Any old prolapse! Uterus/womb prolapse, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, urethrocele, incontinence, pelvic floor, anterior and posterior repair, TVT etc part 5

[Piplysmelie]

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
Thread 3
Thread 5

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.

Hi Bladder - to put an alternative point of view, I had endometriosis, which may or may not have still been active. All I know is that at 46 I was still having waist to knee pain with every period for two days before and two days when it started, with flooding for the first two days as well. I had a vaginal hysterectomy and can honestly say I don't regret it. I have known for a long time I wouldn't have any more children (no-one around and I have rotten genes anyway) and I don't feel it's made me less of a woman (I do have issues with my femininity but they're not related to my womb)! I didn't have a suspension and my vaginal vault (what a lovely expression!) is where it should be. I don't think my sex life would be affected by it (again, if I had someone around, and if I didn't have other issues going on). I wouldn't say if you have no issues do it anyway, but for me it was a good decision. I haven't gone into early menopause (yet!) but that might be in the cards anyway due to all the hormonal messing around my body's been through. I don't know if this will help you in making your decision.

Hi all, not been on for a while...been a rough week or so. Still waiting for the urodynamics referral. Bit of a nuisance - apparently the private hospital I had the surgery at doesn't seem to do this test, so the consultant said he would arrange for one to be done at the local NHS hospital where he works, but that it would still be done as a private procedure. Never heard of this kind of arrangement before so not sure who to chase for the appt. Doc thought I would have the tests and we would have agreed by the time I go back to work on Wed but not likely now. Has taken a bit of getting my head around going for this test in the first place and am seriously dreading it, but would rather just get on with it now. At the same time, I feel like so much has happened so quickly at least I've had some time to start to mentally process it all. I know I'm completely contradicting myself, but hope that makes some kind of sense.

In terms of the rectocele repair, despite the reassurance from the consultant last week, I know for sure now that it has definately failed as I had to resort to splinting again today following 5 days of no BMs even with suppositories etc. Am at almost 8 weeks post repair. Weirdly, I'm not too upset about it. I think I knew already deep down and if I'm facing cystocele/ bladder surgery anyway, then I guess it's just another thing to add to the list.

Plus, period which is usually between 25 and 28 days is now at 31 days and no sign. Definately not pg, but feeling a bit emotional so sorry about the feeling sorry for myself post.

Who'd be a woman?!

Hope everyone else is doing well and recoveries progressing well xx

Roseanna - sorry to hear you are feeling miz about all this (pre-menstrual probably making it worse too). If you are worrying, it can make your period a bit late. I am nearly 8 weeks post op too, and I think my rectocele is there again, albeit smallish, but it is there for sure as I can feel a lump before needing a bm, and am having to help things out with suppositories still. What a bummer - and it was the third and final time I could have anything done posteriorly as I won't have anymore tissue left to play around with. Still haven't had my self-diagnosis confirmed yet by consultant, but am quite convinced. At least if you are going under the knife again you can hopefully get it fixed.

With the urodynamics testing under the NHS I think the waiting time is about 2 months. My second consultant wanted me to have the test with him (after my bad experience with the original consultant) and managed to organise an appointment at the NHS hospital, where he works, on the same day that I had my other test organised (which I had been waiting 2 months for) and that was within 24 hours notice. I always wondered how he managed to organise the test there and then, but thinking about it he must have used a private slot for me as an NHS patient. The reason it has to be done at a big hospital (women's section, don't worry) is that the machinery is a bit complicated. You will be fine, and it is actually quite interesting to see how they do it all.

Keep posting even if you are feeling fed up, as there is always support here and we all know exactly how you are feeling etc. xxxx

Thanks Sure, don't know what I would do without having you guys to vent/rant/ask questions! Finally got my period and feel a little less emotional already lol. Will be seeing my gp later today about getting signed off to go back to work. Work are letting me work from home for the first couple of weeks, and tbh I think it will do me good to have other things to take myind off all of this and get a little normality back for a little.while.

So sorry to hear yours isn't going to well either - sending major hugs xx Do you think there might be a possibility of trying to fix it via the STARR procedure? I know its not ideal and carries different risks, but maybe something to consider?

Worth a thought - will ask consultant next visit. You and I are in league with our periods - mine almost finishing!! Not only op buddies but menstruation partners too!! x

Indeed lol :o

Hi girls,

I'm scheduled to have surgical repair for pelvic organ prolapse later this week. I'll be in hospital for 5 days and will need to recuperate for at least 6 weeks, all of which will be extremely difficult, but surmountable with 4 children under 6, the youngest of which is 6 months.

I've been back and forward on whether my being out of action for this time is wise, or even possible. I got my surgery date one month ago and immediately began to wean my baby onto bottles which took time but she's happy now. The last bf I dropped was the middle of the night one and while she'll take a bottle for me no problem - she screams blue murder when my husband tries to settle her, to the extent that I have to take over (inconsolable crying and kicking). He's tried everything to calm her so I can go in and have this surgery but she only wants me. I can't leave her to cry like this, on the other hand I'm very keen to have this surgery so I can resume normal activities which have been impossible with this condition (exercise, sex etc).

Anyway, my main difficulty and question is, has anyone ever had to leave a baby for a number of days and has it had a lasting impact on the child or your bond? I want to avoid this at all costs and I will delay my surgery if there is any chance this could happen. I'm not sure who to turn to for impartial advice - everyone has a different opinion, including the professionals... but if someone out there had a personal experience of this I'd be really interested in hearing how you managed.

Thanks for reading.

Irish - so sorry to hear of all your prolapse problems. In answer to your question about the effect on leaving a young baby, I had to leave my first child with husband for three weeks when he was 6/7 months old. I felt absolutely terrible having to do that but had no choice as it was a work committment. He is now 17 and out of my three children, he and I have probably the best relationship and are very close. My second child I had to return back to work full time when he was 4 months old, getting back at 6.00 so I hardly saw him during the day. I feel I definitely missed out and it did take a while to feel really close to him, but now we have a brilliant relationship although he is more of a wild child than his elder brother. Whether that is because he is the middle of three boys I don't know, but I have always felt it was due to the long term absence of me during the day at an early age. So, I don't think 5 days in hospital will have a detrimental effect on your relationship with him/her at all.

However, I would not want to be having any of these ops with small children around (having just had anterior, posterior, tvt, perineum, enterocele ...). It takes a very long time to be able to move about comfortably and bending over and stretching are the worst you can do for 6-8 weeks so you will find it very hard not to be able to pick up/put down your baby. Standing up is also bad news as everything aches and all you want to do is just lie on the bed. Could you wait a year before having anything done or is husband running out of patience and fed up with 'outercourse' Lol! If you have any questions about any of the ops, please ask as this thread is full of women with similar experiences to yours.
Hope I have helped a bit and not just put you off!! xxxx

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and have been looking at all your threads regarding the above and now I am nearly 3 weeks post op I feel the need to write.

I lost quite a lot of blood during my surgery and have been on a catheter since my operation, I am going to start to push my surgeon for answers this week as they keep telling me my bladder is bruised from the op....I have told them there is blood in my bladder but yet again keep telling me it is to be expected.

When I try and wee it hurts soo much and wonder if anyone has experienced the same issues xxxx

Had an anterior and posterior repair 3 weeks ago...

I lost quite a lot of blood during my surgery and have been on a catheter since my operation, I am going to start to push my surgeon for answers this week as they keep telling me my bladder is bruised from the op....I have told them there is blood in my bladder but yet again keep telling me it is to be expected.

Has anyone experienced the same x

Hi Nessa - welome! Some of the ladies here had to have catheters for a while. It seems to be the anterior repair that messes your bladder about, and depending on the expertise of the surgeon it can get quite bruised. After the op they use a colposcopy which is a camera that is inserted into the bladder to check for damage. I had problems with wee to start with and it did hurt for about 2/3 weeks every time I went to the loo (and I had a bit of blood in the urine for a while too). For me it sort of felt like period pains as my bladder emptied. If it feels burning/stinging as well, then go to your GP and ask for a swab to be taken as you think you have an infection. I did that as it was quite sore and I did have an infection and was on some strong antibiotics for 2 weeks which cleared everything up, the blood disappeared and the pain went. Worth a try - I would miss out the consultants and tell the GP xxx

Thanks Surewoman my gp is involved also....I have just finished 3 lots of antibiotics so dont think I have an infection, at least I know I am not the only one with a catheter xxx

Nessa - how long is it since they last cultured for infection? Sometimes it takes several goes to find the right AB (or two) for you. If you haven't been tested in the last week I would take another sample in. As Sure says though, these things can take a long time to settle. Thinking back, (and I had catheter in for four days, managed to come home without one but then had long running infections of various kinds) I also remember that horrible draggy feeling when going for a wee for some time. Don't despair, it will get better.

Thank you for your reply Surewoman, it's always great to get the perspective of someone who's been there.

I've decided to postpone surgery for another month at least until I can get the baby more settled and used to being fed by my husband. She has been fed by me all her little life so far so it was probably a lot to expect her to adapt so quickly. I have the added complexity of returning to work shortly but I'm not going to allow that to affect my decision.

Having read through some of these threads I'm really beginning to understand the full extent of post op recovery so the extra time will be useful to plan ahead and make things as easy as possible. Thanks again for your support - I think I'll be a regular visitor to this thread over the coming weeks and months and I hope my experience might help someone when I'm on the other side.

RE: Husband and "outercourse" lol, he's actually been fantastic and would be happier seeing me getting out for a run, plenty of time for the wild thang, although I'm sure he'll welcome it back, as will I if I haven't forgotten how!

Irish - sounds like the right decision, the last thing you need while in hospital/recovery is to be worrying about your baby being distressed. I'm waiting for my surgery too, been told September onwards (I meant to phone the hospital today and chase up but forgot). My DH is similar, not too worried about short term (hopefully) abstinence but looking forward to me being back to full strength generally, I am missing my running too.

I was tested for infection last Thursday...I think that either I have a bladder injury as have had blood clots coming out in my wee/blood in my urine as when the surgery was done my surgeon had problems stopping my bleeding and I was sown up very tightly and she could not even tell me how many stitches I have had only lots....so I go back to the hospital on Thursday for another go and if I still am unable to wee then I am going to push for further investigation xxx

Went to see the colorectal bod today and not happy. I was told by my (female) doc that I had reduced control in my back passage (hence my faecal incontinence - joy!) due to a 3rd degree tear from 3 1/2 years ago when my daughter was born, this coupled with an IBS-like diarrhoea issue is making my like hell and has been worsening each year, hence I overcame my embarassment and went to see GP. She told me my incontinence could be fixed with surgery, I felt hopeful. So.....went to see consultant today....they weren't able to access my notes from my GP (had to travel a bit of a way to a diff hosp) so he started by asking me why I was there, so explained the above. Then he says surgery on your anal sphincter rarely works in his exp and his expertise is bowel stuff anyway (I begin to weep at this point as really had gotten my hopes up)....he checks my stomach, examines my back passage (I cry throughout and kind nurse holds my hand) He tells me I don't have a problem with my anal sphincter (I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), then he inserts some balloon device in me and inflates it and it feels like you need to "go" - joy. I weep uncontrollably at the thought that I KNOW I wasn't like this 3 1/2 years ago and he's telling me there's no problem with my muscles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am crying typing this as am so upset, I just want my life back. I can't leave the house if I've already eaten, if I have to go out I have to take 8 immodium capsules, I can't go out for meals with friends/family, I dread public transport, I have to take a huge bag with me everywhere with spare clothes in etc, I dread going on holiday.
Anyway, he seemed concerned that I was upset and referred me for blood tests (which I'd already had but he couldn't access results), for a colonoscopy and for a tube down your throat thingy so guess that's something. he did say there might be some peeps in London who could operate...I just feel a bit fobbed off and wonder if his opinion differs from my doc because she was obv female....anyway sorry for long rant, just feel rubbish and feel so alone with this problem, I can't tell anyone, it's too horrid. Thanks for reading, I know it's a bit of a long post.

Welcome to Nezzie, Monica and irishmammie you all sound like you have been through alot
The lovely ladies on this thread have helped me through so much with their advice and support and I am glad that you have found us.

Roseanna you poor thing it sounds like you have had an awful week and I hope that you are feeling brighter.

Thankyou to those who offered their support and experiences after my last post and I am sorry but I did giggle at all of you being horrified by having a spinal for a repair!

I have done much research and had a good long think and have booked the uterine repair to be done at the same time as the anterior, posterior and perineal repair. Surewoman the repair is called a laparoscopic hysteropexy if you want to google it. I am very very grateful that my consultant is also an expert laparoscopic surgeon and I can get this all done in one procedure. I feel really comfortable having the repair done and preserving the uterus.

So roll on next tuesday when I can say goodbye to my very fallen fanjo

Can I ask some TMI questions for those of you who are post repair?

Bladder - you must feel better now you know what you are doing. What questions can possibly be tmi for here? The mind boggles! Ask away if there's anything I can help you with.

Hi I was wondering if someone could give me some advice?

I had DS (first baby) Nearly 11 months ago, after that I had been feeling like the inside of my vagina was swelling up like a baloon when I needed to wee but it went down after I went to the loo.

GP at the time said my bladder had probably dropped down a bit but as long as it wasn't bothering me nothing would be done until I decide not to have any more DC.

Fast forward a bit, I am in agony when I try to pee, it's okay at first then it feels like something is dragging or as if something much bigger is trying to squeeze out and now when it balloons it can completely obstruct the entrance to my vagina, it also really, really hurts to touch it. I feel the need to wee every couple of mins but can't go much, it's worse at night and I am spending hours on the loo with nothing happening. Went to GP the other day who said she thinks it is a cystocele. I have been referred to Gynae, does anyone have any idea what will happen there? What kind of tests they do etc?

Any advice would be much appreciated, I'm starting to feel a bit depressed and feel like my life resolves around the loo.

Thanks, Footle, really appreciate your post. I know this issue is either rare or not talked about, just think it shouldn't be happening to me at my age! Don't think the consultant wasn't listening to me, in fact I thought he was great I just feel that it has been badly managed as they weren't able to access notes from my Doctor and think they sent me to possibly the wrong person or misled me into thinking this guy could do sphincter repair surgery....? Who knows, and as you say hopefully the colonoscopy and tube-down throat and think he mentioned a scan of my bottom (no idea how that's done!?) will show up something that can be fixed. It really upset me him saying there was nothing wrong with my back passage when I KNOW there is as I wasn't having accidents 3 1/2 years ago, prior to having my daughter!
I keep wondering if her birth was badly managed as the labour was v fast and when the midwife arrived at my house she said you're 10 cm dilated you can push.......this was all well and good, BUT i didn't have any urge to push and honestly think she would have come out all by herself as she was in that much of a hurry.....obviously at the time you just do what you're told but do wonder if I should ask to look at my notes. I think the world of my daughter but sometimes I wish I could go back 4 years.....it really gets me down.

Monica, I know what you mean. I had two previous C sections, one emergency and one elective, and elective and I was determined to have a natural delivery with with DS2. Cue big headed baby, four hours of pushing followed by an episiotomy and forceps delivery, as well as the most atrocious piles, and here I am, broken :( DS2 is the most amazing child, was unplanned, and I can't help wonder what things would have been like if I hadn't got pregnant again, or if I hadn't been so stubborn over the VBA2C. I know that

Monica, so sorry to hear your story. I have IBS and know how horrible it can be. If I get really bad diarrhea, I get terrified of shitting myself, as it has happened on a few occasions. Don't be disheartened. If the consultant you saw is not an anal sphincter expert, then you should try and find one & then ask your GP to refer you. Also, have you worked out what your IBS triggers are?

Bladder - so glad you feel you've got your op options all sorted now. Ask away with the TMI stuff!

As for me, well I'm just over 2 weeks post-op & so far so good. I received a copy of the letter that the consultant sent my GP & it says he repaired a large rectocele & enterocele. He had suspected there might be an enterocele but said he wouldn't know for sure until he got in there. Anyhow, the novelty of being able to do a poo, without having to splint, still hasn't passed & I grin like an idiot everytime!!!!

argh, this phone! It always posts before i'm ready!
Welcome to the newbs. I'm at the tentative first stages of getting things sorted.

I was waiting a wrrk or so before going back to my gp, for any paperwork to get back. I've also been mulling things over re ideal times for an op. I'm starting a teaching assistant course in Sept and will be in school/college two days a week and hoping to find a full time TA job next September. I'm thinking that I should wait and go down the physio etc route, and have an op, If needed, at the start of the hols next summer so I'll be fit for September. Even though part of me wants it done asap, the course is only day release and I don't want to have to take all that time out in case it means a fail. The thought of living with this for another year is unbearable though.