have an x-ray before surgery

Dear Sisters, I am writing to you today, May 31, 2012 as I recover from a total left hip replacement and to advise anyone who is considering having their bladder sling cut or removed to ask for an x-ray of their pelvis, FIRST!
I had a hyst/bladder sling in 2010, an AP repair in 2011 and was advised by several drs. to have my sling removed and I was considering it - I was in so much pain all the time.
Name it, I had it in the bladder/urethra area - infections, chronic pain, saw my gyne 15 x last year until he sent me to a teaching hospital in Pittsburgh and 2 drs. there claimed it was the sling that was my problem. I had numerous tests, including 2 cystoscopes, enough Rxs to stock a small pharmacy and I was going to let one of them remove my sling - anything for relief from the constant burning and pain.
Finally - I went to a chiropractor and he questioned if any off those guys ever took an x-ray - NO!!
Well, long story short, I needed a total hip replacement and had so many bone spurs that the ortho surgeon took one look at the x-ray and said he was scheduling for April.
Immediately, I questioned the bladder pain connection, but he was an ortho guy and of course gyne wasn't his expertise, so he didn't know. WELL, I KNOW!!
From the moment I was lucid from the anesthetic, I realized that when I voided, I wasn't burning and the pain was gone. Probably the drugs, I thought - Nope. It was gone, the pain, burning and misery. I found it hard to believe and think I really dodged a bullet here. Having met with the sling doctor about the removal, he explained the risks and I knew that I only had a 1 in 3 chance of it working and leaking and chronic pain were 2 possibilities left to me - afterwards!
So please, sisters, if you are thinking about sling removal, ask for an x-ray of your hip joints before going forward. All the professionals involved in my case, including the PT who I went to for 10 months (with no relief) have red faces and multiple explanations for why a chiropractor had to help me. I don't care who did - just that someone did. Best to all - Old chick

I'm glad that you found a dr that could help you and I hope that your recovery goes smoothly!!