flomax

Any experience with flomax?  I can't pee and a urologist gave me some.  (I'm a female).  I had to go back a few hours later and have the cathetor he put in taken out, was too unbearably painful.  That was the 3rd one in 4 days, since surgery.  I just pray the flomax enables me to pee tonight, or I'm in big trouble.  Fern

It is a very serious drug used by men, I have read that it is not to be used by women, it also has lots of side effects that can be life threatening. Special warnings about Flomax Remember that, in a few men, Flomax can cause a drop in blood pressure upon first standing up, which in turn can lead to dizziness or fainting. Avoid driving and other hazardous tasks for 12 hours after your first dose or a dosage increase, and be careful to stand up slowly until you're sure the drug won't make you dizzy. If you do become dizzy, sit down until it passes. Although the problem is extremely rare (affecting perhaps 1 in 50,000) Flomax has been known to cause priapism--a painful, persistent erection unrelated to sexual activity. If you develop this side effect, call your doctor without delay. The condition can lead to permanent impotence if not treated immediately. Possible food and drug interactions when taking Flomax If Flomax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flomax with any of the following: Blood pressure drugs classified as alpha-blockers, such as Catapres Cimetidine (Tagamet) Warfarin (Coumadin) Flomax is for use only by men.

Your doctor knows what he is doing.  Besides shrinking the prostate (in men), it also helps in general urine flow (both men and women).  I did not have an enlarged prostate at the time of my RNY, but I couldn't pee on my own.  The Flomax did help.  Fern, I know this can be a very hard time for you.  But each day should get better and better.  But for right now, you'll need to adjust to the urine bag and cathetor.  You may want to drill the RN at the urologist with questions about the cathetor (they see them all the time and may be able to give you hints.  I wore sweats my first few days out and hung the bag on them on the inside.  Don't freak out if the bag leaks too...accidents can happen.  Be sure to sip sip sip...even though it fills up the bag (watch for dehydration).  You may want to change the bag in the shower too.  Don't be afraid to call in friends and family for help. We're here for you.  Brian

My Urologist put me on Flomax when I was trying to pass a Kidney stone. My co-workers wife also takes it daily for some type of bladder issue she has. Just pay attention to your body if you notice something isn't right, call the doctor. They really do know what they are doing. Sue