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Original poster

Bladder and bowel probs - doctor's appointment?

198 replies

ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 11:48

Name changed for this because I am too embarrassed!

For about the last 2 weeks I've been having big issues with bladder and bowel control. I haven't experienced this previously and at first I thought maybe I had a stomach upset, but I don't actually feel that it is.

I don't get any warning when I need to "go", have to dash to the toilet and sometimes haven't been able to make it in time.

Very occasionally I don't feel properly till it happens - like this morning, I didn't feel the urge until it was already happening Blush

I was kind of putting up with it till I realised I've been getting up in the night 5+ times to go, constantly having to run to the loo at work, etc. And it is getting me down.

Is it silly to book a doctor's appointment for this? The next one I can get is in 4 weeks anyway, so it will probably have stopped by then!

Is there something I can do? I'm so embarrassed and I feel like I can't tell anyone!

OP posts:
JoshLymanIsHotterThanSam · 15/08/2021 11:49

Any associated back pain? Any numbness in the saddle area?

If so skip GP and straight to A and E.

Lemonsyellow · 15/08/2021 11:51

It’s definitely not silly to book a GP appointment. You must do so.

Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 11:52

Nope, nothing like that.

I feel tired and stiff and achey (which was why my first thought = virus) but nothing else.

OP posts:

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General health
twointhemorning · 15/08/2021 11:53

Do you have any stomach bloating?

MonkeyPuddle · 15/08/2021 11:53

Absolutely needs a GP appointment. If your surgery offers same day appointments get one of those.

VimFuego101 · 15/08/2021 11:54

This definitely warrants a GP appt.

Fancymice · 15/08/2021 11:57

Definately get to the GP ASAP, it sounds like it has come on quickly so it needs to be looked into sooner rather than later.

JoshLymanIsHotterThanSam · 15/08/2021 11:57

I think you need to call GP and ask for a same day appointment. Say you have sudden unexplained loss of bowel control.

The very worst case scenario is Cauda Equina hence why I asked about back pain and numbness. It could be nothing but any GP worth his salt will have you bought straight in to make sure its not CE.

Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 12:02

I haven't particularly had any bloating, nor any cramps or feeling sick - it's just that my stools are very soft or liquidy (sorry for tmi!) and I don't get much warning when I need to go. This morning I've just been for the 5th time! As long as I can get to a toilet in about 30 secs I am okay Blush

It's similar with the bladder thing, but worse in terms of frequency BlushBlushBlush

OP posts:
Genegenieee · 15/08/2021 12:03

I think you need a more immediate appointment - especially given you are having both bladder and bowel problems. The GP should accommodate it - tell the receptionist you have rapid onset symptoms, affecting both bladder and bowel control and request an urgent call back from GP or an appointment. Follow up by email if needs be.

Genegenieee · 15/08/2021 12:05

And as it's Sunday, ring your GPS out of hours service or 111

HeReWeGoAgAiN1112 · 15/08/2021 12:05

I’d want A&E if you can’t feel the need to go to the toilet

DamnUserName21 · 15/08/2021 12:05

Yep, GP.
Take a diary of your symptoms and all the incidents/episodes that have occurred.
If you can remember, what you've eaten/drank, this might be relevant too.

Soontobe60 · 15/08/2021 12:06

Is there a link with a Covid vaccination? I had the runs after my second one - lasted a couple of weeks. Also, my dd and her 2 kids had Covid last week - they also had the runs for a week.

Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 12:50

Hiya,

Thanks for all the advice! I don't think it's Covid-vax related. I had my first jab 4 weeks back and haven't had the second yet. But it was only a couple of weeks later that this started.

I called up 111 and they made me an appointment with the GP out of hours.

I feel on one hand worried about making a fuss about nothing. On the other hand, I'm kind of worried about finding out what's causing it! It's not that I can't feel when I need to go, it's more than I feel it and I can't hold on Blush Or sometimes (particularly with the bowels thing) I feel it only as it happens BlushBlushBlush

Someone asked about numbness and I haven't had any numbness in "that" area but I do get numb fingers and hands sometimes - but I have that for years so I really doubt that it is either worrying or related!

OP posts:
Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 13:07

The appointment is at 2.30 so at least I don't have long to wait around!

OP posts:
Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 13:40

@JoshLymanIsHotterThanSam

I think you need to call GP and ask for a same day appointment. Say you have sudden unexplained loss of bowel control.

The very worst case scenario is Cauda Equina hence why I asked about back pain and numbness. It could be nothing but any GP worth his salt will have you bought straight in to make sure its not CE.

Quick Q: is there anything particular I should ask, about Cauda Equina? Although I don't think it is probably that!
OP posts:
JoshLymanIsHotterThanSam · 15/08/2021 14:49

They’ll be on the look out for CE symptoms anyway. If they even slightly suspect it you should be sent for an emergency MRI scan.

Just make sure you answer all the GPS questions honestly-don’t withhold anything, and I would mention the numbness in your fingers.

HeReWeGoAgAiN1112 · 15/08/2021 15:54

How are you OP?

Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 16:10

Hello, thanks for the messages!

I'm still at the hospital (the out of hours GP is also based here) because after my appointment I got sent on for imaging. The doctor was good, older guy, very thorough, and I managed to talk about the symptoms without getting too embarrassed! He felt that it's classic "overactive bladder" and nocturia, but the question is why it would come on that suddenly. He also said the bowel issue might be that my nerves are getting "wrong signals" and this is causing it all go a bit too quickly. They did a urine dipstick test (no infection) and some blood tests (which I don't have back yet). Then the doctor did some funny tests - I guess maybe neurological type things? And he explained afterwards that my hand strength and my coordination were not at top levels and he wanted to refer me for an MRI head, possible lumbar puncture and ultrasounds of my bladder, abdomen and pelvis. I'm waiting to have the ultrasounds done now but they are going to book me in tomorrow for the MRI as they don't do it on the weekend.

I am glad I've got this all over and done with, but they actually took it way more serious than I expected and I'm not at all sure what they are looking for now!

OP posts:
Violetroselily · 15/08/2021 16:26

Glad you're getting a comprehensive review. Fingers crossed its nothing serious.

Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 16:43

I hope so. I didn't ask the doctor "what he thought it might be" but now I almost wish I did, since in a way it seems worse to be clueless!

OP posts:
tiredanddangerous · 15/08/2021 17:06

Have you mentioned the numb fingers and hands to the doctor op? If not please do.

Original poster
ScarletFaced · 15/08/2021 17:13

Yeah, I did - or it actually came up, he asked if I had any numbness or weakness anywhere in my body.

He also asked if I ever got any muscle spasms and I said yes - they happen mostly at night, I get crampy kind of pains and my legs jerk without me meaning to and sometimes my feet go stiff. But again, I had that on and off for years! I kind of assumed everyone had it. I'm really not explaining very well!

OP posts:
Nobloat21 · 15/08/2021 17:21

I'm glad you're being seen.