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Virginia Shares How Vaginal Surgery Helped with Urinary Incontinence
I recently reached out to fellow blogger Virginia to share her story of life before and after surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence.
Virginia is from Canada and has two children. She was doing summersaults (figuratively) when I came across her blog. She was eager to share her story with as many women as possible to let them know options exist. Asked her to join our conversation here on Vaginal-Surgery.info and here is what she had to say.
Enjoy!
Virginia's Urinary Incontinence Surgery Experience
1. What were you experiencing prior to Vaginal Surgery?
I could no longer control urinating. I would have just a couple of seconds to get to the bathroom. I did not sleep well at night because I was concerned I wouldn’t wake up in time to make the bathroom. When I saw a very, very elderly woman shopping for pads at the drugstore I realized if I didn’t do something that would be me for the rest of my life.
2. How long & Why had you been living with Stress Urinary Incontinence prior to choosing surgery?
I started having problems controlling urinating about 15 years ago. It would happen when I drank a couple of glasses of water, or had a couple cups of teas. I did see a specialist and several suggestions were made. I decided I would earnestly do the Kegel exercises as an alternative to any type of surgery. This helped for a while but over the years the problem increased.
Wearing panty liners was the solution. That worked for a while.
When shopping I would scout the bathroom location first. Then it got to the point that when I was out and about I used the bathroom whether I needed to or not (just in case).
I started wearing heavier pads and they would become sodden. I changed my underwear a couple of times a day. I was always concerned when I was out socially that perhaps people would smell urine on me. I wouldn’t attend events that had temporary toilet facilities as the line ups were long and I wasn’t available to change the pads when they became wet.
I also stopped going to the symphony and opera for the same reason. I only wore washable cotton pants and jeans. I had to have an aisle seat when flying because I needed quick bathroom access. I no longer went on long walks with my husband as the pads would chafe and at my age I would develop what I called diaper rash.
3. Tell us what type of research you had done prior to having surgery.
I had gone on the internet and researched various surgical procedures but I felt they were too invasive. My cousin had a surgical procedure for incontinence and it was not successful (ten years ago). I didn’t want to take the chance.
4. How did you choose your surgeon?
My family doctor told me of a surgeon he knew personally who was having great success with a procedure he had developed. I went to this Doctor’s website and liked what I read.
5. Please describe your post-op recovery.
I was bright and alert immediately following surgery. In fact I wanted to walk out of the hospital (not allowed). I was aware that I had had surgery and there was minor discomfort. But absolutely no pain.
Because I didn’t empty my bladder enough before I left the hospital I did have to wear a colostomy bag for 48 hours. It was a little inconvenient but it wasn’t terrible. When the freezing came out I took an Ibuprofen before I went to sleep, and then a second one early in the morning. That was it.
The swelling made sitting on firm chairs uncomfortable for a few days so I lounged around and read five books, ate ice cream and in general indulged myself. I limited my standing and sitting for the first few days.
Madeline's Vaginal Tightening Story
6. What is your current level of satisfaction with the outcome?
I am deliriously happy. Within a few days of the surgery I could control my need to urinate. I have not worn any pads since two days after the surgery. I can now wear my beautiful wool and silk pants. (Yay!)
7. What do you think any woman considering treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence should know BEFORE surgery?
They should know that the surgery itself is one thing to consider. It is the post-surgery attitude that is equally important. You must follow the instructions. It is not negotiable.
For example no baths and no sexual intercourse until after four weeks. No lifting or moving heavy objects (I had to resist furniture moving), no gardening, no riding bikes etc. etc.
If they are not on a vitamin regime they should check with their doctor to see what they should be taken. If they smoke they should stop smoking. If they are single they should fill the freezer with some light meals to eat the first couple of days.
8. Is there any part of the surgery or recovery that you wish you would have known prior to surgery?
I went into this surgery completely informed.
9. What advice do you have regarding the recovery process?
Load up a basket with great chick flicks, some trashy magazines, those books you’ve been meaning to read, a few bars of Belgian chocolate, for a treat some imported bottle water, and a new shade of nail polish.
10. Anything you would do differently?
Absolutely not.
Thank You so much for sharing Virginia. You know firsthand how important it is for us to talk about these issues to truly get the help that is right for you. Millions of us women go on for years thinking that we are the only ones going through physical changes like stress urinary incontinence, and NEVER talk to anybody about it.
Educate yourself and remember information is the answer!
If you have any questions for me, ask below. Otherwise you can also visit Virginia at http://belocchio.wordpress.com/.
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Photo Credit(s): DoterraBlog
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