Catheterization

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skipper_29210
skipper_29210 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine) #1
I am 32 years old and I had a radical hysterectomy (kept my ovaries) in November of 2001 and I have been cancer free for almost a year and a half. I was told that I would have to use a catheter for about two weeks after my surgery until my bladder started functioning again after it had been tacked. Well, it has been almost a year and a half and my bladder still does don’t work properly. I have no feeling in my bladder (yes, that’s right I can’t feel when it is time to go). I have been to specialists and they tell me that it is nerve damage and that it may take up to two years for it to work or it may never work. Has anyone else had this problem and if so what did you do?

Thanks
Skipper

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  • chrisaw
    chrisaw Member Posts: 18
    #2
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    I had a cath in for 2 weeks post op as well. Did you have radiation? That can really effect how everything heals. I have feeling, but have to go quite frequently & when I have to go, I have to go! Are you on estrogen? My dr gave me an insert that helps the vagina & bladder muscles stay "in shape." Sorry I don't have more insight.
    Good luck!
    Chris
  • momof5
    momof5 Member Posts: 16
    #3
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    Hello skipper. I had a radical hysterectomy in December, 2002, 5 1/2 months ago. I also had no urgency feeling at all. I had to self-cath for 6 weeks. I still can not feel any sensation. I try to time it and go every hour or so. I have to bear down somewhat to be able to urinate. I am worried that this could cause long-term problems. I am also concerned about infections in the bladder and/or kidney. I cannot tell if it is empty and worry about residual urine. I have asked my doctor but he assures me not to worry. Does this help?
  • sandi27
    sandi27 Member Posts: 12
    #4
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    Gosh, I had trouble with my catheter when I underwent my treatment but things got better. I leaked for a few months. Have you tried the Keigel exrecises, you know where you relax and contract your vaginal muscles? I understand that with your baldder, if you don't use it, you lose it. What has your doctor said? What about the medecines that you see advertized on TV for overactive baldder? I'm sure your doctor knows what the deal is. I would think that the thing to do would be to get off the catheter and let your body retrain itself. They told me when I had my problems that when you have a catheter that your body gets lazy. Because the tube is in, your bladder empties automatically and it gets lazy. I had a superpubic and it was irritated all of the time and I was pretty miserable for a long time.
    Good luck
  • 2003April2008
    2003April2008 Member Posts: 5
    #5
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    I had a radical hysterectomy in April 2003 and had to self catheterize for two weeks. I have some feeling ( I know when it is time to go), but my bladder won't empty completely sometimes. I have to give an extra push to try to completely empty it (if that makes any sense!). Because of this (my bladder not emptying all the way) I keep getting urinary tract infections which are no fun! My doctor says the nerves should heal eventually.

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