IC and surgery

[nottoc4]

I have been using Elmiron with good success for about 1 1/2 years.
I am going to have a Mitral Valve repair on my heart on Nov.16.Tomorrow is the last day for me to take the Elmiron before the surgery and I will have a bladder catheter in for surgery and probably part of the next day. I am more worried about my bladder then the surgery itself.
Have any of you had a cath in for surgery or had to quit Elmiron for a week?
Other than telling everybody I talk to that the cath needs to be lubricated really well and maybe use the smallest cath they have, is there anything else I can do to make this as painless as possible and not go into a major flare?
Jo

[ICNDonna]

I've had catheters for surgery and it wasn't a problem for me. You will very likely be given pain medications that will help with any discomfort.

My husband had a valve replacement ten years ago (his was aortic), along with his bypass surgery and he's still doing well. I'll be thinking of you and sending well wishes your way.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[KarenAnne]

Jo: I just had gyn surgery in Sept. & was catheterized during the short procedure. My gynecologist had me take an antibiotic for three days after to prevent a bladder infection. I would talk to the surgeon beforehand about having you taking a prophylactic antibiotic if you are able, especially if you will have the cath for awhile. Good luck next week!! I will keep you in my prayers.

[Mothergoose]

Good luck sorry to hear you have these sorts of problems on top of IC, but I will pray for you next week, and i will be hoping that the break in elmiron does not cause you too much of a problem

MG

[statesboro]

I did have to quit Elmiron as well. I did have major neck surgery back in March. OK. I was catheterized, too. Oh! I was told the pharmacist at the hospital was saying I coud not take it, but I was not told that prior to the surgery. Regardless, I got by good enough. (until I started back) I had to make it clear that I was not wanting orange juice and a couple of other things, but I never sweated bulllets at all.

[maryla]

Once when I was in the hospital for some tests I had to be cathed. One thing I did was put it in myself. Since doing my own instills I knew my body better than they did and I felt more comfort doing it myself. But I don't recall any problems.

You will be in my prayers. Keep us posted.

Hugs and blessings

[nottoc4]

Thanks everyone for your replies and good wishes.
The pharmicist at the hospital where I am going to get the valve repair done never even heard of Elmiron and finally had to call the MFG. to learn about it.I was called the next day and told when I had to stop taking it.I had to stop Asperin 2 weeks before the surgery. I'll try to keep you all posted about this.

[mary124]

I had an aortic valve replaced 7 years ago, didn't have to stop Elmiron; since then I either had other surgeries or procedures) and the only med that I had to stop was my coumadin (blood thinner) but all doctors are different when it comes to what medication you need to be off of prior to surgeries.