3 Follow-Up Questions Before Botox for Overactive Bladder

If you have been arranging your day around the nearest restroom, another treatment may sound worth considering. Before bladder Botox, ask what the weeks afterward would involve. Follow-up, practical support and a contact number belong in the conversation before the procedure.

Three follow-up questions

1. How will we check for infection? A urinary tract infection is a contraindication to bladder injection. Ask about the pre-procedure assessment and what to do if symptoms develop before the appointment.¹

2. What support would I have if catheterization became necessary? The label limits treatment to people willing and able to start catheterization if retention occurs.¹ Ask who would teach you, provide supplies and help if you found it difficult.

3. When will bladder emptying be measured? For people not already catheterizing, the label calls for residual urine assessment within two weeks, then periodically as appropriate up to twelve weeks. Contact the clinician if passing urine becomes difficult.¹

Put the arrangements beside the consent form

Ask how the team will review your response and which number to use outside office hours. If transport, caregiving or handling supplies could be difficult, say so before the appointment is booked. You can ask for another explanation of any part you do not understand.

Botulinum toxin carries a boxed warning about effects spreading beyond the injection site. Seek immediate medical attention for swallowing, speech or breathing problems after treatment.¹

Laugh, Sneeze, Jump includes an appointment preparation sheet and three-day bladder log. Use them to organize the symptoms and questions you want to discuss. See the book.