Prolapse woes

[princesshollysmagicalwand]

Hi all,

I'm sure there is a long running thread somewhere for people who have prolapse issues but I can't find it. If anyone could link for me that'd be amazing.

If not, this is what's happening and I wonder if anyone can help with any advice.

I have a prolapse. I had a baby 4 years ago and it was a very rough birth, 3 sets of forceps (incl the dreaded high rotational ones) a shoulder dystocia and eventually baby was basically dragged out of me by hand. I had surgery for a retainer placenta (which was also removed by hand) and countless stitches. Things haven't been right since, things sort of hang now (sorry!). I went to women's physio afterwards and was sent away after being taught how to do PF exercises properly and downloaded the NHS squeezy app to help. I've done them religiously ever since. Suffered with urinary incontinence when squatting, sneezing, jumping etc.

Had a second baby 2 years later, delivered by ELCS. Things improved for a bit after that delivery no idea why. About six months later the incontinence was back. I went to women's physio again, for separated stomach muscles and again they looked at my PF, confirmed to keep going with the exercises etc.

Anyway this January I'd had enough. It was starting to get painful, I'd hired a personal trainer to lose the baby chub and she'd picked up on the fact that I couldn't bear to do some exercises because of the pain and said she wouldn't see me again unless id been given the all clear. Went to GP who examined me, confirmed a bladder prolapse and referred me to gynae.

Got an appointment for July. However the. COVID happened and it was understandably cancelled. Received a letter from them today that said they were referring me to women's physio instead of seeing me, because I need to optimise my pelvic floor (the one I've spent four bloody years optimising!).

I rang them and they refused to speak to me because I'd been discharged from the department! I've asked for the consultant to call me as they've obviously made a mistake or not read things properly and no, they won't. So I've had to contact my GP (who is amazing) who has immediately referred me back, with notes that I'm to be seen. However this places me at the back of the queue again and it's likely to be the end of the year now before I'm seen.

Is there anything I can do? Honestly I couldn't weep! This is really affecting me, my sex life, I can't exercise except walking and swimming (and can't swim at the moment!).

Anyone?

No experience afraid but bumping for you. Good luck!

Go back to the GP and ask to be bumped up the list, explaining why.
Going private would help, if you can afford it.

Oh you poor love. I had similar a few years ago. It cost me £200 to see a consultant privately with no wait and then I went back into the nhs system for surgery. I'm sorry to say that going private was the only time I felt listened to and treated like a rational adult. Is this a possibility for you?

Hi @princesshollysmagicalwand , I'm really sorry to read this about you. I had common bladder problems after 2 pregnancies, kegel exercises helped me a lot. It did solve almost all, I've only very light/few drops problem now, I think it's not comparable to your one but incontinence runs in my family and relatives so I'm well aware of what you are talking about. First thing, don't let that get you down!

About your experience with the NHS, I would contact some association to bring back the appointment for July:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/nhs-and-social-care-complaints/complaining-about-the-nhs/who-you-can-go-to-when-you-have-a-problem-with-the-nhs/organisations-that-can-help-you-make-a-complaint-about-health-services/
www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/DC6512_Who_to_complain_to___England.pdf_57957369.pdf
www.patients-association.org.uk/complaints-management
www.bbuk.org.uk/

Then, for what I've seen and read, nowaday there's almost always a cure for incontinence, so it's only a temporary thing until you find the right doctor and fix. Don't give up, you will find the fix, I'm sure.
Make a distinction between pratical problems and emotional effects, fear, shame, depression... life can go on also with bladder problems, it all depends on the way you feel and the spirit you face the issue. It's much more common than what people think, you are not the only one, be strong, even have some self-irony if you can, you can do everything also with incontinence.
Very important, use the proper absorbent protection that gives you complete peace of mind, try and use different ones for different situations, pads, pull-ups or adult nappies, considering not only your average need but the worst case scenario too. Those are very different according to manufacturer, model and absorbency level. You wrote "This is really affecting me", absolutely don't let it, pads and nappies are not a solution of all the entire problem, but they can be a effective temporary solution to the negative effects, letting you to have your normal life.
About sex life, if it's not pain related, I'm sure your partner would be supportive and both of you can easily overcome shame and inhibitions, that is what a couple does.
There are devices for pelvic floor electrical stimulation, these should let exercise muscles painless, but I think it would better to know your gynecologist's opinion about it. They are useful for improving muscles as well as just for relaxation. I found "The Flower Empowered" on youtube showing those and other exercises, and you can buy them on amazon too.