Experiences of surgery for prolapses please

[likeamother]

Aaagh, I've just had a bladder and bowel prolapse confirmed by the GP and am being referred. Pretty sure I want surgery if it's agreed to as I don't think anything else will do the job in the long-term. I'm 39 and would like it to be corrected rather than managed, particularly as sex is currently pretty numb and I'm running to the loo all the time.

Has anyone had surgery for this? Would really like to know how it was, really, and how recovery time was, please.

I'm self-employed in a non-physical, part-time job so would it be realistic to be able to return to work after a week or two, rather than the 6 suggested on the NHS website? Or is it a really big op to recover from?

Also, sharing how long were you in hospital for and any other info would be greatly appreciated!

Hiya, I had the same surgery 4 years ago. It was the best decision I have ever made. Surgery seemed such a drastic option but I am just so glad I went ahead. Overall it took perhaps a 10 days until I was fully up and around again and was back at work after 3 weeks. I was discharged from hospital the day after the surgery and was told to rest and took painkillers. I was dreading it in the lead up to it but the total change its made to my health and my life is immeasurable. Sending hugs to you xx

Following as I have bowel, bladder and uterine prolapse. At the moment they cause no problems but I've heard they get a lot worse after menopause (I'm 45). I've heard some horror stories about prolapse surgeries but would like to hear some positive things.

Same boat here, though I will be waiting until my children are older. Family have had the same and I think it’s much more extensive than 2 weeks. They took the full 6 weeks+ to recover.

I had a large rectocele and cystocele repairs. Honestly it didnt work well and after a few years the symptoms are back. Have been told I need a hysterectomy possibly to stop them.

I had to Op on Tuesday, out on Wednesday. Could drive for a week for worked from home the following Monday- Thursday and then fully back but still bleeding heavily. I wouldn't recommend that approach!

They tell you to off for as long as you need but give no guidance. The consultant told me afterwards that up to 6 weeks is probably typical.

It is a massive operation. I wouldn't have it done again. I also probably have the dodgy net inside- I do get pain. There is no support to look into this at all- as no other consultant will take it on.

I also had a massive weight gain- 1 leg is slightly enlarged with fluid which may be linked apparently.

There was a big series of threads at the time (2010) on mumsnet which is still there - my user name is versions of simbacat mostly on them. People posted their experiences.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/698136-anyone-had-posterior-repair-rectocele-repair

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/685424-Has-anyone-had-an-Anterior-amp-Posterior-Repair

@LittleMsSunshineSocks Honestly, you've just made me well up. Thank you. Have been so worried, and really kicking myself for not piecing the jigsaw together sooner in realising what was wrong. My youngest is almost 4!
This has really helped. Thank you. I am hoping they agree to surgery, I will be assertive as I have had support for the bowel issue where they didn't pick up on the prolapse and, looking back, I think I was fobbed off with exercises when actually it really wasn't normal to have major holding on issues at 36!

@SallyWD I'm sorry to read this. It just feels way too young, doesn't it? My mum had a uterine prolapse last year and she's in her 70s. Feels a bit unfair at our age. The physio I saw 3 years ago told me it does get worse with the menopause and the gp today said exercises and the pessary can really only help manage it and stop it getting worse (though it still will with age and menopause), which sort of makes surgery feel like the only viable option doesn't it?
Have you seen a specialist yet?

Largeyellowdaffodil I'm so sorry to read this, how awful for you. I'll take a look at the threads. I guess I just can't imagine how anything other than surgery will really be effective long-term, but I appreciate that's a moot point if it didn't work for you and has caused so many problems. I don't think they do the mesh any more from what I've read which says it all.

@likeamother I did see a pelvic floor physiotherapist and for about a year was really good at doing my exercises. I have to admit I hardly ever do them now! I'm a bit concerned about surgery because I hear it often has to be re-done and that subsequent surgeries have an even higher failure rate. One gynaecologist told me surgery sometimes creates more problems than it solves. My mum had surgery for a bladder prolapse in her 60s which failed and now she just lives (happily) with the prolapse. However, I know surgery CAN be a success and be life changing. At the moment I'm barely aware of my prolapses so I'm not even thinking about surgery. If they get a lot worse after menopause and affect my quality of life I'll definitely consider it. I personally would try a pessary and exercises first. I'd want to delay surgery as long as possible in case it failed some years down the line.

@SallyWD thanks for all the info. It sounds like you're further along in terms of some treatment and knowledge around the op. TBH one of the main things is sex and I'm not sure how that would work with a pessary (although nhs says it isn't necessarily a problem). I just feel too young for this And I'm kicking myself for not having a c-section with my last baby - it was suggested as one option following a 3b tear the first time - but I didn't really understand the possible implications and was a bit focused on recovery time after birth. That would have been so far behind me now!

Have you got a pessary? How are you finding it?

It's really good it isn't causing you discomfort now, that such a main factor, especially considering how major the operation seems (just been reading the other threads).

@likeamother I know, if I knew then what I know now I would have insisted on a c-section for both my births. I sometimes feel really angry that no one mentions prolapses to pregnant women. My mid-wife didn't mention it once. I sound naive but I didn't know it was a possibility when I went in to labour with my first child. I'd been pushing for 8 hours (which in itself isn't allowed)! I was exhausted and couldn't get the baby out so she was delivered by forceps. No one told me this would increase the risk of prolapse. If I'd know I might have found the strength to keep pushing - mind you 8 hours of pushing could probably cause a prolapse too! No. I don't have a pessary yet because I really experience no problems or symptoms with my prolapses. The first year after birth I was very uncomfortable but they always heal up to an extent only to re-emerge after menopause. If it gets bad after menopause I'll try a pessary first and see how it goes. My gynecologist said you can still have sex with a pessary in and there are some you can take out yourself. The NHS doesn't favour these ones but I'm sure it's possible to get one.

Good luck - I hope you get a treatment that works.

I’d really appreciate any feedback please
My gynaecology consultant has told me I have a bladder and bowel prolapse, I’m 61 with 2 adult children. I had a full abdominal hysterectomy 9 yrs ago.

Prior to my hysterectomy I suffered with urinary tract infections and was on antibiotics for 3 whole years, every time I finished a course the infection returned, then I had my hysterectomy and have never had an infection since, consequently I am
reluctant to go down the pessary route in case it re-introduces an infection.
( I kinda worry it might only be a temporary fix anyway leading to having to have surgery anyway at a later date, don’t know!).

My consultant described to me that an incision would be made on either side of the wall creating a pocket where the bladder would be partly inserted and stitched in place and the bowel would be done in the same way on the other side.
I’m worried that in order to stitch the bladder and bowel surely they have to be perforated, and should they prolapse at a later date wouldn’t this cause tears resulting in further problems.!.? I might be overthinking this, I don’t know , I’m feeling quite anxious about having the operation…..