20 years and FINALLY have a self diagnosis!!!!

[B Brian]

Well, I do have Tricare prime for military retirees. I try not to flaunt it, but hospital stays for me are a $25 copay (we do have the second best insurance after all- second after what congress gave themselves at least).

It does still hurt though, but yes they absolutely have to knock everyone out for this procedure. I just look at it as the temporary pain (as bad as it is) will still bring me a permanent relief (even if it is only in part for every surgery).

[Patrick]

A urinary sphincterotomy is major surgery; it can be life-threatening if done inexpertly or if an infection ensues. It is always done with full anesthesia, not a spinal block.

[B Brian]

Yes it is! Especially with the possibility of infection. While this could randomly happen with any surgery, I even contracted vasculitis in my lungs while in the OR during my last sphincterotomy. My lungs swelled shut, then my heart stopped due to a lack of oxygen. I was literally dead for 30 seconds while they did chest compression on me till I came back.

[kdlstar]

OMG Brian. How is that even possible? Vasculitis in your lungs from a sphincterotomy?

[B Brian]

It's one of those hospital mega viruses you can get from just being there. Kind of like a staph infection.

It wasn't directly tied to my sphincterotomy though. Lol, they would have to roto rooter me out a lot deeper for that to happen.

[B Brian]

Update everyone. I just saw my urologist again, after so.e discussion it looks like I may have more than just detrusor sphincter dysenergy (which affects only the external sphincter), but I may also have bladder neck dysenergy (which affects the internal sphincter).

At least this would explain why I'm still having urges and straining some about half of the time, and freely peeing without control the other half. It's because my external sphincter IS mostly all gone, but my internal sphincter is still on it's own schedule and not timed with my normal bladder contractions.

My urologist has "green lit" a seventh sphincterotomy for February on 2017, but this time he will use a green light laser to really open me up down there. Think light sabre versus roto rooter.

God! I really hope this one finally works. I don't want a repeat like I had with my last one.

[Wetters]

I hope so, too, Brian - on a couple of different levels.

W.

[Patrick]

Add my concern and best wishes. You remind all of us that urinary incontinence can be far more than merely embarrassing; it can be lethal.

[kdlstar]

Wow 7 sphincterotomy.... geez after so many you wonder what is left down there. Hope 7th is the charm.

[B Brian]

Thanks all. I've wondered why anything is left at this point too. You'd think they can open me up in just one or two surgeries, but seven... It's really testing my patience and especially my endurance.