Bladder prolapse - please share your stories

[MrsSnootch]

Hi all,

Is there anyone else out there suffering/recovered from from a Bladder prolapse?

I have been recently diagnosed at the gp and am waiting a consultation with a euro-gynecologist. I didn't need the GP to tell me this what was suspected, you just know when something isn't quite right down there

No idea what to expect or what treatment options there are

I have this awful bulging feeling 'down there' which I cannot seem to get any relief from, almost like a tampon is not sitting correctly. This discomfort feels like it is literally taking over my life as I can feel it every minute of every day and is making me feel very down.

I think there is a large psychological aspect to prolapse and anything vagina related as it is a bit of a blow to a ladies womanhood in some way- I don't know I just feel rather down about all this, and this constant feeling of discomfort is getting me down. I cant find any single way of sitting comfortably nor can get a full nights sleep due to the discomfort. and needing to wee on such a regular basis these days is embarrassing

I feel almost hysterical at the thought of potentially waiting months on the NHS for some kind of relief from this feeling. I know what waiting list times can be like for non urgent issues, and don't get me wrong I know it is not life threatening but I feel like a freak.

Please ladies, come forwards and tell me your stories, what treatment options are available? How can I get any kind of relief from this bulging feeling?

If anyone knows anything or has any words of encouragement, please, share them, I cant be the only one.

As an alternative view - and I know this wouldn't work for all, but may offer some hope for some - I had mild cystocele and rectocele after DC2 and was considering repair, but lived with it for around 1 year.

Then I started exercising (interval training). I started slowly mainly because it felt so odd down there, but I found that I was working so hard at 'holding it all in' when I jumped, after a few weeks it was all back to normal, and 5 years on, no more issues.

As I said, I know it isn't suitable for all, but for me, exercise did work.

User...2344,
Have you tried going to a specialist women's physio? I found that worked very well for me till I reached menopause (which was early around aged 48).
You might get a very good result after a few months (it does take a couple of months to feel the difference). It may help your bladder symptoms.
I found the gynaes more sympathetic than the GPs. Several GPs told me to 'go home and do my pelvic floors' type of thing, or 'I've seen worse'. The male GP I that examined me a couple of years later, then actually was the nicest, and said he thought I had muscle damage on one side, and he was right. My gynae was also male and he did seem to 'get it' too I have to say.
I had a 'simple' repair to a bladder prolapse, that is no mesh. Just stitches.
They said they'd use mesh if they had to a 2nd repair, in 20yrs etc.
Remember also that the people who have difficulties usually post on internet forums, the success stories rarely post. So there is an imbalance there.
Regarding being embarrassed - you are trading 5 mins of embarrassment to have the internal exam Vs hopefully decades of freedom from or greater support for, your problem.

Thank you sadie & buzz.

You will never know the comfort your posts gave me.

I called my GP Practice this morning as something has changed & its got got much worse. My bladder is now out & rubbing on my underwear. I need to wee constantly. Its very uncomfortable. I cant sit propley.

Thanks for your kind posts.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Buzz
Your right about the 5 mins sadie

Good luck Winnie! This level of discomfort is not normal. Push for a gynae referral.

Also if you do any weight bearing exercise (in my case it was running and kettlebells) please consider stopping now. I really wish I'd known that the things I was doing for fitness were making it worse. I'm switching to cycling and swimming once I'm allowed to do more than walking!

As others have said, get yourself over to the Any Old Prolapse thread.

I had mine repaired three years ago (surgery) and then a further op to repair a rectal prolapse which the bladder prolapse had actually been supporting iyswim. I had some complications post surgery (swelling blocked rectum and uretha, infection) but no problem since.

I also had depression at the same time and have absolutely been where you are now but there is light at the end of the tunnel (pun intended). 😊

Oh, and I was fobbed off A LOT. Three GPs said there wasn't a problem and eventually it was my HV who referred me to the women's health physio, who gave me pelvic floor exercises which I did diligently for two years and made zero difference. It was sheer relief when she finally referred me to a gynaecologist to talk about having a splint fitted. Within 30 seconds, he said, "Enough is enough. Let's get you in for surgery."

Don't give up or allow yourself to be fobbed off is my best advice. You can get this fixed.