Post Op Challenges - TVH and A&P repair (Anterior problem)

My hysterectomy was March 5, 2010 after several opinions and urodynamic testing. I allowed my new ob/gyn to do the surgery, after my ob/gyn of 14 years seemed to take the questions I was asking as unnecessary. In retrospect, wonder if I shouldn't have had the uro/gyn do the surgery (but I hesitated when he mentioned using mesh for one of the repairs after saying he wouldn't).

The reason I mention the above is that during the procedure apparently the prolapses of the bladder and rectum were even more pronounced/relaxed and my bladder was nicked during the surgery (size of small fingernail). A urologist was called in (hopefully to avoid fistula problems) to stitch it up. When I woke during recovery and was told, I thought for sure it was the drugs!! NOT!! They had to put packing inside to keep the bladder dry - which was one of the most painful things to have removed the next day!!

I had to come home with a catheter for 10 days which was miserable - I have such respect for people that have to contend with that on a daily basis. I was having bladder spasms which was difficult (the meds were making me retch) so I called my doctor and they told me that there was nothing more I could take or do. I called the urologist and since I was not established as a patient yet they couldn't offer anything other than OTC. Later that same day I noticed blood in my catheter and called the doctor's line and they said just keep watching it and if it got better - head to ER. At 1:30am the catheter was dry and nothing was draining. So, my husband and I spent 6 hours at ER before they could simply change out the catheter. They said follow up with ob/gyn and urologist - which I did. My doctor's office had me come in 2 hours later for a check. I told her how I felt blown-off by her staff and she was surprised that had happen but said she would speak to them because that's not good patient care. But, she gave me another anti-spasm medication that worked MUCH better. She gave me her cell number to call if I had any problems over the weekend. But, the urologist office said if I didn't have any new symptoms they didn't need to see me. I was in tears at this point and not thinking clearly, otherwise, I would have asked to speak to the doctor. I was so afraid the catheter would back up again and I would be back in ER - especially since it was a weekend.

When I saw the urologist 3 days later he said - "Yes, we should have seen you - because the bladder could have swelled and caused the stitches to pull. As well, could have made fistula more likely." I explained it was an awful experience and was not pleased with the care I had received. It didn't change anything, but I thought he should know.

I'm doing fine - would have felt a lot better without the catheter, but I know I did everything I could to minimize problems that way. I go back for check up on March 30 to see what the doctor has to say. Will see how the bladder is doing - the repair was not able to be done, but she did something to help attach it better to my tissues in the hope of giving it a chance. The urologist suggested waiting 6 months before I consider the TVT sling - so I guess that's where I am at. I had a yeast infection from all the antibiotics and a Diflucan was called in for me - hopefully now I will have a much smoother path.

Does anyone feel a funny pinching from what I assume is my bladder? It has no pattern that I can tell, but just is uncomfortable.

I had the similar bladder pinching you're talking about. Not sure if it was the bladder or just the vaginal area itself swelling. Doc said it would get better. I'm 2.5 months out, and I sometimes still have issues from the bladder sling. When I over do it, I feel the swelling and the pinch. Doc said by 3 months it should be much improved, but I have heard it could last up to 6 months.