Another Yucky Inquiry....

[DSodaNow]

Hey Everyone-

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experiences with the issue that I am about to describe. I do have an appointment with my doctor next week, but I am still very hesitant to disclose the problem that I had with alcohol to a doctor. So I am hoping he can ease my concerns without having to do it.

So here it is.... Since I have quit drinking I have had a huge increase in frequency of urination. I don't believe it is a bladder infection because I do not have any discomfort and I always have a full bladder when I go. (Not the feel like you have to go, then try and can't.) Sometimes I can not even go for one hour without having to pee.

Anyone else experience this after quitting drinking?

Sorry.... it has just been on my mind and making me a little bit nervous.

[NOMOMERLOTMAMMA]

Are you drinking a whole lot of caffeine? I find that when I do..I'm in the bathroom CONSTANTLY. Caffeine irritates the bladder..

[DSodaNow]

I have replaced my alcohol with diet coke... maybe that is it, but boy it sure seems excessive!

[ananda]

hi - jee i hope you wont feel that embarrased to talk to the dr. It is something that i would think is not uncommon for them to hear about. He/she will know what things that problem could indicate. There's probably more than one thing it could be...including normal?

It's really such a relief to me to be able to just tell the dr.s the whole thing...they do so much better when they have ALL the information.

Let us know how it goes....you are a brave and strong person!!!! (IMO)

[SoosieQ]

I noticed this too! It could be two things: yes, caffeine is a major diuretic (meaning that it makes you pee). The other thing is that your body is detoxing the alcohol, so peeing a lot is a good thing, for awhile, given there is no pain or other sign of bladder infection. Unfortunately, it can be annoying and inconvenient!

I'm going to go a little farther in this, so forgive me if I am out of line. Diet Coke contains artificial sugars, yes? I don't think that this is very good for the body in the long run (scientific studies are showing some scary results). Have you ever heard of stevia? It is a plant that is naturally very sweet. You can use it like you would sugar; add it to teas, oatmeal, etc. Gives you the satisfaction of sweetness without chemicals and side-effects. You can find it in any health food store.

My frequent urination went away after a few months of detox. It lessened when I improved my diet (plenty of healthy veggies, a little protein and grains), and when I decreased my use of caffeine. By then, my body was out of shock (remember we are giving our livers quite a job when we ask them to process large amounts of alcohol), and it (I) was able to process the nutritional intake more productively.

Good luck!

[CarolD]

Well...
It's always wise to insist on a blood test.
Sorry...I don't recall for certain
but I think its a CBT. Chemical Blood Test.

That way you have a base line for your new healthy life.

[lightseeker]

whenever I drink a lot of coffee and/or diet coke the same thing happens to me. Just mention to your doc and mention the diet coke stuff. At least try and get some water in the mix.

good for you re: recovery!

[indigo]

When I first gave up drinking and started to drink water etc, I found I needed to pee much more frequently, alcohol dehyrates our bodies and I think we take time to get the balance right, I would go see my doctor though if it is worrying you.

[DSodaNow]

Thanks everyone! It is a relief just to hear that I am not alone in this thing. I will let you know what the doctor says.

The reason I am very hesitant about allowing it to be put on a any medical records that I am an alocoholic is because if you ever have to apply for individual health insurance it is a b*tch to get and they will deny you for so many things. Last time I had to apply one of them actually denied me for allergies!!!