Bladder problem (hysterectomy to blame?)

I had a hysterectomy a little over a year ago (I'm 30) because I was in pain for two weeks every month. I couldn't walk, couldn't work, and could hardly function. I was on hardcore pain killers and simply couldn't take it all anymore. However, I've also had bladder infection symptoms on and off for years without actually having a bladder infection. I've read false positives on dip tests, but after my hysterectomy, things seemed to calm down a bit.

Well, the stitching from my hysterectomy tore three months after my surgery and they had to re-stitch it in emergency surgery. A few weeks after that, everything was fine again.

Lately I've been having bladder infection symptoms again; however, it also seems like I can't hold my bladder well. I have to pee every hour, it seems, and am dehydrating myself because I hate having that "bladder is full" feeling. Even when I have to go just a little bit, it feels like my bladder is going to burst. When I go on trips, I hate having to tell my friends that I have to go to the bathroom and asking to stop more than normal. I wear a pantyliner because I am scared I will pee my pants. A couple of times, I have dribbled in my pants because I have passed gas or simply randomly started to pee. However, this isn't the norm and while I typically feel like I am going to pee or am peeing my pants, it's just all in my head (although I do have to go, it's not serious and is obvious my bladder is not that full).

I am embarrassed. I teach an undergraduate class and I am terrified I will have to stop class because I have to pee or even that I will start to pee my pants. I am only 30 for crying out loud! I take Azo every now and then because that seems to help the symptoms and my sense of urgency, but I can't help but wonder if my hysterectomy had something to do with this problem.

Has anyone experienced something similar? I will probably go to the doctor soon, but our university insurance is awful and I am sure a lot of those doctors don't see this type of problem.

See if they can evaluate you for Interstitial Cystitis...all of your symptoms describes it. You should google it. I suffer from it & have all they symptoms you pointed out. It's frustrating & embarrassing to have to keep going back n forth to pee. I rather you research it because I have a hard time putting into words what it is. Hope this helps & if not I hope your dr can give you a better explanation.

Thanks! I will check that out!

Let me know what you think when you look it up 8)

Hello xp1155, I also have IC & was on a med specific (sp?) for it. After being on it for many years & having to add more meds for more issues I decided to quit the oral med & have the supplies & meds here at home to self cath when I have flares. It sounds alittle drastic & invasive but it's really easy to do, the thing that takes the longest is mixing up the meds to do it.

This is probably TMI for now so don't frealk out. Consider seeing a Urologist, they would be the best for recognizing & dx your condition.

Wishing you better health for the new year.

You may want to check out the following site, as a lot of women there fight similar symptoms.

http://www.hystersisters.com

I've developed a similar tendency after my hysterectomy as well. In my case, my uterus was pretty attached to the bladder. I required a cath for a couple of weeks after the H, for the bladder to strengthen more.

Best wishes to you!

Thanks all, it looks like I should definitely ask about IC. It sounds like what I have (and the foods they mentioned do irritate me). I wonder if I have had IC for a while but my hysterectomy made it worse.

shezbut- that site looks awesome. I actually did experience depression after the surgery. I never EVER wanted a kid, but I do still feel like a part of myself was taken away from me. It's hard and so personal to explain.

another very common thing with women after a hysterectomy is bladder prolaspe. you can try kegel excersises to help strengthen the bladder but you really should see a dr to figure this out hon.

I have an appointment on Wednesday. We'll see what the doctor says.

The doc totally thinks I have IC and is sending me to a Urologist.

Sorry to hear that...but good you may know what's wrong so you can get treatment for it.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/int...-and-diagnosis

I read these tests to diagnose and I am freaking out. (a) I will need a woman to do this and (b) this sounds really painful. Do I need a friend to go with me to drive me home.

Yes you will & they may do a cystoscopy & a biopsy to make sure that you have IC. When they do that you will go thru a minor out patient surgery & they will put you to sleep. The DMSO instillations aren't too painful just uncomfortable. It really just depends on your pain level & how sensitive you are in that area down there.

Just wondering how your bladder is doing now and did they find out what was wrong. I have the same issues going on now after my hysterectomy.

Yes! But also, while you wait for an evaluation, don't dehydrate yourself. Dehydration would only worsen whatever problems you have. If you keep dehydrating, you might start experiencing pain while peeing, which will only add to your troubles without solving any problems.