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Shaylls's avatar
Shaylls
Member
9 years ago

Side effects of Chemo/Nocturia

Hi Everyone, 
Its been a few weeks since I have been on. Hope everyone is doing ok under our circumstances. 
My head hasn't been in the best place, hence why I haven't been here. 
Not doing to bad this week just struggle a lot with the mental stuff at times. 
Took the plunge finally and shaved my hair. Got a wig also but at the moment since I still have some hair there I pretty much just try and own it and go out and to work without anything on my head. Adjusting slowly and that was my biggest thing to get my head around but in slowly getting there. Stopped the cold caps so expecting most of the hair that's left to come out this round of chemo (that was last Monday). 
Found chemo worse this cycle. The fatigue and weakness seems to have built up and I was flatter then in previous months and it came on quicker. 
My smell went off really badly this time and everything made me nauseous for days. Picking back up though now thankfully. 
Mine side effect I seem to be having which is driving me insane is nocturia. Has anyone else had this or could it be something else causing the issue. Every night I'm waking every hour to hour and a half to go to the toilet. It's so frustrating. I'm exhausted and need the rest but my body isn't letting me. 
If anyone else has had this any tips would be appreciated. I even tried a sleeping tablet to try and get a decent nights sleep but it didn't work as I still needed to go to the toilet constantly. 
No idea what else to do. 
Shaylee 

9 Replies

  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    9 years ago
    No uterus, so though it definitely isn't where it should be, it's far enough away that I can safely say it is not the problem ☺ Which has always sorry of creeped me out, my assorted removed bits trundling away in kidney dishes to some distance part of the hospital then to some furnace. I'll wait and see what happens when the poisoning is done
  • Unicornkisses's avatar
    Unicornkisses
    Member
    9 years ago
    Zoffiel, your problem sounds like a uterine prolapse, caused by the weakening of the ligaments that hold the whole lot up tight in your body. When they stretch, the uterus drops down and it causes the bowel wall to form little folds and the bladder to tip backwards into the vaginal space, creating a pocket that is lower than the rest of the bladder, that is poking back into the vagina, and when you stand up the ligaments pull the whole uterus area up a bit more, which lifts the bladder again and the rest of the urine can now empty out. Combine that with the inability to shut off and you have the leakage.

    DELIGHTFUL!

    I'd see my GP about it if I were you, there is medication to help, though you might have to try a few to find one that suits you.

    My medication helps with the shutting off mechanism, but I was also told to look at "bladder retraining" online,  by the Gynaecologist.
    This is supposed to help with situational leakage, like if you hear running water, or if it always happens when you get to the front door, for example.
    I haven't tried it yet, too much else to do.

  • Unicornkisses's avatar
    Unicornkisses
    Member
    9 years ago
    I am on bladder medication for Urge incontinence and irritated bladder. It is caused in my case by menapause, I also have vaginal atrophy and dryness and they are linked.

    And I haven't even started Chemo yet!!!

    I have seen a Urologist and a Gynaecologist, but I don't think you have to to get medication.
    I have tried the Mirabegron and Oyxbutynin tablets but they dried me out too much, and caused horrendous overheating (they also restrict your sweating so it makes it hard to cool down)

    So, I am now on Oxybutynin patches that I wear on my hip or belly and change every third day.
    They are not as strong in effect as the tablets and I can still get a little leaking, and though I have to be more careful not to overheat, they have stopped the bed wetting and lack of control that I was having.
    I get up maybe once during the night to the toilet, mostly because I don't trust myself to hold on.

    They are called Oxytrol patches, perhaps ask your GP or specialist about them.

    if my bladder is irritated and I don't have Cystitis, I either use Ural or there is now a tablet form that soothes the bladder wall by alkalising (I think)  the urine. Both available in the chemist.

    If Chemo also causes these problems, I am REALLY not looking forward to that!
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    Oh I had the urgency and the leakage after when on taxol. I am pleased to say it was one of the 1st improvements after stopping taxol. I still have the habit now of staying seated a bit longer and shifting position to ensure my bladder is completely empty...just to be sure.
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    9 years ago
    Oh the joy of side effects!  The pelvic floor is a long way from the breast but as we know the breast is only the start of the roller coaster!  Nothing worse when you sneeze and get more than you bargained for!  Keep tightening those muscles!
    Take care
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    9 years ago
    Some chemo drugs can really screw with your muscle tone and control. Seems Taxol and derivatives are the main offenders and there are lots of muscles controlling your bladder and generally supporting your insides. One of those things that will probably get better. Maybe. Eventually.
    I'm up and down all night too, which is exhausting. What's worse, I'm not what I'd call incontinent but if I don't get to the loo quickly I dribble. Called  urgency, I believe. And my shut off capacity seems to have disappeared. I think I've finished peeing then find out, after I've stood and pulled up my knickers, that I haven't. Absolutely fantastic. Trying to do Kegel exercises but I can't squeeze. Pathetic.
    Please don't make me resort to adult nappies. Enough insults to my pride and body for the meantime thanks. And I don't want to wander about smelling of wee. Sigh. Marg
  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    9 years ago
    I think it is the large volumes of water you drink coupled with an irritant to your bladder. Yes ...I was constantly up to the loo. Round 3 AC was awful for me in hoq I felt on genetal but Round 4 pretty good. Tell your team...meds can be adjusted to make it better. Kath x
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    9 years ago
    Hi @Shaylls, 
    Just check with your team to be certain. 
    as for bad head space just know we get it and it is ok to come online with a bad headspace we will be here to listen and let you share what is going on for you at that time. 
    often we can encourage you that it will get better ... As it does I know it does 4 years out I can look back on the really horrible bits and be thankful that they are gone... 
    I am happy and moving on with life. 

    Hugs 
    Alice 
  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    9 years ago
    I used to have that too. I used to shuffle up the hall way like a zombie several times a night. My advice is don't drink anything after dinner at night. Just a sip or two of water to wet your whistle and that's it.