urination

My mom had surgury last Tuesday, February 13th. She is still having to use a catheter. Is this normal? How long does it usually take to get the function of the bladder back to normal. She had minor bladder repairs with the surgury (I believe repairing seals).

Thanks,
Brandee

Hi Brandee

What a caring daughter you must be - saw that there had been no replies so I will give you my limited knowledge experience plus this will put the question at the top of list. Do you know what your mother was told when she was released? Please call your mother's doctor or have her call if you are concerned or have questions - I have called a few times and the nurse usually calls me right back with the answer.

When you say she is still using a catheter I assume you mean she is self cathing herself. I had a TAH with bladder suspension on 1/22/01 and was able to urinate by myself on Thursday 1/25 but had to self cath for several days until I has urinating 80 to 85% of contents of bladder. My bladder surgeon on release from hospital told me that it could take up to 10 days to be able to urinate totally on my own. So your mother's surgery was on 2/13 and today is only 6 days post op.

One tip I found very helpful - when she in the bathroom turn the water on and imagine urine flowing the same. I hope she is able to relax as much as possible - I know the fear of pain, etc. can cause the process to take longer.

Hope everything starts flowing soon!

Denise

Hi Brandee, I had a TAH/SSO on 2/14 and I came home with a foley cath (the on with the balloon) due to my bladder not waking up! Will have it removed tomorrow when my staples are taken out. What a luck mom to have such a loving daughter. My cath grossses my 15 year old son out! Good luck to you mom snd hugs to you, too. Debbie

Hi Brandee

Do you know the type of catheter she has? I had a Supra Pubic Catheter which comes out through the pubic area. I had mine for 8 days but I understand that I was really lucky and alot of women have them longer. I didn't have bladder repair and I'm sure this will effect the time. It's not really as bad as it looks and the good thing is she doesn't have to struggle to get out of bed at night to go to the bathroom! If you can find out what kind of catheter she has it would be easier for us to help you.

Thank you to all the ladies that have answered so far. My mom is using a self-catheter right now. She still has not been able to go on her own; but, she seems to be getting stronger each day. Please keep her in your prayers and I would still love to hear from others on their recovery times.

The doctor was real vague on a time frame, in fact, she basically did nothing but upset my mom by telling her there is always a risk with any type of bladder surgury that you will not re-gain function. I guess she is just trying to protect herself; but, that is definitely not what the patient wants to hear right after a total hysterectomy and bladder repair!

Thank you,
Brandee

Brandee, Hi, I had a TVH/BSO with bladder repair on 2/8. The dr who was at the hospital was not my normal DR, so I had a few problems with him concerning my cath. Anyway I managed to go a bit and had the thing removed. Against dr. orders(of course i had to sign pappers to that effect)I have found that I'm peeing better each day, but there is a bit of pressure for not much!! But what I really wanted to tell you is ask your mom if she remembers the old trick when she had you, to fill a squirt bottle with WARM water and slowly squirt it at herself when she is trying to go. Its amazing how that can work. Tell her not to get discouraged, and KEEP after her DOC!!
GOOD LUCK!!

Yes, the squirt bottle is a great idea. Some sisters have even peed in a warm shower to get things going. Desperate times call for desperate measures!

My very best to you and your mom...

Linda

Hi Brandee,

Tell your mom the trick I use (I had a TAH on Valentine's Day) is to blow out her breath gently after she sits on the toilet (like blowing bubbles)--I got that tip from another Hystersister and it does relax the bottom muscles to pee! After I got my Foley catheter out my bladder was really touchy--was running to the bathroom all the time, but only would tinkle a little. I am okay now. Also, have her drink cranberry juice to keep her bladder happy!
best,

[Edited by hdsunny on 02-20-2001]