bladder incontinence

[ilfordonian]

I have suffered MS related bladder incontinence for over a year. I recently started taking Modafinil for fatigue and apart from the fatigue being much improved, the incontinence has also vastly improved - fingers crossed it has actually stopped. Is this coincidence or can the Modafinil  have caused this?

[ilfordonian]

yes, I too was wondering if ISC would be the way to go (no pun intended) but if   this apparent side effect continues, hopefully it won't be necessary for a while yet, if ever.

[rcknaier]

I have taken Provigil for a couple of years and it has not effected my urinary symptoms in anyway, however I believe it has helped me to organize my thoughts at work my effectively.

Blessings

[Lulu54]

It seems people either love the effects of Modafinil on their fatigue, or they have no improvement at all.  There isn't any middle ground with the drug and how we react.

I am impressed that you are running a marathon - good for you. You might consider talking to the doctor about intermittent self-catherization.  If you use ISC before you begin your run, your bladder will be completely empty and there will be nothing to leak.  It might be a good technique to add to your training regimen.

[ilfordonian]

Personally speaking I cannot link fatigue with additional loo visits but others here do seem to have made that link. When I get fatigued (specifically at work in the office) I tend to eat more in an attempt to boost my blood sugars or go walkabout - recently though I actually managed to drop off whilst walking down a corridor. So, for me, the Modafinil is a godsend as it has helped both the fatigue and the incontinence - I only hope this isn't a temporary 'feelgood' factor

[ilfordonian]

Thanks for the tips - Because the incontinence problem has been becoming increasingly worse, I have been in touch with the MS nurse who has arranged for bladder function tests to be carried out in a couple of weeks so I'll find out then how well I'm emptying. As I have limited feeling in the bladder bowel areas I know that I am often unaware of the need to go (trying to be polite here) which can lead to incontinence. My probs actually began to deteriorate when I took up running. Running downhill I lost control, then uphill became a prob and now just running is a problem. As I am doing the London Marathon in April, if Modafinil has 'cured' the incontinence that is a real bonus for me as I won't have to work out where all the loos are en route

[cramp_n_mystyle]

This brings up an interesting question then.Things are 'equalizing' in my mind.
I don't feel like I have a UTI.But lately I have been running to the bathroom alot.AND I've been fatigued.Very much so.Since normally my main problem is urine retention,am I understanding correctly that fatigue makes you go more?!

[Lulu54]

There is an infrequent but can be severe side effect of modafinil that prevents the bladder from emptying.  Please be aware of this and make sure that when you void you are emptying close to all of the urine - otherwise you can be setting yourself up for other problems.  It can also have the same effect on bowel function and cause incomplete emptying.

I use modafinil and I have also had the incontinence problems and had the botox injections  (love it!) in July.  It is still working but I can feel I might be getting close (a month or two away!) to the next procedure.  You might discuss all of this with your doctors.  I'm going to assume you have a urologist as well as a neurologist for your case.

best, Laura

[ilfordonian]

Thanks - until now I hadn't linked the bladder probs to fatigue... but I guess they must be

[ilfordonian]

thanks for your comment - at first I thought it was my imagination but having really tested myself this morning I am thrilled with this side effect :) Long may it continue and here's hoping my GP will prescribe Modafinil once the 3 month trial period has expired

[HVAC]

My bladder problems are worse when I am fatigued or under stress.

Alex

[Sailorsong]

I would suspect that it may be a side effect of the drug that isn't really intended. I know my bladder problems get worse when I am fatigued so maybe in your case not being so fatigued has help with the bladder.

Dennis