Should I get this urodynamics test

[HerbertVonDoodlebug]

Had a gynae appointment a few months ago for stress/urge incontinence (fairly standard post children stuff, no prolapses). Given topical estrogen plus instruction in doing my pelvic floors better. Things have definitely improved though not perfect- my trampolining days are behind me but feels manageable atm.

Gynae wants me to go in for a urodynamics test with a view to suggesting possible surgical options when they have a clearer idea of what’s going on with my bladder. I have already decided there is zero chance I’m going ahead with any surgery at this stage. (Fear of issues such as with the vaginal mesh, plus just surgery in general.)

I really don’t want to attend the urodynamics appointment- partly because it seems pointless when I am not going to agree to surgery, partly because of the horrible indignity of it all.

DH thinks I should go ahead with it anyway because why not, and if I turn it down I’ll be discharged from consultant care and go back to the bottom of the waiting list if things get worse.

WWYd?

I had all sorts of issues during pregnancy and after giving birth. Sometimes urge incontinence but mainly not being able to urinate as needed or it would take 5 minutes to empty bladder! Was awful. I had many many tests including the urodynamics which did indicate surgery for me. They stretched my uretha and it has been life changing. Sitting on the toilet for 5 minutes, struggling to go after feeling like I was about to wet myself at the same time was really time consuming and affecting me more than I realised.

However, I will be honest with you, the uro-dynamics was painful. 2 small tubes inserted in tinier places. I cried. A lot. The second time I made sure my partner was with me as I couldn't face it alone again. The first one annoyed me as I was crying in pain (and from PTSD from birth, but that's another story!) when the nurse said "okay we will use the numbing gel, but it does make it harder for us to put it in...." Like it wasn't bloody horrendous for me actually going through it!

So to sum up, was helpful for me as it has made my life normal again but if it is just something that is a slight inconvenience to you rather than life hindering, then maybe it isn't for you?

I do follow a lot of pelvic floor specialists on instgram and they emphasise various different exercises that the doctors didn't and work a lot on your core which they say is key to helping the pelvic floor, rather than the standard kegel type exercises. May be worth having a look?

To add to my last reply, the surgery I had was quick and painless afterwards and recovery was a few days, mostly just getting over the sleepiness of the anaesthetic. But obviously that would depend on what the issue is that they find if you do go ahead.

Oh and I can trampoline with no problem post surgery! Only had one child so far though...