Hi , I'm new to posting here and have been searching and researching everything i can find on bladder sling with own tissue verses burch colosuspension. I don't want to go down the mesh route after reading so many horror stories. I had cystocele and rectocele prolapse surgery 6 years ago. Now my stress incontinence has gotten to the stage where i need more surgery. But, I'm so confused. .... i don't want to make the wrong choice and facing further surgery / complications down the track. So, basically, if anyone has had either of these surgeries I'd be very grateful to hear how it went. How was recovery, how is it long term? Feeling quite alone .... seeing my urogynocologist on Friday .... oh and I'm in Australia but love to hear from you wherever you are x
Hi Anne,
I had my surgery 3 weeks ago today, Burch Colposuspension. I also deliberated and researched the different procedures available and decided this was best for me. Unfortunately this procedure is not available using keyhole surgery where I live ( Liverpool UK) so it was done abdominally.
I was in hospital for 3 days afterwards and needed the pain meds offered as I was in a lot of pain and discomfort.
My recovery is slow and steady, the external wound is healing well. It is still very uncomfortable at the moment but I’m trying to manage it with breathing strategies rather than pain killers. I am able to walk a little each day, today I managed to walk around the block on my own 😀. I’m taking things slow and steady, just like I did after my prolapse surgery 2 years ago!
I am really, really pleased with the results so far, no leaking when coughing and sneezing ...it’s like a miracle lol. I was told it won’t help with over active bladder issues but I will just be delighted that the stress incontinence is sorted!
I have been signed off work for 3 months as I have a very physical and demanding job.
So, It’s early days for my recovery as yet, if there’s anything else so can help with just ask!
Good luck
Ann-Marie
Hi Anne,
I'm in UK and had the Burch Colposuspension nearly 2 years ago. Prior to this I couldn't even walk fast without continually leaking - if it had just been coughing and sneezing I would probably have put up with it, but it really impacted on my life and stopped me doing things `I wanted to do.
I looked at the TVT procedures but there was so much bad press that I wouldn't even consider that. I am delighted with the results of the operation, it has changed my life! I no longer have any problems with leaking whatever I do. I've had no problems with emptying my bladder either and my sex life is unchanged.
I definitely recommend it. It is major surgery, especially if you have open surgery as I did and not the keyhole procedure. It takes a good three months to recover and shouldn't be rushed as it could impact on the outcome - so definitely no lifting during that time, but it is really worthwhile.
If you'd like any more information I'm happy to help.
I was also leaking constantly, it was having a huge negative impact on my life. So far I have noticed a massive improvement, can’t wait to walk fast enough to see if that’s improved too...keeping everything crossed 🤞🏻
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply ...am seeing my urogyneacologist tomorrow. .... will find out if laparoscopic option is available. I'm prepared for longer recovery time if it means long term result! Great to hear you've had such a good outcome.
Sorry i sent wrong reply to you ... getting late. Only 3 weeks out .... sounds like lots of pain and discomfort, is it from the wound site or 'inside'? I found, after my prolapse surgery, that i was simply exhausted. It really surprised me just how much it knocked me out. I do hope your recovery speeds up now .... will find out tomorrow what way my doc suggests we go forward
Hope I’ve been of some help to you. Hopefully keyhole surgery is available to you as the recovery is much easier and quicker!
Mary, first reply was meant for you .... so graet to hear you've had long term success! I'm not considering mesh sling but facsial (own tissue) v burch .... don't want to make the wrong choice
Wound site is healing nicely but very bruised and tender
Good luck I hope it goes well whatever you choose. I discussed using my own tissue in a sling but my consultant didn’t think much of the idea. It does sound complicated and possibly painful from the donated site. Perhaps doctors in Australia have a different view.
Keep in touch and let us know how it goes.
Saw my specialist. ... she does Burch via open cut .... now waiting upon her talking to second specialist due to prior complications i had with previous abdominal surgery. She's being very thorough ,,,i may be referred onto someone else who does Burch laprascopically if they think I'm too big a risk .... so now a waiting game. Hope your recovery is still progressing well 😊
Decided my own tissue not going to be a viable option ,,, burch is way forward. As per my reply to amchatt7 waiting on advice from another surgeon before final decision. .. appreciate all the support on here 😊
Fingers crossed that you can go ahead with the surgery and have as good an outcome as I have. Do keep in touch. x
Booked for surgery .... 5 week's time ..... laparascopic not an option with my previous abdominal issues .... luckily will be winter here so best time to rest up afterwards
I'm glad you have your date. You'll need plenty of time to rest and recover. Mine was just over 6 weeks ago, still feel tender around the wound area and above it. I like to go for a walk every day. Started to do some light houswork now (unfortunately) attempted to put the washing on the line, but might have stretched up a bit too much!
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress 🤞🏼
I hope it all goes well Anne. I'm sure you won't regret it. Do let us know how you get on.. The best of luck! x
Goodness, six weeks and still can't hang the washing out. Sounds like a very long recovery, but also like you're doing really well. What was the first week, or two like? I had major abdominal surgery 12 years ago and remember a lot of pain after ... not being able to stand straight for over a week? Wondering if I should expect similar again? .... trying to psyc myself up for it ...mostly trying to think how i can fit in everything i need to do beforehand. Am sure the date's going to creep up before I know it
Thanks for taking time to share
Will do, thank you Mary
Hi,
It’s a slower recovery than I expected to be honest, pain was quite intense when I got home from hospital, pain meds sorted that out, it was very, very uncomfortable getting around for a few days, so I think you should expect similar than last time, anything less will be a bonus, right!
Maybe I was really lucky but after the first week I had no pain at all. I could have carried on as usual but took it easy and certainly didn’t lift anything heavier than a cup of tea (my instructions) as I didn’t want to risk ruining the outcome, for the first 6 weeks.
We all have different pain thresholds
so hopefully you will be lucky too. Try not to worry; it will be worth it in the end. x