HAPPY 2009!!!!

[alaska_rio]

Good morning LJ land. It is currently -17 here in Palmer Alaska. Last night was fun. We had our friend over and made her dinner. We played a game of scrabble and drank a little wine (I barely sipped a quarter of a shot) and ate some magic cookie bars

Comments

[heartmart]

Mine was regular because they didn't have to make a large incision or go into the bladder - I would think some blood would be expected since your bladder was involved. My mom had bladder surgery and had some blood for quite a while. Keep in mind that is is having to function and heal at the same time. But DO check. they assume you know what to expect... I have no idea WHY - but they seem to. You are right - it will be MUCH better when you have the catheter out!

One thing I have (finally) learned is to make a lot of noise if you think something might be wrong. A casual comment is not enough. I had an infection for over 2 months until I made a BIG issue of it. They had tested - but I had been on (light) antibiotics, in the hospital, so the culture didn't show anything - but I could feel it and should have insisted on more and stronger antibiotics, much sooner than I did.

I also found that the dr was so focused on connecting the symptoms to issues that could have been caused by the actual surgery, that he didn't think of simple things like a basic bladder infection.

Opps - I posted before I was finished! Although I guess that WAS all I was going to say.... HUGS! It WILL be better. But probably not in your hoped for time frame.

[alaska_rio]

BOTH of my doctors don't seem to be concerned about the occasional blood. I do have to be put under again on Tuesday to have the stent in my ureter removed. Can you say terrified?? Haven't I been through enough yet? My bladder injury may not be healed yet either. I will have the stent out and then I guess my doc has decided to leave the SP tube in for a few more days. I just still can't believe all of this happened to me. I was supposed to be fully recovered by Monday. I'll be pretty depressed that day.

My infection was the same. I knew I had one, I could just feel it and the fever was the icing on the cake, but both of my cultures came back negative, too. I have been on some pretty strong antibiotics so I think the infection is gone.....for now. I just don't want a relapse when I'm done with the Levaquin. I go back on the "maintenance" antibiotics soon and can already see it coming.

Thanks for the hugs and advice, it's nice to talk to someone who's been in my shoes so to speak. You never did say who your doctor was. Mine is Dr. Biehl in Anchorage.

[heartmart]

I know what you mean about having a "date" by which you are supposed to be well - and that not happening. The 6 weeks marker was supposed to be my "all better" mark. ...NOT! Now it is looking hopeful for about 15 weeks... although I am still feeling pretty tender and a bit bruised in some deep tissue areas.

What really surprised me is that things don't seem to be quite ... where they WERE. Well, I guess they have to be where they were - no room to move them - but it is just - different. I guess I will get used to the "new me" eventually. At least everything is "working" now! You will get there too! But probably not bythis Monday.

Dr Adams is my gyno - there was another (urology) surgeon assisting, and the rep from the company that makes the bladder sling was in on it too - I was "show and tell" I guess. I never met the other doctor and don't remember his name, but the rep came out to the lounge where we were waiting and introduced herself and explained that I would be getting a "new and improved" version that should ... last longer, I think.

It IS scary! I hate not having control of my life and my body. My 3 yr old granddaughter, Ainsley, had bladder/ureter surgery earlier this fall and had some blood as long a the tubes were in. If SHE could go through it, I figured I could. And I am betting you will live through it too... She got a Webkins after they removed the tubes... and ice cream, chocolates, and a DVD. She brought ME a Webkins too... Follow her lead - get yourself presents when it is over! Something frivolous and fun - or tasty!

Good luck! Keep me posted.