Bladder Control

[dustysmom]

Ok i had a dr's appointment a few days ago and the urologists said that i should have surgery done for my leakage problem. He said that i would have to get a few tests done which is fine. He said that the day i get the first test done he would talk with me in depth about the procedure that would be done.

He said that more then likely i would get the sling done and that it would be done as an outpatient at the local hospital.

I've been doing a lot of research on this and I'm getting to the point where I'm getting somewhat unhappy with what I'm reading about not being able to void a few weeks after the surgery and having to be self catheterized. I know that everyone is different and healing takes time, but with the type of work that i do i cannot be worried about self catheterizing.

Can someone tell me if self catherizing is time consuming and how often does it have to be done and how long after the surgery will i have to worry about this.

Also recovery time i also know that everyone is different and healing takes time, but i drive for a living and i was wondering how long it would be before i could drive again, i only have a week paid vacation which I'm taking so that i can get this done, but i cannot afford to be out of work any longer then a week. I drive a school bus so its not a whole 8 hours on the road --i drive about 2 hours in the Am and about 2 and 1/2 hours in the Pm .

Has anyone ever had the surgery and not have a problem afterwards. I've never had any surgery done in my life and i found child birth and recovery time was a snap for me after each of my children were born i was up and about and doing things within days --all 4 of my children were born on Fridays and we came home on Saturdays and by Tuesday we were out and about and i was drving every where ==With one of my kids we came home on a sunday that was because all the roads were closed due to a major snow storm.

So if anyone can shed some light on what i can look for as far as recovery i would appericate it

[njwhite]

I had the transobturator bladder sling last August 2007. It was simply one of the best things I've done for myself. Alot of the success is having a very experienced doctor. The surgery was a breeze. I did NOT have to have a catheter. I urinated that day with just a very little burning. There was virtually zero pain. I was just uncomfortable for a few days, especially when sitting for a long time. I work out of my home and after 3 days, I tried to sit at my desk. After 3 hours my bottom ached and went and laid down. I was fine by the end of the first week. The hardest part was not lifting anything heavy or having sex for 4-6 weeks.

I leaked pretty bad. To the point that I couldn't even go from my bedroom to the kitchen for a drink without a pad.

Now? I am completely dry! I have been liberated. The stock prices plummeted on Poise pads!!!!!

I just had my 6 check up in Feb. My doctor said he can't even tell I had surgery.

What a total blessing!

Regards,
NJWhite

[dustysmom]

Thank you very much for your the information.
I do have one other question when you resumed sex did you have any discomfort,

[Dr K UroAZ]

Having done hundreds of slings, there is much to be said. There are a myriad of slings out there, but most of ones done in the last decade are the "minimally invasive" midurethral slings such as the TVT which is the prototype. They're straightforward with a low side effect profile.

Most women who have a reasonable bladder contraction pressure (as measured by urodynamics pre-op) should not have a post op retention issue. Its a minor risk. The women in my practice who've needed to do self-cath are usually over seventy, with weak bladders, or were redo sling cases.

Its unlikely, especially if your urologist has done many and has good outcomes. Ask him/her how many of his/her patients have had post-op retention of urine.

If you're curious, see my blog at :

www.femaleurologyaz.blogspot.com

thanks

[Dr K UroAZ]

Usually after sling surgery if everything is healed up, sex is not a problem. About less than 10% of women may have discomfort, but most leak w/ sex and feel better with sex after the surgery.

[dustysmom]

Thanks your for answering my questions.
I'm suppose to get the urodynamic test later this week.

[dustysmom]

Thank you for you answers
I will be getting the urodynamic test done later this week.

What is consider to be a good bladder contraction pressure ?

[Dr K UroAZ]

I do urodynamics all the time. Its a little strange having to pee into a commode with a catheter in your bladder.

A good bladder contraction is usually more than about 5-10 cm Water pressure. Women don't need terribly strong pressures to void b/c there is no prostate to urinate past.

Urodynamics also looks for straining while urinating (straining to void will be difficult after a sling is in. That's what its designed to prevent- urine coming out during straining manuevers.) We test for "leak pressure", capacity and compliance- essentially bladder health.

[njwhite]

I never had problems with sex after the surgery. Actually, felt more relaxed because I didn't worry about leaking during it.

Hey, Dr. K: my urologist is in Scottsdale, AZ. I see you are from AZ too.

njwh

[Dr K UroAZ]

I work in the East Valley. My office is in Ahwatukee and operate in Chandler and Mesa.