Incontinence

Has anyone experienced this since having their surgery? If so, how long after the surgery, what were your symptoms, etc.? I'm having a bit of a problem with it right now, have an appt. with a urologist on Aug. 4th and I'm curious as to what awaits me. Any and all comments welcome! Thanks,

Beth

Hi ((((chicklet)))) So sorry you're dealing with incontinence issues I know just how that feels, since that's been a problem I've been dealing with since 1 year after my TVH.

First, a bit of background: I had a TVH with Rectocele repair in December 2000. The stress incontinence I'd been dealing with was mostly resolved with the Rectocele repair: would only have a few problems with leakage when I dashed or jumped, something I don't do too often.

Then, in November 2001, I started having increasing problems. No longer was I only dealing with stress incontinence, I would now find myself leaking when walking or hearing running water... annoying when you live in Canada, where it tends to rain most Fall or Spring days... or Summer days, for that matter.

It got so bad that, in the Summer of 2002, I finally consulted a doctor, thinking it was my hormones acting up. However, I was confronted with doctors who didn't seem to think that incontinence was something that needed to be delt with. Finally, in May, I got a GP to take me seriously, and got a referral to a Urologyst.

I went to the Urologyst, sure that I would be facing another repair surgery and really, really not looking forward to it. Much to my surprise, she noticed that most of my problems stemmed from muscle weakness in the perineal area and she opted to send me for Perineal therapy

I had my first therapy session last Tuesday, and here's what I found out:

First off, I couldn't believe it, but I found out some more things my doctor, who I know is a very, very good doctor (excellent has been used to describe him, by one of his colleague):

1) the therapist said that if I'd been sent for a consultation, right after the hyst and rectocele repair, the problems with incontinence could have been totally avoided!!!

2) at first, especially in cases like mine, where the perineal muscles are very, very weak, kegels should be done lying down. She equated doing kegels in a seated or a standing position when your muscles are too weak to having the efficacity of trying to lift 100 lbs weights when you can only lift 20 lbs: you won't be able to do it, you'll use the wrong methods and have the potential of hurting yourself.

Other tips I found out:

1) when having a bm, instead of sitting with legs spread, in the position of giving birth, we should sit with our thighs together: not only does this protect the perineum (sitting with thighs opened, opens up the perineal area, leaving it in a vulnerable position), it also favors evacuating towards the rectum, reducing the straining efforts. I tried it and found a difference immediately: much more effective!!!

2) when you have a huge urge and feel like you're not going to make it, stand against a wall, legs together but not crossed, and bring your pelvis in. Hold the position until you feel ready to go (ie, the bathroom is free again). This is the most effective position to help you keep it in.

Now, the way the therapy worked:

She uses a bell-shaped sounding device that is linked to a computer. You purchase the device, so it's yours to keep... and no risk of contamination

The device emits electric waves, they felt like tickles, and, at the same time, it forces your muscles to contract. As I got used to it, she had me contract the muscles along with the device. This lasted only 15 minutes, but, let me tell you, I was very exhausted at the end of the session!!!

When I left, she gave me some exercises to do: I have to 10 repititions of contracting the muscles, rest, then repeat for 3 times. The objective is to do 10 repititions, 10 times a day. The aim is to them right: lying down, ensuring that's it's the perineum muscles working, not the bum, not the tummy and not the thighs. As with most exercises, it's more important to do them right, than to do too many.

In my case, since pain is not an issue, I didn't feel any pain... just tired... and realized just how little I've been working those muscles.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. While this type of therapy might not be the right way to go for everyone, and it is expensive (my sessions cost $80.00 and the device cost $30.00), this might be a viable alternative to surgery.

Wishing you the best of luck with your uro appointment. Please keep us posted.

Hi,

You can look up fistula threads. A fistula is a hole in the bladder or could be in the ureters that goes into the vagina which will make you incontinent. In my case completely incontinent or in others when the bladder fills to the point of hole then will spill out. There are many tests to determine this. At home you can insert a tampon & if it gets wet then you are probably leaking from the vagina. Others will be performed at the uro. You can see several women that just recently had surgery & read what they went through.

Good Luck & hoping you have drier days!
Terry

Dany and Terry,

Thanks very much for your thoughtful replies. It's good to see that there are non-surgical options out there, I am definitely trying to avoid another surgery. Can't thank you enough for your helpful posts.

Beth

Hi Beth,

Wanted to clarify one thing. If you have a fistula surgery may be your only option. There are cases where they heal on their own but very few. I wouldn't panic until you see the uro & find out exactly what is going on.

God Bless,
Terry