Bladder Leaking Anyone 1+ Year After Bladder Repair?

Hi ladies!

Seems like for ever since I've posted on the boards. I still enjoy reading all of your posts and hope that all of you ladies find the off ramp soooonnnn!!

My questions seems so trivial compared to some of the issues you ladies go thru. But, I had a Burch repair with my TAH 15 months ago for stress incontinence. The last few weeks I have noticed alot of "leaking" before I go to the bathroon. I never wait until my bladder is full to go, so I know it can't be an overfull bladder. It's like anytime I think about going to the bathroom or am on my way there, I begin to leak somewhat.

It's really getting to be annoying! I know this sounds silly, but I've heard alot of you talk about Kegals? I've had 2 vaginal deliverys of big babies and am not real sure if Kegals would help this situation, and furthermore HOW DO YOU DO KEGALS?

Thanks for all of your advice!!!

Hi Lori! Here's a link to a site that explains how to do kegels. They can be very helpful in preventing/eliminating urinary incontinence.

kegels

Another thing to consider is whether you are experiencing any urethral atrophy, which can also cause incontinence. This condition is hormone related and can go along with vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy. Here's a link to a pull-down about vaginal dryness; it lists the remedies, most of which will help with urethral atrophy as well:

vaginal dryness

I hope this helps!
s,
-Linda

Hi there,

I didn't have that kind of repair work, but have had stress incontinence for years, because of 2 vaginal deliveries of big-headed babies. I am back to doing Kegels now and feel they have helped. I check myself in the shower, inserting a finger and making sure I can tighten up from the back and the front of my vagina. (You can also use your boyfriend/hubby, if you get my drift).

Anyway, you might also be experiencing urge incontinence--often the two kinds go together. I would not hesitate to call your doc. The Kegels might help, but you have to do them religiously. There is also biofeedback, which can help you pinpoint the muscles you exercise if you're not sure.

good luck!

and Surferbabe has a point about the urethra thinning out if hormones are off. My UI was caused by chronic coughing from smoking and I intend to quit to prevent recurrance. I had the tension free vaginal taping and I have read that that procedure has good success rates.

Since the urodynamic test measures capacity and PC/abdominal muscle strength, it will be an indicator if Kegals alone are going to help.

Since I did not have children, my situation may differ from yours entirely.

Hi (((Lori)))) Even though I didn't have any bladder repairs, I've also been battle urge and stress incontinence since I was about 11 months post-op. It started a lot like what you're dealing with: had problems "getting" to the bathroom... now, it's to the point where I'm wearing Poise panty shields at all times and, unfortunately, find that, at times, it's not enough

I know just how frustrating and humiliating this can be and think that you need to address this concern with your doctor. Since I too delivered two large babies, I find that I tend to be very ineffective at doing kegels... However, when I remember to do them, I find that it does help... a little.

Wishing you the best of luck. Please let us how things go.