, there will be some residual that finds its way out. It is as if all of my muscles in my body are panicking for a breath and all energies are put into life saving mode..."screw the pants! We gotta keep Miss Cindi alive!!!".. so I breathe eventually but with a price. Does this help? Anyone like me? thanks, Cindi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerbil runner Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 Wow, tough situation. As if the SOB wasn't bad enough... The Poise pads come in different sizes, from "pantiliner" size to fairly enormous. Try using the biggies for outings/rehab situations. They hold a surprising amount. Again - try physically assisting your bladder to empty. It may take a little practice. Really push with your fist until you get results, try slightly different angles. Won't cure the problem, but may make it a bit more "containable". If all else fails, surgery may be an option. Those lower muscles of ours just really take a beating . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted January 15, 2006 Share Posted January 15, 2006 Cindi, Some medication may be at the source of it: diuretics, sedatives, narcotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, calcium channel-blockers and alpha-blockers also: caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, tea, chocolate, citrus fruits, tamatoes and acidic fruit juices. Just trying to help. xoxo Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted January 16, 2006 Share Posted January 16, 2006 Hi Cindi, I'm not sure but think it is a symptom of something called "suffocation alarm". It is not your fault, total involuntary. Have you tried bending over and bracing your hands on your knees when you get sob? Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Just saw your second post, and the answer from me is still , "Yes." I know exactly what you are talking about. That's why I mentioned that Poise Pads come in many sizes, even those large enough to hold a major "let down", at least long enough for you to get to a restroom and change. You really are not alone in this, Cindi. And your description about what happens, all muscles let go as if there is nothing your body should focus on except staying alive, sounds straight on compared to what happens to me. You may want to talk with your Docs about some new prescription medications available for this kind of problem. I checked into it but I cannot have the drugs because of the type of Kidney Disease I have. I hope that you don't feel I made light of what you experienced. I really am going through what you've described. Hope you find a solution that works well for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze100 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 I asked my niece about this, she is a marathon runner and biochem researcher. She says it can happen to runners when they become so exhausted that the body begins to shut down. The brain releases an enzyme that shuts off the bladder muscle control and it can be extremely urgent. She says she knows it is almost instantaneous as it's happened to her during a race. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellakc2 Posted January 29, 2006 Share Posted January 29, 2006 Hey Cindi, I'm in the bathroom all the time. I just thought it was me. What is up with this, and do you know what it is from? I have a comode next to my bed, because I wake up at least 3 times a night and I know I'll never make the bathroom. Is this a side effect from what?????? My bladder has never been the best and had it lifted in 89, at the time it was from having kids. But what does cancer, chemo or whatever have to do with it??? Boy, am I glad I read this post. What's up w/ that??? Love, Mare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted January 30, 2006 Author Share Posted January 30, 2006 Fay... you weren't being insensitive at all. Blaze.. that kind of makes sense about the brain enzyme. and Mare.. not exactly sure what is up with that, but gosh, don't we dislike it a whole bunch??? Mine came about during treatment, for sure. And it has come and gone in waves since then. Some days and weeks are worse and more urgent than others. Many, many, many times, Mare, could not make it to the potty. I know I was brave to bring this topic out. Hope someone else can benefit by feeling that they are not alone. And hoping that a magic cure comes soon for whatever causes this phenomenon! Thanks again, all. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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