I was born with a urinary tract abnormality that caused me many problems until it was surgically
corrected when I was 35.  Because of all the *nasty* tests I endured prior to that surgery,
whenever I started having problems with bladder incontinence a few years ago (say like ten+
approximately) I had no desire to go to the urologist about the problem, instead taking care of
it myself with the aids made available to us for the problem.

When I was 22 they found that I also had an atonic bladder, rarely emptying.  An insufficient
nerve supply was also discovered at the same time.  Following the corrective surgery, I
considered things going rather smoothly simply because of having no more nephritis and reflux.

*Today, I am almost totally incontinent.  I asked my endo if this was due to autonomic
neuropathy or not, and he told me to have my urologist make the determination.  Saw my urologist
Tuesday for my lithotripsy follow-up, and he scheduled me for a test that would show him exactly
what my bladder was doing and why.  Had that test done yesterday.  UGH!!!!  NOW I know why I've
put off seeing the uro for so long prior to discovery of the kidney stones.

Anyway, he said my bladder problems were definitely diabetes related, but he will give me a more
detailed report after he has had time to thoroughly study the results.  Just thought I'd share
the good news..... :-)

*My endo also tested my peripheral neuropathy a couple of weeks ago.  He has a neurologist who
comes into the clinic to do the testing and any other neurology stuff.  My endo was wanting to
know the full extent of my neuropathy, and just how much we can realistically do to try to help
it.   Doing the nerve conduction, it was determined that I have moderate to severe in my feet,
legs, hands, and arms (with increasing muscle weakness).  The doctor was able to answer my
questions that I had along the way, and much, very much of my chronic pain is neuropathy
related.  He also added some tests of the muscles in my legs; I could not even feel him insert
the needles (neuropathy *does* have some things in its favor :-).

*I have been having considerable eye problems for the past year, especially the past six months.
My ophthalmologist has checked me very thoroughly for diabetes related problems, but has
reassured me that as of right now, I still show no diabetes related problems.  She said that my
problems are related to my rheumatoid arthritis (onslaught in 64).  The problem lies with my
cornea, requiring multiple different drops a day.  Next week I am to go have an OCT done.  This
is to check on my glaucoma.  My pressure had been running in the 20's prior to my cataract
surgery, but dropped to about 16-18 following the removal.

Guess that is a bit of what's been going on lately with me, along with four kidney stones which
***appear*** to be gone, but will not know for sure until two months from now.  Almost all mid
back pain, bilaterally, has just about disappeared since the last lithotripsy, and that was one
of the chronic pain areas that has had no cause before now;  have been having it for more than
five years without any explanation.  Glad to get rid of that much anyway.  :-)  Things really
can get better even though it doesn't seem like it sometimes.

Billie in AR
Pumping MM 715 with Humalog and loving it!
Symlin 20 u