Incontinent after back surgery

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Aug 2015 I had a 12 hour back surgery. I had bladder problems - spasms, not empting bladder. The urologist decided I needed an interstitial catheter. This solved the problem then. Sometime between Aug and Dec I got a staph infection on my spine and endured a 9 hr surgery to remove the infection that had destroyed 2 vertebrae. However, after this surgery I was incontinent. Doctors assured me that the nerves would heal and everything would be fine. The only suggestion was to go to the bathroom every 2 hrs to retrain my bladder. That was a real joke - couldn't stand on my own and could not take a step, plus all the "wires I was connected to." So then I've had 2 rods break and had 2 more surgeries. Still incontinent and can't get information or help. Today was the icing on the cake. Was in a carryout store with my daughter, granddaughter and her boyfriend. I stood up and just gushed out and was completely wet. My daughter helped me but usually I do not go into stores for that very reason. I don't have a social life because of this. I am tired of waiting for nerves to heal that most likely will not. There has to be other options for me. I'm a recent widow,
68 years old, and have some living still to do. I need to find a good doctor in the Dayton or Cincinnati OH area.

 

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In the interim of finding a doctor, you will need a maximum/overnight protective underwear. Call 800 269 4663 for samples

 

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For now i think diapers will help while looking for a doctor,so you don't have get worried of wetting yourself.i know you will be fine

 

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Hi LinLou,
I called Abena North America, Inc.
and spoke to Mona Meese, Customer Service Representative,
844-223-6248 X419 who was very compassionate and helpful in sending me samples of their Abena diapers. I use vitalitymedical.com 800-397-5899 to buy supplies.

To find a doctor, I suggest you find an academic teaching hospital. Their referral service can help you find a doctor who is accepting new patients on Medicare. Since you wrote that you are 68, I assume you want Medicare coverage.

Best of luck,
April

 

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After having damaged nerves, I can vouch that it takes a year for the nerves to heal and relax. You 'be had a lot to deal with in the past year. As you look for a urologist, try spending some personal time on yourself. Read, or just focus on any quiet things in your life. Going thru the surgeries and losing your husband is very difficult.
Until you find a doctor, try retraining with the two hour intervals, and follow April's suggestion. Good luck, and keep us posted. This is a very caring group and has a lot to offer from experience.

 

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If you need someone to talk to make sure you reach out.
We are all here to help and have similar experiences. My back and spine injury and the subsequent surgeries have left me incontinent as well. After a couple years of healing I am back on my feet. Not as strong as I once was but I get to teach great kids everyday in my classroom.

 

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I'm sorry that you are dealing with this, but it's comforting for me to hear about everyone's experiences. So thanks for sharing them.
I'm 36, a wife and a mother of a 7yr old. I too, have been dealing with the same thing. When I was a teenager, I was in a car accident that broke 16 of my bones along with organ damage to my kidney's, liver and both lungs. 3 of the bones broken were my 3rd, 4th & 5th lumbar vertebrae. The 3rdL was completely crushed. I also developed a seizure disorder from the head injury. I was in a full body brace in a hospital bed for over 4 months. During that time I had a catheter in. When they finally took it for good, I was completely urinary incontinent. That REALLY sucked. I had to retrain my bladder, and that took about a year to happen. That was a pretty rough year as a teenager. Afterwards, I rarely had any problems, thankfully.
In my late 20's, my nerves went crazy with severe pain and I couldn't hardly move. I ended up having surgery on my spine to seperate some pinched nerves and they said that I have disc degeneration, sciatica, and a bunch of other stuff wrong that all stemmed from my initial injury. Since then, I've had fairly frequent wetting accidents both day and almost every night. We weren't sure if it was the seizures or the nerve damage or just both. My pride didn't allow me to do anything about it (as far as regular protection goes) until it began to disrupt my plans in life. About 3 months ago my bladder began to completely drain itself without my permission each time I stood up or rolled over in bed. It's no longer just a 'splash' here and there. It's like dumping out a bucket. I rarely feel an urge to go anymore, I only feel myself getting drenched. I don't have a choice anymore about wearing a diaper around the clock. It sucks. My skin is suffering and it's so time consuming to manage. I feel like all I do is worry about leaking, changing, restricting fluids, timing everything out, always planning ahead, ect. I have changed my entire wardrobe to accommodate my bottom half being covered (and I love fashion). That's just my life now and I'm still mortified about it. It feels so exhausting. It's nice to vent in a place where others understand. No one else really 'gets it' unless they have experienced it too.
So just know that you aren't alone. There are MANY of us out here that are in the same boat. It can be a lonely condition, so I'm really thankful to have a place to discuss it.

 

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@ LadyBugz1


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Yes, we 'get it'. Welcome here among a place and people where you'll get support and hopefully, helpful information.

Do continue to seek medical advice from your professionals, but I'm sure you are no stranger to them already, based on your medical history, etc.

 

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Thank you all for your caring and concern. I'm still working on finding a urologist. I've tried to be patient..it has been almost a year since that Dec surgery.
Thank you LadyBugz1 for sharing your story. You have been through some really tough times. I know that all we want is to be healthy again and to lead normal lives. I'm giving myself another 6 months and I hope the incontinent issue will be behind me as well as being able to walk without a walker and to be able to stand straight.
I know those of you that have had to be in the hospital for months with all kinds of harsh medicines that you will be able to understand my next statement. I can not look into a mirror because the face looking back is not me. I do not look the same, my hair has changed color and texture to the point I hate it. My infectious disease doctor told me she understood and that it could take up to 2 yrs before I saw the "me" I remember. Even my sick husband noticed. He asked a friend "what happened to my wife's pretty hair?" Sometimes all I do is cry. I've got to get my head on straight and I try to do this with prayers to God to give me the strength.

 

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I had a follow up appointment with my back surgeon today. Bones and hardware are fusing as they should and I am able to stand up straighter than I did a couple of months ago. I asked him if he could recommend a really good urologist and he did. I am waiting for him to give me an appointment time...and I have to make sure he accepts my secondary insurance. I am really looking forward to find what my options are if any.
Thank you all for your concern. I will let you know what the urologist says.
God bless you all.