bladder problems??

After reading severl posts, I keep hearing alot about bladder repair surgury. I have had a leaky bladder for about 5 years now. It has progressively gotten worse. Leaks when I sneeze, cough, laugh, or just whenever it wants. Enough to need a panty liner but not enough to need a diaper. I also wake up severl times a night with the sudden urge to go and only go a little. Some nights I don't wake up at all but others I wake up 7 and 8 times. Sometimes I seem to have spasms and have to strain to get the urine out, sorry, but like having a bowel movement. I had just accepted this as something that happens after childbirth. Is this normal? Should I be asking my GYN to check out my bladder when I get the hyst.?? I don't see her again until my pre-op. appt. Should I mention it then or is this normal??

I would mention it now because if you wait then your surgery date may have to be changed because your Dr will probably send you to a Urologist who will do several tests on you to determine exactly what is going on with your bladder and then the 2 DRs will get together to do the surgery at one time or even separate surgeries may be necessary ..i had the bladder surgery done 10 years ago when i had my tubes tied ...when the first surgeon was done the next one comes in and does his thing ... it wasnt bad ...good luck to you

i had problems very similar to yours and when i went to see my consultant he sent me for some tests... they check the flow of your urine and how your bladder is working... when i had my vh i also had my bladder put back in position and now things are back to normal.. i would ring and have a chat now... this will put your mind at rest and if you do need any further tests then this can be done.... mary. xx

I agree with JamieLee. Any bladder issues need to be discussed with the dr. well in advance of surgery. This is usually a urologist since some gyn's don't do bladder surgery and sometimes it can take awhile to get in to see a urologist and get the surgery schedules together with a gyn. I've heard of some sisters having to wait 1 or 2 months just to get in for an appointment with a urologist and then an additional wait time is added because of having to get both dr's in for surgery at the same time. Don't think of backing out because at least one person waited till after surgery to mention these problems and the dr. said to her "I wish you had told me this before?" You only want one recovery period. Ask the gyn's office if there is someone they can recommend for you to go to and when you call to make an appointment, mention that you are scheduled for a hysterectomy. They may be able to get you in quicker if they know that or get you in with another dr. who specializes in this stuff. There are specific tests that a urologist can do to determine if any additional surgery is needed for the bladder. Good luck.