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Having undergone eight surgeries with mostly smooth recoveries, I never imagined I would face complications after what I thought was a routine procedure. During my most recent surgery—a partial hysterectomy—I found myself in the emergency room the same night, completely unprepared for what was to come.
When I woke up post-surgery, I was in agonizing pain. I’ve had three C-sections, which were certainly uncomfortable, but nothing compared to the severe distress I felt after my hysterectomy. I vividly recall telling the nurse that it felt like my bladder was about to burst. Her response was less than reassuring; she seemed irritated and informed me that I had already attempted to use the restroom multiple times. “You don’t have enough urine in your bladder to go. The pressure is just from your abdominal surgery,” she said dismissively. I took her word for it.
Throughout my recovery, I was in constant pain and couldn’t find a comfortable position. Yet, the urgent need to relieve myself was undeniable. Despite my discomfort, I was discharged without much say in the matter, hoping that resting at home would help. Unfortunately, my misery only escalated. After taking the maximum dosage of pain medication, I finally decided to return to the ER, where I learned that my bladder was indeed full—extremely full.
I was diagnosed with Acute Post-Operative Urinary Retention (POUR). It was surreal to find myself pleading for a catheter, but relief came quickly once it was inserted. After not urinating for 13 hours while receiving fluids, the sensation of finally being able to do so was indescribable. The pressure and pain lifted almost immediately, and my nurse remarked on how much better I looked as my catheter bag filled.
I ended up needing the catheter for a week, followed by a straight catheter for three additional days. This experience gave me newfound respect for those who rely on catheters regularly. Unfortunately, I also developed a urinary tract infection and a yeast infection—common side effects of catheterization, but still unpleasant. The discomfort of the catheter itself, along with the logistics of managing it, added to the challenges of my recovery.
I can’t emphasize enough how much support I needed from my husband during this time. The experience of self-catheterization while balancing a mirror and flashlight was not how I envisioned my recovery. It was awkward and humiliating, making it a topic I felt uncomfortable discussing outside of close friends and family.
My ordeal was a humbling reminder of how prevalent post-operative urinary retention can be. According to a medical journal published by NCBI, this condition affects 5-70% of surgical patients, particularly following pelvic and gynecological surgeries. Remarkably, a study found that 60% of outpatient surgical patients showed no symptoms of retention even when their bladders were full. This highlights the need for better awareness and communication regarding this common post-surgical issue.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
After any outpatient procedure, patients should inform their healthcare provider if they experience sudden urinary retention symptoms such as:
- Inability to urinate or a complete lack of urge to go eight hours post-surgery
- A painful urge to urinate
- Abdominal swelling or pain
Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency and may present subtle symptoms. Keeping a log of urination habits during the initial recovery days can be beneficial. Unlike acute urinary retention, chronic retention may show less obvious signs, including:
- Difficulty starting urination
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- An inconsistent urine stream
It’s crucial to monitor urine output and frequency after surgery. If you notice any retention, it’s essential to reach out to your doctor, as ignoring these symptoms can lead to long-term urinary issues. My post-operative urinary retention was likely a result of my surgery type. Maybe my pain helped alert me to the problem when it arose.
For more insights on fertility and options related to home insemination, you can check out our blog post about intracervical insemination. If you’re looking for more information on fertility support, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, for those considering intrauterine insemination, Johns Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource.
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In summary, post-operative urinary retention is a more common issue than many realize, affecting a significant percentage of surgical patients. Being aware of the signs and symptoms can lead to timely intervention and better recovery outcomes.