Anyone around who had a tvt procedure about 5 years ago? Would like to compare notes.

[Athyrium]

It seems mine isn't working so well these days - have had a couple of alarming (and upsetting) major leaks lately. I thought once the procedure was done, that should be problem solved. Does it have a life span in fact? If so, surely I should have got more than 5 years out of it? Anyone else have any similar issues?

Is your leaks stress or urge at the moment? My tvt caused the urge to become worse which is not unusal. But it worked well on my stress incontinence for a few years.
I had a hysterectomy a coupe of years ago and was told the tvt was holding up well. But I'm having problems again atm.
Can I ask how old you are? Estrogen depletion can cause incontinence.

Umm I had mine done about 10 years ago - it's generally fine unless I have a UTI when it goes awol

Thanks for the replies. I am 48 and hormonally all over the place these days so wondered if that may be a factor. I have a couple of problems - one is urge and has only just happened but was awful - was sat around chatting with friends when camping, had a couple of glasses of wine, and basically left it too long and as I walked to the loo it just poured out. No control at all. The other is that I dont seem to empty properly any more. When I stand up if I am not very very careful extra just pours out - I soaked the leg of my trousers yesterday I have a feeling I read somewhere that once you have the tvt there is not much else they can do. [depressed emoticon]

There is a FB group called Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support (POPS), the ladies there are a mine of info about this sort of thing (I have prolapses but not incontinence). It's a closed group, you have to ask to join but nothing you post is visible outside the group. Although FB does have a habit of telling your friends you joined it. Anyway, it has so many lovely, helpful women, including women's health physios etc.

I had gynae problems which one dr thought was the tvt loosening (it wasnt) but I remember her saying I could be referred back to get it redone or tightened.

Vaginal hrt pessaries might help , I use Vagifem 10mg. Its a very low dose, if you didnt want to go down the hrt route. I take Vesicare too.

I have to double void to empty my bladder. If you lean forward to to the sides it should help to empty your bladdder. It does sound as if there could be a slight prolapse though. Im going to sound like a hypocrite telling you to see your GP when I have the same problems but Ive had so many gynae proceedures in the last few years I cant be bothered to go and be poked at again

Good luck .

Oh I've just remembered my oestopath talking to me about tvt once . Onefof her clients had it redone 5 times because it was never tight enough.

Thanks all, useful info - will talk over with my GP. Had no idea tvt could be tightened cocolepew so will ask for sure. Yes more jiggling is in order too! And green, hope all goes well for you - there does seem to be a lack of info generally doesnt there?

Whoknows - FB scares me for exactly that reason, would hate it to declare stuff I dont want known, tho thanks for the info!

I know what you mean, privacy does come up for discussion in the group from time to time, I've always been able to talk quite openly about my problems with my female friends, but male ones are a different matter, it is still a bit taboo. However I keep telling myself it's good to raise awareness of what is a very widespread and yet rarely talked about health problem.