rc post surgery questions

Thank you to all you wonderful, caring people who have replied to my questions. It is reassuring to know others have been through this.
I had my catheter & stents removed today & feel liberated! I am still having back pain which my doctor thinks is from muscle. Although I am leaking constantly, I have been able to "empty" my new bladder each time I have tried. I am going home to Atlanta on Wed. after being in NYC for over 3 weeks & am counting the hours!

Remember that quote about a man who is his own lawyer having a fool for a client?

Not to offend, but a man who is his doctor is even worse. I know--I put myself back in the hospital (a week after getting home from my RC) and almost died on our livingroom floor because I was bleeding out so rapidly and ignored the early symptoms. I "misdiagnosed" myself.

Please call your doctor and get clarity on your pain. You should not be having severe pain without your doctor knowing about it right away.

As far as the loose stools, I asked my doctor that very question on my six-month followup. He said that it may take as long as two years for some people for get back to normal--fortunately in my case things are considerably better now (21 months later), but you're going to have to be patient. Some days will be fine, and others less so, but in time you'll be back to (almost) normal.

Zach

I had this type of pain when my catheter was not draining properly, once it was cleared of kinks and my system drained the pain would go away in time with the help of pain pills. Unless you check regularly the tube can kink and you will not know it but if this continues check with you doctor.

Dale

17 weeks post surgery

Newbladder,

you are very welcome...I hope that when the catheter is removed you can get a good nights sleep...that is so helpful in your recovery too.

Karen

Thanks for you advice Karen. The pain is aggrevated by lying down. I am having my catheter removed tomorrow. Hopefully this will allow me to sleep in a more anatomical & comfortable position. It is also difficult to walk without favoring one side. This web site is really very helpful & educational. Thank you.

Where is the back pain?

Remember that you were put in various positions on a hard surface during a lengthy surgery. It may be the stent as you suggest, but it may also be sore muscles, a nerve, or your kidneys...I had 4 C-Sections and I know that your posture and the way that you walk and sleep after abdominal surgery can put a strain on your back...quite a few of people complain about leg pain and back pain after an RC...Try not to over do it, or push yourself. You should still be resting and off your feet quite a bit. Also, remember that your kidneys are an intricate part of the "Plumbing" (so to speak) that has just undergone a tremendous shock, your kidneys are in your lower back on either side of your spine. If this is where your pain is, I would tell the Dr. right away. I am sure that it is possible to have some blood work done on the same day they remove your catheter. They can and probably will check your kidney function (creatinine levels) to rule that out or in.

I know there are others who have had the surgery (I have not) that will chime in with more specific and helpful information...

As for the loose stools:

Have you ever heard of the "BRAT" or "Bratty" diet? It is used for those with diarrhea (I use it for my children when necessary) it includes: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Tea, Toast and Yogurt).

Please check with your Dr to make sure you can have any or all of the above.

Wishing you well,
Karen