Dear Anna,

I am so sorry. I have a couple of suggestions, based on my own experience.

A couple of years ago I had surgery for pelvic prolapse. While the prolapse issue was improved by it, I had bladder pain and urgency that grew worse and worse. I too, at first, thought I was dealing with bladder infections, but I was not.

Here are a few things to try:

First is marshmallow root. It is an herb, I buy Nature's Way capsules. It is very gentle and soothing. 4 of them at a time, several times a day.

There is an over the counter bladder analgesic that I would use when I needed to be able to leave the house and not need a restroom every 45 minutes.

Another thing to try is baking soda in water. 1/2 teaspoon in water.

Both of these things offered me temporary relief.

Then someone suggested I go to a physical therapist. It seemed a long shot but I was desperate. I went to a lady who is specially trained in pelvic floor physical therapy.

After two sessions with her and a new set of exercises, I was and still am (several months later) 95% better. It turns out that I had very tight pelvic floor muscles and should have been sent to physical therapy after my surgery. Better late than never.

Anyway, I believe that there are physical therapists (with a pelvic floor specialty) who work with men as well.

I hope you two are able to find a solution to make him more comfortable!

~Mama to Many~

Hi Anna,

Infections are common with extended use of a catheter and your husband's doctor should be well aware of this. These infections which can also be fungal in nature as well as bacterial or even viral can also form biofilms that help to protect the infection from the body's natural defense mechanisms as well as potent antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. Determining the type of pathogen that is causing the infection is very helpful in determining a path forward in terms of remedies. When a fungus such as Candida Albicans and a bacteria combine, they can create even tougher and thicker biofilms that are even harder to break down. Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), has antibiofilm qualities as does NAC, Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs), coconut oil (VCO) and xylitol. These supplements can be useful in breaking down the biofilms as well as the underlying pathogen(s). The AgNPs are not very effective because little gets to the bladder with the majority being excreted in the feces, but AgNPs are useful when inserting a new catheter to kill pathogens as the catheter is inserted. The GSE can be most helpful with fungal type infections. Again, not much literature for VCO and bladder issues. NAC is noted for passing through the UT and bladder. Xylitol also makes a certain percent available in the bladder.

So of this group, GSE, xylitol and NAC seem the most likely to be beneficial. NAC has been shown in studies to be used at 600 mg, 1200 mg and 1800 mg with minimal side effects. Above 1800 mg I have personally experienced significant gastric distress. GSE label dosing is generally one gram per day maximum with food, but on the internet, people report using double that dose and I have gone as high as 3 grams/day without issue. Xylitol I have used up to 15 grams per day, but usually start around 5 grams/day.

These three supplements have a very good safety profile.

Given the long standing nature of your husband's UT issues, I think there is a higher probability of the presence of biofilms.

Art

All I know is, I have Multiple Sclerosis, which leaves bladder issues, not to mention muscle spasms.

I use Wintergreen essential oil on muscle spasms. Or, at times Frankincense. Of course, those are on muscles..mainly my ankles.

And, the most I've been up at night to tinkle, is 18 times. IF I eat a medical marijuana edible, I'll sometimes sleep through the night, or only up once or twice. That might be an option??

Good luck...I hope you find relief fast...

Thank you for posts which I haven't read yet BUT I'M VERY GRATEFUL TO YOU. I have just found it! The same problem- BLADDER SPASMS and catheter. Nothing seems to help. He is losing hope and I feel awful bc I strongly believe that cures are already around here we just have to SEE them. Doctor gave him some drugs which don't help, have terrible side effect but he takes them anyway.
Whatever is your advice-I'll take it! Thanks for replies!

I have just read all your replies and I'm very grateful to you. The problem with treating someone is that I would know what is helping ME, and with him I'm just not sure. Pumpkin seed oil or corn silk or NAC -he noticed nothing--but I stopped few days ago and today it's spasm after spasm. AZO, over-the-counter drug, helps but its dye, then irritates his bladder.

He was taking NAC 2 x 600 mg but stopped (he takes abut 40 pills/day), but maybe I should start it again?

Never tried xylitol or GSE - maybe he should take something to break biofilms?i like VCO- but he has problems t at it. Would be best imo as it is also antimicrobial.
He also has silly problems with medicinal marijuana--prefers drugs with side effects!

Today is a second day with 1-2 very light spasms and I'm giving all the credit to marshmallow root - thank you MAMA TO MANY. Knock the wood--this works so far! Why did you say it is temporary? I am giving him 3 capsules, 3-4 times/day (the same brand). Amazing two days!

Yes, I learned it today as we went out without it and my husband had his painful spasms again. Now he has taken it (hen he takes 3 caps when he feels the spasm is coming--i understand it helps calm the irritated bladder. And his bladder is irritated not only by infection but also by something as trivial as standing up=changing position) and is fine.
So far so good (but pills are his ONLY solution. No exercises...)

Still, I want to find a more permanent solution--- I will read the articles Nonnie sent. You are all so helpful!