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.

Hi Tink. Sorry you're having trouble but at least you still have appointments. Sobbing might even help (got me fast-tracked through security at Stansted - can't be that different, can it? ).

Tink, why on earth would you be worried about crying? If it's how you feel, it's how you feel iyswim. I hope your appointment goes well. Sending you a (hug).

Tinxx hope that all goes well tomorrow and cry and stamp your feet if you need to!

Welcome to all of the new ladies and sorry to hear that you are all in this position and some of you so young
I was 25 when I developed my prolapses but I waited until I had finished having DC's and then many more years when I couldn't face going to see another gynae so only got them repaired when I was 38.
So far the repairs have been completely successful and I am confident that they will remain that way provided that I look after them.
For those of you waiting for diagnosis, treatment and repeat treatment, hang in there it is so worth it when they are fixed. It is a long roller coaster of a journey but I have no regrets other than waiting for as long as I did.
I still cannot believe that I am pain free after all of these years and just wish that our health service was better supported to help us all more easily.

Troubled so pleased to hear that your consultant was supportive and that you have a way forward - still outrageous that you had to go private.

Roseanna glad that things are progressing for you too, good luck with the MRI x

Had my check up 2 weeks post op today. I had a perineum repair at the same time as the rectocele and I had developed a couple of small tears in the tissue just to the side, which was causing me a lot of discomfort - really stinging!

Turns out it was as I suspected, and was one of the stitches tugging the skin. I had some stitches removed and already feel much better. It's such a relief! The perineum feels fine and although it still looks a bit grim, I can see that it looks quite smart down there, so externally I'm very pleased!

Had some internal itching that I put down to healing but was concerned about thrush, so got a presciption for an oral medication just in case!

Consultant says I am healing well and I have been cleared to do a little more, which is a relief. Can't pick up my boy until she clears it at the 6 week check and have been signed off work for another 2 weeks, but worked from home last week (only do 2 days) with my laptop in bed and felt much better for doing something.

She told me the repair would be 'like concrete' and that she doesn't think the pelvic floor exercises make any difference, or are necessary, which is completely opposite to what the physio said! I have to say, I did them when pregnant and it didn't do me any good then .... I have been doing them every day anyway, but it's interesting to hear that from your doctor!

Very pleased all is well so far, but anxious for the 6 week check and getting cleared for test driving the new and improved model!

Losh, it sounds overall that your appointment went really well and you sound very positive.

Bladder, it's really nice to hear how well yore doing too. It's so very reassuring, although I'm hoping I've had my bad luck and from now on it'll all be plain sailing!

Tinkx I am so sorry for you hon. It does sound, given your rectal prolapse, that they were premature with this surgery. I can't believe your colorectal appointment is so far away. If you can I would keep calling just incase there have been any cancellations and you can be fitted in sooner. I hope tomorrow's gynaecologist appt is constructive and offers you some reassurance.

Losh, I'm really interested to hear your doc said the PFEs make no difference. Bladder, is that what you were talking about when you said about looking after them? It was great to hear your repairs have been a success as I wait anxiously for mine!

Hi there,

So I have a small prolapse, it doesn't bother me that much, only I can't do any exercise or I wet myself....
I'm seeing the NHS physio (saw her once, next appointment is end of feb). I'm also seeing a private physio (will see her next week) as I've realised physio is covered by my private insurance company...

Do any of you do Pilates to make it better? Does it work? Can you recommend a DVD?

The Nhs physio has mentionned using an electric machine if I don't get better by my next appointment.
Have you tried? I've read somewhere that it doesn't really work...

Is there any hope for a permanent repair without surgical intervention or a vaginal ring?

Thank you

Ps: I had 3 babies and the last one is 8 months old

Back from my colorectal appointment with my defecating proctogram results. I don't have an intussusception!! However the 'mild' rectocele that has already been diagnosed is actually a moderate one and only a third empties. The surgeon says that this sort of dysfunction causes problems higher up and he feels that surgery is necessary.

Which is more or less what I've been saying all along.

Discussions are now taking place between him and the gynae to decide who will do what and hopefully I'll be booked in for rectocele and cystocele repair in due course.

Just so relieved that rectopexy isn't indicated at present

Has anyone been given any advice regarding sexual activity after a repair? I know there is to be no penetration until being given the all clear at the 6 week appointment, but is it supposed to be complete pelvic rest?

I am at the point where I am feeling pretty good so it would be nice to indulge in some heavy petting as it were, but not sure if orgasms are out?!!!!

I can't see what harm it would do, but am not sure?

Any ideas?

Hi, back again. Just over a week post op, and feeling a bit better. I can sit in the office chair without feeling pressure in the abdomen, and the stitches are catching a little less, so I can type a bit now, at last!

Thanks for the kind words, re swelling etc, Fengirl. Things have changed since I last posted and look a bit more like they did pre - op. I am trying not to read too much into it and just go with the flow........... I have a bruise on the right of the perineum which has gone green and is sore - may be from the internal stitching, but I am sure it will pass.

Totasky - I do a lot of dance classes and have done Pilates. It is best if you can find a teacher who does private or small classes to get started, or a good beginners class. I have a video, but it was useless. Ballet and Contemporary Dance do a lot for core muscle stability. It might be worth visiting a physio, finding which muscles to concentrate on, so that you have more idea. I have been doing these things regularly (obsessively?) for the last 8 years and they have certainly helped.

I am still on the glycerine suppositories, and am intending to go for a walk to the chemist for more, when the snow has all melted!

Totasky - I agree with Dahlia about Pilates, if done incorrectly it can make pelvic floor problems worse not better so you need to find an instructor who can tailor the work bearing in mind the prolapse. I go to a Body Control pilates class, the instructor is highly qualified and takes great care to tailor the exercises to everyone's needs.

There's lots of good advice about exercise here.

Losh - I wasn't given any advice other than no penetration by anything until 6 weeks.

Misery - well, that's progress, glad you haven't got to face the rectopexy.

Dahlia, I had bits that were black and blue! The bruises were incredibly tender (I think they were deep). They eventually faded around three / four weeks.

Hello everyone, hope you don't mind me jumping in! I have been reading through the threads(it took me a while), I have what I now know - thanks to all you lovely ladies - is a rectocele and am suspecting a cyctocele too.Have been having trouble going to the loo for a long time but didn't think it was something that could be fixed just a left over from five babies. Have a doctors appointment tomorrow and am going to be brave and ask her to have a look and tell me what she thinks.Am sure I will have lots of questions for you all soon.

Just dropping in as new member,having had a posterior enterocele repair,with a sacrospinous fixation,plus all the other "parts" fixed while surgeon was down there! This was Friday jan 18. Have been told to do nothing except gentle walking(which am unable to due to dangerous state of pavements with the ice) and making myself a meal or drink.
How has everyone else coped,as in myself am feeling ok,have some buttock pain,but its bearable. I am bored rigid!
Usually am very active,never sit still,so mentally am finding couped up in house very hard.
Have Internet,and books,wasgij and enrolled on Internet course,but the thought of 5 plus weeks of this, is already doing my head in.
So,any suggestions,inspiration or advise woud be much appreciated.
Thanks.

Welcome Charley and Yellow.

Yellow apart from spending hours on MN on an Ipad, I mainly watched TV (Iplayer etc plus DVDs) read books and newspapers on the Kindle and did crochet. What about books of crosswords or similar? I also encouraged visitors and had a chair put in my bedroom so the DCs or other visitors could come and sit with me when I wanted to lie down (the sofa we had then was too short to lie on). I also pottered round the garden quite a bit, but obv. that's not much fun at the moment.

Thanks whoknows. Have got Suduko and so on. I don't really do gardens,but mine would be lethal as its on a slope,and no path apart from the patio!
Keep suggestions coming though please,as I can't be the only one who is struggling,and I am only on day 2 of being home!! Not really artistic,so anything craft like is more effort and mess than the end result!!
Thanks.

What about scrapbooking or organising photos Yellowhorse? I have been meaning to do memory books for the younger dc for years but never seem to have the time:) Laid up I think I could occupy myself with sewing,knitting,crochet, puzzle books and reading for a little while and I homeschool one of the dc so that would take up a fair bit of my time too. I can only imagine how bored you will be by week 5 though and sympathise.

Yellow, I went through over fifteen years of photos, sorting and scanning them! I also did some jewellery making. (Kumihimo is dead easy - and pretty.)

To be honest, I thought I'd struggle being stuck at home for so long but the weeks flew by for me. I had thought of sorting thousands of photos out on the computer but I couldn't sit in an upright chair for more than a few minutes for the first month or so and it's a desktop not a laptop so couldn't take it to the sofa.

I did sort out quite a substantial backlog of paper filing and sort out all the paperwork for my tax return. That was boring though.

Thanks everyone. I do have loads of paperwork I need to sort out,requires OH to get the boxes out,so that is a necessary job I hadn't had time for,to be done.
What did you manage to do around the house work,anything at all? Wondering if I would be able to dust or wipe surfaces if doesn't involve lifting or stretching? I was expecting to feel much worse than I do,so quite a pleasant surprise! Been moaning I never have time to do things a home,but now I potentially have time,am limited by the operation in what I can tackle!
I can't sit upright for long,either,at the mo,but my sofa is long enough for me to lay on,along with a piles cushion to make it more comfy!, and I am ok walking round house.standing still too long,isn't too easy yet,but can manage few minutes.
Thanks everyone!

I mainly just did what you describe round the house, waist level lightweight stuff. I bought a litter picker from Amazon for picking stuff from the floor but didn't use it too much, it never seemed to be in the right room so I just bent down very carefully to pick light things up.

Thanks whoknows. It's comforting to think some very light duties are do-able. It means I can pay cleaner less,as she won't need to spend as long doing everything!
Will I know if I have overdone it? I am in no way wanting to risk this op failing,as consultant left me in no doubt that if it should,I am facing a much bigger,more invasive one.
Will prob put up with dust till next week,as feeling a week into op is too soon to risk,but will do a little ASAP then.
Thanks so much.

Just popping in. Rectocele repair was two weeks ago today. Am feeling well although still taking regular paracetamol and ibuprofen. Plus once a day lactulose. I am a bad sleeper and lack of activity is keeping me awake at night. Apart from that I wouldn't know had had op. am following the consultants rule book though as so scared of op not working or popping my stitches open! So have pretty much spent last two weeks lying in bed or on settee. Am lucky as had different friend visit me everyday so far. From today I am allowed to potter round a bit more whatever that means! As a working mum to a baby and toddler I thought I would find doing nothing hard but actually feel like my body needed this rest! Perhaps if I had rested like this after my births I wouldn't have got rectocele in first place!
My plan for next few weeks is to do a bit of a job every day- so paperwork, sorting baby clothes, sorting my clothes out, buying next few months birthday presents for people online and just using this time to to the jobs I never get chance to do. Plus I am lucky to still have lots of people ready to visit- lots of my friends are on maternity leave, work part time etc.
Also just dreaming about life post op. had two pregnancies fairly close snd then this. Feel like my physical snd sexual life has been on hold for years and hoping will finally get it back.
Welcome to all the newbies. On my phone it's hard to look back at messages but happy to answer any questions.

Someone said they had an 8 month old and just been diagnosed. I was diagnosed when my youngest was 6 months old snd had to wait a year post partum until I could have the op (op was as I could). In that time cytocele and uterus prolapse a bit better as body got back to normal so to your pelvic floor and give it time. I didn't have to have the hysterectomy or anterior repair for thd cytocele like the consultant initially thought I might.
Good luck everyone with your continued recovery and hopefully we will all have success stories for the people waiting or considering the op x

Glad things are going well Celegirl. I also didn't sleep well the first couple of weeks.

Yelliw be very careful this first two weeks, that is the critical period, I got achey and uncomfy and slightly nauseous if I overdid anything. I was told lift nothing heavier than a half full kettle in the first 2 weeks.

Thanks again ladies. Ok,so two weeks of very little. Did venture to wipe kitchen surfaces,but won't do anything more. Realise the lifting is a major no go. Long term, real problem as I have horses,and that entails tonnes of heavy lifting, from hay bales, to horsebox ramps. Having had hysterectomy 5 years ago, my poor internal parts have Ben right through the mill,and would live to avoid too much further in way of ops!