Bladder Control

[MaryLee08]

Hi, I was just diagnosed with overactive bladder and was given some samples of oxytrol to take, however when I read the instructions it said if a person has slow motility they should not take it. Can someone tell me WHY oxytrol is not good for one with gastroparesis? I did put a call into my doctor and am awaiting a reply. I am new to this forum and would appreciate any help. Thanks!

[marycai]

Hi! I have gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying) and use the Oxytrol patch. The problem with using them together is the patch may cause the stomach to empty even slower and cause stomach pain or similar symptoms. To help alleviate this problem, my gastrointestinal doctor and urologist decided that I should cut the patch in half but, otherwise, use as directed. It has definitely helped. If I begin to get stomach pain, etc. I will wear 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 of a patch. If I get the bladder discomfort I will increase the size of the patch. I hope this has helped from one sufferer to another.

[MaryLee08]

Hi, Thank You for replying to my post. Since then I have stopped the patch and am doing ok. If I may ask, what do you do for your gastroparesis? I take erythromyacin and amitiza and I still have problems. I was wondering if you have any tips you can share with me. I also have IBS mainly with constipation, not a good combination.

[marycai]

I don't take medication for my gastroparensis. I mainly eat small meals but more often a day. It's important to not eat foods that are hard to digest. I read that broccoli and oranges are the worst. Here are some websites that will give you diet guidelines and other information:

http://www.g-pact.org/gastroparesis.html

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastroparesis/#cause

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastroparesis/DS00612

http://www.gi.org/patients/gihealth/gastroparesis.asp

My main symptom for gastroparesis is stomach pain or pulling. When that happens I lessen my food amount at one time and cut down on my patch.

I also have IBS with constipation. I take Benefiber daily (up to 3x) and Colace (stool softener) as needed. I have taken Peri-Colace (stool softener plus laxative) but the peri is habit forming. Just last week my gastro doc told me to use Miralax (it's now over-the-counter) instead of Peri-Colace and Colace. I haven't tried it yet but I believe you can take it daily. You can read about it online.

I hope this has been helpful to you:)

[MaryLee08]

Thanks so much. I do take the miralax as needed, it does help but I have to be home near a bathroom.
I wish the best to you.

[marycai]

Thank you:) Can I ask you about the Miralax? Does it work overnight if you're really constipated or do you need to take it regularly for it to work? Tonight I took 2 Peri-Colace and 1 Colace. Haven't gone for 3 days:(