After ovary removal

Sorry to be back, Ladies. I really am worried tonight. I posted a few days ago, but my question didn't draw a related response, so I'm trying again.

Has anyone had urinary problems after a laparotomy with bi-laterial oopherectomy? I'd appreciate any feedback anyone might have to share.

Thanks!
LitDoc

[fungirl]

I also had the same procedure done that you did, and I did have a hard time going to the bathroom (peeing).  In the hospital, I told the nurse that I felt pressure on my bladder and that I did not think I was emptying my bladder well, so she cathed me, and they got out 900cc of urin (900!!).  She said that was the most urin she has ever gotten out of someone:)  Maybe you have a bladder infection.  I would call your doctor asap.  Do you have pain?  Are you able to go at all?  Try pouring very warm water down there, and see if that helps (they did that to me in the hospital last year after my laporscope (sp).  I hope this helped a little.  Kasie

[who_is_this]

Copied my answer from the womens forum.  Not sure if you would go back over there.  Note: I'm not sure if you said you thought you are having infections, or nonspecific bladder problems.  Over there, the implication was that you were having infections. If that's a wrong assumption, skip the parts about infection!
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If cultures are not growing bacteria (I'm assuming you've actually had culture proven UTI's, not just the quick test they do in the office), there is something else called interstitial cystitis that can cause the same exact symptoms, only without the bacteria present on culture. That might be one avenue to look at with a urologist if it continues.

You might also still be in the healing process. As daddiesgirl said, the urinary catheter that is often inserted during surgery (sometimes removed right after so you might not even be aware you had one) can introduce infection. The manipulation of the bladder during surgery can also cause repeated spasms or irritation of the bladder walls or surrounding tissue. You may need to give it a couple more months before everything settles down.

If you have culture proven infections and are taking antibiotics that the bacteria is sensitive too and are still having repeated infections, your doctor may put you on longer term lower doses of antibiotics prophalactically.

Also, altered estogen levels can lead to uti or bladder symptoms in some cases, due to decreased estrogenic stimulation of certain GU tissues. Perhaps (if you are on HRT) your hormones need to be dialed in. You'll need to work closely with your doctor if this all continues, to find out the cause.

[RavenLady]

Hi Annette, I had that issue too so when I went in the week after laparotomy to get the staples out I had them do a urinalysis since bladder infection is an unwelcome, but common post-op malady.  I did not have an infection and the Dr. noted my discomfort and said to call if no relief in three days.  She suspected that with everything shifting after removal of ovary and cysts, that that may be causing the pressure and in ability to go.  She also said it beared close watching just in case the uriters were nicked in surgery etc.  I cleared up (drank tons of cranberry juice) but you bear close watching, call the Dr. tomorrow or, better yet, ask if you can go into the lab and get the urinalysis to be on the safe side!  Hang in there Annette!  MV

[Gatsby]

I did have a uti after my surgery, but the anitbiotics cleared it right up.  I have always been suseptable to uti's and this was nothing new to me.
~Tascha

[LitDoc]

Thanks to all! Wow, what a lot of answers with good information! I actually don't know if I have an infection or not; my surgeon said he'd refer me to a urologist if my problem doesn't clear up. I just think it's odd that this problem should appear nearly four weeks post-op; wouldn't an infection show up much sooner? Maybe it is a result of 'parts' being shoved around during surgery as Raven suggests?

In any case, I'm taking your advice and getting a primary care physician. I'll ask him/her to do a culture.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the time and trouble you all take to answer a question that is so much less important than most of those posted here.
Annette