Urinary Incontenance

cbviau

In October of this year (2017) I'll be 4-years NED from anal cancer.  My Hemotologist says I'm doing fine and he believes I am cured.  But he doesn't address the issue of leaking urine.  His response has always been, "Well you were radiated pretty good down there."

Before treatment for cancer, I never had a problem with urinary incontenance, but since treament, I do.  I have to wear pads 24-7's and I can live with that.  But the leaky urine issue seems to be getting worse.  By that I mean, I'm leaking larger amounts of liquid.  And it seems to happen when I'm standing at the kitchen sink ... no specific time of day. 

What I want to know, does anybody have a naturalpathy way of helping this problem?  The only drug I take is the occasional Naprosyn for the rectal discomfort that comes and goes during peristalsis.

Is there a special exercise that may strengthen this area?  I appreciate any help that's out there.  Thanks.

Hugs and many blessing to All.

CB

mp327

cbviau

My suggestion would be to try pelvic floor exercises, otherwise known as Kegel exercises.  There are sites on the internet that can explain how to do these.  Also, there are physical therapists who specialize in instruction for these exercises.  I wish you all the very best with this and hope you'll keep us posted on how things go.

tanda

cbviau

Some physical therapists specialize in pelvic floor rehabilitation; another possibility would be a urogynecologist (a urologist who specializes in women)

I recently went to a lecture by a urogynecologist;  she mentionned several ways to approach this problem

I have also seen a pelvic floor PT who advised against kegel exercises for women who have had pelvic radiation. I don't remember her rationale, but I was surprised to hear this.

 

mp327

tanda said:

cbviau

Some physical therapists specialize in pelvic floor rehabilitation; another possibility would be a urogynecologist (a urologist who specializes in women)

I recently went to a lecture by a urogynecologist;  she mentionned several ways to approach this problem

I have also seen a pelvic floor PT who advised against kegel exercises for women who have had pelvic radiation. I don't remember her rationale, but I was surprised to hear this.

 

tanda

That's very interesting that the PT advised against kegel exercises post pelvic radiation.  I would sure like to know the reason.

cbviau

Thank you everyone for your

Thank you everyone for your input.  I'm seeing a new GP next month and I'll bring this up to her.  I have so much faith in natural healing (through diet and exercise) and believe there has to be something out there to help.  During the first year (2013-2014) I suffered with the bowel issues and had to wear diapers and booster pads.  But that problem went away and now my BMs are perfect.   (But I still wear booster pads for security).  

BTW, I have tried the Kegel Pelvic floor exercises years ago, but didn't stay with it.  I got lazy about it.  I'll try that again. 

I wonder how long you have to keep that up before you notice a permanent postitive change in urination habits.  Anybody know?  I remember I didn't like the Kegel exercise.  It felt awkward.  I'll try again.

Wisteria83

cbviau said:

Thank you everyone for your

Thank you everyone for your input.  I'm seeing a new GP next month and I'll bring this up to her.  I have so much faith in natural healing (through diet and exercise) and believe there has to be something out there to help.  During the first year (2013-2014) I suffered with the bowel issues and had to wear diapers and booster pads.  But that problem went away and now my BMs are perfect.   (But I still wear booster pads for security).  

BTW, I have tried the Kegel Pelvic floor exercises years ago, but didn't stay with it.  I got lazy about it.  I'll try that again. 

I wonder how long you have to keep that up before you notice a permanent postitive change in urination habits.  Anybody know?  I remember I didn't like the Kegel exercise.  It felt awkward.  I'll try again.

Kegal excercises

I've found that the easiest and most convenient way of doing the kegals is while sitting on the toilet.  Try peeing and stopping the stream then starting again.  Do it for as long as you are still peeing.  Drink a lot of fluids during the day and keep doing the kegals everytime you go.  If you can stop the stream completetly, you know that you're doing them right.

cbviau

Wisteria83 said:

Kegal excercises

I've found that the easiest and most convenient way of doing the kegals is while sitting on the toilet.  Try peeing and stopping the stream then starting again.  Do it for as long as you are still peeing.  Drink a lot of fluids during the day and keep doing the kegals everytime you go.  If you can stop the stream completetly, you know that you're doing them right.

Kegal on Toilet

That's interesting you mentioned practicing Kegal on the toilet.  I found some videos on YouTube and one suggests doing the exercises while seated in a chair or even when standing up.  I've been playing around with it and, given time and consistancy, I think it's going to work.  I'll try your suggestion, too.  Thanks.   

Mollymaude

Kegal

I have read that the way I was taught to do Kegals - starting and stopping the stream of urine- is now not recommended. I can't remember the reasoning but it said it wasn't good for your bladder. When I went to pelvic PT she just wanted me to squeeze and tighten but while laying or sitting. I found the pelvic PT really intrusive and just couldn't keep going- at each visit she had to do rectal and vaginal probing and such.