Any Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery success stories?

[littlecabbage]

I have a grade II cystocoele and a grade I rectocoele (following instrumental delivery during childbirth). I am going to see my GP soon to ask for referral to a women’s healh physio to help with my symptoms, but have been told I will need surgery at some point.

It’s very easy to find negative stories about surgical repairs breaking down, and how they become more and more difficult to repair each time, but I am hoping this is just because women are more likely to post when things have gone wrong and it is on their mind more.

Has anyone had surgery to improve/resolve POP and had (so far) a good outcome? How long ago did you have the surgery? How old were you? What type/grade of prolapse(s) did you have beforehand? Did you do pelvic floor physio before and/or after, and did that help? Do you do any high impact exercise now, or is that too risky? Are your symptoms completely resolved, or just improved?

Thanks for any info you are able to share.

I read Adam Kay's book "this is going to hurt" and he wasn't particularly empathetic towards women who were going through this. It was the first thing I thought of last night when I realised what happened to me and depressed me even more.

I've just tried to get an appointment and explained what had happened and did anyone have expertise in this area and the receptionist didn't know and had no idea and I've got an appointment on 3rd Feb. I can call back at 8am every morning if there's an emergency. I've emailed a local physio who advertises as pelvic floor / core expert.

Totally agree @carrotsnpeas - the attitude is crappy. So many women with this suffering.

I've just realised why my very over weight mother in law is paranoid about going anywhere - she had a bowel prolapse too I think. She must feel awful all the time.

@MotherOfLittlePeople - such a difficult decision when you're still in your 20s - you have no idea how you're going to feel about children - I totally get why you'd be unsure about what to do next.

The trouble is if I have another pregnancy is it going to make it worse as well, seen as this all started when I was pregnant. My pelvic floor must of been weak any ways and the stress on it of being pregnant has caused the damage. At the moment unless there was something non-surgical to help I don't want anything doing. I'm managing. I must say it's a lot better than it was pain wise but I'm not sure why the constant pain has suddenly stopped x

Hi. I'm due to go for grade 2 cytocele and grade 2 rectocele repair on 3rd March and i'm so scared. The thing i'm scared about is secual dysfunction and possibilty of urinary incontinence. I currently get a little stress incontinence but my pelvic floor is pretty strong. I have no issues or pain during sex....I just do not like the bulging in my vagina and constantly stress if my hubby can feel it/see it ( he says he can't). Any advice about sex after surgery?

Hi. How are you after your surgery? Any reports relating to sex post surgery?

Hi Supernurse, hope all goes well with your surgery. I can't offer any updates myself, as not had any surgery at this stage, but bumping this for you.

I had a ring pessary inserted today. I’m not in pain but my tummy feels uncomfortable, sort of pre-period feeling. I’m hoping it’s just because someone’s been furtling about up there and not because the pessary isn’t in right. I can’t feel it. I just feel a bit yucky in my pelvis.

Is this normal?

I think if you have the correct size, you shouldn’t feel anything at all, so maybe give it a couple of days for any “furtling discomfort” to disappear, then reassess. If still uncomfy, you may need a different size/type?

There is some good info on different pessary types further up this thread, from FuriousR.

I tried a ring pessary and didn’t find it comfortable either, but haven’t asked to try a different one because I don’t feel that the “falling down” sensation is a massive part of my discomfort. I think my issues are lower down.

Thanks for your reply. Mine is for uterus prolapse so I’m wondering if the discomfort is the uterus being pushed back up? The insertion was quite unpleasant. I’ll reassess after a night’s rest. I’m new to this thread so I’ll have a read. Thanks.

Hi spoketoosoon,

Hope things have settled and ur comfortable now, ur not supposed to feel the ring at all.

I've tried tons of thr pessaries for uterus prolapse including ring and they all have been uncomfortable and then slip out of place especially after bowle movement. The best solution I've found so far is a sponge pessary I bought online.
Another problem with the rings and cubes are that I had to keep going back to the hosp to have them changed and the urogynae nurse has 3 mth waiting list so was hard to keep trial and error going.

I've also started doing hypopressives (best to Google it) which has helped manage symptoms.

Good luck

X

Hello all can I join please after being directed to this thread by the helpful advice of @littlecabbage and @Verbena87

I am early 30s and have just this week been diagnosed with a cystocele....unsure of the grade but sounds like a grade 2. I've been feeling utterly crap about it but have been referred to women's physio so just waiting for the appointment.....no idea how long it will take but could be a couple of months apparently!

I keep trying my kegels but they are very weak, doing the exercises often feels like I'm not doing anything at all which is so disheartening. At the moment I just feel like it's never going to improve!

Welcome Pepperwand! It’s a club none of us would have chosen, but we are a supportive bunch, and once you get used to your diagnosis, it may not seem as devastating as it does initially.

Do read through this whole thread, as we have discussed lots of aspects of management since it started. But also, feel free to ask questions.

Did you know you can looks for a private pelvic physio if the NHS wait is too long? Def continue with the kegels, even if they don’t feel like they are helping currently. Have you downloaded the NHS Squeezy app to help with this? Most women are advised to do 10 sustained holds for 10 secs (with a good 10s relaxation between each one), then 10 quick squeeze and releases. Repeat the whole thing at least 3 times a day (my physio advised 4-6 time if poss. I don’t do that many now, more like 2-3 sets daily, but do a lot of swimming, which helps to strengthen the pelvic floor). You can set reminders on the Squeezy app.

Also, randomly, I was told the pelvic floor functions a lot better if you keep well hydrated. Especially important obviously if you are still breastfeeding.

Thank you @LangittleClegabbage I have downloaded the kegel app so am doing that daily.

I also looked into hypopressives....I couldn't really feel the pelvic floor lift but saw an interesting video saying that once you exhale all your air and relax your abdominal muscles, if you then hold your nose and mouth and try to breath in to your empty lungs you can feel the lift sensation more easily. I tried it and it did work so I know there is something there, it's just a case of strengthening the muscle.

Hello all! Can I resurrect this thread and join please?

I have a grade 2 uterine prolapse and cystocele, as a result of a terrible first labour (extended pushing, high rotational forceps, normal forceps, shoulder dystocia) followed by another pregnancy two years later (delivered by ELCS but damage was already done). Family is definitely complete! I'm 36.

Trying to decide between a hysterectomy (leaving ovaries behind because of my age) or a laparoscopic hysteropexy with mesh (not the controversial mesh). Also trying to decide if I can wait for the surgery on the NHS (likely to be a v long wait but I am nearby an excellent hospital) or pay to have it done privately (I have no insurance though so won't be cheap).

Hi lovelies there is a fab uk support group if your on Facebook over 3k women all going through these awful prolapse issues myself included, I have 3.
Search for FPOPS UK

Sending hugs to you all

Hi everyone I've searched for a thread about this as didn't want to start my own. 9 years ago in my early thirties I had surgery to correct cystocele. I also had a rectocele but chose not to have both done at the same time as the risk of a complete "sealing up" during healing terrified me. Anyway 9 years on and the rectocele (presumably - haven't seen a doctor yet) is terrible. Investigating internally is terrifying but I did pluck up the courage earlier today and there is a large, very hard bulge by the entrance to the vagina and I have been getting a terrible burning sensation at the urethra for a few weeks. I have a cervical screening booked for a weeks time and am terrified that she won't even be able to find the cervix! Also I know how long waiting lists are now at the moment due to covid back log so I'm all round just feeling totally terrified and gutted to be back in this situation.

Sorry to hear this @Flessicajetcher

I’ve got some sort of prolapse, not sure which. Big bulge in when I’m standing or walking. I’ve just got a Perifit but it seems to be making matters worse. I asked for a referral to womens physio a few months ago but have heard nothing. Im depressed I must say.

I'm due to have a repair for a minor rectocele, and have the vaginal canal and opening tightened slightly at the same time.

I've been pushing for some kind of diagnosis for six years, ever since I gave birth to my son (I'm 41 now) and been told everything was normal until now.

And the consultant didn't even mention the rectocele to me - I only saw it in my copy of the letter to my doctor afterwards and had to look it up. I'd originally been to see him regarding general vaginal laxity and lack of any sensation during sex (without being too grim, I am always "open" and although my kegel muscles work well, the vaginal walls are spongy and have no tone).

I have also had increasing issues with bladder incontinence, especially during exercise (jumping jacks) or strong sneezes/sustained coughing, and feeling like I'm not able to fully empty my bowel/that any poo in the system can be felt very obviously from within the vaginal canal. Also a strange heaviness during periods and recurring pelvic pain.

I've lost all self esteem, my relationship and am too scared to have sex with new people as I'm too embarrassed.

I'm now a single parent and have started a new job recently. I exercise but I am overweight. Reading about recovery time/what you can do afterwards has scared me.

I guess I'd like to hear from anyone who had this procedure a while ago - does it help? Can you go back to lifting and exercise later on (I deadlift and it's quite important to me)? How will it affect work/parenting? And how does sex feel afterwards? Is the scarring bad? How long does the repair last, and do subsequent repairs cause a lot more damage?

I have had to keep on and on pushing for consultations and be quite forward about it. I get the impression that all kinds of things are deemed normal and acceptable for women which certainly wouldn't be accepted for men in terms of how it affects day to day life/self esteem/sex etc.

Now I am waiting for surgery I'm scared having read lots of bad stories and not many good.

Hi everyone, I noticed that people have been posting on this thread so I thought I'd pass on my experience. I had a vaginal wall prolapse repair about 4 years ago. My uterus was/is still prolapsed but the operation was definitely a success for me. I chose not to have mesh or a hysterectomy. It definitely doesn't feel as 'heavy' down there. Sex is great. I can feel the effects starting to wear off slightly but I play netball, only get those horrible stabbing shooting pains very occasionally, I used to get them every few days, and for me, it was definitely worth doing. Prior to the operation, I tried a ring pessary, they fell straight out, and I couldn't keep a tampon in. They would just fall out. I now use a moon cup anyway but when I got caught unexpectedly while out recently, I used a tampon with no issues. I hope this helps the people looking for positive experiences. Mine was a grade 2-3 prolapse.

@multiplemum3 i know this post is old can I ask if you had surgery? I’m young and in same situation:(

Firstly thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it’s been comforting to read them.

im afraid I’m joining the club…. 4 months postpartum with my first baby. I had a beautiful quick homebirth, no tearing…saw a women’s health physio during pregnancy as I’m a runner and wanted to ensure I was going into labour strong. Saw her again at 6 weeks postnatal and was given the all clear, no prolapse.

Yet somehow between 6 weeks postnatal and now I’ve now developed a grade 1/2 cystocele. I’m gutted. I haven’t been over doing it (I don’t think),, been sensible with exercise. I am exclusively breastfeeding so don’t know whether the lack of oestrogen caused it?

anyway, I’m ploughing on with the physio exercises and trying to stay positive.

my husband is being v supportive but I just can’t stop crying. I can’t imagine having to limit my activities /running etc in future. I feel broken :(

I felt the same when it happened to me post partum too. I felt too young to be having this happen etc and felt my body was ruined and I wouldn't feel ok again. It has taken time, I had two more babies as well, but my youngest is 3 now and my prolapse is in check nearly all of the time. I do my kegals regularly but also dont beat myself up if I miss them when I am busy for a day.
I do think a lot of it is time when its a small grade prolapse and its post partum, hormones and healing is a massive factor. I know it is only anecdotal but I hope this gives you some confidence that you will likely feel ok again in the future, that you hopefully can find ways to manage your prolapse when its affecting you (I do things to help me manage it when it occasionally bothers me now). Get all the help you can from healthcare professionals for referals etc as well.

I had prolapse after my second birth. Spent about 2 years going to see physio and doing kegels myself. Then discovered kegel8, a tens machine for pelvic floor muscles. Did that for 6 years religiously, nearly every day. In the last two years I’ve been doing hypopressives and they are a real game changer. I feel stronger now in my pelvic floor than I ever have done, and my prolapse gives me no bother at all. I can even run around the garden now!

search for hypopressives with Alice. She’s amazing. I fully recommend her, doing this will really change your experience with prolapse!

I hope it goes well for you x

Thank you so much- I will check that all out