Living with a prolapse

[Coolmama85]

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

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 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

Oh also - there’s a thing called Emsella that is apparently the equivalent to thousands of kegels or something. It’s purpose is continence rather prolapse but I wonder whether it would help prolapse too given that kegels are also relevant to that. I’ve no experience with this though.

It’s actually a different gynaecologist from the last time. Same hospital. Yeah I got very little from the man from last app. Basically had to open legs and cough and that was it. He more or less palmed me off. Just wasn’t good enough. I left in tears and cried whole way to car. Just need to keep positive though. It can be fixed. I need to remember that and stay focused.

I'm sorry this is happening OP, it sounds very hard. I don't have prolapse but I use a kegel8 electronic exerciser to strengthen my pelvic floor, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the advisers at 'stress no more' for customer service- they are so helpful and understanding and am sure will be able to advise you by email or phone. My kegel8 massively improved my pelvic tone and sensation. Good luck and I hope you find something that helps you.

www.kegel8.co.uk/articles/prolapse/i-have-a-prolapse.html

www.stressnomore.co.uk/brands/kegel8.html

Ah, if it’s a different doctor then worth seeing? When can you postpone your private appointment to?

I am biased because of my personal experience with Dr Campbell but I would really recommend you keeping your appointment with him. It means you can see two doctors within a couple of days, get both of their opinions, and then weigh up what the best course of action is for you.

how long ago you gave birth? It’s just weird the symptoms gone worst now.

I had a front and back prolapse and the gynae said no way would exercises have made any difference to my condition. (I did do them religiously!). I could see my cervix and could actually feel it hanging out if I crouched (impossible not to crouch a lot when you have two toddlers) Pooing was impossible without some "manipulation" and I was incontinent. My first (female) GP told me that it was "the cost of being a woman" but the second (male) GP referred me to a specialist and I was put on a priority list. I was 31 and just couldn't go on living this way.

Pelvic floor repair was a tremendous success-physically and mentally. 30 years on I am still trouble free.

It does depend how severe your prolapse is whether exercises, a pessary or surgery would be the best thing. None of us can advise on that.
After my prolapse became stage IV, I had surgery - hysterectomy with bladder and rectal repair.
You also need to be careful about too much heavy lifting and not doing exercises that are bad for the pelvic floor such as trampolining.

That’s amazing to hear. Thank god for the second GP - it’s no way to live.

@Coolmama85 how did you get on? Have you had any improvement with your prolapses and symptoms?