Any women thinking about having surgery for incontinence?

[zanne]

I don't want to scare anybody or make you think that, if you do go for such a surgery it'll be disastrous, but even if it only happens to 5% of women, I think you should know about it. In March, I had a simple outpatient procedure called a TOVT (Trans Obturator Vaginal Sling Procedure). I recovered very quickly and was able to walk around the next day. Unfortunately for me, it didn't work. My gynecologist recommended a more invasive procedure called a MONARC pubic suspension. I went to a Urogynecologist at a pretty prestigious hospital (Darmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon, NH) to have it done. I was told it would be another simple procedure and I could go home the same day. As soon as the surgery was over and I woke up in recovery, I knew I was in trouble. I had excruciating pain and a strong urge to urinate. The nurses tried to get me to the bathroom and I collapsed because my legs were too weak. Believe it or not, one hour later I was sent home. (I still couldn't walk, so they wheeled me to the car and helped my husband get me in). I was in and out of conciousness on the one and a half hour drive home. That was October 12. Today, I am still confined to my house because I cannot urinate without using a "straight catheter". I use the bathroom approximately every 15 minutes. (I forgot to mention that, before I figured out how to use the catheter, I had to make two trips to the ER). Since the surgery, I have talked to the surgeon three times, my gynecolisit two times and my GP four times. On Friday, the surgeon is performing yet another test on me, because he refuses to "give up". He actually told me that it could take three months of recuperation
So, if anyone is thinking of having anything like this done, please ask them straight on about post-surgical complications. I'd hate to see other women go through this.

[sandnsea]

1. oh my heavens

how horrid! I have a bit of incontinence so I know how annoying it can be. I can see how a simple surgery would be appealing. What a nightmare you are going through. I hope it doesn't take 3 months for you to get better.

[Ethelk2044]

2. My prayers are with you.

[Warpy]

3. If you're having to straight cath your bladder every 15 minutes

your surgeon needs to do more than just look. He needs to consider things like bladder spasms, infection or nerve damage.

Chances are you'll still have to straight cath yourself until you recover completely, but every 15 minutes is not only too much, it can put you at greater risk for infection.

I do know women who have had this done. They all kick themselves for not having it done sooner. Your symptoms mean something is wrong and you need to get whatever it is checked out tout de suite.

[zanne]

5. Thank you warpy.

I'm schedules for another Urodynamics test on Friday. It's just so frustrating that the surgeon I have has so much trouble believing me. I don't know how many more tests I'll have to go through until he finally admits that something's wrong.
I thank all of you for your best wishes.

[murielm99]

4. How awful for you.

It sounds like you need to get a second opinion about this. Surely no one should be having these complications after a simple surgery.

Please take care of yourself. I hope you are out of pain soon.

[hedgehog]

6. The problem is that you were sent home without a proper evaluation.

My guess is that the insurance companies do not pay for an extended stay after this surgery. I ran into the same thing when I delivered my babies. Six different kids, six different recovery rates, but I always stayed the same length of time.

[zanne]

7. You had six babies?

OK--You win.

[kdmorris]

8. I'm having it done Dec 5th

But I have 3 different procedures, for prolapsed uterus, cystocele and rectocele. I'm told I will be in the hospital for 3 days (Surgery Wed morning 6 AM, home Friday evening)

I go in November 8th to talk to the urogynocologist and will discuss with her then the types of procedures I will need. After Urodynamics, she did say the cystocele will be repaired with a sling. The rectocele will be repaired by putting the rectum back where it belongs and stitching the fascia between the rectum and vagina. I will go home with a Foley catheter, but I don't know how that compares to a "straight catheter". Other than that, I do know that I will be out of work for 6 weeks, forbidden to lift anything heavier than 5 lbs for 8-12 weeks, and forbidden to sit upright for more than an hour for the first 4 weeks, at least. She also said I would not be able to drive for 3 weeks. No baths for at least 6 weeks, either.

It's worth whatever I need to do so that I don't leak anymore. Thanks for the info. Everyone I've talked to who has had it is incredibly pleased with the results and had no real problems. I'm really sorry to hear about your issues. That sounds really bad and not at all fun.

[Warpy]

9. The Foley catheter is an indwelling catheter

There is a balloon at the end of the tube that is inflated with saline solution and that keeps the tube in place. Ask them for a leg bag so that you are a little more mobile, otherwise you'll be carrying the collection bag around like a purse. Both bags can be emptied directly into the toilet.

Also get yourself a "doughnut," an inflatable cushion in a doughnut shape. It can make sitting for meals a lot easier. You can get those at medical supply places.

Most people who have this procedure have done very well with it. Pain like that in the OP means something is wrong and needs to be checked out.

[flamingyouth]

10. What a horrible story.

I'm so sorry for what you've gone through. I've had two transurethral resectionings of my bladder for bladder cancer and have had problems with incontinence, so I can sort of relate. This sounds like a nightmare, though. I really feel for you. :(