Hysterectomy and bladder sling/mesh surgery

I had that surgery, recovery was fine. However, the bladder sling part failed. So I still have issues there when I get colds and cough/ sneeze. But the hysterectomy part was the best decision ever!
Cynthia

I'll echo what AussieMeg posted as the mesh was a story here in the UK just a couple of days ago.

BBC

More than 100 women who experienced pain and complications from transvaginal mesh implants have received payouts from three manufacturers of the products.

The financial settlement offered by companies Bard, Boston Scientific, and Johnson & Johnson has not been disclosed.

This is the first successful group claim in England after some 10,000 women were injured by mesh implants, which treat incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Some women were left in permanent pain, unable to walk, work or have sex.

More in link

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clylng1dqx2o

I worked for many years before I retired a few years ago, for a company that imported mesh and bladder sling products, and distributed them to hospitals nationwide.
Yes, there is certainly very real concern about the use of mesh and bladder slings in SOME situations, and many/most of the products available have been banned in NZ and Australia for use in those particular situations. However there are still some types of mesh products that are appropriate and helpful in certain situations. I was involved in providing the information about our products to NZ’s regulatory agency, but it was some years ago now, and I no longer have access to up-to-date information.

There are different mesh products available - all “mesh products” are not equal to each other. There are also different procedures, with mesh products being excellent for some, and not advised for others.

Please don’t be alarmed when you read of the warnings from others, who have heard about the well-documented and proven terrible results many women have experienced - we don’t know the details of your procedures, whereas your medical team will have all the latest information about the products and will know whether the products currently available will be suitable for you. Perhaps you might like to mention the concerns you’re hearing, and have them explain to you how they relate to your situation. You can be certain that your physicians are aware of the problems mentioned - information about all medical adverse events worldwide are available to all regulatory bodies worldwide - and I’m sure you can have confidence in the recommendations.

I had a major abdominal surgery in May that included a full hysterectomy (but not the bladder sling and mesh). I had to sleep on my back for 6-7 weeks. It was up to me to transition to side sleeping when it felt comfortable again. As a side sleeper, this was definitely a challenge. I found it most comfortable to back sleep with a pillow under my knees.

I wore bladder pads for the first week or so as extra insurance/comfort. The combination of weak/sore muscles and slow post-surgery getting up and walking to the bathroom as quickly as needed could be challenging.

The hospital OT/PT signed-off on whether I needed the help of a walker or could take care of using the bathroom on my own. You should be assessed and taught how to transition comfortably before being discharged. When DH had his hip replacement he loved his walker for bathroom transitions but I didn't need it. The PT also cleared me to use stairs before leaving the hospital so I was able to sleep in my own bed.

As someone else mentioned, lifting is limited to about 10 lbs (gallon of milk as mentioned above is a good benchmark) so you might need help getting groceries (including pushing the cart, moving bags to the trunk and from the trunk to house). You should not do any cleaning that requires lifting, lunging and bending over for several weeks, so I didn't do any vacuuming, mopping or bathrooms. We set up a table near the laundry room because I usually work from baskets on the floor. I only needed help moving full baskets around the house. I was fine cooking, but needed help with things like moving a big pot full of water for pasta or heavy Dutch ovens. 

I could walk the neighborhood, but couldn't walk our pup.

Another restrictions was no water immersion (bath, pool, etc.). I was cleared to drive after 4 weeks but didn't have other restrictions lifted until 11 weeks post surgery.

Do yourself a favor. Replace with the tall potties. You will question why you ever waited to do it.

We had to replace a toilet about 10 years ago. Our plumber brought the tall one, and I questioned that... boy he was right. He said unless you are full time potty training a bus load of kids - get the tall pottie.