Now, I know I talk a lot about Fibro, Endo, AS…but I rarely talk about having an over-active bladder. Actually, unless you search the website, I don’t think I have mentioned it very often.

So…let’s start from new. I was diagnosed with an over-active bladder about three years ago in 2015, right around the same time everything else was being diagnosed. So I was bouncing from thousands of doctors and visits to try and get answers.

The urologist, while I really liked the one I worked with. I hated going. And it was not because of the place or topic. But more-so, the tests were super uncomfortable. The cystoscope was honestly one of the more painful medical tests I have had to go through thus far and I prefer not to have to go for another one for a long time.

…So we got that covered. Anybody who knows me longer than a month or so knows that I have legit a bladder the size of a pea (I use pee as a pun…).

There are somedays I can go up to 12-15 hours of holding it and not even feeling the slightest need while needing to go. And other days, I will be needing to go every 30 mins on the dot. Some of those times include from the base of 0 need to going straight for a 10. Which is why after all the doctors tests I went through, he realized I have an over-active bladder.

So problem solved right? Nope. I am also fully prone to bladder/urinary tract infections. (Sometimes one or the other and sometimes both at the same time). And if they are not treated within 2-3 days…the infections go straight for my kidneys. With this reasoning, I have had a prescription at the pharmacy for anti-biotics when I feel it coming on to avoid the kidney infections.

As well, I was given the medication to stop the urge from happening so frequently. However, after few weeks of taking them I was having severe kidney pain. So the doctor tried two other types over the months and with the same results. I am just needing to start a new diet cutting out/cutting down on anything that can potentially make it worse.

I have noticed over the course of times. This happens more around my period. So I do think it has something to do with my insides swelling right before. I brought it up with the urologist and he did agree that it could be that. However, when he did the tests in the past he saw nothing that should be causing it.

Medical Definition of Overactive Bladder:

Overactive bladder causes a sudden urge to urinate. The urge may be difficult to stop, and overactive bladder may lead to the involuntary loss of urine (urge incontinence).

Symptoms include:

With an overactive bladder, you may:

• Feel a sudden urge to urinate that’s difficult to control
• Experience urge incontinence — the involuntary loss of urine immediately following an urgent need to urinate
• Urinate frequently, usually eight or more times in 24 hours
• Awaken two or more times in the night to urinate (nocturia)

Although you may be able to get to the toilet in time when you sense an urge to urinate, unexpected frequent urination and nighttime urination can disrupt your life.

You can click on the link above to read more on the situation. Remember… you don’t have to live with this. There is always someone out there to help.