Surgery for Overactive Bladder
Q: It seems clear that I've had OAB for many years (my 3rd child was born
over 20 years ago) and Detrol is providing very little, if any relief. My Ob-Gyn
said surgery is indicated to repair the weakened bladder. He suggested I wait
a few years as the procedure is apparently under revision and simplification
trials. He retired shortly thereafter and when I saw his associate for my next
regular check-up, he said that surgery would not be indicated.
Whom do I believe? I am forced to manage with inadequate sleep as I usually
wake three times per night AND as I am aging, I find it increasingly difficult
to go back to sleep. Furthermore, I find it difficult to leave
home for more than an hour unless I can be sure I'll be close to a ladies room.
If I take a walk, I have to plan to come home midway for a bathroom break.
Please help, I'm developing Cabin fever!
Sincerely, C.F.
Dr. Donnica: I am sorry to hear about your challenges with OAB. Surgery
is not usually helpful for OAB patients, although many patients with stress urinary
incontinence (SUI) do benefit. Since Detrol hasn't provided you with the
relief you need, you may want to ask your doctor about trying the only other medicine
that's FDA approved to treat OAB: Ditropan XL (oxybutynin chloride).
Your doctor will probably start you on the lowest dose, but this dose can be increased
significantly over time until you have a sufficient reduction in wetting accidents.
I hope that helps! For more information on bladder control, click here.
Best regards,
Donnica L. Moore, MD
President, DrDonnica.com
Created: 11/23/2002 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
