:confused: I had a total hysterectomy Nov 1st 2005 and after surgery my Dr. tells me he is sorry during the surgery he accidently punctured my bladder and that I will have to wear a foley catheter until my bladder can heal. It has been 6 days and I am miserable I have tons of stitches even in my vaginal opening. I am worried is this normal???

I had a total hysterectomy "LAVH" 9-21-05 almost 7 weeks ago and I did not have lots of stitches. 3 small cuts on my abdomin with one stitch in each one and some stiches inside my vagina but they were so far up there I never saw them or felt them. I asked my doctor about accidental bladder cuts or nicks before surgery because I had read it was a risk and he seemed to think it was rare and if it happened that it would be no big deal he said if such a thing happened he would stitch it and be done and no big deal, he never mentioned a cathter. I can't imagine what the stitches are from that you say are close to the out side opening of your vigina. Maybe some else here knows and can answer that. Maybe call your doctor's office and ask the nurse to explain or answers your questions. Wow, I bet are miserable. I wish the best for you and your recovery...

I had a complete vaginal hysterectomy. I got my catheter out today, 1 week after my surgery, I feel much better with it out but I am still very weak. I asked about all the stitches today and the Dr. said that it was normal to have that many stitches after a vaginal hysterectomy and that I had a few more down there because of having to stitch my bladder. I had a total of 60 stitches. He aslo said that puncturing the bladder during surgery is rare, he said out of 100 hysterectomys about 5 % usually end up with a complication like hurting the bladder and apoligized profusely.

I had a LAVH on the 7th and the worst pain was from the catheter. As soon as the catheter was out i needed less pain meds. I really didnt need the catheter but im sure some do.

I had a lot of stiches about 20 years ago. A full with ovaries taken out. I still have the cut from the navel to into the hair line. It can still get sore. I had a tremendous amount of stitches in the vaginal area. It stayed sore for a long time. I do not think we could have sex for a good 6 weeks. I doubt I cared anyway. I know I could not vacuum or do any heavy lifting for 6 months. It was very complicated. I am so happy it is done as I never had a period again and I would bleed just terrible.

Never have looked back. Much happiness.