Incontinence

What exactly is incontinence?

I seem to be having a problem with my bladder emptying all the way unless I lean over to my left side and then the flow starts again. When I am finished and I stand up, I usually have a bit of urine running down each leg.

This is really worrisome and embarrassing!! When I had my surgery, my Dr. told me that there was no need to do a sling on my bladder because at the time, I was having a problem emptying my bladder without manually pushing on it. She told me that if they supported my bladder, I probably wouldn't be able to go at all.

Is what I am having incontinence? Or is it something else? Either way I think I will have to go see the Doc. I do not want this problem!! My husband and I are planning a cruise in April for our 20th Anniversary. I don't want to smell like an urine soaked old lady.

Can anyone let me know what to do?

Thanks,
Nancy

Probably a bladder infection

Hi Nancy,

Since you are going on a cruise, I agree that a doctor's appointment is a good idea. You mentioned leaking when you go to the restroom only. It may be your bladder is still adjusting from surgery. It can take some time. Also, I might be more concerned if when you coughed or sneezed - away from the toilet - you had leakage. My sister is having a LAVH in a couple of months and she is having a bladder sling done. She said she leaks anytime she sneezes ~or~ coughs.

A tip - after you finish urinating, lightly ~cough~ a couple of times while sitting on the toilet. It helps finish the stream w/o strain on your bladder. Read it in a newspaper article.

Best wishes,

Mary

Hi Nancy,

You might also try ~kegel exercises~. I started doing them with the birth of my DD 24 yrs. ago. Here is a link:

http://www.webmd.com/hw/female_incon...e/hw220109.asp

Best wishes again,

Mary

Thanks ladies. I do think it may be a bladder infection. I've noticed today that my bladder has been rally achy and heavy feeling. I have an appt. for March 1st, but I plan on calling them again tomorrow to see if I can get anything sooner.

Kegel excerises are a normal part of my day. I work those good. LOL I started those after my first DD daughter was born by c-section 16 years ago.

Again, Thank You!!

Nancy:

I felt the same way you are felling now. Bladder leaking etc... I am now on my second round of antibodics. bladder infection. Only symptom was the leaking afterwards and a twing in the lower left back. It's getting better each day!

I got an appt for Friday morning. I am glad that I am getting it checked. My hubby stocked me up on Cranberry juice until then.

Hi LovingWife
Just want to add a little here. I'm also glad you will be seeing your dr since it isn't possible for any of us to really know what is happening for sure.
What I know of bladder infections is that if you have one you will have the strong urge to empty your bladder and often. It is so urgent that it becomes very painful if not treated immediatley. I feel that if you have one, you won't be able to wait until Fri to see your dr.
What you're describing also doesn't sound like incontinence as I understand it. I had terrible incontinence before my surgery. When I would cough, sneeze, laugh or jump I would wet myself. The only way I could stop it was to stop and cross my legs and "brace" myself first. It was very embarassing. I had a bladder sling done and it has been so wonderful to have control back again.
I don't know what it is that causes the leaking like you are having, but hopefully your dr will know. I could be all wrong, but wanted to add my insight here. Be sure to let us know what you find out.
's,Rita

After my surgery I had trouble emptying my bladder entirely. They wouldn't let me go home until I could empty it entirely myself (otherwise you're a prime target for bladder infection). After my first huge DD was born and I was having lots of trouble peeing, my gyn taught me a little trick to help. Relax and gently lean forward. That strategy got me home! But...the best idea is to see your doctor!

I went to the Dr. on Friday. I do not have a bladder infection and but it is a side effect from surgery. The Dr. visually showed me how they pull up with a tool that spreads you out so that it can be worked on. Depending on how strong the nurse is or how hard it is for them to pull on me, pressure is put on the bladder area. This can cause you to build up a little pocket inside the bladder that will keep urine in unless it is manually pushed out. Or the pressure could cause some nerve damage in the bladder area. After I pass the urine and I have to lean over to get the rest of the bladder to release, I am emptying that little pocket. Sometimes, when I stand up and if the bladder pocket isn't completely emptied, it can cause leaking. She said not to worry about it right now but if I am still having the problems at 6 to 8 months out, they will do an ultrasound on my bladder to check on it.

Just thought I would update you all.