Grade 2 cystocele - is it as bad as it sounds?

[violetlights]

Because it sounds bad.

A bladder prolapse or something? I was told I had one during my six week check but the doc didn't say much about it except to do my kegals. Now I've googled it and I feel crap. My body's gone through so much with this pregnancy and birth... I don't have any symptoms as far as I am aware. Anyone fancy telling me it's not so bad? Bit irritated that my doc didn't explain it properly. Maybe it's just post-chrimbo blues but it's really got me down...

[Applesauce29]

Sorry you're going through this. Haven't got any answers though you'll prob get more of a response if you post in general health - there's a supportive thread there for ppl who've had birth injuries. I assume you have a follow up appointment with a consultant? If not, I'd get the GP to refer you ASAP. Hope you're enjoying the Christmas hols.

[violetlights]

Thanks so much for the reply Applesauce and sorry for the delay in replying (stressy weekend coupled with crappy phone!). Might try general health but feeling a bit better now anyway. Thanks again and happy new year to you too!

[Mmolly2013]

I also went to my doctor at my 8 week check worried about a bladder prolaspe, she kindly explained that all woman havr a looseness after birth because of obvious reasons, most women freak out that its a prolaps because theyve never felt it before when it could also be just a looseness in the vaginal wall due to childbirth.

Doing kegels will make it better. My baby is 4 months and I dont have any issues after I was worried I had a prolapse at 8 weeks (I didnt). You still need healing time. my baby is 4 months old now and im starting to feel like myself again which 2 months ago I was doubting I would ever feel again.

Dont worry

[thomasstockmann]

Hi violetlights. I'm really sorry you're going through this.

I had a bladder and uterus prolapse following (awful assisted) birth (I probably belong to the ragged bits MN's thread for obstetric injuries). In a way you are right to be concerned but I think if you do the right things, things will settle. The VERY encouraging thing is that you feel no symptoms (no bulge, no urine leaking, no stress incontinence).

I had an episiotomy, an unrepaired 2d degree tear and succession of instruments used (which causes more damage). I was unable to pass urine and I was feacal incontinent and feeling a bulge (absolutely horrible). I was obviously seriously injured. It took three months of diligent 5 to 6 times a day proper 10/15 minute pelvic floor exercises (fast and long proper squeezes) to see a marked improvement and 7 months to get much much better.

All I'm trying to say is with the correct physio, the muscles will strengthen but it takes a while. You should avoid lifting anything 10kg or more and not jump/run for the time being just to be on the safe side.
As well as kegels I'd recommend pilates (if feasible with baby). Because you have no symptoms I guess GP might be reluctant to refer you to woman's health physio. Do go back if you need your questions answered. GPs know about this, it's "just" not well explained before birth in my view.
All the best.

[violetlights]

Wow thanks guys! Molly It was my consultant who diagnosed the prolapse which came as a shock as I had no symptoms and thought I had recovered pretty well! So I'm guessing I must have it... But will do kegals as you suggest.

thomas - Good god, so sorry you went through all of that. You poor thing. From your story, I'm wondering now whether the damage is actually largely from my first birth which was two years ago. That was horrific, DS stuck, pushing for three hours, instruments, hands trying to turn him inside me, severe internal tears, extended episiotomy etc. Had incontinance problems for ages and the whole area took many months to recover. I knew my pelvic floor was shattered but no one checked me or seemed to care tbh. This birth was so different and no incontinance... Weird. Thanks so much for the encouragement and the info. Much appreciated. now I've just got to find time to do those kegals. I'm crap at them!

[BiggerYellowTaxi]

In my experience it tends to get better during the first year post childbirth. Like you my difficult delivery was my first but my prolapse came after the second. I think all the trauma weakens the area and then the extra weight of carrying your next ones can lead to problems. I am now symptom free but had/have 2nd degree cystocele. The NHS have a good free app to remind you to do your pelvic floor exercises. I also started a postnatal exercise programme to rehab my core which helped as well. Hopefully you'll stay symptom free.

[violetlights]

Thanks Bigger. Sounds like our experiences are similar. I think I just panicked really... Thanks for the app tip. Have downloaded...