Question for Those with Bladder Sling Experience

Updated on February 18, 2009
D.J. asks from Mesa, AZ
10 answers

Hello Helpful Mommas!
I am considering having a bladder sling procedure, and would like to know if anyone else has experience with this. The procedure I would have is outpatient, the sling is attached using polypropolene screws.

I'm done having kids, have had a hysterectomy and a couple of abdominal surgeries after that all about 5 years ago, and started menopause 3 years ago. My doc examined me, said due to the response of my bladder with stress (coughing, lifting, etc) I would get optimal results. She also said they get better results when performing this early because the tissue is stronger, whereas if they wait 10 years the tissue thins out over time so results are not as good.

I know there are many people who say "Don't have surgery, do your Kegals!". Not looking for strengthening tips, have plenty of info on alternatives and risks. Just looking for real women that have real information on what I can realistically expect.

Thanks so much!
D.

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C.F.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm in the same boat as you. I have 4 kids and we're finished. I'm sick of the issues when I sneeze and cough and yell (I never do that!) I have had 2 friends gets it done from what it sounds like the way you described and they LOVE it so I'm going in to get it done too. Both of my friends had an easy recovery. Just took it easy and all went well. I know this isn't much but I'm glad you posted to let me know I'm not alone. Good luck.
C.

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C.K.

answers from Tucson on

D.,

I am a childbirth professional(certfied Doula). Many of my clients, suffer from bladder issues after pregnancy/birth. I came across an amazing product (developed by a mom/physical therapist who suffered from bladder prolapse/incontinence). It also worked for me!

There is a video clip on the website that explains more:
www.hab-it.com

*Mention "C." if you contact them*

Best,
C.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Flagstaff on

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but not all sling procedures go well. My mom had this done when she was 55, and all was fine at first. After about a week, she got infection in her incision and a lot of pain. The doctor said he thought she was rejecting her sling. It took more than 6 weeks for her to finally begin to heal, and lots of pain and anti-rejection meds. I think her complications were rare, and now she is glad she had the procedure done. It makes a big difference. (Now if only there were something to help my dad with the same problem!) :)

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E.J.

answers from Phoenix on

Go for it! I personally have not had it done and don't need to yet but my mom had it done last July and couldn't have been happier, the only issue was she needed it done again by Dec. for some reason (it could be cause she had a very serious case of prolapsed uterus and the bladder was all messed up! (which didn't bother her at all because the recovery was fairly easy, she said it felt like cramps) She wishes she knew about this earlier. I wish you well, a speedy recovery and a drier future you deserve:)

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J.F.

answers from Phoenix on

I too had 5 children and I couldn't sneeze, cough, laugh, pick up anything heavy...well, you know the routine. 4 years ago I had my bladder suspended with a sling...THE BEST THING I EVER DID FOR MYSELF! Now, I don't have to be embarrassed or run to the bathroom everytime someone tells a funny story. I can carry my grandkids and don't have to cross my legs everytime I sneeze. My doctor is Eric Huish with University OB/GYN. He's awesome. I had very little pain and was up and around in a couple of days. Good luck!
J. F.

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C.L.

answers from Phoenix on

D., I just had the monarch bladder sling about a month ago,. Results have been amazing. I was a little upset at first as I did come home with a cath for the weekend. It did not hurt anything, but my pride. I have to make a concious effort to empty my bladder, but it is not the big of deal. I have little kids and I can run around and play with them. Anyone who tells you just do kegals have not read the research. Once the tone is gone it is gone. Good luck. I might explore the option with a urologist.

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G.H.

answers from Las Cruces on

My gyn did my surgery; he did the "net" procedure where
it holds in place & says that lasts...I was in hospital
overnight, but there was nothing to it except you cannot
lift for quite a while, otherwise, easy. Well worth it...
I too, have had hysterectomy & numerous other surgeries
which is what caused that, of course, like yours. Tried
the exercises for a few years, but it really didn't do the
trick, but the surgery did. My gyn gave me premarin cream
(not pills) to insert for a month or so before the surgery
to help the tissue strengthen and I still use it twice a
month...keeps the drying down also.
GO FOR IT.
G. (wife,Mom, Grammy)

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J.G.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi
I just want to see the responses and cant figure out how excpet to write you! good luck!! I want this done too!!

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D.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi, My name is D. also, and have recently been told that I need this surgery, I too have had a hystercctomy, and I have stress incontinence I was told now that my bladder has fallen. So I too would like to know any responses to this question.

Okay so this is quite a process to find out if you actually need to get one done. I have seen my dr. twice, now I am being sent to a urologist to consult and then do a urodynamic study, and then if they confirm I have stress incontinence then we'll do the sling. So good luck to you. With my insurance finding a urologist was a nightmare, took me all day Friday to find one and get just the consult scheduled.

Thanks so much,
D.

Happily married two children 5 1/2 and 4 Stay at home mom.

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B.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi D.,
I had the bladder sling done about a year ago. I was having a horrible time before I had it done. I couldn't run, jump and constantly was going to the bathroom only to trickle. I finally had the bladder sling. It was outpatient and I came home with a catheter. It was very uncomfortable for the first few days. After that I felt better, but using the bathroom was difficult for the first week. The first month, I wasn't sure if it had worked or not. I still felt like I was using the bathroom all of the time. After that first month, things started to work as normal. A year later and I can do all the things I use to do without any incontinence. Just an idea, I know someone who had the vaginal tightening procedure done. not sure what it is called, but it is suppose to tighten everything in your vaginal area like when you were young and it takes care of incontinence. Good Luck and please feel free to email if you have any questions.

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