Any old prolapse! Uterus/womb prolapse, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, urethrocele, incontinence, pelvic floor, anterior and posterior repair, TVT etc part 4

[Ben10NeverAgain]

This is thread 3 of a long-running series of posts from ladies suffering from pelvic prolapses to support each other through the process of diagnosis, repair and recovery.

Here are the previous threads:
Thread 1
Thread 2

Info from BBC Health

What is a pelvic prolapse?

As the muscles, ligaments and supporting tissues in the pelvis become weaker, they are less able to hold in the organs of the pelvis such as the womb (uterus) or bladder.

Gravity pulls these organs down and, in the more severe cases, may appear through the entrance to the vagina.

A variety of problems can occur, depending on where the weakness lies and which organs are able to descend, but in every case there is some degree of prolapse of the vaginal wall, which begins to invert (rather like a sock turning inside out).
Prolapse of the womb or uterus is the most common prolapse, affecting as many as one in eight older women to some degree
Prolapse of the bladder, known as a cystocele, is less common.
Prolapse of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder) is known as a urethrocele.
Prolapse of the intestines is quite rare, and known as an enterocele or rectocele.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on which tissues descend, and how severe the prolapse is.

They may include:
A sense of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis.
The appearance of a bulge of tissue in the genital area, which can be quite alarming, and is often red and sore.
Urinary problems, such as having to urinate more frequently, feeling the need urgently, being incontinent (losing control of the bladder) or, conversely, being unable to pass urine when you need to.
Pain in the pelvis or lower back.
Sexual problems, including pain and decreased libido.
Constipation.
Vaginal discharge or bleeding.

Treatment and recovery

Once a prolapse has developed, surgery to fix the affected organs is usually the only way to cure it effectively.

However, another option is to use a device known as a vaginal ring pessary. This is rather like a contraceptive diaphragm or cervical cap. It's made of silicone or latex, and placed in the vagina to push back the prolapsed organs and hold them in place. Many women happily manage their prolapse this way.

Thanks surewom, I was originally having a vaginal & rectum prolapse Repair & tvt but she decided during the Op to only do the rectum repair, on my 3 mth appointment she may decide to do the tvt if I'm still having problems.. Going to see my GP tomorrow.....

Hi thanks for good luck wishes girls. Feeling very nervous but will be glad to get it over with. My main worry (still) is coping with mummy duties for my 6m baby and 2 year old. 6m old now totally bottle fed but still waking @230 for feed! Not sure anyone is going to be keen to take that on! Am thinking if I get help with it for a week or so, after that I will do it by lifting her whilst I am in sitting position. Any thoughts on that anyone? Best wishes to everyone-cant really offer any advice but will let you know how I get on once I am on the 'other side' x

Hi all. Just stumbled across this thread and think I may have a prolapse but no idea what kind.

I decided to do some exercise (the Jillian Michaels Shred) and felt a lump after when applying cream. I had a look and there was a large golf ball sized lump coming out of me. I freaked and when I checked later it had reduced in size but was still there.

I have a doctors appointment for Thursday.

Is a prolapse the end of it all? (ressurance welcomed!)

Livelongandprosper ? thank you so much for bringing a smile to my face with you post today.

Sure ? it?s a long haul isn?t it? Look after yourself.

Gail ? definitely doesn?t sound like you are fit for work. I had 12 weeks off work with my rectocele repair (10 weeks signed off and 2 holiday) and returned on light duties for 8 weeks which runs out on 25th July. My problem is that they didn?t repair the cystocele at the same time because they said it was only a slight bulge. It has got worse and is very uncomfortable. As with all of us ? I just want to be fixed and to get my life back.

I?m fed up this evening. 16 weeks and I?ve started to bleed a bit and am sore. Could it be the stitches at 4 months? I may have overdone things at the weekend. I?ve taken this week off as holiday as colleagues had already bagged every week in the school holidays and it looks like it is going to rain all week!!!!!!!!!!! Rant over. Do have some nice things planned and will tweak around the weather so mustn?t moan too much ? we are all in the same boat at different stages. Feels like my boat is going up hill!!!!!! Still using my TENS pelvic floor exerciser religiously every day for the 20 minute cycle. Evidence for when I do get referred. If still bleeding in the morning I won?t use it and if bleeding gets worse I?ll have to ring GP. Just when I thought things were settling.

Skinikki ? does your name suggest you ski ? if so, will be very interested in advice you receive about resuming skiing after op. Good luck.

Shattered ? good luck. Be very, very careful about any sort of lifting post-op. Ask to see a physio for advice or perhaps ask a midwife. Hopefully somebody will be along soon to offer ideas.

Huffpot ?Pleeeeasse remember there are hundreds of these ops undertaken every year and those of us who post with problems are hopefully in the minority. People who recover well may post occasionally but probably move on with their lives and no longer ?need? the forum. You?re doing the best thing seeing your doctor. And, yes, I am hoping there is life after a prolapse.

Sorry for long post but do feel better now :)

Hello everyone, thank you for all your good wishes. Shattered, good luck for tomorrow will be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Let us know how you get on. Wouldratherbeskiing: yes I do ski but won't be going until Mid Feb so should surely be fit by then. I'd better be as I am instructing for a week so need to be fit. Was really difficult to decide when to schedule the op as I also sail and it's right in the middle of the sailing season at the mo but am hoping to be back out in the boat before the end of the season which finishes in October, weather dependant, not sure we have had the summer yet!!!!!

Hi all

I hope you are all doing well.

Best wishes to you shattered for tomorrow

Roseanne thanks for asking my period arrived and and it's made it all flare up again to be honest so back to taking it easy. Feel swollen and painful and I am bleeding a lot more then I normally do. The bleeding is a bit worrying it is very heavy. Hope you are doing ok.

I am going to have to look up this 50 shades book, very intrigued!

Pip

Shattered - good luck!

Will come back on tomorrow to reply to others if that's ok. Feeling rather upset by a prog on tv about a subject rather close to my heart.

Shattered I would definitely arrange for help for more then a week can you call on family or friends. I had a anterior and posterior repair and I was really unable to do much for first two weeks. I had to hand over the care of my two DC to my DH 1st week and MI 2nd week. My MI also helped me in the 3 rd week but I was able to do a bit more. I am now in my 5th week post op and still have help two days a week from my mum and dad.

I was not told much by my hospital but I have read a lot since and the recommendations I think you need to think about i have taken from Sue Croft physio - Pelvic floor Recovery book.

First 6 weeks

Avoid all lifting, initially think nothing more then 2 litres of milk in each hand until 6 weeks post op. (can someone help with the feeding of the baby).
Restrict as much bending as possible.
Avoid prolonged sitting and excessive walking

she also mentions something about not pushing shopping trolleys or pushchairs but I can not find that bit now!

7 -12 weeks

Avoid repetitive bending
You can gradually increase the length of your walk but listen to your body. If you feel any drag, heaviness or ache....... Stop.
Still avoid lifting whereever possible
If looking after children you must still avoid lifting them
Still no vacuuming if possible if you have to only do 2 rooms per day.
No squatting

Obviously you should check with your doctor but I hope this helps.

Thanks pip, that is really helpful. I have got the first 6 weeks covered (my poor dad mainly!); I just feel bad expecting anyone to get up for the middle of the night shift with baby! Just waiting to be taken down to theatre now. Thanks for the good luck wishes everyone. X

Worry about all that later Shattered - people will help you I'm sure, but for now just try to relax. Soon you'll be one of us post op girls on the road to recovery!

Sure - could be an idea to just sleep when you need it and not worry when you don't rather than try to go without pain meds. You've gone through so much I can't imagine having to go without pain meds, so go easy on yourself and grab some sleep when you can. Hugs xx

Pip - when are you back for a check up? If its a while before your next visit it might be worth even giving them a quick call to put your mind at rest?

Gail - good luck today and let us know how you get on xx

Huffpot - if you can feel it by touch, but aren't having any other symptoms it may be mild and you may not need surgery if that makes you feel any better? And no, sincerely hoping this is not the end of the road lol.

Wouldrather - that doesn't seem right to me...maybe need to get that checked out. For info, when I had the elec stimulator they told me not to use it when bleeding, having heavy discharge etc. although I realize we may not be the same :)

Fen - hope you're ok and sending you hugs xx

Pip - I had really heavy periods too after my first posterior repair. Also really painful, which wasn't the norm for me - even had to spend the day in bed with a hot water bottle (unheard of!!). They did calm down again, but it took about 4 months - it felt as if the whole lot came out in one day, clump by clump (or should I say, piece of liver by piece!). Apparently it is not uncommon.
Good to see that list of do's and don't's, thanks. It is so easy to 'forget' and be pulled up short with a sharp pain as you automatically bend down to pick things up off the floor. For me, the enforced inactivity is the hardest part of the healing process as it really is a life change ie. no more heavy lifting ever when I have spent my entire life picking up heavy things. Oh well, rather that than my insides falling out! Lol!

Shattered - to give you an idea on recovery, I am still in bed most of the time (11 days now) and I have three teenaged DC's, two of which are 'home alone' (as home is next to school) and the youngest is here with me at my Mother's. It has been a fantastic learning curve for my eldest - the responsibility of shopping, cooking, cleaning etc. I can truly say the best thing ever for him - he has stepped up to the mark and also realised how much I actually do for them, un-noticed, so is well and truly prepared now for 'leaving home' (mind you, the novelty has worn off and they now want to come here!!). I am lucky in that I can trust them completely which has enabled me to concentrate on getting better properly. So my advice to you would be to either get someone to stay long term with you, if possible, to do all the mundane things, and bring the baby to you for feeding in bed, nappy changing, etc. so that you do not do ANY bending or lifting, or you will be back in theatre again before too long. It will be hard but the children being young will quickly forget your lack of involvement. Also, you will need someone around to drive (don't attempt that for 3/4 weeks) and loading dishwashers/washing machines etc. It is standing in the kitchen that is the killer! Take care xxx

Lol Sure - sounds like DCs know what side their bread is buttered on now :o

rosanna1 - Thanks for mentioning pelvic floor exerciser - I definitely won't be using it while I feel like this or at any time I feel 'achy' in that area.

I am still bleeding and don't know whether it is a period as I haven't had one for a year but I a fat stitch around 2cm long appeared last night so not sure My periods were always really light so this is a shock but after reading Sure's post I feel a bit reassured and will ring GP if it carries on too long or gets heavier. At least I haven't had to take any time off as am on leave.

sure - had a little chuckle at DC's wanting to join you - it's funny when they get older; they desperately want independence but like home cooking and laundry service. I too have found the restriction on my everyday life difficult to come to terms with, especially what I can and can't do when I am eventually 'fixed'. A large chunk of my social life revolves around skiing and riding, the future of which is unclear - that's why I am so keen to hear what advice others have received about resuming sporting activities. There is so much conflicting advice. I feel it is easier for medical staff to be cautious but as you say it is better than thinks slip sliding again. I am still grapppling with this - and getting older!!!

Recovery time - just need to pick the collective brain here.

I'm booked in for my rectocele repair on 31st July - am terrified. However, I notice some really long work sign offs on these threads. The consultant has said I'll be signed off for a month - but I notice some of you have had much longer than that.

I have a sedentary / desk based job - is a month reasonable if I have a straight forward recovery? What is the situation with driving? I'm a single mum of two older children, who will need their taxi service! How long will I not be able to drive?

Also, how much worse is a rectocele repair than childbirth with forceps, episiotomoy & tearing? I'm trying to guage the degree of awfulness.

Discussion of periods has reminded me of a question I need answering. I've got a Mirena coil at the moment, I'm having rectocele and probably cystocele repair but nothing done to uterus.

Does anyone know if it will have to be removed, if so will I be able to have another one fitted? I don't have any periods at the moment, just spotting and I would rather like to keep it that way.

Hi PostB - to be realistic, you will probably need more than a month signed off - 6-8 weeks seems to be the norm, even if you have a sedentary job, as sitting down on your derrier is not an enjoyable experience post op (you will need a cushion - I use one of those travel neck things = great!). I'm also a single mum and as I am not driving (I was told about 4 weeks this time, but was ok after about 3 when I just had the posterior repair before) my DC's have just had to sort themselves out with bus/train/lifts (friends and neighbours have been really helpful, if you explain you've had a gynae op). It hasn't done the DCs any harm at all actually, quite the reverse, as they have had to be a bit more organized to allow time for walking/cycling too (and they can't blame me and make-up for making them late! )

Pain wise, I would say it is probably similar (slightly less) but is easily controllable if you keep on top of the painkillers, and you aren't having to deal with a small baby at the same time. Worth the op, you will be pleased with the results, so try not to worry too much xxx

Wouldrather - I was concerned about skiing too (actually the last thing I said as I went 'under' - Can I go skiing at Christmas??) The consultant looked astonished as he was trying to lull me into tropical bliss talking about holiday destinations! I didn't get an answer then, but am going to see him on Monday for a post-op check and will ask then. I think I've come across others on this thread that ride (me too!) and I don't think they had to give it up completely - it's supposed to be good for the pelvic floor! xxx

Hi PostB, I had that op two weeks ago today. I was told by the consultant that I should expect to feel completely normal after 6 weeks but he likes ladies to take off 8 weeks to allow for sufficient rest etc.I have a very busy job in quite a senior position in a large plc, and I have a long commute but have mostly desk based role. Physically speaking I do feel like I could go go back after 4 weeks, but I think I underestimated the mental anxiety and sheer tiredness.

In terms of pain, for me its not even in the same ballpark as childbirth - find much more pain from a filling at the dentist.

That's not everyone's experience though, so guess we're all different. I'm sure if you need more time off, the gp will extend the 4 weeks so try not to worry too much.

Hi all, I've been to the gp today, it turns out it is 'just' a pile! Thank you all for being so kind and reassuring when I posted, I wish you all the best with your recoveries

surewoman & roseanna, thank you. It does really help to get an idea of these things. I am really terrified, but I know I need to get a grip of myself. I am stressing about not having written a will & what would happen to the DCs if I die!!!! Like I say, I need to get a grip - I'm probably more at risk of death every day in my car.
I felt so awful after the birth of my first, with the forceps bruising, episiotomy & stiched up torn bits - that I'm hoping this can't be as bad. I had to sit on my right butt cheek for 6 weeks after that & couldn't manage sex for 7 months because the scarring was so severe. It has to be better than that! She says hopefully.

Hi all, I survived! Woke up in agony and begged for pain relief until they gave me the max I could have and that only took the edge of it. The pain seemed to be coming from my bladder-felt like it was so full it was going to explode but thankfully that has settled down a bit. It surprised me as it sounds like most people dont get that much pain. Good news is am more comfortable now although still in quite a lot of pain. The nursing so far has not been great and they do not seem very clued up about what I have had done (anterior/posterior and perineum) . Am having to do a lot of 'hassling' to get pain relief/water and remind them about anti clotting injection etc). Now that I am getting stroppy they are a bit more responsive. Thanks sure for the advice and will be doing everything I can to do as little as possible which is going to drive me insane! Wouldrather-my consultant offered to fit coil at same time, so that should not be a problem for you. Bye all, hoping tomorrow for less pain x

Hi Shattered, glad you have come through it all and really hope they sort out your pain relief so you can have a comfortable night. Let us know how you feel in the morning. It will be me Friday (Help!!!!) xx

Evening all. Thank goodness you are such a welcoming bunch, I don't think I could discuss this stuff if you weren't!

Shattered - I am glad you have had the op and are well enough to be posting on here. I am taking notes ready for next week and am sending you lots of good wishes for a fast recovery.

I am reading back through the threads and am working out my action plan for coping after I come home.

One thing I would appreciate your opinion on - my consultant says I will never be able to go back to a job which involves lots of lifting and pushing but my GP says he can't see why I shouldn't as that is the point of having the op, to put things back as they were. I will be having a cystocele repaired and a vaginal hysterectomy. Is there anyone who has had these procedures done and can tell me if it has limited the things they can do afterwards?

Thanks s and good luck for friday. X

Thanks Roseanne1, went to see my GP today, 1st he wants to check for infection & has explained by repairing the posteria it may have made the anterior worse. Worse case scenario is getting that repaired :( he also says I need to re-train my bladder, which I have been doing not going even though the pressure makes me believe I have a full bladder. going to have another chat tomorrow when urine sample comes back, anyone had these kind of problems? He also signed me off work for 1 month.