Need some information about my dropped bladder/hysterectomy surgery

I am having my bladder lifted(?), and my uterus removed vaginally 1/31.
Can anyone tell answer some of my questions?

How long is the hospital stay for this usually?(Doc said 1 day, pre-op said 2-3 days)
If I am in any pain upon awaking, what area will be painful?
I have never had a catheter before, and have to have one for 7 - 10 days. Can I shower with it in?
Will I be bleeding vaginally?
Those stockings they make you wear give me panic attacks ( a part of my claustrophobia.) Is it possible to ask my doctor to have them removed soon as I am awake?
How long realistically before I can go back to work at a pretty physical job?

I appreciate any information you can give me. Getting nervous here.
Thanks

Best of luck to you on your date at the castle!

I think I can help with the catheter question. I also had one for 10 days (to protect the bladder while it heals), and all I was told before leaving the castle was to keep it clean. And here I was going to go mud wrestling! (Just kidding!!!) They'll give you a small bag that attaches with elastic bands to your thigh. Yes, I showered with mine -- I simply un-hooked the catheter tube from the bag, showered, then re-attached it. I just let the tube hang down (since gravity would keep anything from getting in it) while showering. Remember to grab the end before you get out because it drains continuously. This will all make sense when you do it, I promise!

I didn't have any urinary complications or anything, and mine was removed when planned. You'll be VERY glad to get rid of the little bugger!

As for the time off, it seems that around 6 wks or so is a good idea, but it varies. Just listen to your body. I went back after 4wks which was a bit too soon. Take as much time off as you can; always best to err on the side of caution!!!!

Best of luck to you!!! You'll be fine!!!!!



Hugs!
monami

Hi I had a similar surgery to the one you're going to have, but with more "options"... a TVH (total vaginal hysterectomy) with BSO (both ovaries and tubes removed), A&P repairs (repairs to the vaginal walls for cystocele and rectocele) and bladder lift. I was in the hospital two nights. I went home with a catheter for a week. I was able to shower with mine; I just took off the elastic straps for the leg bag, since those would lose their stretch if they got wet, and secured the bag to my leg with adhesive tape while I showered. I was able to do anything I wanted (within the constraints of being a newly post op ) with the catheter in place. I rather appreciated having it, since it meant I didn't have to get up during the night to go to the bathroom

I was bleeding vaginally, kind of heavily the first few days, lighter after that. The first few days I wore maxi/overnight type pads, but after a week or so, I was able to transition to just panty liners.

I didn't have the stockings after the surgery. Everyone's experience is different, of course. I'd mention your concern about them to your DR ahead of time and ask if you need to have them on once you're awake - you might not have to.

I did have pain when I woke up. Early on, it felt like really bad menstrual cramps. It took a while for them to find a med that helped with the pain. Once they did, those pains weren't so bad. The day after surgery, they removed my catheter, thinking I would be able to urinate on my own before I went home, but I couldn't... and it took all day to find out. In the process, my bladder filled up with 1.5 liters of fluid (yes, really ) and that hurt A LOT. I would assume that won't happen to you, since you've already been told you'll have the catheter in for longer. Later on, after I was home, most of my pain was due to the posterior repair incision (like an episiotomy); if you're not having that repair, perhaps you will have less pain? Again, everyone's experience is different.

The initial recovery period from this surgery is about six weeks; rarely is anyone cleared to return to work before then, and if your job is very physical, your DR may want you to take more time off in order to not jeopardize your bladder lift. I have a lifetime lifting restriction of 25 pounds... I try to stay under that limit but sometimes have to lift a little more; but I would not consider doing a lot of heavy physical work anymore because I don't want to end up with another prolapse.

I hope this helps... good luck with your surgery!
s,
-Linda