The TVT is a surgery that helps fix this so you don't experience these issues anymore. If you don't like gory details, just skip this section. By the way - I highly recommend my dr. Dr. Michelsen if you are in Texas to perform the surgery. She's AWESOME!
What To Expect After Surgery
(This was pulled from some websites) - Usually within hours of your surgery, you will be asked to urinate to test the response of your bladder and urethra to the surgery. You may be released to go home the same day as your surgery, or you may remain in the hospital overnight. It may be necessary to have a thin, flexible tube catheter placed into your bladder through your urethra to allow urine to drain while you recover or to teach you to perform self-catheterization temporarily.
Some women may experience either retention of urine or urgency to urinate after TVT surgery.During the time the stitches are dissolving, there may be some discharge or even small pieces of suture coming away. This is normal so there is no need to worry.
I also read online that the surgery is done while you are awake and they fill your bladder with fluid and ask you to cough and you are required to stay overnight. I was NOT awake - I was put to sleep while they did the surgery. I also did not stay overnight. I stayed just through morning and was asked to urinate to make sure I could after the surgery (some people can't and have to wear a catheter home) and it was harder than normal, I'll say that but I was able to urinate. Since I was ok, they released me that day.
I had all the symptoms above after the surgery except I wasn't cathed. I also felt a firm pressure in the area they did the surgery for a good two weeks afterwards and it slowly went away. I took pain meds for about 2 days and that was all. I was also a bit nauseous from the anesthesia after the surgery for a week. I felt a bit of urinary urgency right before I used the bathroom but that went away.
Just an FYI - my doctor would NOT let me exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. That includes any heavy lifting over 25 lbs, no bedroom aerobics (if you know what I mean) and no exercises of any kind. She said that it was absolutely necessary for the body to let that TVT mesh scar into place to hold it. If the body did not scar this into place, it's possible the TVT surgery could fail and have to be repeated.
Today was 6 weeks after the surgery. I've been sneezing on and off and no leak. I went running today - TWO MILES and NO ISSUES! Freedom at last. I'm sorry but having these issues at age 25 sucked!! I was wayyy to young to have to deal with this. I'm so glad I found my doctor and she was able to do this surgery and correct this! I thank her every day for the freedom to be able to live a normal life again! :)
If you ever want to email me regarding the surgery - feel free - my email is designsbybriana @ gmail . com (without the spaces - I did that because I don't want to be spammed!). Or leave a comment on this post and I'll reply back to you.
So Desiree and I ran two miles - and that was after 6 weeks of NO EXERCISE! I'm so proud of me! I was at three miles before, so two miles after 6 weeks of no exercise makes me feel so proud. I'm just coming off a running high and I just love it. I hate running by myself but I feel so awesome running with her! It's fun and she pushes me and I feel so good afterwards. It's great!
Ok, totally off subject...
I took Justin to the doctor today and he has a major sinus infection and when it gets as bad as his got, it causes pink eye type symptoms and can also be caused by ear infections. He's got the sinus and the ear infections and it's causing his eye to be goopy. She said because it's so bad she's prescribed antibiotic and eye drops and said he can go to daycare after his eye clears up, which could be tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed. Poor kiddo!
By the way - today it got to be about 85 and pretty humid. I told Desiree my house is set to 85 during the day and 78 around 5pm and she thought I was nuts. I think I will need to adjust the indoor day temperature down a little bit or I may be sweating! ;) I think I'm trying to prepare myself for the even hotter weather that's going to come.
Update 2/19/2012 - I get asked a LOT about a status on how I'm doing. I'm doing great. I don't leak anymore, unless I have bronchitis or something of the like and I'm coughing so hard it takes my breath away. I can run, exercise, cough and sneeze with no leaking. I noticed there are some moves in zumba that I need to flex my muscles down there to hold it or I could leak. It was a very successful surgery for me. Hope that helps!
29 comments:
dear briana,
congratulations on your successful TVT..and on your 2mile run. I am currently 1 1/2 weeks post TVT and so far so good. Can't wait to get back to work and working out!! Reading your blog has made me feel a lot more optimistic about things, thanks and good luck
Briana,
Congrats on your successful surgery!
At the ripe old age of 47, I too became tired of the constant leaking. My progressed to the point where just walking fast would cause a problem. (What working mom isn't in a hurry!)
I am curious about your recovery time. My doctor said I would be back to work in a few days, but here it is day 4 post-op and I can't imagine going back to work. Searches on the internet say more like 2-3 weeks to recover.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Mary
Dear Briana,
Hi I was 38 when I had my TVT surgery. I was wondering if the doctor you saw is a urogynecologist.
I am now 42 and have not had relif from discomfort, pelvic swelling, discharge, numbing and pain in left leg and foot, suprapubic irritation upon any type of movement(doing dishes, housework, walking,etc.) and no sex since I had my tvt surgery. I don't know why I am writing you accept maybe to tell you that I surely wish I were you!
My sister lives in Texas and had the same surgery done and then ran in a marathon a few months later. I have not even been able to find a doctor who can even help me here in Grand Rapids. I am just at my whits end and have traveled quite some distances to get help.
Well, I am glad all is going super for you. Jealous....yes.
Sincerely, Linda
Michlindy @ comcast.net no spaces
I've just had TVT done 2 weeks ago, and I'm really looking forward to being able to exercise. I've had incredible thigh pain since the surgery, but otherwise everything is great. No more sneeze-whoops! I'm so pleased to hear that you can run - that's what I really want to be able to do. I'm a lot older than you and I've had this problem for 19 years, so it's going to be amazing to be able to get back to normal again.
I had the TVT surgery two days ago. I have a catheter plus some bleeding...it is hard to wear a pad (you just try to lay on it)with a catheter. Hopefully tomorrow it will come. Was going to the bathroom painful?
Loriadele@hotmail.com
Hi Briana,
I am going on 3 weeks of recovery from my tvt surgery. At the same time I had to have an ovary removed and one cleaned up due to endrometriosis. I had a catheter for a night as I was unable to fully empty my bladder. Removele was easy and no pain voiding after.
So far so good, no leaking, but I also have an overactive bladder as well that I am on meds for.
I have been pretty good up until this week, my right thigh is killing me! It's hard to walk without pain and just have general discomfort. I was on 800mg of Ibuprophen but it wasnt working. Now on steriods for 5 days because they think it is just muscle. I sure hope it helps this leg pain. does anyone else have this and does it clear up???
Thanks for posting your experience with everyone.
Rita
Hi
congratulations on your successful TVT.
Im 34, suffered since my son was born (15 years ago) in my 2nd week recovery after having TVT. All is well but was surprised to hear that other women have been suffering from leg pain to,I have had the same and a lots of bruising that is now starting to fade, but was worried something was wrong and after reading this page, am relieved to know this is normal. I was told not to do any pelvic floor exercises for 4 weeks and no running marathons/intercourse for 6 weeks. I have found that post OP info is not clear on whether/how much you can walk to stay fit.
Thank you for sharing all you experiences, it has helped alot.
from UK
I was 28 yesterday and had my TVT op this morning. I have been experiencing pain and slight swelling in my lower legs and am as yet to empty my bowels as I'm too afraid. Glad to hear you surgery was successful. I hope mine is too. Louise
Hi Briana,
Congrats on your sucess...
I had a TVT op (through my groin and not pelvic bone) 6 weeks ago and was told not do anything stressful...carrying bags of any sort, housework out (great..hubby would have to do the ironing). I was told to take at least 6weeks off work as it's very demanding physcially. Went to see a specialist today and he was prepared to sign me off for another 6 weeks. I didn't want to take it, and am due back in work on Monday (24th, now I am concerned that I should have listened to him. I have low laying pain and I feel odd between my legs (very difficult to explain.) It does ache as well...it may well just be swelling,..not painful that it requires painkillers but it does feel uncomfortable. I was also told that I'm not emptying my bladder fully even after going to the loo..a good 420fl ozs left in bladder... leakage....I have leaked twice but only very slightly since the op. I have urge as well as stress and am on medication for the urge. So far so good with the stress....want to get up and run but hubby won't let me, also we haven't had 'extra' and he's very unwilling to try as he don't want to hurt me..
I think I need reasurance about the work & physcial side of this operation....
Thanks!
well done you for being brave enough to talk about it. I am currently 4 weeks post op. I too had a large baby 10lb 3oz. I waited 8 years before I finally decided I could not take anymore. I am still very sore, but have been over doing it, as I have an 18month old and 2 older kids to run about after. I am still losing clots of blood is this normal after 4 weeks?
my email is sandi_p1975 @ Yahoo.co.uk (no spaces)
I am 55 women who has had increasing leaking until the point of not being able to walk fast or bend quickly....
I am 11 days post op from my TVT surgery...... day of surgery i was good, had no problem urinating so was sent home..... was up most of the night feeling "the urge" with no relief.... so decided to do the dreaded self cathetor..... when i bent over to insert... passed out, banged my head... ended out cold for abit until my petrifed husband found me with the blood on my head... after that i continued to pass out, throw up ( i never leaked during vomiting, this is a first) and become weaker until i ended up back in the hospital for a catscan and IV to rehydrate..... that was the start of my recovery.... after that things got slowly better... i still tire very easily and try to nap everyday... i get up about 3 times a night to go pee ... i still feel swollen, and tender.....listen to your body.... don't push too hard too fast.....
hacienda78@yahoo.com
Hi I am a 52 year old woman 10 days after tvt surgery. having suffered leakage for approx 10 years decided to go ahead with surgery. so far excellent results no leakage when sneezing or coughing and no just in case toilet visits. have felt very tired and experienced some discharge and bleeding but generally ok. not really confident about time scale of when i can do things as conflicting information from surgeon and nurses. I think from other contributors to blog i am probably doing fine but would like more comments on recovery time. thanks
Dear Briana,
Thank you so much for placing your post it's the most useful to date!. I'm now 4 weeks post op and healing slowly. Although i can cough and sneeze with ease! I have been suffering lower back pain and some discomfort in my groin area just like one of your bloggers . I can also feel the tape just below the skin near to the exit sight. It was good to know that i'm not alone in my slower recovery but i'm looking forward to taking my life back.
Dear Briana, Your blog gives me hope!!! Am 45 years old and currently 9 days post TVT op. Peeing ok, although a bit slower than before! No leakage so far. The thing that bothers me the most is the pain I have in my right groin/thigh. I have read some other blogs which seem to suggest that this can be a long term complication that cannot be solved. I am SO SCARED that I will be left with this pain and not be able to reclaim my life, which was the whole reason for the op! Any comments to reassure me this is quite normal and will ease would be hugely appreciated!! jm.gilbert@hotmail.co.uk
Hi I know it's been a few years since your op but I found your blog by chance! I had my TVT op this morning. Slight soreness but not toot bad. It's been good to hear everyones experiences
I had my surgery 6 weeks ago (May 27th) and I ran a 10k on 5-26-12 without any problems! Life is good and all my friends are jealous when I say: "go ahead, make me laugh!"
Hi Brianna
Thank you so much for your blog page on TVT surgery. I have just been told that I am now referred for this surgery (post uro-dynamics). I am so looking forward to this - I can't wait. Ive had problems since childhood and have just accommodated and accommodated until I got to the point where I couldn't bear it any more. I have developed fibroids which has made pressure on the bladder much worse. I asked for a referral to a very well known gynaecologist and will now have surgery by him (NHS, UK). Keyhole via one cut on the vaginal wall and two in the abdomen.
I can't wait to be able to exercise and to feel normal again. Have started looking up exercise classes for my area!! I know I will have to be patient but reading your blog just makes me feel excited for the future.
For anyone considering this surgery and put off by the thought of urodynamics etc - don't be. The thought of the tests is worse than the reality. And the potential of the end result is worth it.
Thanks Brianna
Joy
Hi Brianna
Thank you so much for your blog page on TVT surgery. I have just been told that I am now referred for this surgery (post uro-dynamics). I am so looking forward to this - I can't wait. Ive had problems since childhood and have just accommodated and accommodated until I got to the point where I couldn't bear it any more. I have developed fibroids which has made pressure on the bladder much worse. I asked for a referral to a very well known gynaecologist and will now have surgery by him (NHS, UK). Keyhole via one cut on the vaginal wall and two in the abdomen.
I can't wait to be able to exercise and to feel normal again. Have started looking up exercise classes for my area!! I know I will have to be patient but reading your blog just makes me feel excited for the future.
For anyone considering this surgery and put off by the thought of urodynamics etc - don't be. The thought of the tests is worse than the reality. And the potential of the end result is worth it.
Thanks Brianna
Joy
Hi All,
I'm 64 and have ten days to go before my tvt. I have never had intercourse or been pregnant but still have all the problems have done for at least 10 years. Had enough.
After surgery will I be able to take items from wall cupboards in the kitchen. Will I be able to sit and walk, bend etc. cannot find answers to these questions . The cupboards I could empty before I go. I live alone and need to be prepared ie ironing.
I had TVT on Nov 6. Now less than 5 days post op, I am feeling normal and have to try not to do more than I should. I have already driven my car and had no problem. I get a tad tired, but not a reason to stop and go to bed. I have had zero pain. I am having a bit of trouble having a bowel movement. I can't figure out where all my food goes. I am spotting just a little vaginally. But, no pain, just gas. I actually wonder if my doctor really did the surgery! It is amazing how easy it has been. Even the hospital nurses were surprised. Now, I just hope the TVT has the right final result. I am 61 and very disgusted with wetting my pants every time I cough, which is oftern with GERD.
I had my tvt put in Dec13. 2012 the 1st few days sleep a lot then felt fine its been5 days and I think I might have over done it I hurt so bad and so cold. can't sleep on my tummy calling doc in the morning.
How long do u have to be off work? I'm a teacher...
Hi Brianna. You were young to have that problem. I found your blog very helpful since I am scheduled for TVT surgery in 2 weeks. I am 52 and have a bad prolapsed bladder. It actually protrudes out of you know where and constantly feels like a bulge there. It is not normal to be able to see your bladder! I have had this problem for years but was so afraid of the scary lawsuits you hear about on TV about women that had the mesh sling procedure that I avoided it all this time. I really don't leak (which sounds amazing I know given how bad it is prolapsed), only once in a great while or if I have Bronchitis or something like that. I don't even have to get up through the night. But when my Dr. explained that I would have the small mesh and not the big one in the news, I felt much better about having the surgery. So, at last I am getting it taken care of. I will stay in the hospital one night. I'm anxious to get it taken care of and a little apprehensive all at the same time, but I'm sure that is normal. I thought this problem was behind me after my hysterectomy years ago when everything was in place. A bad bout with Bronchitis is what I blame it on, plus most women in my family seem to have these kinds of issues. My mom did, and a sister of mine did, that was told she had the worse prolasped uterus her Dr. had ever seen for a woman that never gave birth. And I had a prolapsed uterus as well, before my hysterectomy. Oh well, wish me luck! If I think of any questions I will write in again.
I read your blog the day before my surgury. Last Thursday Januiary 31 2013 I had the TVT surgury at 8:30am. I was on my way home at noon. I made sure as soon as I woke up, I was up on the toilet, as I was insistant I would get home sooner. The first day home I felt like I did after giving birth. The second day I was concered about a bowl movement. I remembered the all hamberger and vegtables stew that kept you moving and ate and ate, with the aid of stool softeners my bigest fear was no more. I had two biopsy's and as of my fourth day are my only discomfort. I use to run to the bathroom and urinate fast, now the sitting time is longer to empty. The only problem I use to have was when I lifted, sneezed, laughed hard, and it's not a problem now. Why in this day and age would a woman not take the simple steps to take care of this. The night before the surgury I could think of a million excuses not to go, just out of fear, it wasn't a big deal, I'm going to be 60 in November. The only thing I'm very disapointed in, is the time it is taking to get the biospy results back. maplvalycandles @centurytel.net
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Just one more comment I drank so much water and forced myself to walk around the house some. Took the pain pills the first day and I think that really helped. At almost 60 I wanted this to heal with no complications. To anyone wanting to go back to work, two weeks if you have a sit down job, three weeks if your on your legs. Now I'm older so the young woman might spring back sooner. maplvalycandles @centurytel.net
Great post. I am glad your surgery was a success. Congrats! I have been reading up on this because I am pregnant and they say he is a very big boy and I am concerned. My biggest concern is self catheterization. I have read that some women have to do this for awhile and I don't think I could handle that. This post makes me feel a little better, thanks so much for sharing.
I am 46 years old and I am 6 days post op from my tvt repair. I felt great post op, a little pain with sitting, but very tolerable. I also had a cervical biopsy done and was told to expect some clear discharge following. However I feel like I am leaking when I stand or sit. I haven't spent this much time with a mirror looking at my anatomy in my life! Prior to the surgery I only had incontinence with exercise, like running...so I am a little upset that it seems alittle worse afer surgery. Has anyone else had this problem with discharge or leaking after surgery. I keep telling myself it is only 6 days and maybe there is just swelling, but I am very worried. Can anyone elviate my fears!!
Thanks
Teresa
thefortunes@telus.net
Hi
I had my tvt sling fitted 2 weeks ago I had 3 huge babies and i got tired of having to cross my legs when i sneezed . I went for my 2 week check up today and i am better then ever .
I was scared at first to go and have it done but i dont regret it at all , I have never taken meds for pain either , To anyone that is scared of going through with it ,,,, dont be
Hi
I had my tvt sling fitted 2 weeks ago I had 3 huge babies and i got tired of having to cross my legs when i sneezed . I went for my 2 week check up today and i am better then ever .
I was scared at first to go and have it done but i dont regret it at all , I have never taken meds for pain either , To anyone that is scared of going through with it ,,,, dont be
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