I had a combination of hormone suppressant and radiotherapy and, apart from the usual side effects, I am hopeful of a cure. I restarted physical exercise (Parkrun) a few weeks ago to improve my stamina and lose some weight. The running cycle starts at 0900 every Saturday but I have to wear a full disposable nappy as I just have to “go” just before and during the run, despite emptying my bladder a number of times before the start. I have no actual incontinence. It`s as if the physical effort induces the urgency. I have also started wearing a full nappy when on longer journeys where toilets might not be available and for “peace of mind”. I`m scheduled to see a urologist next month but all the medical comment I`ve had so far has been very laid back and almost lacking in interest.
Any supporting comment you could offer would be most welcome. Thanks.
Hi John,
Do you find you have these urges randomly throughout the day or just during exercise? A lot of people leak only when the bladder is under pressure, such as when doing exercise.
Have you ever experienced leakage or is it always just an urge to go?
I would definitely recommend asking the Urologist to test whether it is weak pelvic floor muscles or another problem caused by your Prostate Cancer treatment.
Have you ever been recommended surgery such as a sling or artificial sphincter?
Thanks for coming back to me. Let me fill in a bit more background for you. Due to domestic issues (wife very ill in 2015 and 2016) I had night time enuresis due to acute mental stresses – about 3 or 4 incidents in each of these years and for which I have worn night time protection ever since (peace of mind etc, but see later comments). With her health now fully improved, I have had no day or night incontinence at all since. I don`t leak at all. I make every effort to empty my bladder before the run starts. I just have to use my pad, quite often before,during and after the event. I don`t have random urges but since the hormone and radiotherapy treatments, I do get what I can only describe as “phantom” wetting sensations, for no reason that I can determine but I do I remain dry. I should also mention that I have worn protection 24/7 due to a childhood abuse issue, so “upgrading” to a full adult nappy is no big deal but I would like to know why the physical exercise has the effect that it has – though I have no intention of stopping my health improvements.
Hi John,
As you never leak whilst experiencing sensations, you are likely having pseudo or phantom nerve impulses. This is probably a stress response to the sequence of events you mention. As you have experience Nocturnal Enuresis, it is likely that you are still worried about leaking again, and this causes the obsessive sensations.
I have a useful article here that may help you.
Physical exercise does put more pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, so it is likely that your body recognizes this and further triggers the sensation of leakage.
I would recommend that you see a Doctor and ask to be referred to a specialist who can help find the root of the problem.
Have you visited the urologist yet?
Yes, I visited the urologist today and he is certain that the side-effects radiotherapy have produced an over-active bladder and has prescribed tolterodine tablets – a 3-month course of treatment. As you rightly indicated, physical exercise can put further pressure on the bladder and so I shall have to continue to wear full protection when I do my running and for times when toilets are not immediately available. No big issue for me as I said earlier in my notes. I showed him the comments that you had made and he agreed with them. As for the phantom wetting sensations, he had no comment to offer but I am quite at ease with the issue. Thanks.
Hi John, Like you I also have done a few parkruns. They are a great way of exercising and meeting new people. I love them. Have you tried a pull up pant? These are more discreet and more comfortable than a slip (nappy). I have been using these pull up pants for a long time now during exercise and I find them to be the best for me. I use the depend active ones. They do a male version too. Good luck and all the best. Keep up the park runs
