Looking for some honest feedback on "potty" issues

I should mention I have a bedside commode to use, however, since I live alone I have no idea how I would empty it in the daytime.   

HiKebra

You are not alone!!

Sleeping on my back for 8 weeks I was getting up 4 times a night for a pee. No one gave me an answer why . As soon as I could sleep on my side it stopped.

With regards the other use the bum wet wipes !!

You will be back to normal soon

🖒 Julie

Hi

I declined the commode,the first week was the most difficult but I did manage to get to the loo,that was several times a night,after week 2, getting in and out of bed was much easier, plus I found it better to stretch the legs in the earlier stages, due to pain better now at 5 weeks post op,only get up twice. as for the other stand up,lol,it's easier. Good on you for addressing this,we are only human, lol 😁

Nicky.

Have a search for She -wee or female travel urinal which is a shape adapted to fit around the lady department and a bottle to hold the contents. There are various models but I have not tried one in bed. Sufggest a thck towel underneath.  For the bottom trying leaning backwards not forwards.

Hi

Good to ask . For first 6 weeks I was always up in the night . I put it down to the anaesthetic as it was every hour. It did go off and now I'm back to sleeping through. I would suggest try to keep getting to the loo. As you say you would have issues emptying a commode.

As for wiping - do it !

Good luck

Hi 🚽

Yes getting the hard to reach places clean is a bit of an issue. If I feel some further wiping is required, i lie on my side in bed and use wet wipes bending backwards . There are implements you can get on Amazon to help you reach further. 😬

Hi Kebra,

Before I had my op I was a bit concerned about getting to the loo during the night because we have a few steps down to the bathroom from the bedroom. It was absolutely fine, and because I found the nights uncomfortable, I used to like a stroll around on my crutches. I often used to have a wander..

Re wiping, that was never an issue..... You don't need to break the 90 degree rule...

All the best!

Good for you for addressing a real concern! I was worried also but I think you don't sleep soundly. If you're very concerned about wiping, maybe a bidet would work. You can buy one at Menard's or Home Depot or online.

Never did the bedside commode, but I remember not making it to bathroom and peeing on bathroom floor. 😞 My sweet and understanding hubby helped me in cleaning floor and getting me clean clothes even in the middle of the night. It was humbling as I did the same thing at rehab. Cried cause I was embarrassed I wet my pants. 😞😢. On occasion I do the same thing as I'm 7 months in but I think it's more me waiting too long to go. It will get better. It's a humbling experience. Hugs 🤗 LD

Hi Kebra

Thanks for your post and all the replies. It's reassuring to know I am not alone and haven't aged 40 years since the op. So good to hear these 3 X nightly walks to bathroom, just about making it there, (and it's s mighty short night in any case, 5-6 hours), might just be post op and when I can return to my beloved foetal position sleep on my side, normal systems may return.

Let's not despair. On the other note I spose I bend a bit but def baby wipes most useful follow on plan.

Thanks all as ever.

hi kebra, 

I  have been here on the forum for a while and fortunately did have this discussion before (2 years ago) - lots of tips and laughs and yes, also the shewee was discussed - apparently not so easy to use -

some members suggested to practise before the surgery ..

it is normal, darling - annoying and exhausting, but normal - especially during the night, at least 4 times - I live alone in a little bungalow and had to rely on my rollator to get me from bed to bathroom -- 

fluid has been build up in our body:

1. the surgery; having tissues cut, handled and pulled around can make fluid build up in the hours afterwards. This can stay or ebb and flow for days and even a couple of weeks. ... this might cause the swelling and frequent emptying the bladder.

2. increased blood and lymph flow; healing happens because there is increased circulation bringing plentiful blood cells, plasma and lymph into the area to supply nutrition and oxygen - all needed for the creation of scar and normal tissue.

noone could answer the question regarding the wiping - somehow I managed, but not without discomfort - at some point I just did it standing up ...

There wer and still are times that I do not make it on time ... very emberassing - 

My bladder seems to have taken a life of her own - first of all, I don't feel the urge, so to speak, but when I stand up, low and behold, there is this urgency to empty - most of the time I make it to the toilet but release happened before I sit down... very annoying and disruptive when I am out and about, to this day - 

The pelvis is affected too - manipulated and adjusted when hardware was placed ...

the night time interruptions will diminish, darling - just consider it additional exercises ...

WHat is LMSAO ????

big warm hug

renee