Incontinence

I am now 6 weeks post op TAH - everything including ovaries, tubes and cervix. About 2 weeks ago I started leaking what I thought was a clear fluid. I went to the dr. 10/31 and she did the tampon test. It came back negative. She found I had a bladder infection, and said that could be causing the incontinence. I was put on an antibiotic and Prosed DS. 11/3 I had to be put on another antibiotic, and she increased the Prosed to 4 times a day. That seemed to help a WHOLE LOT. I am now done with the antibiotics, and after 2 days of no Prosed the incontinence came right back, so I am on it again. Does anyone know what this could be since it isn't a fistula??
Thank you!!!!

shetrble--

I am so sorry you are still having this problem. Even after 2 antibiotics, it is STILL possible that you have a bladder infection. Has your doctor done a culture test on your uring yet to see exactly what specific bacteria is causing the infection? That's what my doctor does at whenever I am put on a second round of antibiotics (and sometimes even when I'm first suspected of having a UTI). Sometimes UTI's are stubborn and can be hard to get rid of.

I can only give you my experience and am definitely NOT diagnosing you but after my original hysterectomy in 2005, I had one infection after another that year; esp. in the first 6 months. I had to take ever stronger antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria. It was a pain. Luckily, they did finally go away.

I do hope you finally get to the root of your problem and can get healed from all of it.

Sending you extra and good vibes..........

Yes, my dr. gave me another round of antibiotics yesterday. She said she wanted to make sure we killed it off. I am hoping the incontinence is related to that and nothing else. She put me on Vesicare also, but I think that can take a couple of weeks to start working. I see a uro/gyn on Fri. morning. Hope he has some answers!

I had my surgery on Nov 3 and am incontinent also. Having the "tampon" test tomorrow. Staples came out today.

They sent a sample out for culture in the hospital and it was negative, but will bring it up again tomorrow. I am having much more than a little leakage.

I am thinking I made a huge mistake.

I agree - I am wondering if this was worth it! I was used to the pain I was in - I didn't know any different haha This is much more than a little leakage when I sneeze - I am up every 1 1/2 - 2 hours every night and may or may not make it to the bathroom. All day long I am leaking. I have no idea what it could be, as my tampon test was negative. I am really hoping this is temporary due to the surgery or the infection. I hate to think it is permanent. Has anyone else had this go away???

I saw the specialist (uro/gyn) that my gyn referred me to. He said it isn't anything gynelogical. My pelvic muscles are great. No fistula. My culture came back negative for infection. So far, there is no apparent reason for the incontinence. He wants to do a test where they put potassium into the bladder?? And some other test - urodynamics? The problem is the tests are scheduled for Dec. and Jan 20th!! There is no way I can wait that long. I can't live with this that long, so I am going to have to call another local urologist and see what he can do. This specialist didn't even give me a medication to use in the mean time!! Is it common to have some kind of incontinece after a hysterectomy? Has anyone else had this happen??
Thanks!

I'm in the same boat. I'm 58 and had everything but the cervix removed,plus a bladder sling, and mesh rectocele repair 9 weeks ago. I used to have moderate stress incontinence and now I have SEVERE urge incontinence. So far my doctor's advice has only been to reduce my caffeine intake and I'm on Vesicare, neither of which has helped much. Anybody who can share knowledge about this--like can it get better by itself--will be much appreciated.

Ladies, I too am sorry that you are having prolems. I was told that I would have to patient. The bladder does not like to be messed with at all. It gets all "nervous" and can act up. I had all my work done ( see signature) on 6/30/08 and I am getting better. I actuually had a nurse tell me that it took her bladder 6 month to get back to normal. I know that it is very hard to be patient, but if they find nothing else wrong, be thankful. I am still having other problems related to the bladder. Know that it will take time but will improve

Julie

I am going to a new urologist tomorrow that is local. The uro/gyn I went to is an hour plus away and he is only in that office once a week. The tests he wanted to run couldn't be scheduled until Jan. 20th and I am not willing to wait that long! I just hope to get some answers. I am not able to sleep longer than 90 minutes at a time all night - and have been that way for a month now! I am completely exhausted!

I had significant urge and stress incontinence until I had a TVT performed along with my TAH/RSO (see dates in signature.) Since then I can exercise, laugh, sneeze, dance, and power-walk w/o leaking...woo-hoo! I'm not sure if this procedure is for everyone, but it worked wonders for me! Unfortunately, I still have very mild OAB (better than pre-op), which my urologist hopes will relieve itself once my bladder is used to not having my uterus resting on it and I am 100% healed. It is managed with medications for now. Good luck!