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What Causes A Constant Urge To Urinate After Surgery For A Fractured Femur?

Posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017

Question: Four weeks ago I had surgery for a fractured femur. I am now at home under Home Health Care. However, I find that I have the urge to pee 6 to 8 times during the night about every hour or hour an a half, getting up to relief myself. I take hydrocodone-acetaminoph 7.5 - 325 before going bed. Is this condition normal after surgery? How long does it last? And, does the medication contribute to my problem?

Answered by Dr. Ahmed Aly Hassan (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
rarely the mentioned drugs cause such symptoms probably another drug or another underlying disease , usually it subsides within first 2 to 3 days .

Detailed Answer:
Hi i am Dr Ahmed Aly
thanks for using healthcaremagic site ,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns ..

In my opinion i dont think the hydrocodone or the acetaminophen are the main rule in your high frequency urination , rarely steroids could cause abnormal gain or loss of weight on chronic use while acetaminophen may decrease the urination .
The duration may vary according to the cause which may be due to another medication like a diuretic antiedematous which is commonly given in such cases to prevent and decrease the swelling .
I may suggest further laboratory investigations to rule the underlying cause . sometimes high frequency urination is related to glucose levels or even cardiac diseases .
If this persists for more than 3 to 4 days i recommend a visit to your physician for proper evaluation and management .

Wish you good health,
Any further clarifications feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Ahmed Aly Hassan (21 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. Having discussed my condition with others who have had similar surgeries, they have noted that they, too, had a frequent pattern of urination. In every case they said the frequency tended to abate within 3-5 weeks after surgery to a level that was normal for them prior to surgery. I have a post-surgical appointment with my primary care physician this week to discuss this issue and the medications prescribed by the hospital doctors. In your practice, have you had patients that have had a similar post-surgical condition, particularly with those who are older?

Answered by Dr. Ahmed Aly Hassan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
yes it have happened with some elder patients but that is not common.

Detailed Answer:
yes it have happened with some elder patients but usually they were diabetic or renal patients some patients have low ability to control urination post operative due to anesthesia .

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T