I’ve undergone eight surgeries with minimal complications each time. While pre-surgery nerves are typical, I never expected to deal with post-operative issues after what was supposed to be a routine procedure. However, during my last surgery—a partial hysterectomy—I found myself back in the ER the same night.
Waking up from the operation, I was in agonizing pain. Having experienced three C-sections, I thought I had a handle on post-surgical discomfort, but this felt entirely different. I vividly recall telling my nurse that it felt like my bladder was about to burst. Her response was less than sympathetic; she seemed irritated that I kept asking to use the bathroom. “You don’t have enough urine in your bladder to go. The pressure you’re feeling is from your abdominal surgery,” she said dismissively. I took her word for it.
Despite the pain, I was restless and unable to find a comfortable position. I didn’t feel ready to leave the hospital, but before I knew it, I was being discharged, too uncomfortable to protest. I thought lying in my own bed would help manage the pain, so I left without a fight.
That night, after taking the maximum allowed pain medication, I was still in agony. Eventually, I decided to return to the ER, where I discovered my bladder was incredibly full. I was shocked to learn I had Acute Post-Op Urinary Retention (POUR). I never imagined I’d be begging for a catheter, but in that moment, it was all I could think about. Once it was placed, the relief was immediate—after 13 hours without urinating, it was like a weight had been lifted.
I ended up needing a catheter for a week and a straight catheter for three additional days. This experience gave me immense respect for those who require catheters regularly. Unfortunately, I also developed a UTI and a yeast infection, which are common complications associated with catheterization. The discomfort was constant, and managing the catheter was a challenge, especially at night.
During this time, I leaned heavily on my partner for reassurance. The awkwardness of using a straight catheter while he held a flashlight to guide me was not how I envisioned my recovery. It was humbling, to say the least, and it became clear to me just how prevalent this issue is.
According to research from a medical journal, post-op urinary retention can affect 5-70% of patients, with the highest rates following pelvic and gynecological surgeries. Even more surprising, a study showed that 60% of outpatient surgical patients experienced no retention symptoms despite having full bladders. This highlights the need for increased awareness about this common complication.
Symptoms of Acute Urinary Retention
Following any outpatient surgery, it’s crucial for patients to inform their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of acute urinary retention, such as:
- Inability to urinate or feeling no urge to urinate eight hours post-surgery
- A painful urge to urinate
- Swelling in the lower abdomen
- Pain in the lower abdomen
Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency and can present with subtle symptoms. Keeping a log of urination and urges during recovery can be beneficial. Unlike acute cases, chronic urinary retention may have less obvious signs, including difficulty starting urination, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and an intermittent stream.
Monitoring urine output and frequency is essential after surgery. If you suspect urinary retention, even without pain, reach out to your doctor. Ignoring these symptoms could lead to long-term complications.
In my case, the cause of my post-op urinary retention was likely related to the nature of my surgery. While it was unfortunate to experience such pain, it may have helped me realize the urgency of my condition.
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In summary, my experience with post-operative urinary retention opened my eyes to a common but often overlooked complication after surgery. It’s crucial for patients to stay vigilant and communicate any symptoms to their healthcare providers to ensure a smoother recovery.
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