1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back...

I just need some reassurance that I will be sane at the end of this recovery! I wrote last week that my fistula surgery was successful and that I had both catheters out. I really felt encouraged that I was better...BUT, yesterday I felt damp and did the tampon test and of course the tampon came out bright orange. Grr...I went to the doctor today and he didn't see an obvious hole, but thinks I may be leaking around the sutures. So I have a foley cath for at least another week and a finicky bladder tonight.

I am so depressed. My husband and I had a romantic evening planned for Valentine's day (1st sex in nearly four months!!!) and now that is cancelled. I have been crying all afternoon. I'm just tired of feeling like crap and not feeling normal. I really am feeling the strain of all of these problems in my marriage--we have argued every day this week! Can any of you tell me when things really began returning to normal for you after surgery? I had my hysterectomy on 11/17 and VVF repair on 1/4. Am I expecting too much too soon??

Thanks for listening.
Shannon

I am experiencing a similar situation, my leaking after fistula repair started about two weeks later. The hole is so small they have not been able to find it. They are also talking about the possibility that the bladder wall might have weakened because of the surgeries and it is stress incontinence. But I don't see how the tampon test can fail!

I know how hard it is. My hysterectomy was in July and this is still going on. Hang in there it has to get better.

I just got referred to a urogynecologist and I am thinking I should have gone to her earlier. Maybe you might be able to get a 2nd opinion if it continues.

Blessings and Prayers!

Shannon,

I'm so sorry to hear that your problems are continuing.

I can't answer your question for sure on whether or not you are expecting too much too soon. We had our hyst and VVF surgeries within 10 days of each other. So far, my VVF surgery seems to have worked - although I do have some days that I feel damp and leak but I still haven't been able to tell for sure from where - I'm hoping and suspecting my urethra - because I now have a cystocele and maybe a rectocele causing me more problems. Haven't done the tampon test because just got released for "nothing in the vagina". My uro is acting strange now and I'm not quite sure what's up with that. I just have this feeling that he thinks he's done all he can do because according to him everything should be great by now- but our bodies tell us differently! I know you have been happy with your doc- so hang in there and hopefully he's right about the sutures.

I'm so sorry about your Valentine's plans. I can only say that I empathize with you about feeling yucky most of the time - especially when you go in for hyst expecting a 6-8 week recovery and these things happen. This can be difficult on a marriage - I think men just shut down sometimes because they don't know for sure what to do and they can't fix it! Please hang in there. Even though some days it doesn't seem like it - I truly believe that "these things too shall pass".
Please keep me posted.

LookinupinNJ,

You hang in there too. These VVF's are no fun. I feel really kind of naive and stupid sometimes because I never realized any things like this could happen and never knew what a cystocele, rectocele, etc were before my hyst. I thought bladder drops were reserved for my grandma!! And never had a doctor say anything about them. I worked for a veterinarian for 15 years - and a lot of those years did a lot of heavy lifting-and around the house too helping my husband - never thought twice about it. I'm going to warn my daughter when she gets older to do her kegels and whatever else she needs to do and avoid for strong pelvic support!

Tammy

Hoping you get things sorted out very soon!

take care, dear
diana