Pt 8 (Oct13) Any old prolapse! Uterus/womb prolapse, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, urethrocele, incontinence, pelvic floor, anterior and posterior repair, TVT etc (994 Posts)

[gottagetthroughthis]

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
Thread 8

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 miaa, I also had a rectocele and had a repair back in December 2013. I was told by my surgeon that I should not have anymore babies as I would tear and have rectocele again. I was lucky as in the fact I had two and was finished . I was like you could not open bowels naturally since up I've been so much better. I do panic a bit about getting constipated but I have changed my eating habits and going to the gym regularly makes me regular

*since operation

Ps it took me up til week 4 before I started feeling my old self. It was more tiredness than anything. My pain was very minimal just paracetamol for few days after surgery. I started driving just after 4 weeks was a tad uncomfortable but not sore. Week 1 &2 I just waddled about the house doing not much at all. Week 3 went out for short walks but would get a pulling feeling if I did too much. I would advise getting support for the first few weeks at least but if you got young children like I had the more help better for at least 4 weeks . Hope this helps

is anyone on this thread anymore?

I miss it!!

Let's try and get things going again.

Can anyone recommend any of the Kegel8 products when suffering from a rectocele? After childbirth, I went for a few months of physio for my pelvic floor and I have also a rectocele which I've managed to keep under control by twice weekly pilates classes. However, I've stopped the lessons temporarily and the rectocele symptoms have come back. I'm going back to pilates in September but also want to do now and have read los of good stuff about the Kegel8. The probe they used at the physio was one the Kegel 8 company sells which gives me some confidence. I just can't bear the thought of it getting worse.

Hi ladies - I hope this thread is still at least a little active as I'm worried and could use a little outside perspective.

I'm 36 and at the moment have no children. The last day or so I've been having this uncomfortable/painful pressure around my perineum (space between vagina & anus) - if I sneeze it hurts and it's definitely more comfortable lying down. I've had a lot of problems with constipation over the years, particularly around my period (which is due imminently) and now I'm worried I have a prolapse because I've been straining. I also do a lot of exercise - used to have back problems a year ago so was working on my core strength, and do at least 2 sessions of Body Combat and 3 of Body Balance a week. Last week I did 3 sessions of Body Combat and 3 of Balance and I'm concerned I may have pushed myself too hard and that is partially to blame for the pain I'm going through now.

Most of the information I've read says you only usually get this from childbirth or menopausal reasons. I've tried to book up at my local GP and have an appointment for a week away, but will try calling in the morning for a quicker appointment as I really want this seeing to. Has anybody else experienced this just from lifestyle and not from childbirth or menopause?

I'm hoping this will be fixable, and quickly. I'm getting married early next year and don't want to have to dial back the exercise as I'm fitter now than I've ever been in my life :-( Would I have to stop Combat classes if this is a prolapse? I've been doing them for about 6m now and love them, would hate to have to give them up :(

Hello... Anyone there? I've just had a laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy- anyone else had this? Just wondering how people have found it?

Anyone here at all?

I'm here.

Smiley moment earlier. Saw my anaesthetist for my repair, told her i was worried about my weight with the anaesthetic. She said i am her skinniest patient by a mile

Which is something, cause i'm terrifeid of the op! Still a while to wait yet though, cardiologist has to sign me off as "not going to drop dead"!!

Hi I hope everyone or someone is still using this thread as it is so informative. I have followed everyone's story from the first thread (I read them all in about a week) a lot of reading I know. I will introduce myself mum of 6 range in ages from 18yrs- 11mnths have had a mild prolapse for 13yrs but hadn't finished having children. My last birth was a almost 13pound bub with shoulder dystocia so midwife had to get her out rather quickly by adding her arm to my already over stretched position ouch... any way I am having my operation on the 17th nov for a posterior and anterior repair (6 days) bit nervous can you tell ..... would love to have and be a support for others going through this as it can be kinda lonely even in a full house take care everyone

I'm here, waiting. Have a much longer wait til my repair, but i completely understand The Fear.

BeyondThirty Thank you for responding I am in the middle of making lasagna's to put in the freezer for some meals while I'm of my feet. If you don't mind me asking how long do you have to wait? and what are you having done? I'm located in Australia so time difference may come into play but would love to communicate with other's that understand

I'm waiting for a posterior repair, but its looking to be may at the earliest (but then i have exams in june, so i guess i'll have to wait til the summer?!). I'm under various consultants and the anaesthetist wants the cardiologist to discharge me before they operate, but my next appointment with them isnt even til march!!

I do have a cystocele too, i'm wondering if by the time i do get the op, i may actually need anterior repair badly enough too

Lasagnas sound good, mmm i havent had one for ages! Do you have a significant other who'll be helping out?

Yes I do he will be home for most of my recovery, but I do think I will be relying on my older daughter's for most of my help especially with my 11mnth old would has suddenly become a very busy baby into everything lol
Honestly the time will go quickly I think the waiting is the worst part, I had to wait 8mnths to be seen by a gyno but then op date set for 6 wks and that seems like only yesterday.
Maybe the waiting is a good thing especially if you think you will need to get the cystocele fixed as well, better to get them both fixed at the same time. Have you had a lot of heart trouble?
It's been a while since I have made lasagne I usually can't stand for long periods but thought this is the last chance before the op to make them so made 3 trays two for the freezer and one for tonight wish I could send you some Do you have a partner to lean on or any support?

I had an A&P repair last October 2014. Stayed in 4 nights. They put a pack in which is taken out after 24 hrs. Basically a massive tampon to put pressure on the repairs. This can be uncomfortable but bear in mind its only a short time and you'll have some lovely morphine so will be fine. You also have a catheter for the 24hrs so you don't have to get out of bed. They take that out too. You are like a shuffly 85yr lady just after it. A bit like being heavily pregnant only with an invisble bump. You get pain killers in hosp and then when I came home I only needed normal paracetamol every so often. You will need someone to help out at least the first week as the sofa will be your best friend. Then every day you will benefit from being off your feet as much as possible so aim to make dinners that only need reheating and no heaving lifting of oven trays.
You won't be able to lift your toddler for a few weeks. You improve dramatically from week to week so don't be too alarmed when you get home at your reduced movement levels. I did get a bit tearful the first day home but this is normal I think.
You only find out what your stomach and pelvic muscles really do after this operation. It'll be difficult to bend down and pull plates out of the dishwasher, or put them into the back of a cupboard. It's that reaching down that is the problem movement afterwards. Like I said, first week you feel like an 85yr old lady who is heavily pregant if you can imagine that. You do improve very quickly though and after 3 months will be pretty near normal movements-wise. I found my flow of urine was slower and still is, but not a big deal. I would have the operation again in a flash if I had to. Really it might not solve all your issues, but certainly that heavy feeling and I had something actually coming out too - that is all gone. I played tennis with my son on holidays this summer and I never was able to run before as it hurt. Also I can have sex again (now that does take time and a bit of patience) fine. Actually I have started taking normality for granted now you'll be glad to hear.
TOP TIP: Tell your husbands it might be up to 10 weeks before you can have sex again. They tell you 6 weeks but to be honest...you mightn't feel like it so you can under promise and then over deliver if it suits you. If you tell them 6 weeks they'll be checking the calendar and thinking oh 5 times a week now she's had the op!

Please ask me if you have any questions, no problem.

sadie9 Thank you so much for all the input, I actually already resemble an elderly lady (I'm 34) since finding out I was pregnant with my last bub who is now almost 1 so I am used to being off my feet so to speak, I still find it totally frustrating at times but try to look at the positive I did learn to crochet while I was pregnant and that kept me busy and feeling productive. Husband has gotten used to me not being available that's sad to say but is definitely looking forward to me feeling like a new woman again. I am also on a waiting list for a hernia op but don't have a date for that yet, I have a large separation of the stomach muscles and hernia that protrudes every now and then so almost no strength top or bottom at the moment. Can not wait to be able to feel normal again.
Thank you for shining a light at the a tunnel

a light at the end of a tunnel, typo correction.
Thankyou sadie9 and BeyondThirty for you have both helped me feel less alone, I'm heading to bed as it almost 1am

has anyone tried the ring pessary? Have a cystocele and rectocele grade 1-2 but hasn't bothered me till last 3 weeks - could prob live with it for a while if I didn't have the feeling of needing to pee all the time it is more annoying than anything else but I just cant get it out of my head all day long atm!
Am working so I was going to see my doc and ask about pessary but he says I have to go to physio first and if that fails then pessary and if that fails then op.
has anyone tried physio and does it work at all? Sorry a lot of questions...

I'm feeling a bit blah today. Had posterior repair and perineoplasty earlier this year. He wouldn't repair my cystocele as it was mild and pretty asymptomatic and he didn't want to cause sexual dysfunction by over tightening. Well now my bladder issues are really bad and it's all bulgy and the tamping falling out feeling is back. I could cry. Going back to see him on Monday to see what's what. Hoping to get a pessary. Just wanted a little moan

gottagetthroughthis I did use a ring pessary only for a couple of weeks and not everyday they had to change the size three times but I never found the correct fit so it was never comfortable. I do remember earlier in the thread someone was using the ring pessary for years and it helped them sorry can't remember how long ago in the thread or there name as I have read all these threads in under a week so a bit of a blur. I will be heading to physio after op, I suppose its really worth a shot (physio) but it sounds as though you will need the op at some point if it is already headed to grade 2, physio will help pelvic floor but doesn't really improve cystocele or rectocele hope that helps
Ridingthegravytrain Oh I hope you can find some relief you have already been through a lot, vent anytime we are here and totally understand. Do let us know how it all goes on Monday.

sadie9 I just wanted to ask you how long you stayed in the hospital as I am going in after lunch time on tues (don't know op time till mon but 4th on the list) and if all normal being released 10am wed so just overnight. I have only ever had 1 op before a D&C and that was for retained placenta when I came to after the op I was yelling ''I want to push, I want to push'', so I am a little nervous to say the least what I might come out with when I wake up this time with the packing and catheter might think I'm pushing out twins
I hear alot of women who get these repairs at the same time being told about being too tight, I don't remember my gyno saying anything, how did any of you handle that? and how long after the op did you feel interested in any kind of activity in that department?

Hi, I was a regular on this thread 3 or 4 years ago, haven't seen it for ages.

I had a posterior repair in Sep 2012, aged 45. Recovery was exactly as described by Sadie, I was in for 2 nights after having surgery at lunchtime. I also have a mild cystocele which was not repaired, as for Gravytrain it was asymptomatic and the risk of over tightening was too great. I'm sorry to hear about your subsequent problems Gravy. I was told that there was a high risk of the cystocele getting worse without the rectocele supporting it, however so far so good and the rectocele repair has held up well. The repair isn't perfect, still very lumpy but no longer causes the problems it used to, I'm glad I had it done. However I have had to make lifestyle changes with respect to exercise, heavy lifting etc, luckily my job is sedentary and my DCs are old enough not to need lifting up.

Was anyone breastfeeding when they were due for there op? Doctor said its fine to breastfeed as soon as I like after I wake up from surgery?

I was in hospital for 3 nights. Went in Tuesday AM had it around 3pm, then came out Friday AM. Would have gone home Thurs if I'd had it earlier on the Tues. So 3 nights, but it was a private hospital so they get paid for having you in the bed as long as possible.
Told not to drive for 2 weeks. Even after the 2 weeks do as little driving as you can to give yourself the best chance of everything healing up undisturbed. There will be a light pink discharge for 6 weeks due to stitches, and sometimes spotting if you walk too fast or whatever.
Another tip: you won't want tight clothes or trousers on you for a few weeks afterwards so leggings with really loose elastic and pinafore dresses/long tops are the way to go. Even tights I couldn't wear because I couldn't stand the pressing on my tummy. There is quite a bit of swelling inside that makes you feel it hasn't worked. So the cure is worse than the disease for at least 6 weeks.
In the bedroom department I didn't naturally feel like wanting to do it, I made myself have a go at it. We tried it at 6 wks but then stopped as it was stinging and left it another couple of weeks which made all the difference. Also my bowel movement or should I say no movement issues (feeling of incomplete emptying etc) have gone away as well. You will be wary of the first poo after but for me it wasn't too bad. I was just so delighted to do a poo that was a normal roundy shape instead of a constricted ribbon shape! Constipation is an issue after the anaesthetic and the morphine, so you can take some Duphalac or something when you come home from hospital. I just ate prunes and fruit and plenty of water and it gradually came good.