Bladder Spasms (dumb question)
 

I've posted a couple of times about some bladder/urinary sxs I've been having. I did see a urologist & am scheduled for urodynamics testing next Wenesday. Well, now I have a question about spasms.

Tonight, my bladder feels very full (I have gone to the bathroom a few times), occasionally, I'll feel the bladder area tighten up. Sometimes it will tighten and loosen up, sometimes it just remains tightened up. After I use the restroom, the spasms are REALLY bad.

If you've had spasms of the bladder, does that sound like what I'm describing? Will the urodynamics testing pick up on any contractions that may occur during testing?

Oh yeah---Something new last night...when I finally decided at 3:00 am that I was ready to sleep, I got up and used the restroom and went to bed. I had a little spasming, some pain and burning/tingling. (No, i don't have a UTI...we've checked. :D) ***Are ya still with me? Good cuz here's the wierd part. After the burning stops, that "area" gets cold. :holysheep: WTH is that about?!?!?!?!?

What a freak of nature I am. :Sigh:

Sounds like the spasms I have, I don't have the cold feeling not there anyway but I get almost a buzzing feeling yippee right but no it hurts! I think it is related to the nerves, I do get cold areas or burning areas in other places thruout my body so it seems normal that some people might get them there too!Good luck with the testing I think the urinary stuff is some of the worst!

The cold feeling is probably a dysthesia, which is a distortion of any sense, especially of the sense of touch...Wikipedia

Please, do not use capsaicin cream in that area like the Wiki suggests...that would be BAD! Very bad juju!

Talk to the urologist about it, because my explanation could be wrong (and probably is!)

The tech noticed my spasms during the test and made note of it. Mine get really bad and hurt a little when my bladder is close to empty.

You're not alone with the cold feeling. But it only happens to me at night when I wake up to go. LOL, hubby has joked that it's because none of me is awake at that hour. :D

Oh geez, I could never put that *there*!!!! :o

Typically, the cold feeling has just happened when, like you, I wake up to go at night; however, when I posted my question, it was happening then. That was the first time it happened at any other time.

Or it could be specifically referred to as paraesthesia:

http://www.mult-sclerosis.org/paraesthesia.html

"Dysesthesias is a symptom of pain or abnormal sensation(s) that typically cause hyperesthesia, paresthesiae, or peripheral sensory neuropathy.

Paresthesias

Paresthesias (abnormal neurological sensations that include numbness, tingling, burning, prickling, and increased sensitivity, or hyperesthesia) can include several conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, multiple sclerosis, strokes (cerebrovascular accidents), Guillain-Barré syndrome, transverse myelitis, and compartment syndrome/Volkmann's contracture."

6 of one, 1/2 a dozen of another. ;) Whatever it's called, it's pretty common in various places of the body, with MS.

I get those ice cold sensations, usually in patches on my legs, and especially when I go into cold weather (but not always). It's like someone is suddenly holding an icepack to that spot. It lets up for me fairly quickly though, within a few seconds to minutes after I escape the trigger.

I also get "hot" burning patches, usually from being in the path of a heater (ie. in the car).

Sometimes though, I just get a "drip" type feeling too, and I swear I have water drops falling on me. This seems to be triggered by certain positions that I am holding my leg (ie. foot on gas pedal). :confused:

I get the spasms at the back end. I find the physical position of my body can have an impact on whether I get them, but mine aren't IN any organ in that area, just in the "meat". Are yours IN your bladder or just you just feel them in the area where you actually void? (Probably too private of a question . . . sorry . . . but just something to think about when describing it to the new doc.)

Cherie

Jenn, my spasms cause the same symptoms that I have with an UTI. Which brings up a question I have, is there a home test for UTIs?

I have never experienced the coldness but as you know, MS can cause just about anything.

Good luck, and we need to have a "burn the symptoms" party--I'm certainly willing to get rid of all this weirdness.

Sassy,
They have AZO test strips to check for UTI'S over the counter. You can get them at any pharmacy, Rite Aid, CVS, prolly Wal-Mart etc., too.

They should pick up the spasms during the test since filling the bladder will most likely trigger the response. Good luck and I pray you find relief. Jim is taking Oxybutinin for his spasms. :hug:

it's very possible that if your bladder is too full and you're not emptying at a sitting that the muscle is spasming.

the testing will show this is that's what happening.
it is painful. when i woke up from my surgery i couldn't go at all. they had given me 2 liters of fluid and had to cath me for relief.

i've been on detrol LA and it's helped very much.
i hope your appt goes well.
i hope you are able to make it til then without too much problem.

i will be anxious to hear how it went and what they dr found.
good luck.

Brenda,
It feels exactly as if I have a UTI (except it's not constant like a UTI), but we've checked and I do not. The last several nights, I've fallen asleep on the couch only to wake up around 2 or 3 am to have to go to the restroom before getting in bed. Well, that's usually when the worst pain is and it's been keeping me up for another 30 minutes to an hour after going to bed b/c of the pain. I *think* I'd rather have spasms in my legs again!

This "area" is the only place I've experienced the coldness. "Hot spots", on the other hand, have occured in many area on my body.
Thanks, Desinie! My urinalysis has been normal, too. I've taken pyridium, but only when I've had bladder infections. If the pain & spasms are caused by the MS, will it still help? :confused: I'm sure that's a dumb question!
Thanks for the hugs, Sandy!
Thanks, NurseNancy! I wonder if my bladder is too full and not completely emptying, is it possible the the leakage upon standing up (after urinating) is caused by that, too?

Thanks, Cherie! I've had paresthesia before, but never in this area. :eek: And I've never had the cold anywhere else...hot patches, but no cold.

I know what you're talking about with those "drip type feelings"! I've had that happen on my legs before, but mostly on the back of my arms.

About where the actual spasms are...definately the bladder. (Now here's something that most likely is too much info....I've also had 2-3 times when I've had spasms in the **** sphincter...:eek::o:eek::o . I sooo hate it when that happens!!!)

jenn,

i'm praying that wednesday comes fast and that you'll have some answers with this dr visit. i believe that you will.

hang in there.
if you're having too much pain try calling the dr and see if they can get you in on an emergent basis. also, call first thing monday and see if they've had any cancellations. if the staff knows you're having so much pain and sx's they may be able to work you in sooner.