What To Do About Changes When You Urinate
Narrator:
What to do about changes when you urinate caused by radiation therapy.
Having problems when you urinate? Listen to solutions from other people undergoing radiation therapy. Also, hear advice from Dr. Ross. Then talk with your own doctor or nurse to learn more.
Miguel:
Tip number 1: Drink lots of liquids each day.
It's good for your urine to be clear or a pale yellow color. My doctor says that tells you you're getting enough liquids. Most people find drinking about 8 cups of liquid a day does the trick. Of course, check to make sure that's the best amount for you, too.
Cara:
Tip number 2: Water is wonderful, but you may want more zip in your sip.
I like water, but found it was hard to get enough water each day. I was glad to learn that Jell-O and soups also count as liquids. To add some zip to what I drink, I have water with a little lemon and watered-down juices.
Rodney:
Tip number 3: Lose the booze.
My doctor told me that wine, liquor, or even beer could really bother my bladder. So now I limit these liquids. Some people may need to stay away from wine, liquor, and beer altogether to avoid irritating their bladder.
My doctor also told me to stay away from caffeine in coffee, colas, or teas. They could make my bladder problems worse. I now choose flavored decaf coffees and tasty herbal teas.
Dr. Ross:
Hi, I'm Dr. Ross and you just heard 3 great tips to keep bladder problems under control.
Miguel offered that drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water will keep your urine the clear or pale yellow color it should be. He mentioned checking with your doctor first to make sure that this is the best amount for you. That's a good idea.
Cara suggested that in addition to drinking water, you might want to try soups, Jell-O, or watered-down juices to get in all your liquids each day.
And Rodney said to limit or stay away from wine, liquor, and beer since these fluids can irritate the bladder. He's also trying to stay away from caffeine in coffee, colas, and teas, which could make his bladder problems worse. All good tips.
I want to end with information about when to call your doctor if you're having bladder problems. Always get in touch with your doctor if you see a reddish color in your urine. This could mean blood in the urine.
Let your doctor know if you feel burning or cramping or if you have any pain. Those could be signs of an infection. Tell your doctor if you feel like you have to urinate right away. And call if you feel you can't get all the urine out or if the urine leaks from your bladder when you sneeze or cough.
Your health care team wants to work with you to help you manage any bladder side effects. So talk with them. There may be medicines or exercises to help with some of these problems. And the good news is that most bladder problems go away after treatment.