Question:
I am having a lot of bladder infections?

Can anyone tell me if they had problems with their kidneys after surgery? Ever since my surgery April 17th, 2001, I maybe go to the bathroom 3 or 4 times a day (and not alot at a time either) and have had 5 bladder infections since then. I went to my family doctor 2 weeks ago and he said my blood test came out fine. If my kidneys are fine, why all the bladder infections? He told me to go to a urologist. I haven't made the appointment yet. Will though, within the next couple days. Is this common?    — Wanda H. (posted on August 8, 2001)

August 8, 2001
I have not had wls yet. When I do I am hoping to be able to forego the catheter, I had a hysterectomy 11 years ago and I am certain, although my dr says not, that I picked up my infection at that time. I never had a bladder infection before but have had severe ones since. I take a low dose of Bactrim to prevent reoccurance. Go to a urologist, I wish I had gone sooner. By the time I saw him I had polyps in my urethra and blister inside my bladder. No pain just frequency and incontinence. Best wishes,
   — [Anonymous]

August 8, 2001
Have you checked w/ your surgeon as well? This may be something they can advise you on as well. Are you getting enough water and fluids in etc? I wish you luck and hope it gets better soon.
   — Dawn R.

August 8, 2001
Hi Wanda, I've had the same problem and haven't a clue why. I feel like I have a lingering infection everyday. Been treated several times with no luck. Finally have an appointment set up with a urologist. I'm hoping that it's nothing serious. I have a feeling that it may have something to do with the surgery..but I have yet to figure that one out. I guess I will let the doctor give me all the answers...afterall that is what they are for, right? *S* Anyways, if you get to a urologist before me..please post any and all info that you receive. Thanks and hope your feeling better soon! *hugs*
   — Sherry B.

August 8, 2001
i'm pre-op, but in my reading(and i can't remember where) i came across something that said...after surgery the pills that you take for bladder infections do not work as well. cipro(i think that's the one i've used in the past) is suppose to take a long time to be absorbed in your system and with surgery it can't. someone said their solution was to be placed on IV drugs for the infection, because it was never fully going away before. hope this helps. bladder infections are one of my main concerns after surgery. hope you find a speedy solution.
   — [Anonymous]

August 8, 2001
I agree with the comments regarding the use of a catheter post op. I suffered from a mild urinary tract infection after surgery (burning itch and frequent urination). I recently did a search on "catheters" on the net and it did say that the use of a catheter can cause these infections. Bacteria is bound to enter this area since a foreign obgection is opening this area up and making if vunerable to infection. I'd definetly see the urologist for assistance.
   — Cristy K.

August 8, 2001
Hi: So glad this question came up...I too, was having a lot of problems in this area after WLS. (I never had a problem before WLS) Turns out that I was not getting in enough fluids. I thought I was, but not nearly enough. The urine gets very concentrated when there is not enough fluids in your body, and can cause a sensation of wanting to urinate, but then not being able to very much, just like a bladder infection. I had gone to my regular doc and they preformed the urine tests, etc., and found nothing wrong. I then just happened to ask my WLS surgeon, and that is when she starting asking me about the liquids. After I found this out, I made a point of getting at least 50-60 of water a day. It has made the difference. Try it...it can't hurt! Good luck.
   — Karen A.