“spinal fusion surgery”
Two weeks ago I had spinal fusion surgery on L3-5 and the surgeon did some other pprocedures to stabilize by spine. I am a very active 69 year old female (5'4' and 115#). Since the surgery I have been having some problems with urinary fequency and incontinence. Is this common following such a surgery and will it eventually subside as I continue to recuperate?
Female
Complaint duration: 2 weeks
Medications: protonix, Inderal 20mg zyrtec, percocet postop, calcium, vitamin d, potassium, Vit B 12,
Conditions: history of rectal cancer, GERD colostomy, hypokalemia, mitral valve prolapse
4 Answers
Dr. Juan Torres-Reveron
Neurosurgeon
It will probably go away with time.. Some of it is likely due to pain and the nerves being manipulated. I would bring this up with your surgeon during your postop visit which is usually 2-3 weeks after surgery. If this persists after a month you may need to see a urologist
This is absolutely not normal and you should talk to your surgeon immediately. If you cannot reach your surgeon, go to the ER.
The incontinrnce worries me a bit. Can you please let your provider know tonight. If you have numbness in your groin or weakness in your feet with Incontinence this may be something that you need an mri of your lumbar spine for tonight. Just want you well. Sorry to give bad news but please do this to make sure your ok and don’t need further treatment
This is not common, but it is not unheard of. Discuss with your surgeon your symptoms so you can undergo a detailed workup to determine the problem and help outline a solution
