Looking for some honest feedback on "potty" issues

Posted , 13 users are following.

Two questions

#1 for folks who have sudden urges in the middle of the night to 'P' have you found you were able to get to the potty in time?  Has anyone needed or used depends (adult diapers/pull-ups) during recovery?  Used a bedside commode?   If yes to any of these for how long?

#2 a little more embarrassing to ask but I've not seen anyone else discuss this.  How have folks been wiping their arse's if we are not supposed to bend?

Thanks hippies, heck if I cannot ask you who can I ask   LMSAO

1 like, 21 replies

21 Replies

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  • Posted

    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.   
  • Posted

    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

  • Posted

    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.

  • Posted

    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.
    • Posted

      @Jomary I had never heard of the she-wee or other female travel urinal (have I been under a rock?), what a wonderful invention.  I'm ordering on ASAP.   thanks much

  • Posted

    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

  • Posted

    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. 😬

  • Posted

    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!

  • Posted

    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.

  • Posted

    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

    • Posted

      Linda thanks for sharing your very real and 'human' story.  I already expect I'll have my own  LOL  That hubby is a keeper, but then you know that. 

  • Posted

    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.

    • Posted

      And that sense of humor will see you through those rough long nights.  Certainly made me smile across the miles smile

  • Posted

    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

    • Posted

      LMSAO - laughing my silly ass off  (though I much prefer sexy to silly).

      Just have to say I so appreciate all the support this forum offers and sadly you described my night time walk (run) to the bathroom to the "t" and I haven't even had my surgery yet OH NO.....gosh I go 2-3 a night now, but then I take water pills morning and evening.  

      I personally (and sorry gents for the TMI) have purchased night time "lady mensa pads" to squeeze in between my legs as I shuffle to the toilet.  I'll keep you posted on whether this works or not.  Definitely looking into a She-Wee type product.  The reviews do indicate they an take some getting used to so guess I'd better also pick up a pee pad from the infant section.  Great just Great   smile smile wink

    • Posted

      oh - Okay ..so you haven't had the surgery yet .... interesting -

      do you have a date already?

      well, sounds you already are well prepared ...lol -

      the other thing I noticed is that some places have the toilet paper in a weird angle, like in the back corner ... not easy to get to -

      this forum is so great Kebra - keep coming back okay !

      angel blessings

       

    • Posted

      Thanks Renee,

      Yes I have a date, just 12 days away (April 3rd).  And yes, trying to get all my ducks in a row beforehand.

      When you live alone you learn to do everything for yourself and whenever possible do it early (Murphy's law and all).

      All the Best 

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