Stress Incontinence Developed and Getting Worse Post-Hysterectomy

[keebler14]

My 37 year old sister had a total hysterectomy (removal of uterus and both ovaries) 4 weeks ago. It was done to alleviate pelvic pain caused by endometriosis although the pathology report showed she had minimal endometrial tissue.  She now states she is pain free and is glad she had the procedure.  HOWEVER, she has now developed stress incontinence and it is getting worse. She had no continence issues before the surgery.  During the first week of recovery, she experienced painful bladder spasms, was prescribed Detrol and the spasms decreased.  At the end of week 2, she wet the bed but didn't realize it until she felt damp sheets. Since then, her incontinence has become worse: She was talking with a friend 4 days ago and when she got up, her friend noticed urine on the back of her jeans. She now wears Depends 24/7 but they aren't helping at night when she urinates so much, the urine saturates the diaper--enough to get through the mattress pad. She limits fluids, has no urge to urinate and no sensation it is happening. When she wakes up, despite her nighttime voiding, she urinates steadily for 2 minutes. Her doctor says "This is a normal after-effect" (from the hysterectomy) but the lack of sensation worries her. BTW, tests ruled out UTI. Would the problems described indicate a consult with a urogynecologist is in order--or is it too soon?  Thank you for any help you may be able to provide.

[Lennox Hoyte, M.D.]

Yes. I would definitely have her evaluated by a trained urogynecologist, who should be able to make an accurate diagnosis, and offer an appropriate, successful therapy.

If you are in the US, go to www.augs.org, or sgsonline.org to look for one in your area.
In Europe see continet.org for details.

[Rowlshar]

I have had the same problems. Mine developed in October last year when all of a sudden my bladder went and from that point i have also been in pads for 24/7.  It has affected all aspects ofmy life and i have alot of symapthy with your sister cos it is horrendous.  I sore a consultant (after being messed about) and had scans (which was through the eurodynamics nurse not the consultant) which showed that i had a 10cm cyst.  i had surgery (and cyst had burst previously!) and its now trying to find out exactly why this is happening.  I have got medication from my GP (consultant wouldnt listen and in fact talked to my partner not me!!!!).  Its getting passed a joke as when we went for a day out, we got stuck in traffic and i couldnt get to a toilet.  I have seconds to react as i have no feeling and it went through 2 pads.  i was devestated and disgusted.  I also do this at work and i work for the NHS which isnt good.
Dont give up and if i do receive help that works, i will post it on this site so you can read up and give it a try.  
The thing i have learned is be very pushy!!!!!  Everyone wants to cathetirise me but i have resisited mainly because i want the problem sorted before i do the symptons other wise, i am frightened that if the symptoms are masked, they wont bother finding out - which in my experience of my consultant, will be the case.
By way, i have tried to change but its getting ridiculous to get a second opinion quickly so keep going and be loud!!!!