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.

[lotsofquestions000]

Im now 11 days post posterior repair op and the pain in my lower back/bum is really starting to get to me - van anyone tell me how long I can expect it to last at this intensity???

[mrsclairet]

It was me who went to see a urogyn privately and got put onto the NHS waiting list! It cost me £250 through BUPA and he said I should have to wait about 3 months. I had a repair for bowel and bladder prolapse in May but he said when they operated they also found I had a slight uteruine prolapse (can't remember the technical name!) I am now going to have a 2nd operation to remove scar tissue and to tighten things up a bit more as my vagina has been left open at the bottom (Lovely!) I am only 32 and decided I'm not going to live like this for the rest of my life, as my DH said it wasn't really living, just existing. I'm not going to lie, the operation was horrible, even worse than I thought it would be but it's like having babies it's amazing how quickly you forget how horrendous labour was! I now think well if I did it once I can do it again and even though it didn't quite work out as it should I don't regret going for the surgery as my bulge has gone and I have actually let my DH touch me again! (though have not dtd yet as I have scar tissue which needs to be removed).

[Mrsbapandbabies]

It is amazing what we're expected to live with. It seemed to be the case that if it's not all hanging out it's ok. If it was all hanging out I'd freak out and sit in a&e till they put it back in!! I spoke to my husband about it last night - he thinks the same as you ladies, that it needs to be sorted. He was a bit upset as I told him that I don't enjoy sex on the rare occasions that we have it. But that's the truth. I can't imagine having a crap sex life for the next 30 years! I'm too young to just exist.

Hopefully the GP will see it from my point of view and I'll not have to go private!

[Mrsbapandbabies]

mrsclaret sounds awful to have to go through a second op. Hope it goes ok

[LackaDAISYcal]

Hello

Just signing in. Sorry to hear about your pain in the bum lotsof; I hope someone can answer your wuestions for you, but maybe a sign of overdoing things? It must be really hard to not be able to do much at all, but I guess needs must rather than risk undoing things.

I am having a horrible time of things. I have had a prod round and it seems the only thing holding my uterus inside my vagina is the bulge on my front wall. When pooing, unless things are really loose, I'm having to hold my cervix out of the way as it is pushing into my bowel and stopping things moving

I am madly doing my PFEs but it doesn't appear to be doing a lot of good. I'm terrified that as the physios discharged me after a cancelled appointment and before they were finished with me, I will just get referred back to them. I'm also concerned that I haven't lost as much weight as I'd hoped, only about half a stone when I needed two to get my BMI below 30, and that my skinny consultant will brush it off as a fat persons problem and refuse to do anything till I lose weight
Bleeding has calmed down a bit thankfully, but I always get a gush after having to hold things out of the way. Could the bleeding be down to the prolapse? I'm also still stressing about taking tme off work for an op. I have just had to get a new car as mine died so have committed myself to a hefty amount of money for the next three years. Still I can hopefully budget for things if I have enough lead in time!

Hi MrsB...welcome, but sorry that you are here on this thread. My advice would be to push for a second , especially as you are so young.

ratherbeskiiing; lovely to hear post op positiveness

[Mrsbapandbabies]

Hi Lackadaisycal- thanks for the welcome. What you're going through sounds horrendous! I can't believe it can be that bad and not be fixed yet! My BMI isn't as low as I'd like but that's partly because I can't really do prancing about exercise as it feels like everything's going to fall out nothing to do with all the cake I eat.

I can't see the point in PFE's once you get to this point! Fingers crossed you don't just get referred back to the physios. It seems as though you have to take a long time off postoperativley which is a worry but surely you can't cope with that much longer. I hope you get the ball rolling and it's fixed soon

[Italianboys]

I've followed the previous posts with interest and I'm now 12 weeks after my posterior repair and TVTO as well. It's been a long 12 weeks but now feel really good and no longer having stress incontinence is life changing for me. I haven't lifted anything heavier than a saucepan on instruction from my consultant and I will never lift anything heavier than a small bag of shopping ever again. I've got dogs and kids and so not lifting or moving heavy objects is really hard but your surgery won't be a success if you do.
My sex life is much improved though it took patience and some eyewatering moments to feel confident. It's vital to keep your stools soft for ever more and I take big spoonfuls of Linusit golden linseed every day mixed with yoghurt or sprinkled on soup, it certainly works for me but you need to drink plenty of fluids as well.

I found Michelle Kenway's website so helpful and really urge anyone with prolapse issues to look at it, there is so much good advice on it, even how to poo without straining and damaging your repair. Having done Pilates for years I wonder now if I did more damage than good, Michelles site gives good advice on safe exercises for all women with compromised pelvic floors, that's most of us who have given birth! Just Google Michelle Kenway.

[lotsofquestions000]

Thanks for your support lacka and sorry you are suffering so much. I have really been doing nothing but have come to the conclusion that half the pain is from my (TMI) haemorrhoids!! which although were sometimes a bit uncomfortable before, I now think that because everything is tighter (and swollen??) I cant push them back in easily - which usually relieved the pain. So I hopeing that when swelling goes down there will be a bit more relief from them. . Anyone had this experience???
As an aside Lacka - have you tried the 5/2 diet, I have been doing it this year and found it very affective and manageable in a diet sort of way as you are only hungry for 2 days a week and can have a cake or wine or something if you really feel like it on the other days and it has worked for me where no other diet has and so far I haven't gained anything with all this sitting around - lets hope that lasts!!

[LackaDAISYcal]

thanks lots

I have the 5:2 diet books; I might pick them up again. I'm hopeless with diets though; I go for months without chocolate or chips passing my lips, but as soon as I think diet, cheesy chips become the most appealing snack in the world . Or, I lose a few pounds get complacent and it all starts to slide

Ask the doc for some cream or suppositories for your piles; it'll help with general swelling in the area as well. Or I got some Nelsons arnica cream for haemorroids.

[Noordinarygirl]

Off to see Cons again this afternoon - to have lots of questions answered hopefully. Maybe I've been googling just a bit too much?!

My home life is becoming unbearable as I can't face the thought of my partner coming near me and haven't for quite a while now. It had quite clearly been impacting on his 'performance' too. Just can't (or don't want to) be close with him anymore. I've had absolutely NO sympathy or understanding from him so I guess I've kind of withdrawn from him. I moved out of the bedroom last week and am sleeping downstairs on the couch now. Just wondering how I will manage after op in January! It seems like a recurring theme from a lot of posts that partners are crap at the 'understanding' bit and are in the main pretty selfish. If only they knew what the hell we are all living with.

My pessary re-fitting was no good so I am just bearing with it til my op now. Keep pushing it back up when needed. Am managing to get out and walk everyday for at least half an hour as it's helping me get my weight down. Cannot recommend Slimming World enough. Have got 1st 3lbs off in 7 weeks so far and am seeing numbers on the scales that I haven't seen for a long time. BMI now 25.9 - almost in the healthy range - so deffo will be by January. All the masses of fibre I'm eating keeps things moving so am not having any problems with that side of things interfering too.

Still have a very 'heavy' feeling down there and can't wait for the day when things are back where they should be however much I'm worrying about it. For info - my cervix (or whatever it was) completely fell out of me in May by about 1/2 cms (after a day of major gardening, cleaning and doing way too much) and they also found a stage I/II bowel herniation into my vagina too. I am now 46 and I think still considered very young to be having this surgery (sacrocolpopexy), which should take about 2.5 hrs. Still have not discovered anyone who has had this exact op and would love to have any comments from anyone who has.

Bigs hugs to all ladies 'suffering' in many ways on these threads - just such a shame that 'shit happens' but great that we can congregate together and have cyber support even when we can't get any at home. Thank you all....

[LackaDAISYcal]

I hope the appointment went well noordinarygirl. I have been reading up on sacrowhatsit; it is rare, but apparently quite successful and minimally invasive with a much quicker recovery than eg a hysterectomy which I believe is the standard procedure for uterine prolapse. I hope you get all the answers you need. Keep us updated as I may be facing a similar procedure.

I am so with you on the sex side of things; I positively freeze if DH so much as cuddles me I would so like things to be normal again. the poor man has all but given up even trying to get me interested. I haven't really explained what's going on to him for fear of him running to the hills screaming at the thought of my insides coming out.

I'm trying to pluck up the courage to have a look at what's happening, but I fear I may run to the hills screaming too!!

[LackaDAISYcal]

well done on the weight loss btw

[Noordinarygirl]

Thanks DAISY. I went armed with loads of questions and the doc answered them all very thoroughly. It IS a big op which is longer than most, approx. 2 and a half hours if all goes well. My doc actually teaches other docs to do this procedure so that's all good. Having said that he only performs approx. 5 each year which isn't many, so yes you're right they do seem pretty 'rare'. I shall definitely keep everyone updated after my op as I've struggled like mad to try and find anyone who's had it done and come up with nothing.

One thing I did ask the doc was 'if your wife had the same problems would you feel comfortable with her having that op?' He answered straight away 'Yes' and I feel as if he was genuine about his answer. He's a very good doc and I feel comfortable with him operating. All the women seem to love him and he's exceedingly difficult to get an appointment with at times, which tells me something.

For info I had a sub-total (still have cervix and ovaries) lap hysterectomy last year after having 6 months of intermittent self-catheterisation due to a large (about 10cms I think but not too sure) fibroid trying to take over my insides. I recovered very quickly and very well from that op and thought I was back to normal, only to have it all try and fall out back in May.

I am still dreading this op as I have 2 knackered discs in my back too (from years of lifting very heavy stuff whilst in the Navy) and I can't bear the thought of more back and butt pain coming my way.

Anyway, enough moaning, sorry ladies, we all keep smiling to the outside world don't we but understand each others worries/moans/good times. Can I ask how old you are DAISY and what going on with you...PM me if you'd rather - am intrigued as to how anyone else may end up with the same op. (off to get weighed now!)

[BeyondAnyFuckingJoke]

Hello, been directed here from my moan thread
Bad day here, so apologies for my shit intro. Will have a big read through all 8 threads though and will be back when I'm a bit more chirpy :)

[MedusaIsHavingaBadHairday]

Hi can I join you?
I am currently suffering again after approx ten years of (relative) normality and feel really down.

After 3 kids in two years (!) and a 4th large baby 3 years afterwards I had a prolapse. rectcele and cystocele and had a hysterectomy (but no repair)at 35. Reasonably good shape after tho bowels don't work without suppositories..

However this year I took up running.. and am working in a class (special needs..physical disabilities) which entail a fair bit of lifting.. and suddenly I'm in aching pain.. feels like my insides are dropping into my vagina..hurts to stand for long, just hurts really .

It never occurred to me that running would be bad for my pelvic floor..I don't wet myself (and appreciate how lucky I am there) if anything I have trouble peeing...and pooing.

I'm currently lying down a LOT when not at work, sitting down whenever I can and am not lifting any children..but it seems the damage is back in whatever new form it has taken.

I saw my gp today who didn't even do an internal, but told me to 'rest' ha!
I'm not sure what to do next except to lie still and hope it improves a bit.. taken tons of painkillers for the last few weeks to no availsad

Any suggestions gratefully received:/

[MoreThanWordsforAnyFucker]

Hi - I'm a newcomer to this particular board - 46, 3 teens, all straightforward deliveries so I'm guessing it's my age that's causing my issue. . Having had a quick read through your posts, I'm scared in awe of what some of you are having to deal with health-wise. Mine is a much much minor issue in comparison.

I feel like I've got a tampon not in the right place iykwim. It felt worse Sunday morning, and I know I've had the feeling on random occasions before, but this time it's been more noticeable for longer. Frantically doing pelvic floor squeezes until I can get a gp appt.

Anyway, will go back to reading some of experiences (and will probably be back for more advice later!)

[lotsofquestions000]

Hi last 2 posters - sorry I cant really help with your particular problems - but welcome to this thread. I have found it an invaluable source of support and advice so I hope you get some answers

[KookyKitty]

Hi,

I'm really hoping that someone on here can give me some advice. I've spent the morning in tears, I gave birth to my DD 5 months ago, she was a big baby 9,3lbs and the birth was traumatic. I tore badly, and I'm still in pain from the tear. I'm due to get counseling for the birth in December.

Recently I've started feeling pain and pressure 'down there', it's not the pain caused by the tear. Sorry if this is tmi but it feels like the top of my vagina is hanging down.

I'm due to go to Dr's on Tuesday, can someone tell me what they can do if it is a prolapse? I'm so scared that they will tell me to just do mote kegals and send me away.

I feel like I'm broken and will never be the same again. I hate my body for failing me like this.

Can anyone give me advice on what can be done? Right now I just feel so depressed.

[curlyclaz13]

I have been back to the gp today for a follow up, she said it is not too bad but advised a pessary as I don't know if we want more children yet. How likely is this going help ? also I have an appointment for a coil fitting but am not sure if I should sort the pessary out first. tbh we haven't dtd since having ds 4 1/2 months ago as I feel so embarrassed by how things are but OH is getting frustrated by it now. I know it's my body and if I'm not happy nothing will happen but if the prolapse won't improve I guess I have to accept that my body will never improve in that department. I just feel disappointed in myself and my body and worry he will find it repulsive. sorry to waffle.

[Noordinarygirl]

Blimey, this is way more common than I previously thought!

Medusa, my prolapse started after a day of major cleaning, gardening. Please read my previous posts for more details. I also lie down a lot! It all sounds very familiar.....and why the hell did he not do an internal. When mine first started I called the hospital immediately (as I was due to leave for Rome within the hour!) and the doctor told me to stand up and cough! My cervix (or whatever it was!) instantly came out again - I'd pushed it back in and had been lying down until then! I then had to go straight to A&E (yes I did get to Rome for 4 days but it was pretty grim having to keep lying down every afternoon and push the damn thing up all the time!)

Same to Morethanwords....that's exactly how it feels sometimes - like a full tampon that's about to fall out!

Curlyclaz - the pessary isn't working for me. If you do anything like crouching down, gardening etc etc it comes out of position and feels worse than ever. I've tried pushing mine back into place loads of times but it just won't stay where it's meant to and I've had enough of the 'heavy feeling and the discomfort of it.

Kookykitty - (again please see my previous posts for more details of my medical history). However, (I'm really not a doctor or anything so don't take what I say too literally!) both you and Curlyclaz have pretty recently had babies so your bodies are much more likely still trying to go back to normal! I had my last baby over 16 years ago. Maybe you 2 should really try to persist initially with pelvic floor exercises?!

What does anyone else think????

[Noordinarygirl]

and I'm still hunting around for anyone that's had a SACROCOLPOPEXY.....anyone????

[curlyclaz13]

I am still doing the exercises and will continue, I know the nurse fairly well who will be fitting the pessary so will ask her if she thinks they are worthwhile. Thanks for the input.

[joclairey]

Hi. I've just joined MN after a friend pointed me in the direction of this thread.

I have got a uterine and a slight recerole prolapse. I'm 32 years old, and well frankly I'm bloody scared! I'm currently off work as I also appear to have a pelvic infection (PID) which I am taking two sorts of antibiotics for.

I've got a pessary temporarily(put in by a gynae registrar at A+E), but it is bloody uncomfortable. I am currently awaiting an ultrasound so assess the extent of the damage before I see the consultant to discuss next steps.

Back story is I had a very difficult birth with my now 2.5 year old, failed induction, failed epidurals, episotimy, 3rd degree tears, ventouse, and finally forceps - loosing a lot of blood etc.

In September I developed a very severe chest infection with the most horrendous cough, and I have had a sudden prolapse from that. I have a Mirena coil, which was only checked in the summer (plus i check my own threads so am intimate with my intimates!) and didn't have one then.

During said cough I started suffering for severe abdo pains on my right side, and from the start I said it was my ovary, but was told it was pulled muscles from the cough. One evening I could feel a really uncomfortable prickling sensation in my bits, and it was my coil threads near the entrance to my vagina, closely followed by my cervix.

We have always been uncertain as to whether we want any more kids (leaning more towards the no than the yes, due to the birth and has a lot of pregnancy problems including severe HG). I can't go on like this, I know want surgery so I kind of feel that the choice has been taken away forever. I'm so down.

My husband wants me to get surgery because I am in so much pain and would rather have a healthy wife and mother to the child we have than, have me like this to try for more. I've no idea what I will even be offered yet.

So yeah. Hello. I have a feeling I will be moving in here for the next few months! waves

[mrsclairet]

Hi to everyone that's new. Sorry I have to be quick as I've got a 3 and a 5 year old that take up rather a lot of my time. I had a rectocele and cystocele that got to the point of hanging out slightly and I was offered surgery straightaway. I'm only 32 but as soon as I said I didn't want any more children they referred me to a gynaecologist. I had surgery in may and the bulge in my vagina has gone but I am still getting a dragging feeling and apparently have got scar tissue so I am going to have to have a 2nd operation. I would still recommend having surgery but it is a major operation and you have to rest. I had help for the first 4 weeks but after that had to lift my then 2 year old a few times and I don't know if that contributed to the 1st operation not working.

[LackaDAISYcal]

Hello to the newbies, but sorry you have found your way to this thread. It's all shit isn't it? And yes so much more common than you would think. I'm so glad that online life allows us to talk about these things and is meaning that more women seek help and realise that things don't have to be like this. Think of our parent's and grandparent's generations; it wasn't talked about and women just accepted it as part and parcel of having children/getting older.

Looking forward to chatting to y'all.

My update is that after five days off, I'm bleeding again. So so sick of it all now and would gladly sign up to a hysterectomy tomorrow if they'd let me