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Original poster

Living with a prolapse

60 replies

Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 09:27

Hi girls

Just signed up to mumsnet to get advice. Though I’m a avid reader, i need to share my story as I’m at my wits end Sad

Nearly 3 years ago (July 2019) i noticed something just wasn’t right down below when my tampons wouldn’t stay in. I resorted to wearing pads as I sometimes did and just ignored the tampon situation for a while. I then eventually went to docs and I was put on a waiting list to see a gynaecologist. So, fast forward to now...my prolapse has got worse. Like really bad. I eventually seen the gynaecologist after a year on a waiting list and crying down a phone when they told me it could be another 2 year wait because of covid. When I did see him, all he done was make me get on couch, spread legs, cough and that was it. He told me my prolapse was back and front. That was a few months ago now and from that it has deteriorated drastically. My vaginal prolapse began as the worse....feeling loose during sex, queefing....etc but now it’s minor compared to the back prolapse. It’s bearing down on my bowels and it’s basically impossible to do a number 2. I spend my Sunday morning trying to pass a stool and when I did, it came out with an almighty force I felt as if all my insides came out Blush sorry tmi I know. Another phonecall to doctor yesterday and I think she’s fed up of me ringing. She told me she has me down to see gynaecologist again but doesn’t know when it will be. In December I went private to a woman’s health clinic, the lady give me a few exercises to try and told me surgery will be a last option. I’m just so upset over it all. I’m only 36 and feel like a old woman. I’m so embarrassed to discuss with my partner thought he does know bits. I just keep pushing him away. I’m just worried incase he will leave me if I tell him the full story. Can anyone tell me any successful stories Blush

OP posts:
Mumdiva99 · 01/03/2022 09:30

Are you in the UK? I thought first referral is to physio and not Gynaecology. That's what happens in this area. Can you ask why that hasn't happened.

Mumdiva99 · 01/03/2022 09:35

Can I also add - I have answered your issue as if real. But I have also reported and asked MN to just check you out because of the subject matter and way you have written your post. Apologies if you are 100% for real. But there are people who get off on learning about ladies challenges. I would hate for other MN members to put lots of personal info if you aren't real.

Original poster
Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 10:02

Yes I was put on a waiting list for physio too via the gynaecologist. The waiting list is shocking and I couldn’t wait no longer hence when I went private to a woman’s health clinic locally. Oh goodness I am 100% real. Wish my situation wasn’t real though Blush

OP posts:
hopeishere · 01/03/2022 10:04

There is a woman's health section. I've asked for your post to moved there.

Mumdiva99 · 01/03/2022 10:11

You can check out the waiting times here
www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/guide-to-nhs-waiting-times-in-england/
First treatment is the physio. They are reluctant to operate any more after the mesh scandal. If you can afford to see a private physio that would be the best next step. (I saw the NHS one a few times....it was a while ago now so I forget the exact details). She gave me exercises and loaned me a pelvic machine thingy to use too. It did help....but you have to keep doing the exercises to keep the benefits. Mine has gone backwards now...and is back where it was. Although stress incontinence is still improved. I would love a magic wand but there isn't one.

Original poster
Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 10:36

Yes I would love a magic wand too. If only. It’s just really getting me down. If constantly googled forums etc and see different views. Hence why I have finally put my own in. I just don’t know why or how mine has got so so bad. I feel like I’m just threw to the side now though. The lady at woman’s health clinic has recommended a man in Belfast, Patrick campbell. Likely so expensive and I certainly can’t afford it but if I think it will help, I will borrow money. Just want it fixed or massively improved. I might order kegal balls or something of the sort to see if it helps? When u say urs has come backwards, do
U mean back into original place?

OP posts:
Original poster
Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 10:36

Thank you

OP posts:
Mumdiva99 · 01/03/2022 13:45

Yes. Back to how it was when I first had it (a bit after baby 2 then worse after baby 3).

SparklingLime · 01/03/2022 14:30

This might be helpful: thepogp.co.uk/Resources/9/pelvic_organ_prolapse_a_physiotherapy_guide_for_women/

And you can find a specialist pelvic physio here: thepogp.co.uk/patients/physiotherapists/

Original poster
Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 14:47

[quote SparklingLime]This might be helpful: thepogp.co.uk/Resources/9/pelvic_organ_prolapse_a_physiotherapy_guide_for_women/

And you can find a specialist pelvic physio here: thepogp.co.uk/patients/physiotherapists/[/quote]
Thank you for ur help. Yes I actually have seen one of these physios on this list already privately. She told me she has had success stories from prolapses which I need to hear. Its just a nightmare to deal with. I am constantly just so sore. I just want it to go away so desperately.

OP posts:
SparklingLime · 01/03/2022 16:18

So will you continue to see the physio, OP? I think you have to stick with their treatment/advice to see improvement.

hopeishere · 01/03/2022 16:22

If you're in Belfast there a woman's physio at the Boat Club.

A private op would be very expensive. You can call the Ulster Independent Clinic and they can give you a rough idea of costs. You will be waiting years in NI for this treatment unfortunately.

Original poster
Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 16:51

@hopeishere

If you're in Belfast there a woman's physio at the Boat Club.

A private op would be very expensive. You can call the Ulster Independent Clinic and they can give you a rough idea of costs. You will be waiting years in NI for this treatment unfortunately.

Hi thanks for ur reply. Yep very expensive. Like £8000. But if I thought it would fix it all I would source the money somewhere as I just want it done. But I’ve read a lot of horror stories. Has anyone had successful surgery? Private treatment is my only hope. Like I said earlier, the waiting times from docs already has been horrible. I know they are pushed because of COVID though. When I rang last year to see where I was on list for physio/to see gynaecologist, they had me on the list then discharged me off it without me even seeing anyone Confused I cried on phone to receptionist as I was just at my wits end. Thankfully I got back on list and see the gynaecologist. He told me only thing I could do was wait on physio app...of course I cried again Blush think he didn’t know what to do then lol...but my cry was a genuine plea for help...he then said he could offer me a pessary but thought I was too young for this. So I took his advice and left. Done research again and went private for one appointment so far. Though the lady lovely and keeps in touch with phone calls and emails. She mentioned Patrick campbell in Belfast.
OP posts:
Original poster
Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 16:55

Hey. Yes I am in constant contact with physio. She give me small exercises to do. Basically just clinching 10 times a day. I am inundated with UTI’s constantly too. These are a nightmare too and make me so tired.

OP posts:
SparklingLime · 01/03/2022 17:26

I’m sorry, Coolmama, I didn’t realise your physio is ongoing. The whole thing sounds a nightmare! Would seeing a private gynae to talk more about a pessary be the next step? A friend had one inserted after her second baby and she was late 30s. Seemed to work for her.

Original poster
Coolmama85 · 01/03/2022 20:48

No need to apologise. I’m a bit scattery
With my info. It’s all just a bit overwhelming as past couple of days Sad I think my only way forward is to book this specialist in Belfast and see where it takes me. Spoke to my partner tonight about it which was a relief as I only briefly touched on the subject before. I was so worried incase it put him off me Blush

OP posts:
Kdubs1981 · 01/03/2022 20:58

It's all about the exercises. It takes months to improve, but you'll see a difference. Then it needs to be part of your routine forever.

Badgerstmary · 01/03/2022 22:38

Unfortunately depending on your prolapse, it isn’t necessary just about exercises. I was told by my physio a pessary wouldn’t help & my pelvic floor was very good so was dismissed. The consultant offered an op but I haven’t been brave enough to go on the waiting list for surgery yet. If/when I do I need to speak to my gp again. Good luck op.

Mumdiva99 · 03/03/2022 06:51

Badgerstmary what op are they offering you? I saw the health professionals not long after the mesh scandal publicity was at it's peak so surgery wasn't offered or even discussed. What options are there these days?

Mumdiva99 · 03/03/2022 06:56

Of course....I could Google.....first result is a laser treatment - developed since I saw my doctor. 3 treatments for £1000. Has anyone heard anything about this or if it really works?

PossiblyDreaming · 03/03/2022 07:06

It very definitely isn’t just about exercises for a prolapse, whoever tolu you that was massively fobbing you off @Kdubs1981. Exercises might help for a very minor prolapse but anything else needs surgery. It’s like trying to exercise a hernia away. Doctors will try and fob women off with this but it’s completely unacceptable and you absolutely shouldn’t be suffering like this, OP.

I had a similar prolapse after the birth of dc1. It ended my sex life and the only way I could poo was through manual extraction ☹️🤢. Like you I was fobbed off and told it’s just what happens but I then saw a private gynaecologist who immediately referred me for surgery (which was also done privately in London). The recovery was painful but, although I’m not how I was before, I can enjoy sex again and don’t suffer from constipation. It cost around £5k in total which is obviously out of reach for a lot of people.

I really hope you get it sorted OP. Keep on at the doctors. Tell them how much it is affecting you mental health too.

PossiblyDreaming · 03/03/2022 07:07

@Mumdiva99 what laser options are you looking at? If it’s vaginal tightening laser that won’t work for prolapses, unfortunately.

Kdubs1981 · 03/03/2022 07:10

@PossiblyDreaming

It very definitely isn’t just about exercises for a prolapse, whoever tolu you that was massively fobbing you off *@Kdubs1981*. Exercises might help for a very minor prolapse but anything else needs surgery. It’s like trying to exercise a hernia away. Doctors will try and fob women off with this but it’s completely unacceptable and you absolutely shouldn’t be suffering like this, OP.

I had a similar prolapse after the birth of dc1. It ended my sex life and the only way I could poo was through manual extraction ☹️🤢. Like you I was fobbed off and told it’s just what happens but I then saw a private gynaecologist who immediately referred me for surgery (which was also done privately in London). The recovery was painful but, although I’m not how I was before, I can enjoy sex again and don’t suffer from constipation. It cost around £5k in total which is obviously out of reach for a lot of people.

I really hope you get it sorted OP. Keep on at the doctors. Tell them how much it is affecting you mental health too.

Well I am speaking from professional and personal al experience. Exercises can most definitely be all you need. However, this is not always the case and sometimes surgery IS required. However the place to start is with exercises and training equipment FIRST. Major surgery is only indicated if this is unsuccessful.

There is a danger of being robbed off by primary care staff, but once you get through to specialist physio and gynae the risk reduces. .

Surgery is not the magic bullet and may well have to be repeated. If you can avoid it, this is best

Kdubs1981 · 03/03/2022 07:13

@PossiblyDreaming

It very definitely isn’t just about exercises for a prolapse, whoever tolu you that was massively fobbing you off *@Kdubs1981*. Exercises might help for a very minor prolapse but anything else needs surgery. It’s like trying to exercise a hernia away. Doctors will try and fob women off with this but it’s completely unacceptable and you absolutely shouldn’t be suffering like this, OP.

I had a similar prolapse after the birth of dc1. It ended my sex life and the only way I could poo was through manual extraction ☹️🤢. Like you I was fobbed off and told it’s just what happens but I then saw a private gynaecologist who immediately referred me for surgery (which was also done privately in London). The recovery was painful but, although I’m not how I was before, I can enjoy sex again and don’t suffer from constipation. It cost around £5k in total which is obviously out of reach for a lot of people.

I really hope you get it sorted OP. Keep on at the doctors. Tell them how much it is affecting you mental health too.

You have no idea how significant the OP's prolapse is. Surgery was right for you. This absolutely does not mean it is for OP. Have you physically examined her? Carried out the appropriate physical tests (bladder voiding and anal/rectal function).

You are giving advice based on your condition.

You are right that you need to be assertive though. But internet diagnosis is completely inappropriate

Lotsofpots · 03/03/2022 07:30

Sorry you're going though this. Obviously it's impossible for any of us to know whether an exercise based regime would be appropriate, or whether surgery is necessary but in the meantime I can recommend the following online exercise programmes - combined with a brilliant womens physio I was able to reverse my prolapse:

  • hab-it.com
  • fem fusion on you tube

Both are womens health physios who had prolapses.

Despite what your physio said, my experience was that it is far more than just kegel squeezes that are required to strengthen the pelvic floor, there are a whole suite of muscles than need to come into play. Both of the above are cheap (YouTube obviously free), quick and easy to follow. Might be worth a try?

Good luck.