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.
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General health
Any old prolapse! Uterus/womb prolapse, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, urethrocele, incontinence, pelvic floor, anterior and posterior repair, TVT etc part 7
gottagetthroughthis · 19/10/2012 00:38
Misspolly - I'm sorry too! The symptoms of cystocele can vary from incontinence to difficulty emptying the bladder, so it's difficult to recommend a course of action other than asking for referral to a urogynaecologist. You will probably need a bladder function test which is not as bad as it sounds! Your gp is not the person to deal with this, but be aware that often women are sent to do pelvic floor exercises under the guidance of a physio first, so do start these if you haven't already - that way you can perhaps shorten the delay before further treatment is considered. You are far from alone and there is a huge range of experiences on here, so ask away! 
What Tink is talking about is a ring pessary... Wouldrather is right - its how you are affected psychologically as much as physically that should be considered by specialists when discussing your treatment options. So how your self-esteem and sex life should also be considered when making a decision about what to do, as well as how it effects your day-to-day life ( for example having to think about loo trips). The best advice I can give is to press for a referral and write a list of all the things that bother you - and take it with you! Don't be afraid to get it out at the end of the consultation and check you have covered everything.
Tink - hope you are feeling a bit better, you sounded so miserable in your post this morning. You will get fixed, you will have sex again (though I'm a fine one to talk 
) and life can only get better, so hang on in there! (((((hugs)))))) to you xxx
With regard to stitches - my first lot never fell out and I ended up having to have them surgically removed 3 months after the op, because the consultant I was under had used polypropelene thread which doesn't really dissolve 
My second lot, the consultant used normal dissolvable stitches, the last of which went at about 5/6 weeks (of those that I could see). I think they started to dissolve at about 2/3 weeks, some quicker than others. They do suddenly go (and tend to pull a bit just before), and you will find them in your knickers or on loo paper!!! They should all have gone when you go for your 6+ week post op check.
Hope this helps
x
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
I think you can use it for years - there are quite a number of different designs - mind boggling in fact. I was given the standard ring and I really did find it a life saver for a rectocele. I could really feel the difference if I took it out, especially walking etc. I haven't felt the need for it with the cystocele but I think I'm also reluctant because I would be worried about it upsetting the rectocele repair which I had done in March. I read all I could about pessaries and found stories of women who just popped them in for support for activities - one lady said she used it just for ballroom dancing. There is a chance of infection. I was lucky. I can't imagine keeping one in for 6 months which is apparently common 
. It's a shame more information isn't forthcoming from our GP's and consultants on pessaries.
Good luck x
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WOULD - thanks so much you have given me a glimmer of hope - I love cycling and am terrified i make things worse would have also loved to go dancing and really "scared" to do anything to make things worse (I have not had a period in 5 years so obviously my tissues are deteriorating). Also was wondering bout the sex side of things i mean its ok atm but still like it iykwim [hblush] and dont know for how much longer i can manage it (hopefully a pessary would not get in the way??!!). Love this thread it is a life saver and all the regulars really helps come to terms with this - at least i know i am not the only one (even in NI). hugs and healing to all who need 
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