Was My Bladder Surgery Successful?
A 12 week post-op update
*Please note: This post was originally written and sent to newsletter subscribers in July of 2024.
Back in April, I wrote about my experience having surgery to correct bladder prolapse. So many of you (like, sooooo many) reached out saying you were grateful I was willing to write about my experience. Well, it’s been 12 weeks since the surgery so I figured an update was due.
But first, a quick recap!
After a few years of worsening stress incontinence and ineffective pelvic floor physical therapy, I saw a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with bladder prolapse. No surprise given that I’ve had 4 vaginial deliveries, and each delivery increased my risk for developing prolapse.
Before I jumped into surgery, I tried out a non-surgical fix called a pessary which was unfortunately not compatible with my anatomy. Once I knew a pessary wouldn't work, I felt fine about moving forward with the procedure to place a midurethral sling that would lift my prolapsed bladder back into place and fix my incontinence.
The surgery was quick - just 30 minutes - and I was back home around 90 minutes later. The pain afterward was easily managed with Advil. I definitely felt bruised (these were a lifesaver!) and had some soreness at the incision sites but all in all, the recovery truly wasn’t bad.
Six-weeks later, the incisions were all healed up and I was cleared to ease back into exercise. The body reinforces the sling with scar tissue for 12-weeks after the sling is placed, so I’ve kept my workouts pretty light and fairly low-impact in an effort to not compromise anything. Now that I’m at the 12-week mark, I’m excited to start lifting heavier loads and running all-out sprints worry free.
Are you glad you had the surgery? Was it successful?
100% yes, 10/10, would do again, highly recommend.
The incontinence was slowing me down and impacting my plans to live an active, vibrant life as I grow older. If there was a relatively low-risk fix, I was willing to give it a try so my life can continue to expand, rather than contract.
But also, there is so much glorious freedom in living a leak-free life! I love that I can move how I want, when I want without worrying about leaking. I no longer have to hop off the treadmill to pee again because I’m leaking or pick up lighter weights at Crossfit because the heavier ones will make me leak. I can randomly dash across the road, sneeze or laugh really hard and not leak. It is truly amazing.
Are there any unexpected side effects?
A few. For starters, I don’t feel a ton of urgency to pee anymore.
My urogynecologist said it takes the nerves time to adjust to the sling carrying some of the weight of the bladder, so in the meantime I try to remember that what feels like a moderate level of bladder fullness is actually a very full bladder. I’ve nearly peed my pants a few times because I had no idea my bladder was literally fit to burst!
Also, I experience a little bit of bladder “congestion” first thing in the morning which feels like my bladder needs a second or two to wake up and remember how to pee after I've been asleep all night. My doctor reassured me this is both common and harmless since I’m still able to empty my bladder completely, it’s just different from how my body operated before the surgery.
So, that’s where I’m at: thrilled to be on this side of things and to no longer be leaking.
Sending you big hugs and hope you’re having your favorite kind of summer, whatever that might be.
xo,
Rebecca