Originally Posted by ger715

i had fusion/laminectomy surgery about 5 1/2 years ago. It was at the l4-5 level with a badly crushed nerve (surgeon said he had never seen such a red angry nerve like that before) my spinal cord was also in need of some of the covering removed (laminectomy) to allow a little more room. Still areas that are not good; but this being the worst.

The main reason the narcotics causing the constipation and awful straining enabled the bladder to come almost out was because of something i had never known or been told about. When a woman has a complete hysterectomy (i had several years ago) the bladder, with extreme straining was able to to be pushed out enough to be visable. A few other methods were used to try to push the bladder up did not work and the need for the surgery was the only way to keep it in place. The bladder was put in a mesh sling (2008 fda warned doctors mesh not to be used in this area because of eroding causing almost impossible removal and pain); but my urologist used the mesh in the sling, as well as closing the surgery. (within less than 2 weeks developed swelling of legs, ankles, feet - edema. Taking lasix daily to keep swelling under control. Also, within two weeks developed statsis dermatatis;the discoloration and lesions under skin of ankles, feet and now up to knees .

When the bladder is moved to another position; it leaves space for the small/lower bowel to drop down. Had the urologist reinforced the vaginal wall; this would not have happened. Three urgynocoligst all said this should have been done because if not; the lower bowel will definitely come down. Also, all three said they would have never used mesh. A year after the cystocele surgery, had to have the rectocele surgery.

Hope this helps to be a warning to women who, as far as i know, are not even aware the bladder could be forced out like it was when you have undergone a complete hysterectomy.

Between the fusion/crushed nerve and the cystocele surgery, developed the pn from the waist to the toes. Not nice. Had a failed trial stimulator done a couple of years ago. My pain specialist wanted me to do another; but now that there is a chance for additional rectocele surgery, is not a good idea because having stim could be a problem should the need for surgery arise.

Well, you sure have opened a lot of doors. As mark said it well....you had a good idea in starting this thread; sharing info that many of us are in one way or another experiencing.

Gerry