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.

Waiting sorry to hear you are still in hospital (maybe you could be home by now!!) I know it is not what you planned but at least you are having to rest so it has its advantages even though we all hate having to be in hospital any longer than we have to!

Hoping you are starting to feel a little better and not in too much pain at this stage.

Pessary not too bad - feel a little tiny bit anxious about bowel movements with this is in - not "flowing" as they should but apart from that it is comfortable enough - was a bit afraid to move at first but now moving about don't feel it. Just wondering how long I will be able to use this for my prolapses, does anyone out there know?

waiting sending you ((((hugs)))) and healing vibes x

Gotta - I had a pessary fitted before my op. It gave me the most awful discharge there was no way I could have that for the next 50 years. It did help my bladder symptoms but did nothing for the bowel ones. You can have a pessary forever as long as your tissues don't get damaged which is why they will check it every 6 months. When you have the menopause I think sometimes you have to use some kind of estrogen cream to thicken the skin or something. It's definitely worth a try for you if it works and doesn't interfere with your sex life then it could be a great solution.

Waiting - I hope you are home now and catheter free. I am hating the catheter it's degrading I can't wait to get rid of it and petrified they are going to tell me it's permanent, which I know is silly.

I haven't done a poo other than a tiny bit of upset tummy which I think is from the strong anti bis. At what point should I be worried? It's been 4 days??

Addicted I have to wear this pessary for 6 weeks then they are going to train me how to take one out for night and in every day.

If it's any help Sunsweet Prune juice first thing in the morning and you will do a really nice and easy soft poo - but must be the Sunsweet one. I practically live on it! Sometimes antibis give us an upset tummy and end up making us feel worse.

Hope you get the catheter out soon it's not something anyone likes in.

((((Hugs)))) hope today is a progression for you and Waiting

Thanks Gotta - I've had that prune juice past two days and this very moment I've just gone thank goodness!

I think if it's one you can take out at night that will be much better to give yourself a rest over night. Hope you get on ok with it.

Hi, wish I did'nt have to post here but I am pretty sure I have a rectocele. When I was in the shower I felt a small soft bulge just inside the entrance to my vagina, on the back wall.

I have 5 children, had my last when I was 40, my first when I was 18. I'm 49 now. I am about 6 stone overweight, I've suffered from ibs for over 20 years. I also have health anxiety which at the moment is under control but I have been extremely ill with it in the past. I also have a huge fear of anything medical and the very thought of going to my gp about this paralyses me with fear.

I have a problem with my legs, Lipodema, they are very large and heavy and I am extremely embarrassed by them, I also have constant back pain.

Sorry if this is rambling but I'm stressed and downright miserable atm.

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me. I had my DD 6 months ago and sustained a third degree tear. It has left me with an anal sphincter defect (confirmed on ultrasound) and I now suffer from faecal urgency. I have had two episodes of faecal incontinence and have less than 10 mins to get to a toilet on a good day (I dread to think what will happen when I get diarrhoea). In addition to this, see is very uncomfortable and, although my DH has been incredibly supportive, I am finding everything pretty difficult to deal with.

Anyway, my questions relates to future pregnancies. My colorectal consultant has said my incontinence is likely to worsen in the long term if I have another baby due to stretching of the pudendal nerve, even if I have a C-section. My reading around the subject seems to confirm this. My DH thinks it's too much of a risk to take but I really would love another baby at some point in the future. Is there anyone out there who is in the same boat who has gone on to have more children? Did it make you incontinence worse? It would be good to hear from someone who is having similar difficulties, it's not really something you discuss at mother and baby groups!

*sex is very uncomfortable

Anyone got any advice for me?

Kayla - you will only find out if you go to the docs and get checked out. You can ask for a referral to gynae without gp examining you they might agree. You can also go private if you want to be seen quickly depending if that's feasible for you.

Apparently lots of women have prolapse it's only when it causes you symptoms that they will do something about it but they will definitely help you if you need it.

I was embarrassed too and after having a repair I still am massively embarrassed but if you don't make the effort then nothing will be able to change. It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to go to the docs but I new I couldn't cope of another 50+ years with all my symptoms. Plus with no treatment it can get worse. The medical professionals really don't care or judge and they've seen it all.

The first step is making the gp appointment or you could ask to see the practice nurse.

You could also ask for some CBT to help with your health anxiety that might give you the confidence to tackle any physical issues.

gotta do you mind saying what you have the pessary for (symptoms etc) I'm
Having mine fitted on Thursday, not sure which type but it's to support a cystourethrocele. The prolapse itself isn't too bad grading wise but the symptoms are horrific. Had recto and perineum fixed earlier in year and now my bladder has dropped into the space as it was being supported by the rectocele. Bugger

Riding got pessary fitted cos I asked for it but like you - my prolapse apparently isn't too bad (grade 1 to 2) she said. it fitted from the start she was an expert! Before I left she said if it slips down push it back up and I am to wear it for 6 weeks when she will teach me to take one in and out daily (which I would be happier with tbh). I completely forget about this being in! But I don't know the limits eg can I lift heavy, can I run, but you can have sex and he won't even notice!!

I am hoping this will delay having to have the op hopefully for 5 years anyway - but maybe that is just wishful thinking. Wonder if I can ride my bike - too cold to try atm (o I live in Belfast) and I am 55 year old.

Apparently you can keep this in for 4 months at a time but a professional has to take it out and she also said that it won't damage you in any way.

Hope this helped and I will be thinking of you on Thursday - good luck!

Thanks gotta that's encouraging I really hope it works as I'll have to have the op now otherwise as I'm getting sick of all the utis from retained urine!

I know you still aren't recommended to run/lift etc as while it holds the bladder in the correct place it doesn't support the separated wall and so that will keep stretching if you put that kind of pressure on it, you just won't notice until the pessary comes out (iyswim)

I will let you know how it goes. Here's hoping it's a success here too!

Hi everyone I was finally sent home on sunday I have two large hematoma's one on the anterior and one on the posterior repair which is causing me so much pressure even to stand. I have to return to the hospital today as no amount of laxitive's have helped me have a bowel movement. Last night I lost a large clot and blood from my rectum is this the hematoma? don't know I thought it would come from the vagina. I am expected to have the catheter in until at least the 3rd December as the doctor believes the hematoma would need at least that long to start breaking down. I am black and blue down there even the pubic labia and front of the pelvis is blue/black anyone else had this bruising? I thought possibly I am in a bad way because they had to stop the bleeding (1 litre) so were a little more rough and invasive then usual. Hotbaths how you going have you gotten rid of the catheter yet?

waiting poor you - it's bad enough having the op without having all this on top. really feeling for you at the moment. I know the catheter is a nuisance but if you could get everything else settled atm that's the main thing.

Why did they even send you home? would it not have been easier to keep you in and keep an eye on you? OM goodness the NHS!!!

You must take it easy and look after yourself for the next few days at least.

Riding I hope the pessary is not going to actually cause damage inside as I would take it out if I thought it could cause more damage than what's done! Although I don't feel this pessary inside I can't wait to be doing it daily - just for cleanliness even.

addicted how are you keeping? Once you start talking to people on this thread you miss them when they are not there! for you too and hope you are feeling a little better, am thinking about you.

Well girls having a wee tonight - just thought I deserved it!

On no sorry I didn't mean it causes damage. Just that the usual prolapse restrictions apply even with it in. In fact my surgeon told me they apply forever even after I had my operation

Sorry to hear that waiting. I was black and blue and bruised too. Though not sure if I had a haematoma. The op was the most painful thin ice ever experienced (and I've had kids with no pain relief) so it is usual to be in a lot of pain and pressure and not be able to walk. It took me 2 weeks before I could even climb down the stairs. So scary. But honestly it will get better even if you are wondering what the hell you have done!

Keep it all really clean. I got infected stitches and that was not pleasant

Hi - I'm doing ok thanks Gotta, some days pain is ok others the drugs don't feel like they touch the sides usually after I've moved too much.

I'm going in for a trial without catheter today so please cross your fingers for me! - I can't wait to get rid of this thing it's gross.

Waiting you poor thing that sounds awful. I don't have any visible bruising but it feels bruised wierdly in particular around my labia pubic bone hurts most of the time.

How are you managing with breastfeeding? That must be an extra drain on you.

Are they going to give you an enema? When you've sorted the constipation you will be way more comfortable that is a massive source of pressure inside.

You are very brave, try to stay positive if you can, not getting depressed is what is going to get us though these crappy weeks. X

Hotbaths I am happy to say I finally went and moved my bowels with magnesia and a suppository it finally moved and it has taken a lot of pressure off. Breastfeeding was really hard my milk dropped significantly but a cleaver nurse suggested I ask my doctor while in hospital for a tablet that helps increase my supply and today it really worked (3rd day). I am really happy hotbaths that you have a chance to lose the catheter today, I'm excited for you, my doctor made a joke that I should enjoy this time of standing and doing a wee like a man lol (emptying catheter bag). But there is a question I would like to ask you all I am weeing 4000mls (4 litres) a day minimum is this alot or normal? Ridingtrain the hematoma usually is not visible unless you have one one the labia which I did but that resolved about 4days ago it looks like a piece of placenta, the two inside I was told were very large, but now that I have moved my bowels I hopefully won't have to have the surgery opened and closed again I really didn't like the thought of repeating the op especially after how low my hemoglobin is now thankyou everyone for putting up with my long posts can't wait to hear from you all.

Yay for poop! What a relief. I'm sure you are already but keep taking loads of stool softeners and eating loads of fruit. I am gagging on dates and prune juice but anything not to be blocked up..

Ive got a flip flo valve so no bag, I empty the valve into the loo when I feel the urge to pee. Can you have one of those? It's much better not having to carry a bag around?

How bloody unlucky you've got those heamatomas.

What a great suggestion on the milk supply. How old is your baby? Do you pick them up to feed or do it lying down?

Sorry no idea if 4000 Mls is good or bad it sounds like a lot? But I'm going every hour during the day?

Yikes Addictedto and Waiting4 that you had to come home with catheters. I did read those haematomas are fairly common, still not fair that you had to get two. I didn't look down there when I came home, not for ages. Then when I did it looked quite swollen and with fleshy bits, these all went away. The instruments they use to support the legs and that may cause bruising. You can see why I said earlier to tell partners that you may not be sex for 10 weeks. Having said that things can get better surprisingly quickly once you are over the first 2 weeks. If you have catheters and trouble pooing then your attention is constantly drawn to 'down there'. Once those 2 things are back to normal or close to normal, you will find your attention actually wandering away from your nether regions...at least for a few moments a day!
I ate the piles of dates too. Mandarins/clementines and coffee are good too. Gosh Addictedto, you have a tough station breastfeeding as well. Hope everyone has lots of help at home. Get well soon.

Laying down to feed she is 11mnths old. The only problem I have found with the catheter I had in hospital was if I tried to lay on my side it would set my bladder infection pain and nerve pain in my urethra off for literally hours. So I haven't tried to lay on my side since I worked out that it set it off. I have a long-term catheter in now and it doesn't seem to aggravate my bladder as easily,thank god. Bub is sooooo happy the milk supply has returned today. I don't know if I could walk often enough to relieve my bladder as it seems to be in overdrive. Might be trying to flush the infection. I do feel so much better today and emptying the bowels was hard work even though it was soft,but so grateful for the relief. I cant believe its a week today I feel like sending you all big hugs and love for all the support you all have given me I am forever grateful. hotbaths how long till you have the wee test I am thinking of you.

Riding no worries it just made me think - would it? Might ask doc for my own peace of mind.

waiting so glad you went to loo I am sure that has helped you feel a bit more comfortable at least. Take care - there was a girl on here who never got an infection (so far as I know) and she used to have salt baths? I always remembered that so that if I ever had the op I would too, because if there's an infection to get - I'll get it!!

Addicted hope you get cath out today have fingers and toes crossed - o and legs!!! As for stool softeners I haven't had the op and I would take anything to make it easy to go!! Mostly prune juice. The things we have to do ladies.

Take care all speak later

Hi girls for easier bowel movements you have got to try magnesia 5-Pellegrino it works as an antacid if you take 1teaspoon and works as a laxative when you take 3 teaspoons. It works like Ural does for the bladder only this works for the bowels usually in 8 hrs.

Got the cath out and it's been replaced with self catheterising because I can go but only a little bit. I'm so depressed.