Urethral Sling Surgey

Hi K.!
I am 3 weeks post-op, so I have experience on that end but I don't have little ones at home. My "little" one is 15 now.
Surgery went great, it was at noon but I didn't go home until about 4pm. They were waiting for me to pee on my own. I couldn't so they sent me home with a catheter. I had it for 5 days then went back to have it removed, and I was able to go just fine. BUT I got an infection (they think it was probably from the cath) so I had to do more antibiotics and the pills that make you pee orange. After those pills were gone I was 2 weeks post op and was having a really hard time going more than just a dribble at a time every 5 minutes or so - so it would take about 45 mins to go! Ugh! So my doc put me on another pill that I take for a few weeks that is supposed to stop the bladder spasms that were causing the problem. Since then No Problems! Yay!

I work full time outside the home, and I only took one week off work since I sit at a desk all day. I was really surprised how much it would hurt to sit that long. I did a lot of walking around during the day just to get the pressure off from sitting. That discomfort went away this week. I wasn't supposed to drive for one week, plus not if I was still taking the pain meds.

Also, I have a tri-level home, and I never had trouble with the stairs other than being careful the first few days because the cath bag was strapped to my leg. And I was also told no lifting for 1 month. The first week I didn't do any lifting, but after that I did lift a few things that I probably shouldn't have. I think they say one month so when you heal nothing slips out of place.

Good Luck! You'll love the results! I had a sneezing attack this morning and actually laughed when I realized I was heading for the bathroom but didn't need to! :o)

I would try the following DVD first which is developed by a PT and mom. www.hab-it.com to guide you through anatomy and exercises to stregthen the pelvic floor muscles.

As a doula and mom of four, I have used the product, and also professionally recommend it!

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Best,
C.

I haven't had this surgery, but my best advice is you need to ask your doctor (I have had several procedure and a list of health problems). It's her obligation to answer any and all questions you have about this procedure. This is major and important surgery that will impact your life. You may need to be a little pushy (but nice) and insist that she answer your questions. Offer to write them down and give her your email address, or a self addressed stamped envelop, if she isn't willing to take your appointment times to do so. Don't forget, she's providing a service, just like anyone else you would pay to provide you with a service. So you need to get the most out of it. Plus, studies are finding that informed and confident patients have a much better recovery.
You can also ask her to refer you to someone who's recently had the procedure done. (You're not asking her to violate confidentiality, just to pass your contact info along to someone who might be willing to talk to you.)

HTH and good luck with your surgery!

You should see or speak to someone in Dr. Earl Surwit's office in Tucson. Southern Arizona Urogynecology Office.

Earl A. Surwit MD
6296 E Grant Rd Ste 130
Tucson AZ 85712-5876
Phone: ###-###-####

Maybe getting a second opinion would be best.
Good luck!

I just had my one month post-op check up! It is working as advertised!

I was told not to left over 10lbs for a month too. I had my retired parents come to stay because my youngest child was 11 months when I had it done. I think the restriction is to help things heal properly and not because you are physically unable to. surgery is major, so you don't want to risk ruining the work that was done. I had my parents lifting my son into his car seat, highchair, up and down the stairs, diaper changing table etc. I was hard not to lift him all day - I think I carried him around more than I realised, as he was not walking. I took on some of the lifting o f him after 2 weeks though - just needed to pick him up if he was crying. He was my only exception to the lifting rule, but h e was also just 17lbs. Other than that I think I was back to normal full-service mom when I got home from the hospital. I also am a stay at home mom.
There is a good deal of groin area pain that lasts a few weeks, but more in the first couple of days. For me it was not enough to need pain medication, but it was tiring to walk very long. No problem with stairs. You are not allowed to use tampons the first month, nor go swimming or take a bath.
Now when I pee I feel like the opening scene of the first Austin Powers movie, when he is being defrosted - it takes longer to void. but it has been worth it!