My Life with "Cathy": Day 3 Post-Op

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"...

Friday, October 10, 2014

Day 3 Post-Op

It's been 3 days since my A&P Repair Surgery and I have been resting at home while being spoiled rotten by my mom, hubby, kids and my friends. Dinners brought over, calls, texts. Everyone checking up on me. Feeling OK. Haven't been taking my pain meds since the pain hasn't been too bad. Just some cramps and general discomfort. Feeling positive about my surgery and recovery.

Went to the urologist to take the foley catheter out and pee on my own. Hoping that 4 days would be enough time to rest bladder and for things to go back to normal... well, I was wrong. Took the catheter out today and I couldn't expel any urine at all. Pretty disappointing... really, I feel like a failure not being able to pee. I get the sense that I "should" be urinating, so what was my problem? They put the foley catheter back in and sent me home for the weekend. I would return next Tuesday to "try again". Meanwhile, I needed to rest and get ready for next week. I return to work on Monday, October 13.

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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.