Have You Had Surgery for Urinary Stress Incontinence?

I had a procedure called the Burch procedure it is when
the lower bladder is supported by suturing the vagina to the pelvic ligaments. This corrects the weakness so that during a 'stress' activity, the bladder does not move down and allow urine to escape. I had this done about 9 years ago and haven't leaked at all. I also had a partial hysterectomy. Hope this is helpful.

I had urethral sling back in 1998. It lasted a few years before I began leaking again. I then had something like the sling but had a different name that I can't recall...back in 2005 ..having some difficulties again... could be just me and the damage that was done when I gave birth to a 9.8oz child back in 1993!
Good luck in what you decide.

I know someday I will likely need something too, but for now I deal with the occasional leak with cough/sneeze.

I have a very good friend who is a board certified urogynecologist. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you find one of these people - they are very rare and hard to find. Many docs claim to be urogynecologists and are not - they are gynecologists who took the weekend course at a convention. I would never go to one of them. A real one will help decide if you are at risk for it failing (the sling) and also have other ideas that reflect the newest medicine has to offer in this area.

Good luck.

Hi J.,
I have had a collagen implant and unfortunately it only lasted a few weeks.. At the time I had it done the urologist said it would take a few injections in order for it to become successful.. I was not all that impresses to tell you the truth, so I opted to forgoe any surgeries. I use panty liners to combat the stress incontinence... The procedure is some what uncomfortable and I did not find it of value... But this was 8 years ago and medicine changes so rapidly.. Weigh the options and best of luck to you..

H. P

I know what you're going through... When I had my son everything went south.... Uterus, bladder and rectum... Needless to say, I had a hard time with holding it... I would wet myself so bad that I really couldn't go out much... Because the doctors said I shouldn't have any more children, I went for the hysterectomy and the sling and a rectum repair... The sling works great... I would suggest it to any women with the problem of incontinence... It's a peace of mind not having to wear a pad and being afraid to go anywhere...
Good Luck to all and hope this helps....
M.

Hey J.,
Sadly, I am a surgery pro...I've had 21! Ony 5 of them were female related and thankfully I have not had a problem with incontinence much to the surprise of my doctor, gyno, and urogynecologist. I have had a hysterctomy and cystocele, rectocele, enterocele repair. I had propylene mesh surgically implanted to hold me together, but it was too tight. The uro loosened it surgically with only a minimal decrease in pain. Finally, it was removed because I couldn't stand the pain. I have been offered injections of botox, (which would increase the probability of urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence), and PT...pelvic floor therapy. I must say that though I am not pain free, I have had a marked decrease in the pain. I tell you all this because pelvic floor therapy is not a well known branch of medicine. My therapist is a wonderful woman and treats many women with your problem quite successfully. Of course you have to be motivated and it sounds like you are. There would be exercises to do, but you can do them in the car or at your job without anybody knowing that you're doing them. I would explore that option before letting them inject you or perform surgery that leaves adhesions and other problems.

Good luck,
KKM

I have not had surgery, but I met ladies who were considering it in a class I took. I had some problems of my own after a 30 plus hour labor and a less than perfect c-section. These included urinary discomfort and bowel problems as well as beginning signs of cervical prolapse. Just when I was thinking surgery was the only option, I found a perfect exercise program offered through my local YMCA. It is called 'Total Control,' and it is specifically to help women build their pelvic muscles in order to prevent incontinence and pelvic dysfunction, and general lower abdominal weakness. Before surgery, I STRONGLY urge you to find out about it in your area. Contact your YMCA, or the Women's Health Foundation: www.totalcontrolprogram.com or www.womenshealthfoundation.org.
This changed my life, and may yours. Not only did it help with my pelvic issues, it helped build my core, give me more shape, strengthen my lower back and hips, and improved my balance.
M. (Mother of 2)

i was so glad to read your e-mail. i was diagnosed with the same problem a few years ago. i am also trying to figure out what my best option is. i have lived with it for 5 plus years now. my oldest daughter turned five in september and my youngest turned 2 december 4th. i have seen at least 2 urologists (one in NJ and one where i live in RI). i did decide that i am not overly comfortable with the idea of collagen injections for a few reasons. i was told that the first one doesn't always work and that you need general anesthesia each time the procedure is done. so i guess i feel that surgery it probably my best option, just when to have it. as i'm sure you know you need to be done having kids in order to have the surgery since childbirth can undue it. i'm pretty sure that 2 kids is all that i want (my husband is really sure) but i'm having a hard time closing that door completely so to speak. i didi try physical therapy (biofeedback) which helped but didn't really solve the problem (plus i had a hard time keeping up with the exercises). let me know what you find out as the last time i actually spoke to a urologist it was 2-3 years ago. i also know there are a couple of different ways to do the sling surgery. if anyone else has dealt with this issue i would love to hear, especially if you have had the surgery.