My bladder problems are resurfacing after years of treatment

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with oxybutynin. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.

A few years ago, I spent the summer at my mom’s apartment because I’d been living in college dorms and my semester had ended, so I couldn’t stay on campus. That summer, I began having bladder problems associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), but at the time, I didn’t know its cause. I thought it was all in my head. I was still early on my MS journey, so I wasn’t aware of the vast number of symptoms that could affect me.

I remember the day my bladder problems started. That day, I realized I was using the bathroom more than normal, but I didn’t pay it any mind because I thought I was just overly hydrated. The next day, I started to pay attention to the frequency of my trips to the bathroom, because they were becoming more constant. When my mom came home that day, I told her about it, and she reassured me that everything would be OK. We had no idea that it was because of MS.

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I started getting frustrated, so I started to count the number of times I went to the bathroom. It was about 20 times in a five-hour period. I felt like I was losing my mind, because I didn’t know what was happening. So I did what most people do: I visited my good friend, Google, where I was shocked to learn that bladder problems are a common symptom of MS. Who knew? I certainly hadn’t.

Luckily, I had a routine appointment with my neurologist a couple days after these events occurred. My doctor prescribed oxybutynin, which is used to treat overactive bladders. Once I started taking this medication, I felt instant relief, and it made my bladder feel normal again.

Ever since this symptom started to appear, I’ve been diligent about staying hydrated and reducing my intake of caffeine and sugary drinks. Additionally, whenever I’m in public, I always make sure to find the nearest bathroom and identify a clear route to it. Adapting to bladder hyperactivity and urgency has been difficult, though, because sometimes the feeling is overwhelming. But making these small changes has helped to ease my mind.

Oxybutynin has made a significant difference over the years, but I feel its effectiveness starting to diminish. I’ve noticed a slight change just in the past week. Needless to say, it’s been extremely frustrating, because the hyperactivity and overwhelming urgency make it challenging to complete daily tasks and rest comfortably.

As always, I immediately notify my neurologist when a symptom changes or a new one appears, so hopefully, we’ll be able to adjust my medication and try a different one. These changes serve as a personal reminder to stay connected with my body and mind, which allows me to effectively recognize when something feels off.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.