Urinary incontenence possible bone mets?

michellehb

Urinary incontenence possible bone mets?

michellehb

Has anyone had bone mets present initially as urinary incontenence? I know that menopause and child-birth are likely culprits, but I got concerned when I read on this site that bladder changes, including incontenence, can be related to bone mets. I've experienced it minorly in the past several months, but have had a sudden increase that doesn't seem strongly related to urge or stress. For example, it has been particularly bad while in a lying position, sometimes while sleeping but sometimes not. I have also experienced it from something as simple as standing up or changing my position, but ironically never from caughing or laughing. Just wondering if anyone has experience the same, and if I should be concerned. I have my regular onc appt. next month and just surpassed my 3-year canniversary.

jacksnana

Hi Michelle, I'm sorry no one has posted here. I don't have the answer, but if you are taking an AI maybe it could possibly be a side effect of that.  I know I have issues with that once in awhile that I never used to have.  I just figured it was due to the fact that I was post menopausal and also taking arimidex.  Sorry this is happening to you, hopefully someone will come along with more information than I have.  Congrats on your 3 year canniversary!!

Timbuktu

The chemo made this a problem for me.  Have you had chemo?  I can irritate the bladder.

Also, I've developed diabetes since the chemo, so I have to run to the bathroom more often.

Not sure why bone mets would cause it.

proudtospin

I have struggled with incontinence way befor BC came to town.

there are many things that can cause it so my suggestion is to see either your gyno or a urologist (the later is what I did.)

testing showed I have "urge Incontinence" not to be confused with stress incontinence

good news, my treatment was PT.....as in learning how to do kegels properly and then doing them daily!

coraleliz

I consulted a urologist on the incontinence issue. It started when I started Tamox. I didn't have chemo. She told me that the estogen-like effect on my bladder & other plumbing(she worded it better) was the cause. Also told me that some doctors still believe that estrogen has a positive effect on the bladder but that this isn't true.

I developed both urgency & stress incontinence on Tamox. It comes & goes. Just over a year & right now it's not a problem.

michellehb

Thanks, all for the responses. What I had read on the site was that bone mets could be pressing on a nerve impacting bladder function. I had a small panic attack when I read that since I didn't suspect cancer as the cause. But I walked myself down from the ledge, and will definitely check with my gyno, or find a urologist! I had chemo and have been on tamoxifen for 3 years, though should be switching to arimidex in a couple of months since there's no more doubt that I am menopausal. It sucks getting old and dealing with incontinence, but it beats the alternative. I just didn't think I'd be in diapers before turning 50!

Timbuktu

You made me laugh.  Very well said.  I think the new "normal" is going to be panic alternating with denial.