Any old prolapse! Uterus/womb prolapse, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, urethrocele, incontinence, pelvic floor, anterior and posterior repair, TVT etc part 7

[gottagetthroughthis]

This is thread 7 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
Thread 6

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.

Oh and I didn't go back to work until 10 weeks and was just about ok then, although still a little sore x

I think the going back to work thing depends so much on what your work is like. I am finding (7 weeks yesterday) that I am definitely gaining strength day by day but I very much have to listen to my body as it would still be very easy to overdo it. I did go back to work this week, but could only manage it because a) it is only 15 mins drive away b) it involves no lifting c) I only work three mornings a week anyway and d) my boss is happy for me to leave and go home the minute I need to, I can also have breaks whenever I need to and stretch my legs, use the loo, whatever. I have been only been doing two hours a day this week and will keep it the same next week. Another thing is that I have only had a rectocele repair, I know several of you have had more complex surgery, plus I have not had (so far, touch wood) much in the way of infections or thrush. it is definitely not down to any superheroics on my part. Looking forward to my day off tomorrow though I must say.

Hi, Not sure if my problems fit here but badly in need of some moral support :( have posted elsewhere but got little response so here goes....

I started having some pelvic aching in July mainly by my left hip that eased off after a couple of weeks and appeared on my right. Its been there since and is gradually getting worse. Its now aching in my leg, down to my knee, in my backside, and i also get sharp shooting pains in my back. It gets worse about 10 days before my period but is there constantly. I also get constipated and sometimes have bouts of nausea. My periods are regular but have changed over the last few months from being every 30 days to being about every 25 days with spotting beforehand meaning I only have about 2 and a half weeks when I'm not bleeding. I can't use tampons anymore as the pain is awful. I'm just exhausted all the time. I can't exercise at all because of the pain, can't sit for too long, in fact the only time it get easier is when I'm lying down. I had a smear test a few weeks ago, very painful.

I knew that I had a cystocele and rectocele so I thought perhaps they were the cause? Saw the GP (several times) useless, was 'diagnosed' with groin strain, IBS, trapped wind etc eventually got an ultrasound done - all clear and got blood markers CA 125 done - all clear. Went to see GP again - he wouldn't refer to gynae so I had to pay for a private consultation. Saw gynae - he made me feel so stupid, said I had prolapse but it wasn't that bad so the pain was nothing gynae and referred me to physio as it was a groin strain. Had two weeks of physio, ended up at the GP out of hours service as the exercises she gave me left me in agony. Physio then referred me to Orthropedics, saw consultant, he ordered MRI scan, that showed nothing, he referred me back to gynae for a second opinion. Saw gynae, different consultant, who did ultrasound scan straight away and found the following - polyp, fallopian tube filled with fluid, rectocele, and my right ovary, where most of the pain is located, is stuck down and she suspects endometriosis. So much for it not being gynae!

So I'm booked in for laparoscopy, removal of polyp and ovary and tube, and a posterior repair in a couple of weeks. (I'm fortunate to be covered my DHs private health insurance so taking full advantage of it) Thankfully I'm 41 and have been blessed with two dcs but this latest news ie possible endo may explain my 8 year battle with infertility and my two horrible miscarriages plus my awful periods.

My DH is not supportive. My Mum died a few years ago and I'm wracked with pain whilst trying to cope with my two little dcs. I feel very alone. Its not really something you can drop into everyday conversation with anyone s it? Sorry for long post.... Thanks for reading

Oh, Stepaway, what a nightmare, sorry you've had to go through all this. I'm glad you've finally got some proper treatment planned, unfortunately tales like yours seem all too common, it is hard trying to pin down the causes of some of these gynae things and there seem to be a lot of unsympathetic doctors out there. Feel free to vent on here, it is a very supportive thread, also ask any questions you have about your surgery and recovery. I do have to say this is major surgery and you will need some support post-operatively, especially if your DCs are young. It is hard to talk to people in real life about it all though.

Stepaway - Glad you found us! (((big hugs))) in your direction. I'm really glad you finally got some answers. I think to be fair, you will need to think in terms of 6-8 weeks recovery for your op. The first two weeks will be the worst and you will definitely need someone else to look after the kids and get the meals, washing, etc. Maybe a rota of friends popping in if DH isn't able to help? I think you will find, if you open up to people and say exactly what is wrong, that you will have a lot of support and understanding (and maybe others who have been through the same thing??). It is hard to discuss these things in RL, but it only takes one to open the topic and..... xxx

stepaway- I'm so sorry for everything you are going through.
Post here as often as needed! You will find lots of sympathy and support, keep your chin up. You're not alone!

Hi... Should I namechange before asking an embarrassing question? I'm new to this thread.

Fire away musttidy - there's no such thing as tmi here!

Ok thanks. Think I might have a prolapse. Have been feeling things not right for a while and today whilst running it felt really heavy, don't really know how to describe it. So I had a look when I got home . It's a mess down there anyway because of 3 babies close and an un repaired episiotomy but there are a couple of very obvious bulges, one t the front (although always been a bit like that) and one at the back. Close enough to the entrance to see easily iyswim. No pain from it but have had probs pooing in last week or so (was always prone to constipation whilst pg).
What the buggering hell is it and what do I do?

Sounds like you have a cystocele (front wall) and rectocele (back wall).... Obviously I am not a doctor and can't see you though! I'm sorry to say running has a high impact on your pelvic floor so you need to stop until you have been seen really. You need to ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. Don't let your doctor fob you off - the heavy feeling is one of the classic symptoms of prolapse and if you are having problems with bm's (constipation or needing to press on perineum or splint maybe?) I would advise you to get cracking! It can be a bit of a long road - but usually with good outcomes. If your gp wants you to do pfe's , do, but insist on a referral as well - most gps are woefully ill-informed about prolapse.
Sorry for the lecture!

I started typing a reply to you Musttidy but it got all jumbled up and rambly so I deleted it to start again, then lo and behold, found that Fen has said everything i ws going to say but much more succinctly!

The me thing happened to me, I knew I had a mild prolapse years ago after a forceps delivery, but it was not a problem until about six months ago when I was out running and it all went heavy and draggy. I had surgery for rectocele repair about 7 weeks ago, it did all take a while to happen. I'm afraid running really isn't a good idea for now, I am missing it .

Thank you so much for your replies. It was kind of what I expected to hear . So, I need to get myself to the docs - how urgent is it? At my surgery you can see a doc that day if it is an 'emergency' but may need to wait 3 weeks or so if it isn't?
TBH I thought that it was just a weak pelvic floor - have been feeling a bit like I might have an accident whilst at Zumba (lots of bouncing) but running has been ok until today. Am soooo reluctant to stop exercising as its taken me so long to get here. Am worried .

Musttidy given that you might otherwise wait three weeks I would book as an emergency and say you've found the lumps and then go on to describe the problems you've had, but don't let on you know what it may be iyswim? Why should you wait, especially if you are worried? Anyone who found unexplained lumps in their fanjo is entitled to prompt help I would say!

Oh that's ridiculous, a 3 week wait. Surely there are very few things tgat can wait 3 weeks. I would add, it might be worth looking at your surgery website or asking reception if any of the GPs specialise in Women's health and trying to see that one.

Ok thanks I'll give them a ring tomorrow. I really really don't want to see a male doctor though soi suspect they'll make me wait. I will take your advice fengirl re playing dumb. Will let you know how I get on.
I really appreciate the advice thankyou.

Whoknows how are you following your surgery?

I'm OK thanks, not fully recovered yet but making progress all the time. It seems to follow a pattern for most people of the first two weeks mostly resting and just pottering round the house in between, minimal lifting etc, then 2-6 weeks gradually spending more time up and about and 6 weeks to about 3 months really getting back to your normal lifestyle, going back to work etc. I am still (at 7.5 weeks) not doing everything I used to do, I can do most things but still need more rest breaks so not getting as much done as usual in a day IYSWIM. I still cannot sit upright in a chair comfortably for more than a few minutes, have to slouch back or shift from cheek to cheek, and am still a bit uncomfortable when walking briskly, got my checkup with the consultant this week.

whoknows that's a pretty major op then. Hope your recovery continues to go well.
I saw the doc this morning. Se says its a prolapse on the back wall. Have got a pelvic physio assessment tomo anyway (been waiting a few weeks since saw the doc about weak pelvic floor) she sad I'm to contact her after I've seen them as they'll be able to assess whether it can be fixed with exercise. If not she'll refer me. So that sounds reasonably positive doesn't it? It can't be too bad?

Yes, it is classed as major surgery. Glad you've been seen so quickly, what good timing for the physio appointment, hope it goes well. Take a list with you of all your questions and symptoms.

I will do. Thank you.

musttidyup - the same happened to me - I was running 20k a week and loved it. But after a session on a treadmill I realised that something was bulging. I have been diagnosed with four types of prolapse. I have a ring pessary for now as I don't want surgery yet. Have not run since, but I do swim and cycle.

OMG I have to share this! As I posted earler I was awaiting referral for pelvic floor physio and last week i went. She was lovely! I so wish I had had the opportunity to go years ago. She said they are now realising that 1000's of women could have avoided surgery if only they had access to the correct physio post birth or at the first signs of problems. All women in our area with proplase/incont now get referred to a multidisciplinary team and triiaged from there rather than going straight to an op. If only this had been available to me...
I thought I could do my PFE but this went to a whole level. I have to aim for a lift and hold maximal contraction for 30 secs followed by 30 secs relax X 10, followed by 30 short squeezes to maximal contraction. When i enquired "is that once a day?" she laughed and said "5-6 times"!!
She examined me when I was contracting and I realised I have to squeeze much,much harder than I thought. I can only manage the hold for about 20secs but it is getting easier to do. I have to go back in Jan for a reassesment.
I came away thinking that for the first time in a long while, someone had listened to me!!

Oh, and I have to lose weight. It's only about a stone but it can make a lot of difference. I also have to contract things when I lift, cough and also shout .

That's interesting Bubbles, how long does it take you to do all that? When I first went to the GP several years ago about what was then a mild prolapse I was referred to gynae but it was not proper physio and all I got was a sheet telling me how to do the PFEs. I've got my post surgery check this week, I am going to ask for an appointment with physio I think and failing that I might go private.

I always clench for lifting etc, but not shouting, although I have noticed recently that I can't shout without putting pressure on. I need to lose about 3 stone .