Uro Appointment In A Week...

[tauschung]

Hey all...looking for some support.

I am a 25 year old, male. I went to the urologist last year, because I got decent medical insurance. At that time, I was experiencing bladder frequency and nocturnal enuresis. The nocturnal enuresis had been going on for about six years, and the frequency about 2-3 months. The frequency was really driving me crazy.

Talk to doctor, he says that I have an enlarged prostate. So he treats for that by giving me antibiotics, water pills, and vesicare. That trio was costing me over $100 a month. I stayed on it until the prostatitus cleared up.

Since then, my doctor wants me to either set alarms, or wear one of those bedwetting alarms because he believes that there are no other problems...and that the night time issues can be dealt with training.

I have been trying to talk to him, because I believe that the two issues may be unrelated. AND, I value my sleep because I am in grad school and work full-tim. My wife, nor I want to set an alarm to go off every two hours or deal with any other kind of alarm. But, when I meet with him, he just says the same things...dont drink caffeine, dont drink before going to sleep, dont drink alcohol, and set an alarm.

Should I just cancel the appointment? Ill try to field any questions as they come up...

[diapertime42]

Hey all...looking for some support.

I am a 25 year old, male. I went to the urologist last year, because I got decent medical insurance. At that time, I was experiencing bladder frequency and nocturnal enuresis. The nocturnal enuresis had been going on for about six years, and the frequency about 2-3 months. The frequency was really driving me crazy.

Talk to doctor, he says that I have an enlarged prostate. So he treats for that by giving me antibiotics, water pills, and vesicare. That trio was costing me over $100 a month. I stayed on it until the prostatitus cleared up.

Since then, my doctor wants me to either set alarms, or wear one of those bedwetting alarms because he believes that there are no other problems...and that the night time issues can be dealt with training.

I have been trying to talk to him, because I believe that the two issues may be unrelated. AND, I value my sleep because I am in grad school and work full-tim. My wife, nor I want to set an alarm to go off every two hours or deal with any other kind of alarm. But, when I meet with him, he just says the same things...dont drink caffeine, dont drink before going to sleep, dont drink alcohol, and set an alarm.

Should I just cancel the appointment? Ill try to field any questions as they come up...

Short term - diapers

Long term - get a different doctor.

Some doctors have a certain mind set and they just won't change....

[tauschung]

Short term - diapers

Long term - get a different doctor.

Some doctors have a certain mind set and they just won't change....

I guess that's how I've been seeing it. I have lived with bed wetting since 2004, and diapers have been the solution since then. The OAB meds didn't help, and setting an alarm might, but I don't want to go that route.

I don't think that the frequency and bed wetting are related. But, he seems to, and probably views me as non-compliant.

[allen476]

Hey all...looking for some support.

I am a 25 year old, male. I went to the urologist last year, because I got decent medical insurance. At that time, I was experiencing bladder frequency and nocturnal enuresis. The nocturnal enuresis had been going on for about six years, and the frequency about 2-3 months. The frequency was really driving me crazy.

Talk to doctor, he says that I have an enlarged prostate. So he treats for that by giving me antibiotics, water pills, and vesicare. That trio was costing me over $100 a month. I stayed on it until the prostatitus cleared up.

Since then, my doctor wants me to either set alarms, or wear one of those bedwetting alarms because he believes that there are no other problems...and that the night time issues can be dealt with training.

I have been trying to talk to him, because I believe that the two issues may be unrelated. AND, I value my sleep because I am in grad school and work full-tim. My wife, nor I want to set an alarm to go off every two hours or deal with any other kind of alarm. But, when I meet with him, he just says the same things...dont drink caffeine, dont drink before going to sleep, dont drink alcohol, and set an alarm.

Should I just cancel the appointment? Ill try to field any questions as they come up...

As the saying goes, "been there, done that, bought the all the souvenirs".

The 2 are unrelated from what you have wrote. I suspect that the doctor is older and not up to date with current treatments. Have you had a sleep study? How is your sleeping patterns? Are you a very sound sleeper? Have you had any back/hip injuries? Did you have any bed wetting problems as a child? Are you diabetic? Are you under a lot of stress? Did this start out of the blue?

These are the types of questions that he should be asking as sleep apnea, very deep sleep, diabetes, stress, injuries, and history could be a contributing factor. It might not be possible to "train" your way out of it.

I would look for a new doctor. Someone younger and more knowledgeable about causes.

But if you could answer the questions above, there might be more to it.

Allen

[Santiago]

Why is there always an assumption the physician must be out of date, insensitive or whatever? We know very little of this guy's interaction with his physician and even less about what was said or done. People tell their side of the story the way they want us to see them - there is no where near enough information here to judge the adequacy of the physician. I'm not saying he wouldn't be better served by a different physician - but there is not enough information to determine that. It is entirely possible that everything reasonable has been done and this guy has unreasonable expectations and has already been told everything about what is wrong with them - (amazingly though, people have a decided lack of ability to listen or accept what is being told to them).

[Repaid1]

Why is there always an assumption the physician must be out of date, insensitive or whatever? We know very little of this guy's interaction with his physician and even less about what was said or done. People tell their side of the story the way they want us to see them - there is no where near enough information here to judge the adequacy of the physician. I'm not saying he wouldn't be better served by a different physician - but there is not enough information to determine that. It is entirely possible that everything reasonable has been done and this guy has unreasonable expectations and has already been told everything about what is wrong with them - (amazingly though, people have a decided lack of ability to listen or accept what is being told to them).

While I concur with the above, I think the old adage applies... Get a second opinion. If they reach the same conclusions, then you pretty much have your answer. And As for the sleeping alarm. If the training thing would work, you could sleep away from the wife for a bit and see how the training thing progresses. There are a lot of alarm systems available. Your cell phone and a ear plug, would keep your wife resting comfortably as well as setting it to vibrate and placing it under your pillow. Just a few ideas that come to mind off the top of my head. As far as doctors go, I tend to stay with wisdom gained from experience. Book smart is all fine to begin with but the man with little time under the belt gets my vote.

[Santiago]

Lol, "the man with little time under the belt".... I think a lot of guys have more than a little time under the belt...

I don't think you need a second opinion about everything - a lot of things are straightforward and more opinions will likely confuse the issue or make it harder to decide what to do. I can see it for something significant, though typically I observe that physicians tend to agree with each other. It is rare that I have found 2 independent 2nd opinions especially disparate from each other in conclusion or recommendations. That being said - sometimes it helps provide reassurance you have been handled appropriately - especially as it pertains to matters under the belt.

There is a happy medium between wisdom and experience - and older physicians who maintain current knowledge are better than their younger cohorts (most likely) because of their experience. It very much depends on what you are facing as far as your healthcare issue (the latest and greatest minimally invasive surgical procedures are more likely to be founf in younger surgeons, etc)- there are a good number of health conditions that have not changed much in their management over the years.

[allen476]

I don't think you need a second opinion about everything - a lot of things are straightforward and more opinions will likely confuse the issue or make it harder to decide what to do. I can see it for something significant, though typically I observe that physicians tend to agree with each other. It is rare that I have found 2 independent 2nd opinions especially disparate from each other in conclusion or recommendations.

You have never been to two different sleep specialists nor to two different surgeons.

Second opinions never hurt anything. I've been to 3 urologists and have had 3 different opinions as to my incontinence. The oldest of them said "it is all in your head" while the younger female actually took time to get a complete history, physical exam, and read through the reports from the tests and other urologists. She is the one that ordered a nerve test though I didn't need it after the MRI revealed that a piece of disc was pressing on a nerve root. The second and really young male urologist did the tests but referred me on to the female when he couldn't determine a cause. He mostly wanted me to pop pills.

There is a happy medium between wisdom and experience - and older physicians who maintain current knowledge are better than their younger cohorts (most likely) because of their experience. It very much depends on what you are facing as far as your healthcare issue (the latest and greatest minimally invasive surgical procedures are more likely to be found in younger surgeons, etc)- there are a good number of health conditions that have not changed much in their management over the years.

Again most specialists (except most neurosurgeons and orthopedists) rarely keep up with anything new. And I will use as an example the older urologist from above. If he had read the intake history and then questioned me about certain things much like I did with the original post, he would have seen that there is a multitude of things that can cause it. But instead, he did 2 tests (that were negative) and proclaimed it was in my head. Now if he had kept up with any type of education, he would have known what to ask and look for. He has basically become set in his ways and won't change.

Do I advocate finding a fresh face out of med school? No, but a doctor that is younger will have a better understanding of what to look for. Aside from my neurosurgeon, I now see female doctors for anything as they actually listen better than male doctors. My NS is the exception because he really impressed me the first time I met him and he by far is the best doctor I have ever met.

As to the OP, I still believe that a second opinion is in order.

Allen

[Santiago]

You shouldn't presume to know my experience with physicians. I never said my statements apply to all cases - judgement is needed here. Also - 2nd opinions can be completely wrong and so don't say they never hurt. People tend to keep shopping until they get what they want or hear what they want t hear - and sometimes they just find a better doctor - but you could fare much worse. There should be no assumption the 2nd opinion is better - and further - your experience with healthcare by no means justifies the broad generalizations you have made.

[Santiago]

You have never been to two different sleep specialists nor to two different surgeons.

Second opinions never hurt anything. I've been to 3 urologists and have had 3 different opinions as to my incontinence. The oldest of them said "it is all in your head" while the younger female actually took time to get a complete history, physical exam, and read through the reports from the tests and other urologists. She is the one that ordered a nerve test though I didn't need it after the MRI revealed that a piece of disc was pressing on a nerve root. The second and really young male urologist did the tests but referred me on to the female when he couldn't determine a cause. He mostly wanted me to pop pills.

Allen

So - basically the net result was it was in your head? Sounds like the first guy maybe had it right....

[Honu]

Sir,

Physicians aside, you are responsible for managing your medical care. if a physician's advise conflicts with your quality of life, including the sleeping arrangements in your marital bed, it's up to you to reassert your control of your care. Have a clear picture of what you are seeking medical advice to solve and be clear with the prescriber what you can and can not support as far as treatment options. While they have education, training and experience; medicine is still based on averages and we are each individuals. Because you know yourself better than your physician, you have an intelligent opinion that he or she needs to listen to. If your physician doesn't listen to you, it's a new physician you need rather than just a second opinion.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

Aloha,

Honu

[allen476]

You shouldn't presume to know my experience with physicians. I never said my statements apply to all cases - judgement is needed here. Also - 2nd opinions can be completely wrong and so don't say they never hurt. People tend to keep shopping until they get what they want or hear what they want t hear - and sometimes they just find a better doctor - but you could fare much worse. There should be no assumption the 2nd opinion is better - and further - your experience with healthcare by no means justifies the broad generalizations you have made.

I think what you are missing is the reasoning behind a 2nd opinion. By saying that it can't hurt, I mean that there is nothing lost by seeking the advice of a 2nd doctor. I'll share my experience with you.

I have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Now according to you, I should have accepted the first doctor's diagnosis of a benign tremor. That the tremor in my hands, the difficulties walking, and other maladies mean nothing because the doctor said he didn't believe that I had anything to worry about. Even my PCP insisted on a second opinion. Went to the second neurologist, After an extensive workup (3+ hours not including the EEG), he believes that I have Parkinson's disease. After conferring with the department head (this was at a university medical school), I was told that it was Parkinson's.

Now this is added on to a-fib, a ruptured disc and a herniated disc in my lower back (the real cause of my incontinence), and severe sleep apnea. So according to you, I should have accepted the first cardiologists opinion that I needed to have an internal defibrillator put in when I only needed to use a different med. Or that I should have accepted that I would have to use oxygen every night along with a respirator instead of just having to use my Bi-Pap machine in auto mode.

Anyone should get a second opinion when they feel that the diagnosis and treatment is not right. It isn't doctor shopping to hear what you want to hear but rather to confirm or reject a diagnosis. Like I said the OP has nothing to lose by getting one.

Allen

[Bettypooh]

....Anyone should get a second opinion when they feel that the diagnosis and treatment is not right. It isn't doctor shopping to hear what you want to hear but rather to confirm or reject a diagnosis. Like I said the OP has nothing to lose by getting one.

Allen

This QFT . The only 'doctor shopping' I did otherwise was for one to handle my TG issues- not many will do that and even those vary in how knowledgeable they are about it There's one near here who gives out 'mones in strong doses without a liver check- a definite no-no Back on topic, don't look for a doctor that tells you what you want to hear; look for one that knows their stuff and keeps up to date on it. And as Honu says, you are responsible for your healthcare too Go online and you'll find knowledge almost equal to a doctor's at your fingertips Don't use it to eliminate going to a doctor; instead use it as a way of seeing how much your doctor knows about the subject and if they come up lacking, find a better doctor It took some looking, but my doctor is super He has the sensibility to tell you when he needs to do some homework to help you and he does that within days. When he started treating me he spent over $100 on long distance calls to his mentors to be sure he was up to date on TG stuff and never charged me for that- he said it was part of what a doctor is supposed to do Medical knowledge changes almost daily these days and any doctor that doesn't keep abreast of what's going on should have their license pulled But that's not how the system works, so do your homework and be careful- the wrong doctor can kill you or worse, and there is a worse

Bettypooh

[Santiago]

Whatever - but as I said - I didn't say 2nd opinions are not warranted ever, just merely that they don't necessarily help and are not necessarily better. I agree only with the sentiment that if something does not make sense that a second opinion would help - though took you long enough to refine that point. I still disagree about nothing to lose - at the least it will cost you time and money to get a second opinion - sometimes a lot of both.

I think what you are missing is the reasoning behind a 2nd opinion. By saying that it can't hurt, I mean that there is nothing lost by seeking the advice of a 2nd doctor. I'll share my experience with you.

I have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Now according to you, I should have accepted the first doctor's diagnosis of a benign tremor. That the tremor in my hands, the difficulties walking, and other maladies mean nothing because the doctor said he didn't believe that I had anything to worry about. Even my PCP insisted on a second opinion. Went to the second neurologist, After an extensive workup (3+ hours not including the EEG), he believes that I have Parkinson's disease. After conferring with the department head (this was at a university medical school), I was told that it was Parkinson's.

Now this is added on to a-fib, a ruptured disc and a herniated disc in my lower back (the real cause of my incontinence), and severe sleep apnea. So according to you, I should have accepted the first cardiologists opinion that I needed to have an internal defibrillator put in when I only needed to use a different med. Or that I should have accepted that I would have to use oxygen every night along with a respirator instead of just having to use my Bi-Pap machine in auto mode.

Anyone should get a second opinion when they feel that the diagnosis and treatment is not right. It isn't doctor shopping to hear what you want to hear but rather to confirm or reject a diagnosis. Like I said the OP has nothing to lose by getting one.

Allen

[tauschung]

@Allen: I think he asked SOME of those questions during intake...but ever since then..our meetings go like this. First thing, I give a urine sample and they ultrasound my bladder to see how much is left. Then, he talks to me for a few minutes. Tries to get me to take vesicare and flomax. Then tells me that I should set an alarm during the night. All of 15 minutes of time. I've tried to talk to him about other things, and he redirects the conversation...

Thus far, I have had an ultrasound, xray, got scoped, uroflometry. I definately had an infection..but since then I don't know what is going on. He just doesnt talk about the results or how he thinks things are going.

You are right, some times you just get a bad doctor. Maybe they have bad policies...or maybe they suck because they don't have time to properly assist you. In that case, getting a different opinion is well needed. Shopping for doctors is entirely different...and I think we went a little of track...

@Repaid1: I hear you. I think I'm going to try the alarm thing after the semester is over...There is no way that I'd survive during the regular semester.

@Azdl: You have some strong opinions. I appreciate what you are trying to do here, and I think you made your point... Also, please don't visit my intentions, since this is a medical forum, assume that I am seeking help for medical issues. Thanks.

@Honu: Well said, my friend. It is my life, and it is up to me. However, I don't know what I want. I need to talk to him and see what my options are.

I thought about the issue some, and I wrote down some questions for my current doctor. I'm going to go over those with him. I also decided to do a bladder diary, something that he has not asked me to do...but was recommended online on webmd and various other sites. Day 4 in, and to be honest...it seems worse when I look at it on paper. I went pee 12 times during an 8 hour shift yesterday...good lord. Anywho....depending on my interactions with him on the 20th, I may find a new doctor. But, I don't want to do so before I talk to him.

Do you think there is anything pressing that I should ask him?

• Do you think that the bedwetting and frequency are related?

• Even though, I was experiencing the bedwetting since 2004?

• How likely is it that I even had an infection for that long?

• When I give the urine sample, am I supposed to double void? ..I am

• Do I still have enlarged prostate? And, is it a chronic issue?

GAH! I'm too young for this shit. Thanks everyone for your assistance. Keep the questions and comments flowing

[allen476]

@Allen: I think he asked SOME of those questions during intake...but ever since then..our meetings go like this. First thing, I give a urine sample and they ultrasound my bladder to see how much is left. Then, he talks to me for a few minutes. Tries to get me to take vesicare and flomax. Then tells me that I should set an alarm during the night. All of 15 minutes of time. I've tried to talk to him about other things, and he redirects the conversation...

Does the vesicare or flomax help the frequency?

Which questions did he ask? Also if you could answer the questions for me. It might help as to what questions I could suggest that you ask the urologist.

Thus far, I have had an ultrasound, xray, got scoped, uroflometry. I definately had an infection..but since then I don't know what is going on. He just doesnt talk about the results or how he thinks things are going.

Tell him that you want a copy of the dictated results of all of the tests. If he gives you a hassle about it, tell him that under HIPPA that you have the right to them. If he still gives you a hard time, then remind him about HIPPA again and that you want your medical records so that you can take them to a new doctor.

You are right, some times you just get a bad doctor. Maybe they have bad policies...or maybe they suck because they don't have time to properly assist you. In that case, getting a different opinion is well needed. Shopping for doctors is entirely different...and I think we went a little of track...

• Do you think that the bedwetting and frequency are related?

• Even though, I was experiencing the bedwetting since 2004?

• How likely is it that I even had an infection for that long?

• When I give the urine sample, am I supposed to double void? ..I am

• Do I still have enlarged prostate? And, is it a chronic issue?

GAH! I'm too young for this shit. Thanks everyone for your assistance. Keep the questions and comments flowing

Bad doctors can and do happen. The trick is finding a good one. What I have learned is that YOU have to be your own advocate. My PCP hates me because she knows that I WILL ask for a certain test or lay out my own treatment plan. I ALWAYS ask for the test results (she now knows to come in the exam room with them already copied) and I always go over them WITH her. But in the end she knows that I am following the treatment plan a plus for any doctor/patient relationship.

Also do you drink heavily?

Allen

[tauschung]

So...the appointment today was rushed. I was asked to come into the office an hour early (0730) b/c Dr was busy with appointments all day. I think they said he had 21 appointments the other day.

So, they do the usual weight, pee in a cup thing. Dr comes in asks me how things are going. I presented my journal to him, and he was like so things are not so good. He admonished me for having my one cup of coffee daily...

He said that he thought my prostate was enlarged again. I asked him, if it was a chronic issue...he said possibly. Then I asked him, how likely is it that it is an infection and how can we know for certain. He said that there were two methods to know, a PSA or the finger test. Then he said, well the finger test won't tell me anything except that its sensitive, and "its always sensitive."

Then, I asked him how likely is it that there is another problem? He reasoned that since my symptoms had started in 2004, and that there were no prior issues it might be a spinal issue. I told him that I experienced no back pain, but my legs go numb and then I get neuropathy for a few minutes when I am working out.

So, now I have to get an MRI...and he's got me back on anti-biotics. He is going to have me start on Detrol after I finish a pill pack of Toviaz. His theory is that it is either an elarged prostate or spinal issue. If the results are inconclusive he mentioned another test.

@Allen - The combo seemed to work for a while...but didn't seem as effective after a few months. I've only been taking the Toviaz / Flomax / Cipro combo for a few days, and I already have a dramatic improvement.

I do not drink heavily. Because of the frequency, I am usually dehydrated, but I got for trying to have clear pee..its a goal!

I am going to request all of my tests once I get the MRI done. Come to think of it..the office still has not called to schedule it. I need to call them.

[FretaBWet]

As far as the alarm is concerned they do work but there is a trade off like everything else in life. The alarm will train you to wake up if there is any pressure on your bladder even if it's not at capacity. I was trained at 16 with an alarm and I never get a night without getting up at least once, most nights multiple times. Even though I sleep diapered most nights I still wake up with any pressure on my bladder. Sometimes I would just like to be able to sleep soundly through the night even if it's because I wake up in a soaked diaper. I've never gone for a sleep study where they put all the electrodes on you to check for sleep apnea but I'd be willing to bet that most of the night I'm not really in a deep restful sleep because I've been trained to just be waiting for the next signal from my bladder.

Hugs,

freta

[allen476]

Then, I asked him how likely is it that there is another problem? He reasoned that since my symptoms had started in 2004, and that there were no prior issues it might be a spinal issue. I told him that I experienced no back pain, but my legs go numb and then I get neuropathy for a few minutes when I am working out.

So, now I have to get an MRI...and he's got me back on anti-biotics. He is going to have me start on Detrol after I finish a pill pack of Toviaz. His theory is that it is either an elarged prostate or spinal issue. If the results are inconclusive he mentioned another test.

@Allen - The combo seemed to work for a while...but didn't seem as effective after a few months. I've only been taking the Toviaz / Flomax / Cipro combo for a few days, and I already have a dramatic improvement.

I do not drink heavily. Because of the frequency, I am usually dehydrated, but I got for trying to have clear pee..its a goal!

I am going to request all of my tests once I get the MRI done. Come to think of it..the office still has not called to schedule it. I need to call them.

Well you can have back problems without pain (or at least crippling pain) and it could be a cause. That is how my incontinence started.

As far as clear pee, you don't want to have clear pee. That is a good indication that you have too much water in your body and could lead to water poisoning. The lightest color you want is about (remind you that this is after using a toilet where it is diluted more) a pale yellow, the darkest a golden brown. Keep it in that range.

The drug combo would be a good start. If it is helping then keep taking it. There is such a thing as chronic prostatitis and it is possible that you could be affected by it.

Let us know about the results of the MRI, I am curious.

Allen

[warpiper]

clear pee isn't going to kill you. to say that pale yellow is the lightest that it should get to prevent "water poisoning" is kind of ridiculous. Drinking like 2 quarts of water a day is fine, especially if you're active.

[tauschung]

I'll just leave this here. Anyways, I do try to stay active. Currently just over half way on p90x.

@Allen: So true. Second opinions are very important.

@FretaBWet: I'm thinking of trying one at the end of a semester or something...We'll see how it goes then.

[tauschung]

Had my appointment yesterday. They had me in the MRI machine for 90 minutes. They ran a contrast dye and everything. They said that it should get to my urologist tomorrow...which means that I wont hear anything until 8/24...

[tauschung]

So...I just saw my Urologist this morning..I had to reschedule my last appointment. He was all worried because they found a mass in my pelvic area. They had the mass listed as a uterus. Yeah.

So, I have a CT scan scheduled for tomorrow and a follow up with el doctor Thursday. Wish me luck!

Edit: I have seen my doctor. (I dont know what the rules are for multi-posting one after another....)

I saw my urologist. The CT scan revealed no abnormalities. He said that he couldnt find anything going on. He then told me that he believes that my frequency is due to leftover irritation from prostatitis, and from years of trying to hold my bladder while I was at work. He chalked my bedwetting up to the learned behavior previously mentioned and a crazy sleep schedule (I get up at 6:50am and go to sleep ~1230-1AM). He said that he thought that I was doing everything right diet-wise.

He said that he is going to prescribe me Bactrim, a milder antibiotic to ensure that the prostatitis is wiped out. He's keeping me on tamulosin, and changing my prescription to 4mg toviaz. He suggested that I get an alarm to use on the weekend, or outside of the semester. He said that he will follow up with me in two months, and is still considering having me do a urodynamics test to study pressures and such within my bladder.

He also offered to send me out for a second opinion, and to someone who specializes in neurogenic bladders. Based off that word, I'm going to say that I probably am wasting my time and seeing that specialist. Neuro = neurological and Genics = genesis or when I was born. I hadn't had any bladder issues as an adult since 2004. Either way, I think that I'm going to wait it out and see what happens in two months.

I can say that I'm pretty excited. If this is only by the prostatitus, then there is a chance I won't have these symptoms again. However, I wont keep my hopes up....I dont want to be let down, when he says that he changed his mind in two months....

[tauschung]

Another update!

I saw a new urologist yesterday to follow-up after getting my urodynamics study. She stated that basically, I have very high pressures in my bladder and even with that I had a very low stream while urinating. According to her, this usually indicates a blockage. However, this has not been observed in any of my tests.

She believes that the issue either lies in my pelvic floor muscles or within my prostate and that my options are: physical therapy to relax my pelvic floor muscles, electro-therapy (TENS unit), or micro cuts to my prostate or prostate muscles to reduce some of the tension. She said that either I could begin the physical therapy to reduce the pressure or get another scope and see if the issue lies with my prostate. I chose to get scoped, because, well, why would I do physical therapy when that may not be the problem?

I definately like this new urologist, she seemed very empathetic and pointed out that I had been seeing my previous urologist for over a year, and nothing that he suggested had worked. So, the appointment is set for January 23rd. I hope that this produces some valuable information.

On a side note, I had to travel to Arkansas to visit my wife's family twice in the past month. Man, that was hard for me. We thankfully got our own rooms during both trips, but I had to go out of my way to dispose of my diapers daily at gas stations and such. My wife and I decided not to tell our hosts of my issues and I just slept on my pads in case of a leak. I was so nervous about the trips that I tried doing the alarm thing, and suffice to say that it did not work out. I could not get the alarms right, and I kept wetting in between alarms. After four days of laundry my wife said that was enough.

I'm feeling a variety of emotions right now. Relief that my urologist actually believes what I'm saying and has a plan to help me. Annoyance that this problem has been going on, and how it has impacted my life. And, I'm kind of worried about what this test will find out, and basically all that entails.

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Happy Holidays to y'all from TX.