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The title says it all. Since I became ill, it seems I have had to pee all the time over the past week or so. Yesterday, I had labs at my GP for my scheduled annual physical on Friday, and try as I might, hardily a dribble resulted. This is not something I’ve experienced before nor it is something I know to be associated with peritoneal dialysis. To check out research in this area, I turned to the Dr Sage bot on Poe and obtained the following results from which you can see for yourselves it IS quite common:

Yes, it can be normal for a male on peritoneal dialysis to experience a sensation of needing to urinate frequently, even if little or nothing comes out. This symptom can be attributed to several factors:

Possible Explanations:
1. Fluid Overload:
Patients on peritoneal dialysis may sometimes retain fluid due to inadequate ultrafiltration. This excess fluid can lead to increased pressure on the bladder, causing a sensation of urgency.
2. Bladder Irritation:
The presence of retained fluids or infections, such as urinary tract infections), can irritate the bladder, leading to frequent urges to urinate.
3. Decreased Bladder Capacity:
Patients with kidney disease may have a reduced bladder capacity or dysfunction, leading to frequent sensations of needing to void.
4. Residual Kidney Function:
If the patient has some residual kidney function, they may still produce a small amount of urine, which can contribute to the urge to urinate, even if the volume is insufficient.
5. Psychological Factors:
Anxiety and stress related to their medical condition can also manifest as increased urinary urgency.
Considerations:
Assessment: It is essential for the patient to communicate these symptoms to their healthcare provider. A thorough evaluation may be needed to rule out any underlying conditions, such as urinary tract infections or bladder dysfunction.
Monitoring Fluid Intake: Keeping track of fluid intake and output can help manage the sensation of urgency and assist in evaluating overall fluid balance.
Conclusion:
While this sensation can be common among those on peritoneal dialysis, it is important to investigate persistent or worsening symptoms to ensure that there are no other underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you have further questions or need clarification on any points, feel free to ask!