Re: Difficulty urinating

GoodspeedeMember

Lately, past few months, I have been noticing that I am having trouble starting urination. I CAN urinate, but it takes me about 1-5 minutes to get started. I have to really focus on relaxing all my muscles "down there" and I know I am relaxing enough because my jpouch will empty itself.
My husband thought that maybe my bladder muscles are strained from pushing too hard to empty my jpouch at times. He may be on to something, but it is rare that I really need to push hard to empty my pouch. My stools are usually loose enough for me to have no problem.
Anyone have any thoughts or similar experiences? I tried searching on the internet, but all I can come up with is prostrate problems ... obviously doesn't pertain to me! lol
Also - little background info. Had the 3 step jpouch surgery in 2005 and a c-section in 2009. Three experiences with blockages, but 2 were in 2005 when I still had my colostomy bag and the other was right after my c-section in 2009. I have had pouchitis a few times, but not since 2009. So I am basically in pretty good GI health at the moment. Never had any gynecological issues either.
Thanks in advance for your input

9/20/139:46 AM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

Could be something as simple as a minor urinary tract infection. Having a j-pouch does not make you immune. You can try really flushing out by drinking LOTS of water and/or cranberry juice. If that does not work, call your primary doc first.

Jan

9/20/131:44 PM

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skn69Member

A sudden case of shy bladder?
I used to get blocked when I had to pee in public places, in hospitals or post op...my mom would have to turn on the water to get my brain to convince my bladder to 'let go'...still happens at the oddest times, even at home every now and then...usually means that something is either irritated down there (took a bubble bath, used the wrong soap, hubby been a bit too enthusiatic

...)...it isn't exactly full blown cystitis (although I did get a bout this yr for the 1st time in 20)...but a mild irritation of some sort...I use a special gyn soap to keep the flora in check down there and avoid washing my hair when in the tub (shampoo irritates too)...I think that all of the antibiotics that I have taken over the years has made the zone ultra sensitive to any change in PH so I feel it as soon as something is brewing...
You might want to drink a couple glasses of cranberry juice over the next few days to see if it helps.
Sharon

9/20/134:38 PM

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GoodspeedeMember

Thanks for the tips Jan & Sharon. You make a good point about a possible UTI or mild irritation of some sort. It doesn't hurt like a typical UTI. But us jpouches are weird. When I was pregnant I got a full-blown kidney infection. My doc said I probably had a UTI first that went untreated and then spread to the kidneys. It was bad too - I lost 20 lbs and was off my feet for 2 weeks. Luckily a prescription of bactrim kicked that pretty quick, considering how bad it was. But it makes me think that maybe my body doesn't feel the typical UTI pain.
So in the meantime I am going to drink extra H20, which I have been trying to lately. I get dehydrated so quick and it really takes me down. I'll add some cranberry juice too and maybe that will help too.
I'm over due for a general check-up so I think I will make an appointment just to be safe. Thanks again for the tips!

9/21/137:52 AM

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kdubMember

I came home with a nasty UTI after each surgery (catheter) and now I have a tendency to get them pretty easily. When I do have a mild one, I'm usually tipped off because I have that same urge to urinate, but then there's the unexpected delay. Maybe check in with your GP or gynecologist/ urinologist to see if that's the problem - then it's a quick fix.

9/23/132:07 PM

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