My Life with "Cathy": Broken Record

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"...

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Broken Record

Went back for my 2 week follow up and started crying when I walked in to the urologist office. Not balling or hysterical but just a steady stream of tears. Couldn't explain it in words, but perhaps exasperated, hopeless, scared... I have 3 small children and my oldest is 7 years old. He tells me he prays that I can get back to normal and not have 'that tube' anymore. I don't realize how this has effected me. It is a private matter that has completely effected my self-esteem and confidence. I find myself getting jealous of my husband when he talks about going to the gym and living his healthy, normal life. I feel so guilty. At work I go about my day as if everything is fine but every time I go to the bathroom I want to cry. I just want to be "normal" again and not rely on my new BFF "Cathy" for my happiness.

So, I probably don't have to tell you the outcome of taking out my foley today... It was taken out and 300ml of water was put into my bladder to see if I could urinate while in the office. I told the urologist I did not want to leave his office without peeing normally (yeah, right) or have "Cathy" back and a plan for moving forward. I had researched other catheter options and found good information about the Suprapubic Catheter which is inserted in the stomach into the bladder. It allows the opportunity to practice urinating normally with the back up of the catheter if full elimination is not possible. It also allows for sexual activity to resume (when given the thumbs up by the gyn of course). The urologist and I discussed this option and scheduled the insertion of the suprapubic catheter for 11/13/2014. Hoping and praying for a successful insertion. Oh, and we also discussed perhaps having to take the "sling" down if I am still having problems after 3-4 months. I have mixed emotions about this... but we will cross that bridge if and when we get there.

Suprapubic Catheter

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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.