Maybe you are interested in surgery for your leaking. You’ve decided you are ready (if you aren’t, check out my post on things to consider while getting ready). But as you make the decision to move forward, you want to know what to expect after surgery. Few of us have surgery frequently and the idea is often frightening. So what can you expect while you recover after a midurethral sling surgery for bladder leaking?
Everyone is a little different
Know that surgery and recovery are a different experience for everyone. And there is a range of experiences that are normal. Women that have medical diagnoses such as fibromyalgia or a history of trauma frequently have more pain after surgery. And recovery, even after a small procedure like a sling surgery, is always impacted by your social support. Women with a good social support system always have an easier road after surgery. Trying to manage your daily life- family, kids and work- on top of recovering from surgery is a daunting task.
Right after surgery
A sling surgery, when done without other procedures, takes less than one hour to perform. It is almost always done as an outpatient, meaning that you go home on the same day. You will recover for a few hours after the sling surgery in the hospital or surgery center. During this time, you will wake up from anesthesia and the nursing staff will evaluate pain and nausea. It can be harder to empty your bladder when recovering from a sling surgery, so it is important to make sure that you are emptying well before you go home. Some women have trouble emptying for 24-48 hours. Once you are feeling well and emptying well, you will be sent home.
Recovery when you are at home after sling surgery
While you recover after the sling surgery, you will be able to take care of yourself at home. Most women experience pain behind the pubic bone. Many will describe this like significant period cramps. Heat and over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen and tylenol should control the pain well.
You will have some vaginal bleeding for a week or two after surgery. This is common but it should not be heavy. You may also notice significant bruising around your pubic bone. If the bleeding is heavy or increases, you should contact your physician.
A surgery for leaking almost always changes the way that you empty. It is common to feel like your urine stream is a little slower or takes a second longer to start. All of this is normal. It should not be hard to empty. If you are having trouble emptying, contact your surgeon. In <4% of cases, the sling can be placed too tightly and may need to be loosened. Urinary tract infections after sling surgery are common. If you have burning with urination of frequency, you should be evaluated.
Every surgeon has slightly different activity restrictions after surgery. I ask my patient to avoid any heavy exercise (like running or cross fit) for 2 weeks after surgery. After that, I set them free. The only other restriction is no bathes for two weeks and nothing in the vagina for 4-6 weeks.
I usually ask my patients to take a few days off from work. For example, if we do surgery on a Friday, you should be ready for work on Monday. You will recover quickly after a sling surgery. And, you should notice a dramatic improvement in your leaking right away!
I had a bladder mesh suspension surgery along with a complete hysterectomy about 4 months ago. I’m still experiencing some leaking to the extent I feel the need to wear a pad – especially at night. Is this normal?
It can happen. It sounds like you had a sling procedure. A sling will help stress incontinence but not urgency incontinence. It may be that you have some urgency incontinence that the sling was not designed to fix. It may be that you have stress incontinence and the sling does not work perfectly. I would encourage you to discuss it with your surgeon and see what the next steps are!
I had my bladder sling n complete hysterectomy on 8/28/21 n today I have some light blood. when wiping.
That’s a great question. I can’t give you any medical advice because you are not my patient and I don’t know any of your details. But in general, if there is bleeding and no reason for it, it should be evaluated. If it is light bleeding, it is likely not emergent. I would give your surgeon a call.
Six months after bladder sling surgery still have to sit for a few minutes trying to make sure bladder if fully empty should I see my urologist or is this a commen side effect I do walk 4 miles a day
All surgeries for leaking always change the way you empty. It is common for the stream to be slower or take longer to start. Usually it is seconds longer. If you empty poorly or it is taking a long time, you should talk to your urologist.
I had bladder sling surgery done 2 weeks ago. I still haven’t been able to empty completely and often have to self-cath at least 1 time every other day. Is this a “normal” complication? The self-cathing is very dehumanizing and I hate doing it! But I guess it is better than going to the ER every time! My dr has offered to loosen the sling but I am afraid that if he does that, I won’t have the same great results-no peeing while sneezing! Does this normally go away on its own? I trust my dr but a 2nd opinion will definitely help!
In this situation, you definitely need to trust your doctor! Having trouble emptying after a sling happens in a subset of women. It can go away over time but the further you are from surgery, the less likely it is to go away. Loosening the sling or cutting the sling improves emptying and USUALLY the leaking does not return (it will return if the sling is removed). Good luck!
I had a hysterectomy and bladder sling surgery four days ago. Already my bladder is functioning perfectly. I knew this would be an unpleasant surgery but was not expecting all of the pain to be in my rectum. Is this a usual occurrence?
It depends on how the hysterectomy was done and what other procedures were done. It is not uncommon to have some rectal pain. But it can also be a sign that something is off and you need to be evaluated. You should check in with your surgeon, especially if the pain is increasing or changing.
I had the solyx sling put in on Thur. I swear when I walk around I can “feel” something foreign. It feels like plastic or something that my legs are rubbing up against. It doesn’t feel like pain – it feels like I’ve got something way up high and rubbing as I walk. Is this normal? Will it go away? I don’t feel it when sitting or lying down. I had no other procedures done other than the Solyx sling.
This is not a common sensation. There can be swelling after surgery that can cause odd sensations but this should resolve over time. Sometimes if the sling is a little tight it can cause odd sensations. If you feel something, your should have it checked out.
My wife had the surgery and it’s been 3 days now and she has to urinate every couple hours. It’s very hard for her to sleep at night. This is worst than before the operation. Any advice ? She needs help.
there are lots of things to check out here. there can be an infection. it can be that she is not emptying well. it can be related to inflammation. she needs to see her surgeon!
Is it safe to take a three day road trip a week after surgery?
Thanks
I always worry about leg clots after a surgery. Surgery increases the risk, as does sitting still (like in a car or plane). I usually ask my patients to stay close for 2 weeks. Then they can travel but I ask them to do calf stretches to help prevent clots. Or wear support hose. It all depends on your risk factors@
I had transorburator sling procedure last week. I have been on a foley catheter since then. My only issue I was addressing is stress incontinence, nothing prolapsed etc just stress incontinence. Failed two void trials and trying one more time tomorrow. Doctor says if that’s fails I go in Friday for revision. I’m all for it I can’t live like this and I’m scared and stressed. My question is…whats your take on the revisions and will I be able to pee normally once it’s loosened? And right after surgery? I can’t bear the thought of going home with a catheter!
Retention after a sling happens and it can require a revision. This usually works and 90% of the time the leaking does not return. I don’t wait more than 2 weeks after a sling to revise. Good luck!