Posted: 4/10/2008 at 08:06 PM
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There is something in my life that most of you reading this blog are unaware of. From my past blogs, you're surely aware that I've had the bladder surgery - the Mitrofanoff procedure - that not only enlarged my bladder, but now allows me to literally pee through my belly button, by the use of a "stoma," a permanent yet unnoticeable hole in my bladder. I drain this said hole using a catheter, which I dispose of after each use.
I had this most amazing surgery in 2005. It allows me a "drier life," and the best part - no plumbing whatsoever! No leg bag, no tubing...nada. It's truly been a boon to my fashion options, as well (can I get a 'w00t w00t' :). However (and this is one big however), I now must, well 95% of the time at least, get up in the middle of each night to drain my bladder. I simply cannot go a full 8 hours, or an entire night, without having to get up to listen to that annoying call of nature. I have tried ignoring it many a time and all that occurs are annoying spats of AD that keep me awake, make sweat and twitch, and is generally one of the most annoying conditions to experience.
So of course I relent, and sit-up my adjustable bed, (without this I'd be screwed by the way), pull out my catheter supplies (all neatly stowed away in a smart black purse which I keep on the seat of my wheelchair parked next to my bed), and do the "deed." It takes about 10 minutes; much longer than the time it takes an AB person to quick get up and use the bathroom, and a full consciousness.....so afterwards, I'm more than awake and it can usually take up to a 1/2 hour to fall back asleep.
Simply out: I hate this aspect of my life.
Before my bladder surgery, at least with the Foley cath and attached leg bag, I could sleep uninterrupted for even 12 hours. It was great! I've had to come to realize/accept the "give and take" of this bladder surgery. In many ways it's the most freeing thing ever, but it can also ruin your sleep cycle.
I also can't really sleep with someone either unless they're such a hard sleeper my sitting up the be doesn't phase them. Needless to say, I haven't found this man yet...
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They make beds that have one side can move up and the otherside can stay down. I have seen them on Tv.
eventtra, yeah ive thought of that...i think the noise alone would still wake up your partner...
I've had the same surgery or almost three years now and can go 8+ hours at night w/o having to pee. I try to start wathing my fluid intake about 8ish and then cath right before I go to bed between 10 and 11. I take Ditropan XL too which helps. Unless I've spent the night drinking then everything seems to stay dandy until 6am.
quadkitty, thx for your comments. see, i dont get up till 9:30-10am every morning, so 6am is still annoying to me. i wish there was a way i could go 12 hrs.
I've slept more than 4 hours straight exactly thee times in the last 27 years. Honest to Bob Tiff, I remember each of those glorious nights. Most nights I cath 3 or four times. I get up, get out of bed and mumble my way to the john. Major pain in even the most numb ass. I am accustom to it though, and can fall back to sleep in just a couple minutes.
On the bed thing: I've worked with more than one couple who have used the split bed thing. No complaints. I think the new beds are pretty quiet.
Even though I don't cath, I frequently need to get up due to Mother Nature calling LOUDLY. Last night was twice! It does take me some effort, so, yeah, sometimes its hard to fall back to sleep. And mornings like this, it felt like I hadn't slept. I never used to have to get up. I think it comes with age and hormones. You aren't alone, Tiffany!
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