bladder discomfort

I had my TAH/BSO on Oct 18 almost 4 weeks ago. I think I am probably doing as expected, tired, swollen tummy, etc. But I am wondering if it's normal for my bladder to feel uncomfortable most of the time. I have to urinate more frequently, because it is really painful when it starts to get full. I am assuming the bladder is just sore from the surgery. The doctor didn't seem too concerned. Should I be concerned?
Thanks

I've had similiar problems and my doctor said it was because everything took a beating and may be bruised.I had a very enlarged uterus it was a job to get it out.Doctors want to wait 6 weeks.After that they may consider it a problem but until then they just consider it recovering.I wouldn't get too concerned until then.Good Luck!!

meriwether is right. The bladder often is very sore and jumpy following a hyst. Mine was! It took over 2 months for mine to get better, and it did, very slowwwly. This is fairly common. Continue to get plenty of rest, as this will go far towards the healing process.

My very best to you...

Linda

My Dr. told me that my bladder was very beat up and bruised during surgery and that it kept falling during the surgery.
I had problems with it in the hospital and had to have a catheter reinserted on day 3 because I could not urinate on my own.
When I got home home it was very sore and sloooooow. I had a lot of stops and starts and trickles during urination for well over a month.
It seems to be speeding up a bit more every day though (I'm at 8 weeks now) but its still aches and feels "itchy" and full all the time like theres a bladder infection there. (There is not one though because I was tested yesterday for one)
My suggestion to you would be to drink a lot of cranberry juice and water all day long. It does help. If you can get pure cranberry juice not from concentrate and with no sugar from your local health food store or co-op that is definately best even though it is vile nasty tasting stuff and I do mean nasty.
I ordered some yesterday from my food co-op. I have been drinking regular from concentrate stuff. The pure stuff has cured my bladder infections in the past though so I am hoping it will do me some good here.
Feel better and have a speedy recovery!

Dear Sisters,
I had a total laproscopic hyst on 11/3 plus Burch procedure which was also done with the laproscope. Prior to the surgery I drank a lot of cranberry juice, not the regular sugar kind but the light juice sweetened with Splenda. Because it's not pure juice, unless you get it from the health food store, I also take cranberry capsules. So many of us have these awful bladder problems! I am still drinking the juice and also take a few capsules each day. My bladder feels a bit better since the procedure, yet I still also feel sore and seem to go quite a bit. I think the cranberry has helped prevent an infection, in fact it also acts as a diuretic which may also be why I am still going quite a bit. I had the Foley cath overnight at the hospital. It was awful. They did take it out and fortunately I was able to go on my own-many women seem not to be able to after the Burch procedure however. After reading your responses I am thinking that yes the bladder is just plain bruised and sore. If we are voiding ok and even a lot, chances are there is no infection. When I had an infection in the past it hurt much worse than this does. Gosh, I just can't wait to be ok again! It is still uncomfortable. Plus, anyone having bowel problems as well? That seems to aggravate the urge to constantly seem like the Princess and the Pee. I took stool softeners at first but they sort of gave me cramps. I switched to drinking Metamucil every day and making sure I am getting fiber. But my bowels still feel sore too. I guess it just takes time and I am losing my patience. Oh well. I hope everyone heals and feels better soon. Any more insight on these issues would be appreciated.
Love, Light, Blessings
Druid

Hi Druid,

You are right about saying your bowels are sore, too. They have probably been moved around during surgery just like your bladder. Glad you're making a point to get your fiber...I found that once bowel habits were more regular, I felt much better all around. When you're able to wean yourself off of pain meds, this helps your system a lot as well, though you should remain on the pain meds as long as you need them. Freedom from pain gives your body more of a chance to rest and heal.

Yes, this recovery DOES take time...much longer than I knew at the beginning. However, at 4 months post-TAH I can say it's been VERY worth it to be feeling good again and free of the old problems! I only wish I had done it SOONER!

Remember that you have had major surgery, and cut yourself lots of slack right now. It takes months to heal totally with all that has been done inside you. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel in just a few weeks!

My very best to you...

Linda

Much thanks to all of you for responding to my post. I feel better just knowing my feelings are not unique! Misery loves company, huh? This website has been sooooo helpful!