My DH has been experiencing an overactive bladder for several months or more now. (He's 35)He finally saw a urologist a month or so ago, tried medication, had no change. He doesn't have any pain, any leaking, anything at all except having to urinate frequently. It's not messing up his life by any means, but it's there for sure. He had a second urology visit today and the doctor wants to do a bladder stretching procedure. I'm searching online for more info about this, but not seeing a ton of details, or I'm not sure exactly what to call it to search. I've only seen one personal experience and that was a negative one! I understand the procedure itself, but am looking more for any problems after having this done.

Anyone have this done before or know someone who did, and if so what was the experience afterward? TIA

By Happynerdmom on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 05:56 pm:

I've not had this done, so I don't have any advice. I have an overactive bladder, but medication controls it pretty well.(Detrol LA.) Between the medication and Poise pads, I appear normal, LOL. It's not a fun condition to have. I hope the bladder stretching works for him! I guess it really depends on what's causing the problem, but it seems to me if this is a relatively new developement, the size of his bladder would not be the problem? Mine is caused by the bladder going into spasms as if it were full, when it's not full at all. Wish I could be more help...

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 06:52 pm:

Well, first, the urologist ought to explain the procedure, the pros, the cons, possible side effects, AND, how often the urologist has done this and how many times a year, with what results. If this leaves your dh with any qualms, I'd certainly go for a second opinion.

And yes,Michele, thank heaven and the pharmaceutical industry for Detrol. Which, I think, is only meant for women, but I haven't researched.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 06:53 pm:

I'd want to know why he is experiencing this problem now, when he never had before. That's certainly one of the questions I'd want the urologist to answer.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 07:36 pm:

Has he been tested for other things that cause frequent urination? Diabetes, for example.

By Vicki on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 07:50 pm:

I too would want more of an explanation. If this is a fairly new problem, there must be something that is causing it. I don't know how his bladder would have shrunk? Seems to be like the bladder stretching would just be masking the problem?

What types of tests did they do? Any tests on his prostate?

By Debbie on Monday, February 18, 2008 - 07:52 pm:

I have no experience with this. But, as someone that was totally misdiagnosed by a doctor. I would recommed a 2nd opinion before having any surgery, unless you are 100% confident in that doctor and their diagnoses.

I would write a list of questions that you have, and make an appt. to see the doctor again before you make a decision. How does the doctor know it is the size of his bladder causing the problems? And, if that is it, why is he just know having symptoms?

When I was having foot issues, I went to a ortho doctor. He said I had a problem with one of my tendons, he felt it was stained or torn. He wanted to do surgery. When I started asking lots of questions, he became very abrasive. So, I got a 2nd opinion. Turns out I had plantar fascitis, not a tendon problem. I started doing stretching exercises and taping my foot, as recommended by the 2nd doctor. Within a month, I was pain free, and exercising. Thank god, I didn't have the surgery!!

So, now I am a big believer in 2nd opinions, especially when surgery is involved.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 08:19 am:

Men also use Detrol LA. I've seen in on their med lists. It's usually an older man, though. I really don't know what a bladder stretching procedure is. Ditto on asking more questions, as the other women have suggested.

By Wandilu on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 - 04:09 pm:

I don't know how different this would be on a male ,versus a female. But when my oldest DD was young, she had bladder problems and we had a similar procedure done on her.Instead of stretching her bladder, the DR. cut some small incision's at the top of the entrance to the bladder. He said that way he wouldn't have to keep going back in to re-stretch it. It worked, she never had to have it re-done. My then DH's cousin was taking her DD to a different DR, and they had her back in the EVERY month to be re-stretched ,in the office.This went on for a long time. I told my DR and he said that was rediculous and unessesary .

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 11:11 am:

That's one of the problems we've learned, that the stretching could have to be done repeatedly, which totally makes sense to me.

I've convinced him to hold off thankfully! Not enough info, not enough explanations, and honestly, not enough problems right now to warrant a surgery that messes with the bladder. We're going to get a second opinion. I really did not have a good feeling about the whole idea of it.

Thanks for you info!