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Having undergone eight surgeries with minimal complications, I always thought I understood the risks associated with operations. While it’s natural to feel some anxiety prior to surgery, I never expected to face post-operative complications, especially after a routine procedure. However, during my recent partial hysterectomy, I found myself unexpectedly visiting the ER that very night.
I vividly recall waking from surgery in severe discomfort. Despite having three prior c-sections, the pain I experienced during recovery was unparalleled. At one point, I told the nurse that my bladder felt like it was about to burst. Unfortunately, her response was dismissive, suggesting that my discomfort stemmed from the abdominal surgery rather than any issue with my bladder. I took her word for it.
Throughout my time in recovery, the pain was unmanageable, leaving me restless and unable to find a comfortable position. Despite feeling a desperate urge to use the restroom, I was discharged in agony, hoping that resting at home would alleviate my discomfort.
Unfortunately, the situation worsened that night despite taking the maximum pain medication allowed. Ultimately, I made the decision to return to the ER, where it became clear that I was suffering from Acute Post-Operative Urinary Retention (POUR). I found myself urgently requesting a catheter, something I never imagined I would do. Once it was placed, the relief was immediate—after 13 hours without urination, being able to finally go felt like a miracle.
The catheter stayed with me for a week, followed by three days of using a straight catheter. This experience gave me newfound respect for individuals who rely on catheters regularly. Sadly, I also developed a UTI and a yeast infection, common side effects of catheter use that added to my discomfort. The catheter itself was uncomfortable, and I had to constantly manage kinks in the tubing and find suitable places to hang the bag while I slept.
During this difficult time, I relied heavily on my partner for support. The experience of squatting over the toilet while managing a straight catheter and a mirror was not an ideal way to spend my recovery. It was humiliating and something I felt uncomfortable discussing with anyone outside my close circle.
My experience was eye-opening. I discovered just how prevalent post-operative urinary retention is. According to a medical journal from NCBI, the occurrence of this complication can range from 5% to 70%, especially prevalent in patients who have undergone pelvic or orthopedic surgeries. Notably, many patients may not exhibit symptoms despite having a full bladder; a study found that 60% of outpatient surgical patients reported no retention symptoms.
Signs of Acute Urinary Retention
If you undergo an outpatient procedure, it’s crucial to monitor for signs of acute retention, which can include:
- Inability to urinate or lack of urge to urinate eight hours post-surgery
- Painful urge to urinate
- Swelling or pain in the lower abdomen
Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. Keeping track of your urine output can be a helpful practice during the early days of recovery. Unlike acute retention, chronic urinary retention may have less obvious symptoms, such as difficulty starting urination or the sensation that the bladder isn’t fully emptying.
Being aware of these symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider manage any potential complications. Ignoring retention can lead to serious long-term issues with the bladder or urinary tract. In my case, the type of surgery I had likely contributed to my post-operative urinary retention. While I wouldn’t say I was fortunate to be in so much pain, it did lead me to seek help sooner rather than later.
For more information on related topics, check out this insightful post on home insemination and explore resources like Make A Mom for comprehensive insights on the process. For those interested in pregnancy resources, visit the World Health Organization for authoritative information.
Summary
Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) is a common yet often unrecognized complication following surgery. It can lead to significant discomfort and requires prompt medical attention. Awareness of retention symptoms is essential for effective management, especially after outpatient procedures.
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