Symptom 16. Urinary Incontinence: The Bladder Burdens of Amyloidosis
When amyloidosis sets its sight on your body, it leaves no stone unturned, delving into every nook and cranny. One such deeply personal area it invades is the urinary system. It’s as if you have lost control over a part of your life that you took for granted. The simple, involuntary act of holding on and letting go becomes a struggle, leading to a condition known as urinary incontinence.
In amyloidosis, the amyloid proteins can accumulate within the delicate structures of the urinary tract. They insert themselves in areas where they don’t belong, much like a gatecrasher at a private event. These unexpected guests disrupt the usual harmony, causing chaos in the form of urinary incontinence. It’s like having a dam that’s sprung a leak, with you scrambling to plug it.
Urinary incontinence isn’t a one-size-fits-all symptom. It dons different disguises, presenting as an intense, sudden urge to urinate that can’t be controlled or a leak when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting something heavy. It can even go to the extent of experiencing an involuntary loss of urine, a condition known as overflow incontinence.
Living with urinary incontinence is like walking on thin ice, constantly in fear of an unexpected crack. It can make you map out the closest restrooms on your grocery store trips, avoid social gatherings for fear of an accident, or start carrying a change of clothes ‘just in case.’ It’s a constant reminder of amyloidosis, like an alarm that keeps ringing, impacting your daily life and mental wellbeing.
Amidst the discomfort and inconvenience, remember that urinary incontinence is not the enemy. It’s a messenger delivering the news of the real adversary, amyloidosis. It’s a symptom that stands as evidence of how widespread and insidious this disease can be, underscoring the need for attention and care. (16)
