My Life with "Cathy": Living with "Cathy"

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"...

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Living with "Cathy"

So, living with my BFF "Cathy" the foley catheter has been going well. The urologist encouraged me to plug the end of the foley during the day until I felt my bladder full enough to go and then unplug and empty my bladder by unplugging. I have gotten into a good routine at home and work. I have the end of the foley taped to my inner thigh and joke with friends that I now have a "penis" taped to my leg. I stand up to empty my bladder and I have feel totally shamed by all of this. At night I wear a 2000ml night bag. But, as my dad (who died of cancer a few years ago) would say, "you've got to have a sense of humor about things"... so I do. I make jokes and try to just get on with life. Most people don't know that I am walking around with a catheter in. My friends and close co-workers know and everyone has been so supportive and lovely. I keep praying that there is a bigger picture and plan that I am just not privy to at this point. I have doubts, but I know that God has a plan. Hoping next week the dilation procedure helps and I can say goodbye to "Cathy" 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.