Hysterectomy and bladder repair

[Theoboc]

Good morning .I am new to this site.

I had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus , cervix and anterior repair via vagina) a week ago. Recovering well but I need to empty my bladder every 2 hours and it takes me 10 minutes to do this. This is disturbing my sleep at night as I wake up with pain as in a full bladder. I have been scanned and I am emptying my bladder satisfactory but is it normal to be unable to hold my urine for more than 2 hours ?. Have other women experienced this .?Thank you in advance .

[ypelzer]

Hi. I'm 12 weeks post op from my hysterectomy, and also struggled with my bladder. Felt like my never empried completely. At my 6 weeks checkup doctor said my bladder was irritated and prescribed some meds which didn't really help. In the end my GP pick up a bladder infection due to the catheter. I still get days where it feels like all I'm doing is running to the toilet, but it does get better. If you feel it is not getting better, go bad to your doctor or urologist and get a second opinion.

[Theoboc in reply to ypelzer]

Thanks Ypelzer. I am taking antibiotics so won't have UTI.I think I must be more patient and sit on the loo until my bladder has completely emptied. Just when I think it has, more starts dribbling out! I guess the bladder has to adapt to it's new position.

[ypelzer in reply to Theoboc]

Remember that you are still early in your recovery process. I used to sit on the loo longer not only to wait for all the dribbles to finish but also to figure out the easiest way to get up without all my stiches complaining. But it does get better with time.

[3orangecats]

I was told by a nurse that the nerves ? that control the bladder are traumatized with surgery and it does take a while to settle down. I have been treated by s pelvic floor physiotherapist who is brilliant about recovery from hysterectomy I recommend it

[Theoboc in reply to 3orangecats]

Thanks for that info. I am now 4 + weeks following surgery and have had 2 UTIs !! Still needing to empty bladder at least every 2 hours and when I first go to bed and I’m on my side ..every half an hour until I go to sleep. However I am seeing a physio this pm so maybe she can explain if I am putting more pressure on my bladder when lying on my side.

[Fretta in reply to Theoboc]

Hi Ladies,

I am 7 months post radical hysterectomy due to cervical cancer (early stage) luckily. I too have definite bladder problems. I lost the feeling to urinate until it is too late and then I have to rush to the bathroom or leak. Went to a oncologist urologist who examined me and said that I healed beautifully and my pelvic floor is strong. Unfortunately, I got nerve damage from all the surgery around my bladder. There is really nothing that can be done for me at this point in time. The way I look at it is I can deal with this bladder problem rather than have cancer and possibly die. It is inconvenient as I have to wear "depends" type underwear, not very sexy I may add! But I am cancer free. I guess there could be a lot worse problems in life. Hang in there and hoping your problem goes away.