Post Op Complications...driving Me Nuts!

I am really beginning to lose it! I had my hysterectomy on April 23rd of this year. I had no other option, as I was diagnosed with advanced uterine cancer. I had a partial, vaginal. After I had the surgery, I was readmitted to the hospital due to a roaring 104.8 temp. I had a massive infection within the surgical sight, that had spread to my kidneys and bladder. I spent the next month and a half in and out of the hospital, because the doctors couldn't seem to keep the infection under control. Since my hysterectomy, I have averaged having kidney and bladder infections every two to three weeks. I have been kind to the doctor that did my surgery, although he informed my husband the day of my surgery, that he had to literally snatch and jerk and pull(the doctor's exact words) to remove my diseased uterus through my vagina. I went for a follow up appointment three weeks ago, and voiced my concerns to the doctor about all these infections and the constant urine leakage. His response was to put me on more antibiotics and a medication for bladder spasms. Well, needless to say, sugar pills would have done just as much for me. I don't know which way to turn or what to do. I am sick, very sick. I have lost fifty pounds since my surgery, due to constant nausea. I haven't eaten a full meal in five weeks now. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? If so, please let me know. I am scared, worried, and down right angered. Any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated:-)

Hi,
I am so sorry you are experiencing these awful problems. You have been through a lot and are still going though it! It also sounds like you have been taking quite a lot of antibiotics and nothing is helping? As many of the sisters here realize, the post-op road can be longer than 6 weeks, more like 6 months to a year and sometimes even longer. I had bladder repair along with my hyst in Nov. 2000 and it helped me a lot. It sounds awful that the doc actually said he had to pull ect. to remove your utereus. If you feel your doctor is not diagnosing you properly perhaps you should get another opinion. I'm thinking the ladies on the Cancer Concerns board may also be able to offer you some insight. I have not had your particular problems, but I want to offer my support. I will keep you in my prayers and hope you find the healing you deserve soon.
Love, Light, Blessings
Druid

Hello Anita,
I can understand your frustration with the complications, although mine are different and not related to the urinary tract. You definitly have my empathy. It seems that perhaps your doctor, a gynecologist I presume, should be referring you to a urologist who is more knowledgeable with recurrent urinary tract infections. A competent urologist will be able to tell whether there is a structural basis for these infections. When we have our hysterectomies, everything gets moved around and it is possible for scar tissue to impinge upon our other functioning organs. Kidney infections are serious business and you want someone who is an expert in treating them to prevent permanent damage. I am also concerned about your weight loss. Your body cannot heal and fight infection if it is undernourished. If you have a medical insurance plan that allows you to self refer, it would be my suggestion to locate a good urologist for a consultation. If you have a HMO, then try to get your primary care physician to make a referral for you. Good luck and keep us posted.



Steph

I had my emergency hysterectomy on July 31. I required two units of blood before my doctor could operate. The operation which she said would take 1 hour actually took 2 1/2 hours. I was released from the hospital on August 2 and returned to the emergency room with a fever of 103.7 on August 5. On August 6 I had a pelvic and vaginal ultrasound to see if any infection pockets could be found. They did not find any.
I, too, have lost weight - only 7 pounds so far but it's been less than 2 weeks since surgery. I run a low-grade fever of around 99.9 every evening. Also, I have tremendous headaches. My tummy is swollen and tender. Since my husband is out of town until the end of August and my teenagers are busy with jobs, I have had to do more than I would like.
I hope you are on the road to recovery; please keep us posted.

Skygirl,
I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time. I know exactly how you feel! I am still having infections, and it seems that I am only getting sicker. I have been treated by my medical for thr past two months, but he has adviced me that he wants me to go back to the doctor that did my surgery. I have an appointment to see him on Tuesday, and I tell ya, I am going to give him the third degree. I have a really bad feeling that he screwed up during my surgery. And I think he knows he did. So when I get there, he is going to listen to everything I have to say! No more of this...it's just bladder spasms...can you believe he had the nerve to tell me the infections were caused by bladder spasms?! Ever since the hyst...I have been having major problems with leaking urine...well, I never did that before. So the last time I was to see him, he put me on a med for bladder spasms. I could have benefited just as much from sugar pills!...lol
Well, I'll keep you posted on my appointment Tuesday, and in the mean time...you take care, and you have my sympathy dear, I know what you're going through!
Sincerly,
Hysterical30

Hi Anita:

So happy to get your reply. I am originally from Georgia although I now live in the beautiful northwest - Washington state. I still miss my southern "sisters".
My doctor was concerned about "nipping" my bladder during the surgery - also the intestines. Have you had your urine tested for blood? They tested mine at the emergency room. My husband was concerned about my blood transfusion; he thinks I might have gotten contaminated blood.
I felt better yesterday and kind of overdid things. By seven o'clock in the evening, I could barely walk. Since it hasn't been two weeks since surgery (Jul. 31), I'm taking it easy today. I am going back to the doctor on Wednesday. I'll keep you updated.

Skygirl

Hi Skygirl,
Thanks for another reply....and yes, my urine is full of blood...however this quack of a gyn claims that they did not nip my bladder...I'm not convinced of that! My urine today looks pretty much like Kool-Aid...I am so weak. So, I know I am bleeding...doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out huh?...lol. And please dear...PLEASE! If you continue with complications, don't keep hanging on and suffering as I have. I had my hysterectomy April 23rd. I hope to hear good news from you soon. And I will keep you posted on what happens with me Tuesday.
Thanks so much, and God Bless.
Anita(Hysterical30)