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Original poster

Surgery for prolapse - help!

27 replies

ouchitreallyhurts · 10/02/2009 09:37

Hello
I have an appt with a gynae team tomorrow to discuss the next steps for my prolapse, I just wanted to get some info from anyone who's been through this before I go please

The prolapse happened after birth of 4th baby 2 years ago and I have been seen a few times by Gp and consultant who was reluctant to operate as i'd "need to have it done again in 20 years".

I've had physio, lost weight (which helped a lot at first) and done all the pelvic floor exercises possible! I also attended urodynamics.

last few months have been torturous, particularly around period time - burning pains (like head crowning, ouch!) pain at the top of my thighs at the back, complete prolapse at worst, heaviest point and sometimes I am unable to stand up straight.
Don't want hormonal anything due to PND but what is quickest for recovery? a repair? TFT? or hysterectomy (get it over with?)

I just need to make sure I can get on with my manic life looking after 4 kids and disabled mother without hubby needing to take months off work! but also I can't go on like this everymonth - its 2 weeks of every month and horrible!

thank you for any advice

OIRH

OP posts:
PuzzleRocks · 10/02/2009 19:47

Bumping for you. Good luck.

littlefrog · 10/02/2009 19:49

oh how horrible for you. have you looked at the wholewoman stuff online? or is it definitely surgery for you?

Sawyer64 · 11/02/2009 16:26

I've just had a Posterior vaginal Repair,which is similar.
I had my Repair done at 12.00pm yesterday,and I am home now. I would say I am uncomfortable,but not in any pain.

So from my experience the repair is quickest and may be all you need.

Original poster
ouchitreallyhurts · 11/02/2009 19:05

Thank you xx

yes - saw consultant and anterior repair it is! she said i could be in 2 or 3 days but your experience has lifted my spirits

take care x

OP posts:
barey · 11/02/2009 19:13

check out this thread for support

here

flourybaps · 11/02/2009 19:21

Hi ouch I also have to have a posterior repair done at the end of this month for botched episitomy after tearing and rectocele prolapse. I was really worried but after talking with sawyer64 and others on the fistula support thread feel more positive.

Hope things go ok with your surgery, keep us posted and good luck.

Original poster
ouchitreallyhurts · 11/02/2009 20:39

Thank you all so much xx

OP posts:
veryembarrassedmummy · 12/02/2009 09:23

I had a repair 17 yrs ago after DC 2. It was posterior and anterior and uterus. I was 36-ish.
In hospital for 5 days and no lifting etc for 6 weeks- or ever,really- heavy lifting that is.

You need an expert to doit! If you have a hysterectomy, there is a risk of vaginal vault prolapse- top of vagina can collapse as it doesn't have the support of the other bits, but a good gynae would know how to prevent this.
You are also at risk from an earlier menopause without your uterus- even though you will still have your ovaries.
It depends how bad it is- is it stage 3 or more?
If it is not oo severe, I'd suggest a repair and keep your uterus, but if it has dropped along way, and your muscles are in a really bad way- and you are over 40 ish then maybe hyster. is better. Just keep in mind that hyster. are not the only option and they like to repair etc if possible.

mortica · 12/02/2009 10:29

I am going to see my gyno tomorrow, I have a slight prolapse of some kind (find out which one tomorrow) and a small ovarian cyst. I have had a been having period like pains (constant lower back & pelvic pain), stabbing pains, tiredness etc etc since early November. I have recently started losing circulation and holding fluid retention and breathlessness, great eh. I know there are thousands of perople worse that me but I just feel absolutely crap. Oh i didnt mention the stress incontinence did I. Who would be a woman.

I though I had made my mind up and was going to tell gyno to whip the whole lot out because I have 2 children and my family is complete and have heard that the repair doesnt last long, although I dont like the sound of this vaginal vault thing and Im ONLY 34, so am thinking now should I just have a repair instead?

Any advice anyone?

Original poster
ouchitreallyhurts · 12/02/2009 11:15

When I saw my Gynae consultant yesterday we decided on anterior repair as its the front wall of my vagina that has prolapsed - everything else (bladder, uterus) all well supported so will stay in place.
She explained that it shoudl last about 20 years and then will probably need it doing again as I am only 36 but I'd rather get it done as I can't cope with the pain which is especially worse for a whole week during period.

I know what you mean Mortica, I also asked for the whole lot to come out as I've had enough but my gp went through pros and cons with me (such as HRT for a long time, risk of Ca breast on it etc) so I've been quite happy for the anterior repair - even though its still a couple of days in hospital (which I hate, esp as I'm a gynae nurse!!) and then about 6 weeks where I can't do too much lifting, hoiking 2 year old around, driving etc. hey ho! it will be worth it
good luck tomorrow - let us know how you get on!

OP posts:
mortica · 12/02/2009 11:23

Will do, thank you v much x

veryembarrassedmummy · 12/02/2009 11:36

mortica

having the wholelotout will not cure all those problems- the breathlessness etc are not connected to the prolapse or the cyst. A repair might cure the stress inc. but only if they do work on that area for you.

I had a review of my repair a few years back as after starting to jog, I felt things were shifting again. My dr said more surgery was going to be tricky as they had taken away alot of tissue to repair in the first place. He was the one who said that hysterec. can lead to vault prolapse in the tiisues are weak.

I have been very "happy" with my repair after 17 years. I have recently started HRT which is obviously giving me some tone back there which a post meno woman of my age might not have.

If Iwere you, I'd go for the repair- although you are 34 youjust don't know what the future holds and a hyster. would be the same as sterilisation- it's a big step.

mehgalegs · 12/02/2009 11:49

I had a posterior and anterior vaginal repair last weds. The surgery was fine and one week in I am not in any pain, just a bit tired at end of day and bored out of my skull as I'm finding it hard to switch off and rest. I too have 4 kids but so far people have rallied and we are coping.

The only problem I had was a spinal headache after my spinal block (which wasn't essential as I had a GA but was told the spinal was good pain relief) sadly I had to spend five days laying flat on my back with the worlds worst head ache and sickness.

My gynae told me after the surgery that she wished she'd prepped me for a hysterectomy as my uterue was very lax, however the physio I saw afterwards said that I can help myself by doing lots of intenese pfe.

mehgalegs · 12/02/2009 11:50

I was in for three days, catheter for 48 hrs and vaginal pack for 24 hrs

mortica · 13/02/2009 14:33

Hi all,

Been see gyno this morning and i gutted. Because i have been having circulation problems and fluid retention he wont operate until he gets all clear from another consultant incase it causes problems in surgery and i dont make it through. Only when he had confirmation that surgery will be okay, can i they make another apt to see him again to then discuss surgery. I waiting 8wks for this apt. So i am well gutted i thought we would just be discussing surgery today and now i feel like i back to square one again.

I went straight to my own dr and told him what gyno said, he did a few tests and said there is nothing wrong with my heart or my circulation it just probably my hormones. I had blood tests last wk for kidney, liver, thyroid and they normal. My dr is going to write to gyno and tell him. Just hope that be enough, otherwise i in for a very very long wait.

Sorry for long moan, i just really really fed up. So for mean time i got to put up and shut up.

Original poster
ouchitreallyhurts · 13/02/2009 14:44

I'm so sorry - I know how frustrating the prolapse situation is so to be told you have to wait longer must be torturous. hang in there and hopefully your gp will get something sorted with the gyno really soon xx

OP posts:
mortica · 13/02/2009 14:52

Thanks ouchitreallyhurts it means alot.

Oh i forgot to mention the bit when my dr said oh your overdue for a smear, we will get you booked in for that. As if im not in enough pain. You have to laugh dont you.

Did they say how long you have to wait for your surgery?

Original poster
ouchitreallyhurts · 13/02/2009 15:29

probably may so have been mentally calculating how many periods that is to suffer! what a shame the repair wont stop me having them altogether (or get rid of pmt!)

ouch,the thought of a smear with a prolapse makes me wince! am due one too but have been putting it off, bad idea i know but I know you know what i mean!

there doesnt seem to be any specific uk support groups for us prolapsee's does there? thank goodness for mumsnet - i was starting to think i was the only woman under 70 going through this

OP posts:
poshwellies · 13/02/2009 16:42

I didn't have a repair,I went for the hysterectomy as we had finished having anymore children.

Best thing I did looking back on how shit I felt most of the time.

mehgalegs · 13/02/2009 20:57

oh no.. I am sorry you have to wait. In the meantime, if you can get going with the pelvic floor exercises. The physio told me I need to get into good habits because if i want to maintain the work the sugeon has done I need to do pfe atleast three times a day forever!!

Sawyer64 · 13/02/2009 21:26

Hi Mortica sorry if I missed out a bit,but did the Consultant say what type of prolapse you have?

As long as its not "uterine" it shouldn't make a Smear more uncomfortable or painful IME.
An Anterior or Posterior prolapse mainly cause problems with Bladder and Bowel functions.
A Uterine prolapse would mean the Cervix (neck of the womb) would be difficult to put the brush into to obtain the cells.So that would cause discomfort.

I went to see my Surgeon in Late November,and said I'd take short notice or cancellation.The first date they phoned and offered was 22/02/09,but i declined this as it was too close to Christmas.They then offered me 10/02/09.

It may seem a long time when you are waiting,but it whizzed round!

Rereading your post I would guess its more likely Anterior Prolapse because of the stress incontinence.
You are right that it wont cure PMT or stop your periods,but if you reread your list of symptoms,the relief of all those would make you feel so much better,and would improve the way you feel about your periods and PMT IMO/IME.
Chin up,your Op day will come quick enough I'm sure.

Sawyer64 · 13/02/2009 21:29

Sorry make that 22/12/08.....!!!

mortica · 13/02/2009 21:47

I cant seem to find anything on web that says you cant have a smear with a prolapse so think will have to grit teeth and go but be prepared for couple of days of pain after.

Thanx everyone for your kind comments, I think i will now go and a glass of the best pain killer known to woman...... wine.

Daisymay48 · 15/06/2009 19:06

Hi, I had a hysterectomy (no regrets) and posterior prolapse repair 11 wks ago. The prolapse repair has not been succesful and I have now heard about the use of tape/mesh. Has anyone else experienced the prolapse repair not working and/or the use of tape/mesh please? Thanks

harras · 05/11/2011 21:47

I have been reading up on prolapse as I have been offered a hysterectomy and have read that the mesh surgery is not without problems so try to do some more research.