Can symptoms come and go?

Submitted by TDBC on November 2, 2012 - 11:35am
Body: 

I was diagnosed with a low-grade cystocele about 4 years ago. I went to GYN complaining of urinary frequency and expecting to hear I had something horrible (like a tumor pushing on my bladder -- LOL!) and was actually quite relieved to learn about the cystocele. I was so anxious about the possibility of something bad, that I think my anxiety about my urinary frequency was causing it to be so much worse. Once I learned it was nothing serious and I relaxed, my urinary frequency dramatically improved.

At my most recent GYN appointment (18-months ago -- I know it's time to go back!) she also noted that my uterus was starting to drop as well, but I had not noticed any change in symptoms.

Over the past few months, I've noticed that at the end of the day I have to lean forward a bit in order to feel like I can completely empty my bladder. Occasionally, I'd pee, then lay down to read or watch TV, and feel like I had to pee again almost immediately. This only happened a handful of times. Of course, I caught a wild hair last week and decided I needed to be worried about all of this and -- lo and behold -- I am back to a near constant feeling of having to pee.

I know I have both a bladder and uterine prolaspe (and I've gained 25-lbs in the past 3 years) so it should not be surprising to me that I'm having these symptoms. But how much, really, does my anxiety and tendency to focus on them, contribute to their perceived severity?

Also -- I went to my GP this morning to check for a UTI. I did an at-home dipstick yesterday and it showed leukocytes but no nitrates. My test at the doctor showed nothing other than some microscopic blood (which has me completely freaked out). I am at the VERY, VERY tail end of my period -- so tail end that I don't even need a liner, there's just some occasional staining on the TP. I didn't do a mid-stream catch (I forgot it was necessary) and placed the specimen cup directly on my skin. Is a nearly non-existent period enough to cause some microscopic blood in urine?

Any advice for me?

Forum:

fab

November 2, 2012 - 4:41pm

Ultimately only we can answer our own chicken and egg questions, but I would say that first there is the upset to the bladder or urethra or uterus or rectum which include their own symptoms/side effects and then our natural anxiety soon follows which in turn can (and in the scheme of things is meant to) contribute further discomfort because of heightened self-consciousness and tightened muscle tension. This creates then an irresistible need to do something about your condition. Relaxing of course is a strong aid. However, discovering the cause: the inciting incident or condition is what you need to continue to pursue as you did with your cystocele.

I found that adopting WWposture helped with lessening the constant urge to pee. It works because it brings the organs back into their rightful places. It’s natural and it takes time to work just like any new physical activity. I also ensured as much as possible, when it was at its worse, that when I went out it was to a place that had toilets. This was a sap to my anxiety.

Have you been doing WWposture? If not check out the FAQs on the home page and you will find a description of the posture. Start practicing it straight away. It takes time for it to become a habit. Have you read Christine’s book “Saving the whole woman” and the first aid for prolapse DVD? The information there is invaluable and you will find it reassuring that you are not nuts and that you have a better future.

As to the weight gain I think most of us have been there and no, I found it not good for uterine prolapse partly because of the weight of the tummy where most of the weight sits and partly because if we are gaining weight we are probably not being active enough so the muscles in the pelvic area are getting flabby, and lastly fatter pelvic organs are pushing on one another. Other women on this forum have mentioned having to move forward to pee at night.

I really don’t know a lot about UTIs except I certainly don’t want to put up with one and as to the blood issue, it makes sense it is coming from an ending period, they can surprise you sometimes like that, but maybe someone else here can better answer.

Best wishes, Fab

Surviving60

November 2, 2012 - 5:29pm

Hi TDBC - nothing much to add because I've been blessed not to be too susceptible to UTI's, and getting into correct posture a couple of years ago pretty much wiped out my anxiety! But yes, I'm sure it is a vicious cycle as Fab has noted. Posture is the way to go, and there is a great video on this site (well, several, but I'm suggesting you go to Resources and then Video's and then to the first one, to get an overview of all this). I am wondering if the doctor was concerned about the microscopic blood in the urine, or if it's just you who is bothered. It doesn't sound like an issue, but like Fab, I will defer comment on that to someone else. Do check out the site and all of Christine's work, pick up the book and/or a video if you possibly can, and you will be on your way to a better life, simple as that! - Surviving