Pt 8 (Oct13) Any old prolapse! Uterus/womb prolapse, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, urethrocele, incontinence, pelvic floor, anterior and posterior repair, TVT etc

[Bladderama]

Welcome to thread 8 (again - see below) 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.

With apologies for confusion in thread numbers - an earlier thread was called part 7 but it was actually the 6th thread.

Here are the previous threads:

Thread 1
Thread 2
Thread 3
Thread 4
Thread 5
Thread 6
Thread 7

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.

Lacka, I had endometriosis for years in my twenties. Ended up having 2 laparoscopic ops to laser off 'lumps' of the stuff inside where it shouldn't have been along with a D&C (no preganancy there just a general 'clean up' inside!) Ended up on some tablets that made me go really emotional and strange. It all disappeared after I had my first daughter and periods regulated to every 28 days too - something I'd never had prior to that. At the time I was told there were 2 options - a hysterectomy or get pregnant.....I was totally shocked - I was in the Navy and I was ONLY 23! Anyway, it did work out in the end as I insisted I didn't want either and gritted my teeth and got on with things. I could go 7-8 weeks bleeding some times. Looking back I think my lady bits were never meant to give me an 'easy ride' (no pun intended there!).

My sacrocolpopexy 'pal' is Alis115. She says it's pretty rubbish for a couple of weeks (no getting dressed even!) and then it's a pretty tiring, slow recovery. Alis is only about 4 weeks post op as yet but reckons it's been successful - which is brilliant news. She does re-iterate that I will need to take it really easy and rest LOADS - something that still concerns me a lot as I have a house full of people that seem to think that cleaning fairies visit everyday and do their magic when no-ones looking! (sorry for moaning but really not in a good mood today - bad day at work, bad day for insides as no BM and bad day at home - am almost at the point of splitting up with partner just can't decide how to do it with the least upset for everybody!)

Hi,

DD2 was born last December, I had a 2nd degree tear, and my stitches broke down. I was told nothing could be done, that it would heal eventually. Probably. It settled down, but my perineum is now shorter than it used to be, it obviously didn't heal all the way up.

I have recently discovered that I have a rectocele. Things had never felt quite right, no matter how many PFE I kept doing (they never felt quite right either) and I recently became a bit constipated, hence the discovery!

I've been referred to gynae and have an appointment in a couple of weeks. I am wondering a few things…

1. Will surgery be the only answer?
2. How long should I expect to stay in?
3. Any particular issues with caring for DD2 afterwards?

And the question most on my mind-have any of you/anyone you know been to Ms Glew's clinic in Bristol? Is she good?!

Thanks for reading

change my dr certainly said to me that surgery was the only option for a rectocele and that PF exercises wouldn't help. I am now 5 weeks post op.
I was in 3 days and told no lifting, hovering, ironing, pushing shopping trolleys for 6 weeks and then for another 6 weeks still being careful re lifting etc. So you will need help with kids lifting etc.
I cant say its been pleasant experience so far but not as painful as I thought it would be after the first week and Ive quite enjoyed being lazy -and watching my DH having to do all the things I normally do-.
I still don't feel back to normal down below yet and that is concerning me a bit. I had a bit of a poke around the other day as was feeling more confident and made it feel quite sore - so cant believe that they say its ok for sex at 6weeks!! must be a man that made that decision as I think it would be very tender for while yet. Don't know about Bristol Cons.
noordinary I can sympathise on the housework front it is like that in my house - my family have a cleaning fairy!!! the trouble is they don't notice when its not clean either!! Grrrr!

Hi. So glad I have found this thread. I recently had a rectocele, cystocele and perrineorraply (sp!) I am week 5 post op now. First week or so literally did nothing, DH was good(ish) but soon got fed up and I really think he doesn't realise how frustrating it is not being able to do things. Anyway I was just wondering if anyone can relate......... I am back to work, no lifting etc, but am still very uncomfortable. Saw my cons 2 weeks ago and he said stitches were still in. I get a poking feeling every now and then but generally feel as though i have something stuck up there (sorry tmi). Is this normal? I was told no excercise till after christmas, only walking, but sex after 6 weeks........ are they joking!! The thought is making petrified let alone the actual act . I had this operation done after a novasure ablation as I was suffering badly with periods. When I went back for check up I explained that sex was slightly uncomfortable and a bit 'numb'. Cons has been great and aked other questions regarding incontinence etc and i was told that this operation would help. At this point I'm wishing i'd never had it done!! Is there light at the end of the tunnel????/

lotofquestions some of your thread really cheered me up. Know what you mean about the 'cleaning fairy'

Thanks Lotsofquestions for your answers, may I ask why you were in for 3 days? Was it for pain relief and medical reasons or more to make sure you had a couple of quiet, restful days ?

I'm a bit anxious about that, as DD is still quite needy at night, and only I will do. Not much fun for her or DH if I'm away that long. Mind you, I suppose it may be a while before a surgery date comes through, and she could be quite different by then (hopeful emoticon!).

I haven't been on since thread 7 but just waned to drop in with some light at the proverbial (and literal) tunnel. I had an anterior repair in Feb and a posterior repair in June and, although I had complications with the second one, everything has now healed.

I can walk, jump, lift the DCs, etc with no discomfort AND my innards remain innards! I'm now on countdown to the New Year; 2013 can just do one as far as I'm concerned.

lolly you are at the same stage as me and I feel comforted (IYKWIM) that you still have issues as I do too. I go back to work next week and am feeling a bit depressed by it all at the moment cos everyone assumes you are pretty much ok - as if 6wks is the magical, all back to normal date!! I feel really lumpy and the skin is hard and Im wondering when that will ease - I hope it does. And as for sex - gotta be joking! Also still having issues with BMs I am still taking laxitives as I don't feel as if I can push with any confidence - in fact I had a bad tummy yesterday and simply had to push and felt something pop inside so Im even more wary now - although everything stlll looks the same - sorry if TMI. But my BMs used to be fairly predictable and now I find I don't/cant go when I need to now always - even with the laxitives so its all depressing me quite a lot! Also want to be more active again but not sure what is a safe level - as turning to comfort eating a bit too much now!!
change I don't really know why 3 days think it is standard round here. Some people on this thread have only been in over night but I thought 3 days was about right as you aren't very comfortable and to go home to a demanding child would be hard. I also had a catheter in for 24hrs (but no pack). I wa ready to go by 3 days cos although had issues with BMs (as still do) I got to the stage where I felt they couldn't really do much more for me.

[neo] My thoughts exactly, can't wait to say goodbye to 2013 and welcome in 2014, hopefully in comfort!
[homebird] I was only in for overnight stay but also managed to succomb to infection, luckily anti biotics did the trick and shifted it. I went back to work as I was feeling guilty but only do three days, but omg did i feel it Thursday. Literally laid on sofa most of the day! Felt soo uncomfortable and bit down
[lotofquestions] I am pretty much the same, sometimes really gets me down and i have put on about 5lb which gets me down even more as christmas coming up. I too feel bit lumpy and with hard skin. Not too bad on the BM, thank god, i just keeping taking 'lactulose' every couple days to soften. But still quite nerve racking every time I go. I am soooo coming back as a man next time round! They haven't got a bloody clue

neoprene that's brilliant, really great to hear for me as I'm facing my 2nd op in feb/march next year.

change - I was in for 5 days but could have gone home sooner. When they took my catheter out I couldn't wee and then it had to go back in and then I still couldn't wee, it was 3rd time lucky. I ended up taking morphine though for 3 days and then one of the doctors came in and said why is she still on morphine?? It ended up making me feel really sick and light headed and making me really constipated so for my next op I will try and keep the morphine to a minimum! I am having a different consultant do my 2nd op and he said he would have just sent me home with a catheter strapped to my leg!

3.5 weeks post op and apart from feeling shattered and needing lots of naps it's going ok. Internally it feels swollen and lumpy but am hopeful that that's normal? No work for a while fortunately- my job is both physically and mentally taxing so they are keen for me to stay at home. Not going to argue about that .

I pop in every now and then cos apparently have a stage 1 rectocele but when I had sex (tmi ) it hurts at the front I am 53 its been 6 years since I had a period anyone else experienced this? Woul dluv to know also has anyone tried r=the ring pesseries available - not too sure about these or even if I wanted to use one when is it ok or can I still have a sex life whilst wearing one? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. thanks

Hi gottaget, I tried the ring pessary. They are successful for some and yes you can have sex. Mine didn't work though. Firstly because the doctor couldnt find the measuring tool to get the right size so she guessed. First one was too big and really hurt. Second seemed ok at first but then kept falling down then became uncomfortable. sometimes they just dont stay in place . But if it had worked I think I would have stuck with it for a while to put off the operation. it might be worth you trying one even if you do want an operation as you may be waiting a few months.

thanks so much I want to delay the op for as long as possible but I love cycling and we hope to be going grape picking next year and don't know if I can without making my prolapse worse - it doesn't really bother me but just wondering if the pessary was a success it would be a bit of a support therefore delaying the need for an op but not sure if it would work that way or how bad it has to be before they give you one. I know my mother-in-law is in her 80's and has worn one for years but hers is a womb prolapse - not sure if that makes a difference. But thanks for the reply

Crap! Just picked up my son without thinking. Very briefly and put him down quickly but now my pelvic floor aches. Please tell me I've not damaged it? 3.5 weeks post op for front wall repair stage 2 cystocele.

Gotta -as I understand it they work best if the prolapse is not too bad, less chance of the pessary being just pushed out by the prolapse. i also think there are different shapes for different types of prolapse. i would go to talk to your doctor, hopefully you have one who knows about them, we have a womens health clinic at our gp's which is really good. Macca - it must be so hard not to pick him up it is just natural. Hopefully if you rest today the pain will settle. it is a nightmare isnt it worrying about damaging the work done.

Well we did it! 10 weeks post op and we did the deed. I was rigid with fear and it was thankfully over quickly (it has been quite a while :) ) I am relieved to say it wasn't too painful so for those of you thinking about when to have sex again - there is no way I was able to at 6 weeks, I don't know why we are told 6 weeks.
On another note this has convinced me even more that the pain I have when sitting is still the same as before the op and is caused by something else. Does anyone know of any other causes of pain when sitting and aching when lying down?

Well Ive had my follow up check - told all looks ok but stitches are still there so no sex for a few more weeks (no great hardship!!) In fact that was the one thing that really p... me off with the registrar who examined me - he seemed more concerned about my sex life than anything else (I don't mean in a pervy way) just that twice he told me before examining me that I could have sex now - I hadn't even asked that question!!!! But less concerned about the things that I was concerned about - which brings me to here again!
So anybody further down the line than this found that they have been restricted by the heavy lifting imbargo! The reg told me that I could resume gym, walking, running and everything now but never do heavy lifting again. I know it is something they always stress but in reality has anyone found that it is really restrictive in day to day life (like hanging washing out and food shopping also for those with young children) I have 4 boys in the house so washing and shopping are no light weight activities. I do realise that I will still need to be careful for a while but Im talking more long term. Also BM - while they are a lot better now, he stressed - don't get constipated - is it me, but you don't actually know in advance if you are going to be constipated, so do I continue laxitives for ever just in case or just take if things don't function for a day or two. I think laxitives become less and less affective the more you take them anyway?
Other than that I feel more positive today than I have felt in a while (might just be because the sun is shining!) Things do look much better and feel more comfortable and I don't think sex will be an issue when the time is right (not at 6wks for me!!!!!).
I hopefully will be able to get that sort of thing back on track although I have to say here as I couldn't really say in RL that I have been very disappointed by my DH lack of support, mainly emotionally for me - he has just not encouraged me to talk about anything, comforted me, or wanted to even understand what I've had done and why, not been able to understand why Ive had down days - well he wouldn't cos he has just not wanted to know! He has made such a drama over taking over the household jobs that I couldn't do and generally p.. me off. Not to mention disclosing to some of his friends that I was having a girly op when I specifically had asked him not to tell anyone, so Ive had to deal with the indignity of more people knowing about my faulty fanjo than I would have ever chosen to know! and I think that is going to take me a while to get over - its certainly made me question my marriage privately - but wouldn't want to break up the family home so its something I have to get over!! Maybe he forgot the 'in sickness and in health' vow!
Anyway have decided I need to start looking at things more positively and for all those waiting to have it done, at the moment I don't regret it as it was done for my health and to make me feel better about myself, my fears about being sewed up too tight are unfounded and while things are lumpy and hard down there at the moment Ive been told that will subside as the scars heal. It not something I want to repeat (hence all my concerns about future care) and its been some sort of an emotional roller coaster but I can now look forward to 2014 and hopefully some more positive times. Sorry for such a long post, just getting a lot of things off my chest and good luck to all those waiting to sort out issues x

lotsofquestions I am really disappointed with my DH too. I have 2 boys and sometimes so wish I had a girl because men are so crap and uncommunicative. I have a really lovely relationship with my mum, we don't live near to each other but I will phone her up and be chatting to her for an hour sometimes, I think I will probably never get that having sons! My DH was brilliant looking after the boys for 2 weeks but then as soon as he went back to work he just expected me to do everything again. Like you say he has given me no emotional support whatsoever, if I say my bottom is hurting or something like that he'll just go 'uhum' and yet if I say it to my mum I'll get loads of sympathy and support. It's not enough for me either to leave him but I think it's going to be really important for me to maintain my girl friends because my mum is getting older now and I think I will find it so hard when she is not here anymore and I don't have daughters to share things with. I haven't really had sex now for 3 years so I understand why he is a bit fed up of it all, even though I had the op in May I have told been told I have got scar tissue which will make sex painful so haven't even tried it but I'm sure he wouldn't want to do it if it was going to cause him lots of pain either. I know he would be really annoyed if he found out I was saying things like this online but I think it is important to let it off your chest because otherwise you just feel this burning resentment and that is not good for your relationship!

mrsclairet I know exactly how you feel. Love my DSs dearly but when you are in a male dominated house and a non touchy/feely one at that it is so isolating. And I know what you mean about keeping in touch with the girly friends. I have had such a lot support from the few friends I shared the gory details with and if that's one thing this whole experience has taught me its that I must make more effort to spend time with them. Men are crap and uncommunicative (apart from the few good ones) and Ive felt so on my own ( my mum has been quite good although even she was grossed out when I told her the issues I had!!) and I'm quite a private one about things like this so have really not wanted to talk about it with everyone and anyone.
Oh and my DH thought after 2 weeks I would be fine too! I think my whole experience has just made me feel so resentful to him. He is a good dad and I have to hold on to those thoughts and I will get over his lack of support but makes me sad sometimes that the one person I should be able to share everything with in complete faith, trust and support, I can't. Like you say though just to be able to air your feelings somewhere does help to offload some of the resentment. Mine would be cross too if he thought Id put this on - possibly even a bit surprised!!!as he hasn't bothered to actual ask me how I 'feel' (beyond the physical aspect of it all). Maybe there should be a thread for women with unsupportive husbands!! x Oh and Mrs hope you get your issues sorted out xx

Hi all Im new here but I am so glad I found this thread. I have a rectocele and I have to say my GP was fantastic. Sent me to gyne. I have my pre op assessment tomorrow and was wondering what questions to ask. I am not actually afraid of the pain after the op and Know it's going to be bludy sore. What I am rather nervous about is the going to sleep part and the concoction of drugs. I cant have morphine but it seems the standard drug the use for pain relief. I am rather worried about pooing (tmi sorry) after too. I am prone to constipation. I guess I just would like reassuring as it is such a taboo subject that we don't speak publicly about.

By the way, I have 2 ds and this happened after my 2nd normal delivery. I had a bad tear with both birth. I found it interesting that the consultant asked me who had carried out my stitches. I said my midwife, he then asked if she asked a surgeon to have a look, I said no. I was originally told it was a 2nd degree tear. But I heard him say to the junior DR it looked more like 3rd degree and surgery would of been better. Bit baffled really. It will just be bliss being able to poo straight lol

Hello. I got out of hospital on Saturday after op on wed morning. Ops went well no complications however when surgeon came round on ward round he said that my uterus has dropped too but he hasn't fixed it. Seems odd to me and I didn't get a chance to ask anything. He has made it very clear more children is a no go and that I need to be very careful and not lift for twelve weeks. Seen my physio as well who I've known for around 5 years so I've been told no sex for 12 weeks also due my hypermobility and how things will heal for me and my dodgy tissue.

I'm a bit worried that it's not worked or I've ruined it. I sneezed yesterday and it feels not right now. I also feel like I'm leaking urine which I never really did before. I will get op appt through for 6 week check so will know more then.

Been sent home on cocodamol only after having tramadol and morphine in hospital. Can't stomach the laxado but taking the senna they've prescribed. Will try get to GP tomorrow but not likely due to stupid system. Will need a sick line too though.