Embarrassing thread (sorry).. rectal prolapse

[Littlepig74]

I’ve finally gone to the GP for an issue that’s been going on for years and yup.. I have a rectal prolapse. I’m only early 30s!!! But it’ll only get worse if I leave it.
I’m being referred to a specialist and I guess there’ll be a little surgery.
Anyone else out there been through this? It’d be good to know long I might have to wait for referral and surgery as it kinda puts other life plans on hold a bit!!
Thanks ladies x

I have this quite badly and I was told by nhs I needed surgery. I then got a second opinion privately and was told that it can be managed with life style changes (lose a small bit of weight, I'm slim anyway but being an optimum weight helps, eat more fibre, drink more water, do pelvic floor exercises more!)
I also wear medium hold tummy control pants every day and it helps me suck it all up without thinking and seems to align me better!

Its not great but I'm happy not to have surgery for now. I've heard it's not necessarily successful long term so look into that.

Why did they say it will get worse without surgery? I hope that's not right! :(

I'm going to my gp tomorrow for the same. I suspect I've had it years and I'm only in my 30s. I have no intention of having surgery this young, likelihood it will need going again if you do so at a young age.
I'll be going to a women's physio for help I think.
I managed to be symptom free for years after first baby, lots of yoga, Fibre supplements each day and no straining.

I'd advise seeing a physio.

Can I ask what your symptoms were/are? After a year of a rather embarrassing symptoms I think I am plucking up the courage to go and see my go so reading with interest

It used to feel like a poo half out after I’d gone but it was actually the inner muscle and it used to pull back in after I’d gone, by itself. Now it happens every time I poop, and it have to wrap tissue around my fingers and manually push it back in.
Pelvic floor exercises and stool softeners help, but gradually, especially if it’s due to a connective tissue disorder such as EDS or due to a prolapse and SF these initial things don’t make it better then over a few years it might start coming out when you fart or cough 😑😑

My cousin had this (after a very botched birth). She's had 2 lots of corrective surgery, which was successful. I think the 1st one was a physical repair and the second was to line with mesh.

She's now on the waiting list for a repair, as for some insane reason, she thought taking up jogging would be a good idea

Thank you for your replies. Sorry to hijack the thread. I know I should make an appointment with the GP but I am mortified just thinking about it

I know but they’re a doctor so they’ve seen it all!! I started following a group on Facebook and it helps me feel so much less alone. Prolapse support or something.
Lots of ladies show their docs and consultants pics they’ve taken on their phones and most are appreciative of that.

That's a great idea. Perhaps I'll start with that and hope that saves one less examination. ThNk you

@Koolkat74 an ice cube would also make it shoot back up. Might help you.

My thyroid packed whist I was pregnant. 33 at the time. The condition was not picked up dispute me telling doctor I was really constipated all of the time maybe only poo twice a week, dry skin, cold, forgetful. Dr said it was because I was pregnant. Eventually got prolapse and split in anus called Fischer. Sent to hospital after baby born and very scared. Went in as a day case. Had to have general anaesthetic but never had problem since. I went home three hours after I went in. Had painkillers for 2 days and medicine to make poo very soft for 2 weeks. Put on Thyroxine so it did not occur again. It healed in a few days and no pain. I was very pleased I got it sorted. Be brave and get it sorted out. You have years ahead of you. You do not need to put up with it. I am so glad I plucked up courage to get mine sorted.

Once I got referred I waited about 3 or 4 weeks but that was 20 years ago and I have never had any problems since. No mesh was used.

Hi caringcarer, I am currently waiting for a consultant appointment for rectal prolapse / rectocele ...do you mind me asking if you went on to have any children after your surgery? Thanks

Hi OP,

I feel for you, I've also got what I like to call (in my own head) "butt burdens". Going to the doctor is exactly the right thing to do. I was so relieved to finally get a medical opinion.

@Koolkat74 - I hope you don't mind me asking, I too am pretty sure I've experienced a prolapse which feels like a 'half-in-poo' a few (4?) times over 4 months or so - I had a flexible sigmoidoscopy to check it out (about a week before lockdown) and it all looked 'normal' - if it is the last bit of muscle descending, like you mentioned, do you think they'd have spotted it?

Hiya - just before lockdown I had my examination too and they said the lining was partially collapsed and there were piles but nowhere near bad enough for them to do anything surgically.
So if they said it seemed normal there might still be some level of prolapse but if it’s not interfering with your everyday life eg coming out and not being able to push it back in, or it coming out when you cough for example, they won’t do anything. Because surgery could potentially worsen it, or might need further surgeries.
So it’s not exactly pleasant but liveable. And yes it could get worse but probably in many years time or with further pregnancies and without a strong core.
Hope this helps x

Thanks @Koolkat74

My core gave up some time in 2016 (thanks childbirth)... But I can certainly make sure I keep on top of other measures; fibre, liquid intake, stool softeners. It makes not going to he gym for the foreseeable even more annoying though.

I think the worst thing is that feeling of "Oh well, this is my life now, my butt is broken".

Thanks for your response! And all power to all of our butts!
x

Hi everyone. Sorry to resurrect this thread but I find myself in this unpleasant position too! I've suspected i have a rectal prolapse for a few months now (longer if I add up all the symptoms). Finally plucked up the courage to call the GP, had to be a phone call obviously! She thinks it likely is a prolapse. She's referring me to physio and told me to call again if it gets worse.

Thing is, I'd rather know what I'm dealing with here - a physical examination sounds grim but at least they would be able to get an idea of what is going on. I feel so worried about what lies ahead! Right now I guess it's mild in that it's going 'back in', but I know it can get a lot worse. I'm 41 and have read they don't bother with surgery if you're younger.

Any reassurance or solidarity gratefully received! There seems to be a lot about pelvic organ prolapses but this kind of prolapse seems rare.

Hey ladies.

I know this thread is old but now is everyone now. I also have both prolapses but rectal is the worse/hardest to deal with.