Answer Summary
Members offered a wide range of suggestions for managing nighttime bladder issues, connecting over how exhausting frequent wake-ups can be.... Read more
There are at least 3 major medications that get recommendations, and each one focuses on different aspects. One is geared for 'urgency' and another for 'fullness/feelings' and yet another focuses on the symptom of 'uncontrolled spasms'. I tried one of them a couple of years back, and got no relief. BUT being diabetic adds a kind of dimension to the production/over production. For me it was a hunk of weight loss that helped reduce production and eliminate urgency. When I mentioned it to my N.P. she said that it was a known result/benefit, and not my imagination. Keeping the sugars at an even balance will cause the urine production to not hit hyper-drive. I got a bit angry that after the issue was unexpectedly fixed from a KNOWN change I could have been focused on doing earlier, that it was never suggested or even mentioned. I said it felt like neglect to not have even mentioned it when we had discussed it for over a year. I have no idea if it would have made me more focused on weight loss, and we will never know really. But that no one even thought enough about the situation to even suggest a non-drug way to solve the issue. But that was with the crowd that was more focused on selling drugs than solving the problem. Since this improvement, I also do more control exercises like Kegels, and reduced liquids after diner time. Unfortunately some experiments seem to be the best way to check which has the best effect on your health. Certainly let your health team know you want to solve this issue, but explain HOW the symptoms are presenting. Be honest, and don't think having an accident is shameful; we get old, and it happens to everyone.
Do you use a cpap? I used to wake up 3-4 times a night for the bathroom for many years and even took medication to help with it. When I got the cpap I have slept better and now rarely get up at night. Your body may be waking you up because of oxygen depletion and you then feel the need for the bathroom. Its actually a thing. I didn't believe it until I started sleeping better.
There are several medications for overactive bladder. That is exhausting. I was up a couple of times during the night but I could go a long time between during the day. I made an appointment with a urologist. This is a very common thing with women that had babies. I take a capsule every night and have several years. One thing he told me to do and I was surprised that it helped. He told me to set a timer and urinate every 3 hours during the day. I noticed right away a difference.
As others have mentioned, there are several medications for overactive bladder. OAB can result from a prolapsed bladder. Another thing to consider is a medical condition many post-menopausal women experience called vaginal atrophy. The fix is quite simple, Estradiol vaginal cream 2-3 x/week. I saw Dr. Sandman, a uro-gynecologist in Sherman. He was a tremendous help to me.
Hiβ¦β¦.have you thought about stopping drinking any fluids around 7 pm???? Good luck π€π»π€π»π€π»π€π»π€π»π€π»