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Suggest Medical Tests To Rule Out UTI

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Posted on Sat, 14 May 2016
Question: Hello-
I have a confusing, and unusual problem regarding bladder sensation. In October 2014 I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and was hospitalized and had to have fluids and urine output monitored/measured. I was extremely scared and developed a weird compulsion to press hard on my lower abdomen to reassure myself that my bladder was filling. My heart was weak, but my weight was stable, and I was never prescribed diuretics. I had a PVC ablation in December 2014 and 4 weeks later, the cardiomyopathy was reversed, ejection fraction back up to 60 (from 25 at diagnosis). So I had pvc-induced cardiomyopathy which was declared completely cured. I have maintained normal heart function, EF now 70, and am off all medications.

Now unfortunately, despite my recovery, I have kept up my compulsion of measuring fluid input/output. I have had full kidney evaluation, seen a urologist, and been declared healthy. However, the odd thing was that it seemed that the constant pushing of my abdomen had caused me to lose some bladder sensation. I only ever got the sensation to urinate when my bladder was extremely full- like 700-900 ml, so I would have to press my abdomen to know that I had to go. It was very scary to me but every doctor said I was fine and I just had to relax.

Just about a month ago, I decided this madness had to stop and I stopped pressing on my bladder, hoping the sensation would return. About two weeks ago, I started feeling more normal, being able to feel the sensation to go at about 400-500 ml, and super urgency when it got higher than that. So now I am quite worried that maybe I have urge incontinence or something else. I have been checked for a uti and I don't have one. I keep measuring and I continue to drink in large amounts, in order to make sure I need to go, about 25-30 ml several times a day. But previously it would be a few hours before I would need to urinate a large amount, whereas now within an hour of drinking that much I have to go desperately. I remember I used to feel this way before my problem developed but I have become accustomed to a bladder with very little sensation so this feels strange to me. No actual incontinence or leaks, or anything like that- just that my new habits of drinking a ton seem to have predictable results now. Does this sounds like something that needs another urologist visit? Again, I don't have an infection, no pain or inability to urinate- just much increased sensation in my bladder where it had seemed practically numb before.

Thanks so much for your help.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Urologist visit is due.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist, i can fully understand your concern.

It's very good of you to maintain fluid intake record, with an urine output record.
You should also record, time of passing urine and volume of urine.
This is very useful for Urologist's, to assess your pattern of passing urine.

From your description of symptoms,a visit to Urologist is definitely needed.

After an examination,you will need certain tests to be done,like :
1. urine routine and culture.
2. Blood routine,creatinine, RBS, platelets,and LFT.
3. Urodynamic test.
4. ultrasound scan -KUB, with residual urine.

You can send these reports here,for an expert opinion,along with previous reports.
Kindly mention all other medications being taken.

Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (34 minutes later)
Thank you doctor.
I have been to dr and had urine culture. I have had recent bloodwork so it was not done again. I do not have UTI. I think I am returning to normal bladder sensation after having little sensation because I was pressing on my bladder so much before. Could this be possible?

Lab reports attached
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Some tests of july 2015, needn't be repeated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Have gone through all the reports attached, of july 2015.
All tests for urological evaluation, mentioned in my reply, will need to be done.
Reports done in july 2015,are not reflective of your present status.
However some of them need not be repeated.

Pressure over bladder area, will not affect bladder sensation of filling or emptying.

Wish you well.

Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (16 minutes later)
Thank you dr. I have been to urologist last week who did urinalysis but not bloodwork as I last had testing in September 2015. Also ultrasound of bladder in September. Urologist says I am just anxious and no need for tests- all is well. Should I insist?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Reports are mandatory.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Your ultrasound scan and urine reports done recently, may be sent.
After seeing them,i can consider giving an expert opinion.

Wish you well.

Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (9 hours later)
Dear dr,
I do not have the written reports of last two dr visits. I believe that this is a return to normal, as I only feel bladder sensations when I drink large volumes and bladder is very full. For quite some time it seemed that my bladder sensation was low, even when bladder was very full. I was on quite a few medications, including carvedilol and have now been taken off everything since I have recovered. I will monitor the situation. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Matthew J. Mangat (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Impaired bladder sensation seems very likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Your description and urine volume mentioned in question,is certainly suggestive of an impaired bladder sensation.
This will need further evaluation, with an urodynamic study.
An ultrasound scan and the tests mentioned in my earlier reply, are mandatory.

You're welcome to send those reports to me, for an expert opinion, on further management.

Wish you good health.

Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Matthew J. Mangat

Urologist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 1898 Questions

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Suggest Medical Tests To Rule Out UTI

Brief Answer: Urologist visit is due. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to HCM. As an Urologist, i can fully understand your concern. It's very good of you to maintain fluid intake record, with an urine output record. You should also record, time of passing urine and volume of urine. This is very useful for Urologist's, to assess your pattern of passing urine. From your description of symptoms,a visit to Urologist is definitely needed. After an examination,you will need certain tests to be done,like : 1. urine routine and culture. 2. Blood routine,creatinine, RBS, platelets,and LFT. 3. Urodynamic test. 4. ultrasound scan -KUB, with residual urine. You can send these reports here,for an expert opinion,along with previous reports. Kindly mention all other medications being taken. Wish you well. Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.