 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2005-01-01 09:20:00
Loss of urinary control?
: I've started noticing urgency when I need to urinate; sometimes so much that I feel I'm not going to make it to the bathroom in time. Other times when I laugh really hard, or cough really hard I leak or dribble some. What is going on?
ANSWER: What you described could be several things, so it's really important to start by ruling some things out. You want to make sure you don't have a urinary tract infection, which can be treated with medications. You may also want to review what other medications you are taking (i.e. both over the counter and prescription) with your physician, as some medications can cause this. While with your physician they can do a physical to determine if there is a physical reason, such as pressure on the bladder, an obstruction, etc.. Other things to talk to your physician about include any past abdominal surgeries, obstetrics-gynecologic surgeries, pregnancies, back surgeries or current pain, or any other things that may have occurred to your abdominal/pelvic area. Anytime nerves or muscles are damaged due to any of the aforementioned reasons, you can have weak muscles in the pelvic floor area, reducing contractibility of the muscles that control urination. Ligaments may have been over stretched as well. This is also a primary reason that conditioning before and after pregnancy, surgical procedures, or general care as we age are so important.Urinary control is something we take for granted until we lose it. It is a major cause of decreased socialization, depression, and embarrassment. It is something that is not commonly discussed either. There are medications that can help, as well as Physical Therapy. Yes, Physical Therapy. Exercise of the involved muscles, sometimes with mild electrical stimulation can have enormous positive results in a short while. Strengthening of the abdominal, pelvic, and lower back muscles and nervous system is paramount.
