bladder sling with hysterectomy

Anybody experience a bladder "sling" for incontinence??? I am scheduled for the sling along with rectocele repair and supracervical abdominal hysterectomy for fibroids. (keeping ovaries) Have been "watching" the fibroids for 10 years and had hoped to get to menopause without surgery. Now bladder is bad. So frustrated with wearing thick incontinence pads. I am 48 and don't want to continue like this, so am going ahead with the sling procedure. 14 week uterus with grapefruit sized fibroid is adding to the frequency and bladder pressure. I could do just the sling and rectocele and add hysterectomy later if needed but after talking to 3 doctors and many others have decided to do all the surgery at once. Surgery is scheduled for 3/24/05 so not too much time left. Getting nervous about the surgery and recovery-but at this point also just want to get this over with and feel better. Would appreciate any advice.

Hi, Bubbles...

It is scary, isn't it? I'm sorry you didn't make it to menopause in time to avoid this surgery.

I had an LSH 6 months ago and then a trachelectomy (removal of cervix) plus bladder sling 2 weeks ago. I can't tell you that you're in for a fun ride, but I *can* say (with some assurance) that when this is all over you will feel so much better. And, having had 2 surgeries in 6 months, I think it's not a bad idea to have this all done at once, esp. if all your docs feel that a hyst is inevitable. I was not a candidate to keep my cervix in the first place and had a real loser of a doc the first go round.

I had a TOT sling put in. It's lovely not to pee every time I cough or sneeze now! But, as it's only been 2 weeks, I'm still swollen and my bladder is now not letting go very easily. It's finally starting to get better--the doc said to give it a few more weeks.

Many, many women here have had bladder repair, and I hope someone will come along soon and share their experiences with you.

Much luck with you surgery.



Margot

bubbles...I dont know exactly what's going to transpire for me at that point, but I do have a appt for a urodynamics test to be done on Tue!!!!Guess Ill wait it out and let you know...Im having the whole "urban renewal" thing done(TAH/BSO) all at once.Had 2 c-sections long ago and the scar tissue,adheasions,endo,and now fibroids ;( !!!! And im really sick of this crap sooooo it's time to get this show on the road....

I'm scheduled for the bladder sling along with my TVH on 3/23. Like you, I'm wondering about this surgery & after effects, but don't want to have to do more later! I go for my pre-op tomorrow, and hope to learn more then.
I will be glad when all of this is over!