I had TVT surgery 11 days ago. I've had 3 post-op visits so far and I've been unable to void on my own. I've had 3 catherers changed and I go back on Tuesday for a 4th 'voiding trial.' It appears that the sling may be too tight. I spoke to my Dr at legnth about anesthesia for this procedure. I read numerous articles that stated that 90% of TVT surgery is done with just a local anesthetic. I begged him to please do that, he wanted to put me under General Anesthesia for a 20 minute procedure, I wouldn't agree to that. I've always had problems with G.A. but never with a spinal, so we compromised on that. I was mad because the Dr had the Anestheiologist give me SIX mg's of Ativan (I will not take the drug Versed, I almost died and now suffer from PTSD from that poision.) The normal does of Ativan is 1-2 mgs. I hallucinated for two days and had to stay at the hospital for those 2 days....(for a 20 minute same day surgery.)

 The most important part of this surgery is when it's done that the patient be at least semi conscience because to test the tension of the sling, the patient must be able to cough to check for leakage. My Dr stated that he doesn't do that, and that it wasn't needed....I guess he was badly mistaken. Now I'm being told that if I can't void on Tuesday that I'll have to have another surgery to tension the sling!!!!!!  I'm SO upset, I've been crying every day. I'm missing work and I just started this job at the end of June, and I'm scared to death that I'll be fired if I miss too much time.

Has anyone else been through this? I'm not allowed to go back to work with the catheter and until I can void on my own, the Dr won't relase me he said.

What should I do? Any suggestions. I can't live the rest of my life with a catheter, I can't miss much more work w/o putting my job in jeopardy and I don't want another surgery....HELP!!!!!!!!!

Sweet heart, im booked in for tvt  in 4 weeks time, i am in your shoes, cant afford to lose anymore time off work as I am desperate to avoid falling into the '' im medicaly unfit category,'' as i work for local government and we are shedding jobs  and reducing public spending accross the uk. However i have been self catherterising for months using  SPEEDY CATH , These are tampon sized   sterile  catheters a with lube already in and i use them for intermittant use as i have staccatto voiding issues.im in the uk, and am confident I shall hold onto my job using the assistance of our  disability discrimination  legislation.I have a radar key which gives me access to disables toilets etc. I work as a pest controller and have to find toilet facilities where ever i can, you will recognised the need for a wc cubicle with washbasin and plenty of room, because i have to thouroughly clean  down  below and all my medical stuff needs to be sterile. i usually take about 45 mins to go to toilet, finding and cleaning the area  before i even start.It can be done, it has to be don e, and honey , u got to fight........my advice is change your doctor/surgeon. its imperative you are  awake during the op  otherwise they are just guessing..all our bodies are individual.Even if i had a bag of pee strapped to my leg, Ive had to bite the bullet and stick my pride in my pocket.....everyone at work knows exactly what i need to do. end of story, and that loss of privacy has now become a positive  for me, Im showing them all how mentally  kick ass I really am...I do feel u need legal advise regarding your employment. you poor sod, warmest regards and hugs sent , xxxxesther

I had this suregry done on June 2nd and could not void either and was sent home with a catheter. The next attempt was also a fail, the third time they said I was good to go but landed backin the ER that night after spending the day unable to void after leaving the doctors office. Once again came home with another catheter this time it was left in for four days straight, went back yesterday afternoon and passed the voiding test, and so far so good! I havent had any problems not being able to void this time. Sometimes it just takes the bladder a little bit of time to come out of the shock from the surgery. Sending positive thoughts your way!

I had the TOT procedure done in February.  Had to have the cath in for 2 weeks.  Worked well for a short time. Now I'm worse then before.  Went from urgency to total incontence while walking and coughing.  I'm on Ditropan for the next 6 weeks and if that doesn't work, I look forward to pelvic floor surgery.  I now wish I didn't have the procedure done.