My Life with "Cathy": Dilation Procedure

A&P Repair Surgery

After 3 babies, 3 full marathons, numerous half marathons, etc... at age 41, I was diagnosed with vaginal prolapse and needed A&P Repair Surgery. This included a cystocele, or bladder lift with sling. My surgery was on October 7, 2014. Both my gynecologist and my urologist who performed the surgery reported the surgery went very well, very successful. However, after a night in the hospital when the catheter was removed and I tried going to the bathroom I couldn't pee! I went home with a foley catheter and told to follow up in a couple days with my urologist. Little did I now this would be just the beginning of my adventure with "Cathy"...

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Dilation Procedure

Anxious and excited to have "Cathy" removed and try to pee on my own. A little scared about the dilation procedure, but it took a few minutes and it was over. No pain. No pain meds. It was fast and easy. Immediately after the procedure, I went into the bathroom and had a few tiny drops of urine come out. I celebrated that victory. I walked out of the urologist bathroom with my hands up over my head as if I had won. Well, although it was my biggest victory since my surgery, I had certainly not won. I left without "Cathy" and went back to work positive that the dilation procedure worked and I would be able to pee normally. After a few hours at work I was back in my car in a panic rushing back to the urologist office. I had not peed. Nothing. Back in the office, I, once again, begged for "Cathy"! This time much to my relief and at the same time horror, 2 weeks. I was given a prescription for Cipro (anti-biotic) and Urecholine to take 4 days prior to taking "Cathy" out again. I was relieved and scared. Would I have to live with a catheter forever?

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Anterior & Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse

Anterior vaginal wall prolapse (Cystocele or Urethrocele)
This type of prolapse occurs when the supportive tissue or fascia supporting the bladder stretches or detaches from his attachments on the pelvic bones. This loss of support allows the bladder to prolapse or fall down into the vagina.

Symptoms of anterior wall prolapsed are variable. Often as the anterior vaginal wall prolapsed worsens it progresses outside the opening of the vagina. Sometimes the bladder may not empty well which can lead to urinary frequency, nighttime voiding, loss of bladder control and recurrent bladder infections. Anterior vaginal prolapse also affects support to the urethra, which can lead to urinary incontinence with activity such as laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercise. Anterior prolapse often occurs with prolapse of the uterus or top of the vagina where the uterus used to be in women who have had a hysterectomy.

Posterior wall prolapse (Rectocele or Enterocele)
This type of prolapse occurs when the support tissue or fascia between the vagina and rectum stretches or detaches from its attachment to the pelvic bones. This loss of support allows the rectum or intestines to prolapse or fall down into the vagina.

Symptoms of posterior vaginal wall prolapsed typically include a bulge sensation, but women often complain of problems having a bowel movement. Women may have to strain more with bowel movements of have problems with constipation. A common complaint is that women have to put their finger in or around the vagina or rectum to help empty their bowels.