Messages

1

All things bladder related / TVT failure?

« on: June 25, 2011, 07:32:57 AM »

Hi there,

I had the TVT operation last Monday and I know it's early days but am feeling very low this morning as I think it's not been any help at all   A large part of my problem was not being able to make it to the loo 'in time' and I know this is classed as 'urgency' and that this op is not always successful for that but after reading on here and other places of people who had been helped I made the decision.  It took me a long while to decide (years!) and I went privately as I was recommended a surgeon in the Midlands who is very experienced.
But although due to my stitches etc I can't really know about the 'stress' side of things, the making it to the loo is most _definitely_ not improved and currently probably worse.
Anyone any words of wisdom?

2

All things bladder related / Re: Anyone ever had this type problem?

« on: January 27, 2011, 10:24:02 AM »

Hi both of you,
I have had similar problems which although no infection showed in sample turned to kidney infections on two occasions!   Really really nasty, was ill for a few weeks, high temps etc etc.   I have also had numerous cystitis attacks some of which showed infection, showed didn't.  All this started the week of my 60th birthday.
Had numerous tests, kidney scans, seen urologist etc etc.
Cutting a long story (3.5 yrs of problems) somehwat shorter, it has all turned out to be vaginal atrophy and has been much improved (I don't like to say cured!) since I went on topical oestrogen therapy.  As you dry out 'down below' you lose the natural bacteria that protect you against infection.  Nobody, gp or urologist explained this to me     Only found it out by reading Menopause Matters and I now use Vagifem pessaries.
Do hope this is of some help to you, I really sympathise with what a horrible problem it is, made me very very low.

3

All things bladder related / Re: Bladder Infections & Anxiety

« on: August 18, 2010, 04:38:14 PM »

Hi Amandah
I'm 10 years older than you and obviously well post meno but after 9 years on HRT I cam off at 54 and at 60 started with bladder infections which on two occasions turned into kidney infections, all very nasty.   Anyway, long story short!    I found out last year that a big cause of this problem is to do with lack of oestrogen affecting the vaginal tissue and the bladder area and am now on Vagifem, a low oestrogen pessary delivered directly to the vagina.  Touch wood it's been great, might be worth investigating?    Think these type of infections make you feel very stressed and anxious, the are so debilitating.

My gp never mentioned that this is a common problem with the meno, btw, it was only through my own research that I found out!
Hope you feel better soon

4

All things bladder related / Re: COMPLEXITIES OF MANAGEMENT

« on: August 14, 2010, 05:21:16 PM »

Hi there,
Remembered to check back again
So pleased to hear things are still going well with you since the op.

Funny you should mention advice on the bladder training.  I went to see an incontinence physio just a few weeks ago!  I did the chart with measuring my intake and output and managed 400 mls once but generally about 250.   I had drunk 3 litres (slightly more than usual) on the day I measured and she didn't think my 8 plus one nighttime loo visits too bad for that amount.   But I generally went every 1.5 hrs in the first part of the day slowing down to 2 or 2.5, can't imagine 4 hrs     The adviser I saw seemed to think that at my advanced age (64) I wasn't as unusual as I feel.   However I probably do drink more than most of my friends due to the worry of cystitis.

One of the definitions of 'urge' incontinence said that it was when you had to rush to the loo when you arrived home and just couldn't wait, which is what I am like.
And I definitely identify with your leaking when walking.

Oh well, will struggle on for a while I think, but then will have to summon up the courage for the op.  You have been a big encouragement to me, so thank you so much for your advice, it's appreciated

5

All things bladder related / Re: COMPLEXITIES OF MANAGEMENT

« on: August 06, 2010, 02:00:18 PM »

Hi Gagamana,

So pleased for you    Brilliant!

I have pretty much made up my mind that I have to have the op.  Two things been stopping me (apart from the obvious cowardice!), I am worried about the retention problem as I have had such problems with cystitis and kidney infections and also the fact that although it seems to work for stress incontinence, I know I also have urge and it doesn't work for that?

Anyway, I am honestly really pleased for you as I identify so much with the problems you had.  Long may it continue well!

6

All things bladder related / Re: COMPLEXITIES OF MANAGEMENT

« on: July 27, 2010, 07:42:45 PM »

Hello again, haven't checked on here for a while and was wondering how you have got on since your TVT operation?

Well done on being brave and having it done!   I am now coming round to the idea that I will have to go for it, but still being chicken
Hope all has gone well for you.

7

All things bladder related / Re: COMPLEXITIES OF MANAGEMENT

« on: June 23, 2010, 06:19:47 PM »

Do sympathise with your problem Gagamama, I have similar      Mine seem to have been triggered by cystitis and kidney infections.  Have had some stress incontinence since the menopause years but the over active bladder is more recent.  Cystitis and kidney infections were definitely brought on after I stopped taking HRT and gradually 'dried out' down below.   Although have to admit to total ignorance of vaginal atrophy until quite recent times.   I am now using a oestrogen pessaries but to some extent think it's a bit late as the irritable bladder problem seems well established.

Am very dubious of the TVT op which I have been offered, as although it seems pretty good for stress incontinence it does not help over active bladder and may make my risk of cystitis worse.   Am currently using an Athena Pelvic Toner but so far no real progress although still keeping it going on a daily basis.  Haven't tried any of the medications although have read about Duloxetine and Vesicare.   It is such a very intimate problem and can make life so difficult.