QuestionDear Cat, I had cystocele surgery in March, had to have a catheter for about a week (maybe more like 2 weeks) and even now my urinary function is still not right. Have to "push" (not painful) most of the urine out but that isn't the main problem. Problem is that I may be retaining urine so my dr. is considering further surgery to loosen the mesh that he put in during my surgery in March. Would rather not have the surgery but would feel better about it if I hadn't been told that even with this 2nd surgery I may again have to go home with a catheter. Do you know the success rate of this 2nd surgery? Also, what is the danger of "postponing" the surgery (my dr. mentioned something that if I wait too long he may have trouble finding the mesh)? My dr. appt. is in 4 days so would like to hear from you soon, if possible. Thanks in advance for your help. Paulette
AnswerHi Paulette: It is completely normal to require a cath, post-op, so I wouldn't be too concerned about that. There is some swelling that may take a week or two (or in some cases, more) to subside and it typically will take many weeks before urination resembles "normal" (use that term loosely).
It's also not unheard of to require a 2nd surgery to loosen or let down either sutures or whatever reinforcement material may have been used in your op. Frustrating, but I'm sure your doctor probably mentioned this as a possible risk with these type surgeries. I'm afraid I can't comment on the success of your particular procedure as I don't have specifics, but if you are continuing to have difficulty emptying your bladder this many months post-op, I would proceed with the surgery (assuming you have every confidence that you're dealing with an experienced, competent surgeon?). It can be challenging to excise the mesh the more time has passed as the idea is for your own tissue to "grow into it" (in crude layman's terms). As well, you'd likely be left having to deal with chronic UTI's unless you opt to self-cath to empty your bladder.
I'd be curious to know the specialty of your doctor (eg, gyn, urologist, urogyn?).
I wish you the best of luck, and so very sorry to hear you've encountered problems requiring a subsequent procedure. The ideal would be to have surgery and move on with your life but so often that just doesn't happen.
If I can be of further help to you, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards,
Cat
PS: If you'd be interested in communicating with other women who deal with these type problems, please check out UPRISE's message board at: http://prolapse.hyperboards2.com/index.cgi
