Weak pelvic floor muscles & bladder issues

[Zoink]

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone can help me bc I feel I am getting nowhere.

I had my child two years ago. there were complications during labour and I ended up in surgery three times. From this I developed chronic bladder pain syndrome that took four months to get diagnosed after I eventually went private. Since then, I've had successful treatment to stop the pain (although they said it will return one day) but I am still needing a wee constantly & unable to finish a poo (I guess bc of muscles). Due to this, I can't exercise or go anywhere for long, or without a toilet. I just don't know what to do and it's negatively impacting my life.

This is what I/they have done so far:

1. medicine put directly into bladder (six appts)
2. daily pelvic floor
3. acupuncture
4. tens machine

I'll add that apparently my pelvic floor is a "3 out of 5" and no relapse or whatever the term is.

Can anyone help me??

You poor thing. Have they referred you to a specialist women’s physio? I also had the poo issue, now mostly resolved thanks to the specialist physio for pelvic floor. Maybe they could help? I hope someone more knowledgeable comes along to offer help

That's so horrible for you @Zoink
Is the pain classed as Painful Bladder Syndrome?
It used to be called Interstitial Cystitis.

There are lots of treatments incl drugs (not just the instils you had.)
One of the commonest is amytriptyline. Or there are drugs that help overactive bladder that might help (Vesicare.)

Also, diet can really help frequency. That means cutting out tea. coffee, alcohol, spicy and acidic foods, fizzy drinks like Cola etc.

Has anyone suggested this? There is a support group bladderhealthuk.org/

I suffered from bladder pain and frequency for years after an infection. I know how you feel.

Sometimes pelvic floor treatment can make frequency worse as the muscles get too tight. Not sure if that applies to you.

Have you seen specialists? I'm assuming 'yes' to get the instils. Have they offered drugs at all? Keep asking for help from them.

Thank you both so much for replying!

Yes apparently bladder pain syndrome and IC are the same thing?

I was on some medication but I can't remember what it was called. It was for the bladder but made no difference.

I usually drink decaf and I never drink fizzy drinks. I do like Sauvignon 😁 and spicy food. I've cut down loads but feel sad to think I'd have to give them up entirely.

I saw a specialist at the start and then during Covid, he retired, and then obviously things all became behind with appointments also.

Basically the last person who is saw who was doing my physio/acupuncture told me I need to live/deal with it. I used to be so strong, run fast etc. I now feel so different and unable to be that person, and I can't show my daughter who I am.

I will have a look at that website, thank you xx

Sadly, white wine is supposed to be one of the worst things :(
I've not drunk for over 20 years as it affects my bladder so much, and same for curries and anything spicy.

There are lots of other drugs you could try. I got improvement with diet and a drug called Atarax- it's just a simple antihistamine used for allergies but it is a known treatment.

The website is good and you may be able to work just with your GP if they are willing to prescribe. Amitryptiline is a known treatment too- a low dose of around 20mgs a day.

Hope you find something to help. xx

@LiitleMissNotSoPerfect I shall speak to my gp about this!!

I didn't drink any alcohol at all for six weeks and my bladder wasn't any better. Totally agree that it will have a negative impact though!! How annoying bc I love curries and spicy food!

But maybe I'll try to cut all of this out for a considerable amount of time and see!

mother's little helper

@Hailtomyteeth ooh this looks good. Have you tried it?

I heard it was fun...and effective.