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Pt 8 (Oct13) Any old prolapse! Uterus/womb prolapse, rectocele, cystocele, enterocele, urethrocele, incontinence, pelvic floor, anterior and posterior repair, TVT etc (994 Posts)

838 replies

gottagetthroughthis · 19/03/2014 00:24

Welcome to thread 8 (again - see below) of a long-running series of posts from ladies suffering from pelvic prolapses to support each other through the process of diagnosis, repair and recovery.

With apologies for confusion in thread numbers - an earlier thread was called part 7 but it was actually the 6th thread.

Here are the previous threads:

Thread 1
Thread 2
Thread 3
Thread 4
Thread 5
Thread 6
Thread 7
Thread 8

Info from BBC Health

What is a pelvic prolapse?

As the muscles, ligaments and supporting tissues in the pelvis become weaker, they are less able to hold in the organs of the pelvis such as the womb (uterus) or bladder.

Gravity pulls these organs down and, in the more severe cases, may appear through the entrance to the vagina.

A variety of problems can occur, depending on where the weakness lies and which organs are able to descend, but in every case there is some degree of prolapse of the vaginal wall, which begins to invert (rather like a sock turning inside out).
Prolapse of the womb or uterus is the most common prolapse, affecting as many as one in eight older women to some degree
Prolapse of the bladder, known as a cystocele, is less common.
Prolapse of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder) is known as a urethrocele.
Prolapse of the intestines is quite rare, and known as an enterocele or rectocele.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on which tissues descend, and how severe the prolapse is.

They may include:
A sense of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis.
The appearance of a bulge of tissue in the genital area, which can be quite alarming, and is often red and sore.
Urinary problems, such as having to urinate more frequently, feeling the need urgently, being incontinent (losing control of the bladder) or, conversely, being unable to pass urine when you need to.
Pain in the pelvis or lower back.
Sexual problems, including pain and decreased libido.
Constipation.
Vaginal discharge or bleeding.

Treatment and recovery

Once a prolapse has developed, surgery to fix the affected organs is usually the only way to cure it effectively.

However, another option is to use a device known as a vaginal ring pessary. This is rather like a contraceptive diaphragm or cervical cap. It's made of silicone or latex, and placed in the vagina to push back the prolapsed organs and hold them in place. Many women happily manage their prolapse this way.

OP posts:
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gottagetthroughthis · 19/03/2014 00:27

Phew!! Got there in the end....

OP posts:
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NoKidz · 19/03/2014 10:37

Hi everyone, can anyone recommend a good pelvic physio in the London/South East area? I'm in Croydon but can travel anywhere in London by public transport or further out into Kent, Surrey etc by car.

And can anyone recommend a good urogynaecologist in the same areas? As appointments with them would be less frequent I could travel further if needed. I'd really appreciate it as I'm completely in the dark about who is any good - having been fobbed off by my gp and fought for these referrals I have to make them count!

Thanks so much for all you share on this thread, it has been a lifeline for me since my gp diagnosed my bladder prolapse/cystocele. I suspect I have more issues down there but my gp is dismissive, she initially sent me away to just do pelvic floor exercises by myself with no other advice at all, not even to be careful lifting etc.

I'm 47 and haven't had kids (so I hope you don't mind me being here!) but the info I've found here really helped me in the panic and devastation of those first few days, thank you all for being here and for your advice and your honesty about everything you're going through. Good thoughts going out to everyone having a difficult time at the moment.

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kazzawazzawoo · 19/03/2014 18:57

Just marking my place on the new thread.

I haven't seen my gp yet (work keeps getting in the way), but suspect a prolapse, bowel. Thanks for posting, everyone, reading with interest.

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LackaDAISYcal · 19/03/2014 19:13

Just posted on the old thread and reslised it was nearly full so C&Ping my post!

"Just a quick update from me; I pop in every now and again...

Seeing my consultant next week as the physios have recommended mne as a candidate for surgery for my cystocele and rectocele...Yay!

But...NAY! I had a side issue of abnormal bleeding and had polyps removed over a year ago and then again in December. This last on, whi9ch grew very big, very quickly, as it turns out, was cancerous. Had a D&C which was inconclusive, but have to go for a pelvic CT scan to check for spread and been advised by the oncology gyn that I need a hysterectomy. Consultant told me that they generally don't do the repairs at the same time as the hysterectomy if the hysterectomy is for cancer related issues.

She said I should keep the appointmenmt with the repair lady so I can be kept "on the books" as it were, and they can look at the repairs further down the line once I'm all healed up from the hysterectomy. Bit of a bummer, but I suppose I can put up with it for a bit longer, if I get to live a life cancer free. Though can't imagine my office being very happy about two lots of time off Confused"

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LackaDAISYcal · 19/03/2014 19:14

Oh, and I started what will more than likely be my last period this morning and am feeling rather sad about it Sad

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1966gettingold · 19/03/2014 20:38

No kids if hoe in box me I will tell you of a specialist in London, I can't work out how to send you a message.

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1966gettingold · 19/03/2014 20:52

No kids just worked it out and sent you a message.

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Noordinarygirl · 20/03/2014 11:25

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR BOWELS TO GET BACK TO NORMAL?? I've had to use another enema this morning as I just couldn't go AGAIN and felt a huge amount of pooh 'just waiting' to come out but again it was too difficult too push out. How long does it take for this to get back to normal and why do these ops make this happen? What happens to your bowels to stop things so drastically? I'm getting really ticked off with this and am panicking that I only have 3 enemas left. I'm 30 days post op now and if I don't go everyday I just know I'm going to have to 'help' things out yet again.

What does everybody use to keep things going? Lactulose obviously isn't helping enough so do I need to stock up on another sort of suppository or should I just go for senna? Should I take it everyday?

Please can I have some stories from how you have all managed your bowels post op as I am obviously doing something wrong here? I have been feeling quite positive since last week's episode but it's reared it's ugly head again and it's making me feel quite down again. I couldn't possibly go back to work needing to use enemas but there's a while before I need to worry about that as I have sick note that covers me for 4 more weeks yet.

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Footle · 20/03/2014 14:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Footle · 20/03/2014 14:11

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blueberryboybait · 20/03/2014 14:21

HI, I popped on here last year after seeing the GP about continence issues, I then saw a consultant who diagnosed cycstocele/urethrocele and said I was too young for surgery and was sent for physio. Have had physio for 18mo and they have sent me back to GP for referral back to gynae. Things have got worse, I can no longer run, gym or even pick up the kids without wetting myself! I lost a huge amount of weight but it is creeping back on as I can no longer exercise without wee running down my leg. I am sure I have increased the profits of Tena recently!

I am hoping they will be able to do something this time.

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jcakec · 20/03/2014 22:11

Noordinarygirl you have voiced my thoughts exactly. Has anyone been told just why these repairs cause coninued bowel problems? I am now about 6months post op and have problems if I dont keep up the movicol or fybogel daily and sometimes senocot too. And is it ok to keep taking them indefinately?

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flouncymcflouncerson · 21/03/2014 11:37

daisy sorry to read about your issues. What a nightmare and annoying to have to go through surgery again. I'm not sure why they won't do repairs at the same time? I will be having a hysterectomy and further bladder and most likely bowel repairs too this time. This is after surgery on Nov where my uterus wasn't repaired. I understand the problem having two lots of surgery causes as I will have the same issue for me next issue. And in fact have been told I may lose my job! Gp has sent referral to urogyn so hoping I see her before my next appt with the surgeon mid April. It's all such a. Esp and I have young children so recovery is difficult. I also have hyoermobilty which is probably the cause of my problems!

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LackaDAISYcal · 21/03/2014 14:38

She said it was because of the cancer. I will be asking though.

I got my appointment for the CT scan through; an hour after I am due to see my gynae on Tuesday and at the other end of a very large hospital, so looks like I will have to cancel the gynae anyway as they never run on time

Mind you, the cancer is kind of trumping the cyctocele/rectocele anyway.

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Noordinarygirl · 22/03/2014 12:17

4.5 weeks post op and I've taken myself off painkillers to see if it improves bowel functions. Well, I've been off them for 2 days now (since last enema use on Thursday morning) and (touch wood) it seems as if things are improving. Will let you know how it continues.

It could also be the fact that I now have a bowel of prunes, plums, pears and kiwi in the morning and make sure I have a bowl of bran cereal during the day too. Still keeping up drinking loads of hot water too.

I managed 2 short walks yesterday and have been out for a (slow) walk again this morning. Anything to get things back to normal BM-wise now will be tried!

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Frenchfrogbutt · 23/03/2014 20:31

Hi all
I am not in the way of getting my operation avcording to docs too closed to childbirth too young 38 qnd eevtocle very low whixh seems to be a problem but still on physio to improve things . lately i have tried acupuncture for constipation and stress IT seems working ( with Still laxative) just wanted to ask before your ops for the one who had rectocele did you take laxative ? Was IT efficient or Still dis you have to help by splinting or pushing ?

Ms clairet i hope your first Week post op went fine . Take care
Bisous

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Le1890 · 23/03/2014 20:49

Hi

Can I join please?

I had my second baby 11 months ago and have been having issues since although only really acknowledged it recently. Had a 3rd degree tear. Went to gp an was told I have a bladder and back passage prolapse.

I feel really depressed as I feel so aware of the pressure when I'm up and doing things, house work for example. I can only last maximum 1.5-2 hours before I'm bursting for a pee and I need to squeeze to get the little dribble out as I I don't it will dribble a bit when I bend to pull my underwear up!

Gp says its mild although it doesn't feel mild to me!! I've to gp for physio this week. Gp says I won't need an op.....

Just feel really down about it.x

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LackaDAISYcal · 25/03/2014 15:50

Saw my gynae today...any repairs are to be postponed until after the hysterectomy. So, I'll see you guys in about four months or so!

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Noordinarygirl · 25/03/2014 19:08

Daisy I hope your hysterectomy goes well and that it's followed by a great big 'all clear' with regards to the cancer. How are you coping with all of this? Ups and downs? Head all over the place? Mine would be! Please keep us informed. x

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Noordinarygirl · 25/03/2014 19:11

Le1980 I haven't had a bladder repair and didn't have any wee problems but I'm sure someone will reply soon. Keep your chin up. You most definitely aren't alone. All this type of stuff goes underground for some reason but it's so much more common that you'd believe. Big hugs x

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Noordinarygirl · 25/03/2014 19:14

Frenchfrog My rectocele wasn't SO bad before my op that I needed to splint. I wasn't taking laxatives either as my diet has always been pretty high in fibre and I walked miles every day when I could. I've found since I had my op that walking helps massively and I've cut out all painkillers too. Things are much improved now and hopefully I won't need to resort to enemas again!

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Frenchfrogbutt · 25/03/2014 19:47

Thanks noordinary SO the rectocele wasnt the only motivation to get the operation ? i dont have the thread in mind sorry) if constipation wasnt that bad. Actually i never splinted either except during prégnancy at the end pushing only on the perineum . I am too scared to cut the laxatives right now but you answered telling me that a high fibre diet did the trick for you I Will try to slow down on movicol. I am doing no exercice at all right Now feeling exhausted except the physio ones. Thanks again i hope you are feeling better day after day and that your body and Mind are recovering well from the op. Good evening !

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LackaDAISYcal · 25/03/2014 23:38

Thanks NoG Smile

I'm desperately trying not to think about anything, but yes, my head is reeling a wee bit with it all. I've had a pretty shitty few years healthwise and I just keep thinking, what else is going to get thrown at me? Why me? and that it isn't fair!

The concern from the gynae is that the operation might change my current symptoms for the better, or worse, or there be no change. So they want me healed from the hysterectomy before doing the repairs. I mentioned that lots of women have hysterectomies and repairs at the same time and she replied "not when there is cancer involved they don't" Whether that is a national thing or just our local trust, who knows?

I suppose I'll know more after Friday.

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Noordinarygirl · 26/03/2014 08:46

French and Daisy I actually had a partial hysterectomy in Nov 12 and I think that actually lead to things 'falling out' only 6 months later as my womb was no longer there to act as an anchor. Either that or it was the fact that I really did far too much too soon after the op. I was back at work 3 and a half weeks later. That's why I'm taking things SO easy this time and not rushing back to work. Let that be a warning to you both!

French no it wasn't actually the rectocele that was the big problem for me it was the fact that my cervix actually fell right out of me last May. I've had my rectocele repaired with mesh and the biggest part of the op was the other repair. Mesh sewn onto the outside of my vagina front and back and then that mesh pinned onto my spine to hold it all up in place......hopefully for a very long time!

I am now 5 weeks post op and really feel as if I turned a corner this week with pain etc (I took myself off painkillers last week to try to solve the BM problem. It seems to have done the trick and things are working as they should now. I hope it continues that way now. I also have been getting a lot more feeling back in that area too. I can actually push now. I'm keeping up pelvic floor exercises.

On a bad note.....me and my partner split up recently and we are now looking at getting the house on the market so we can both move on. It's not going to be pretty and things are very strained with us all (4 teenagers involved here too) still living under the same roof. None of us have been particularly happy since we all moved in together actually so in the long run it'll make 6 more happy people in the world! The timing could have been better as I'm not looking forward to packing up boxes, if the house sells quickly but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it!

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scifigeek · 26/03/2014 17:39

Hi there - glad to find this thread as I think I need both advice and moral support to cope with a broken fanjo.

I had a horrendous birth 2 years ago with emergency forceps and third degree tear. I thought I'd recovered after a few months but started getting a very 'pressured' feeling in my pelvis and thinks looked visibly different. Fortunately no leakage but still not good.

I was referred to my local bladder and bowel clinic, had a rectocele confirmed and saw the specialist nurse several times. Did the pelvic floor exercises as instructed and was discharged a few months ago and told that the prolapse wasn't severe enough to merit medical intervention, and that I had to live my life without lifting heavy things or doing exercise such as running. It wouldn't get better but it hopefully wouldn't get worse.

Not very practical advice with a toddler and a job which does demand some carrying of heavy files! So I've carried on my life as normal, but obviously tried to avoid lifting too many heavy things. To be frank the 'no strenuous exercise' advice seems more appropriate for someone in their seventies not their thirties and trying to lose baby weight.

The prolapse has suddenly got a lot worse over the course of a couple of weeks. I've referred myself back to the bladder clinic but can't be seen until the end of April. My rectocele is far bigger and protruding and to my completely untrained eye I think I've got a cystocele as well. Everything's falling out basically! I have to poke things back in a couple of times a day and it's really really constantly uncomfortable and sore. I suspect there's chafing. Ugh.

The bladder nurse doesn't seem to take a very 'interventionist' stance, and by the sound of it the health authority approach if I do get referred up is 'we'll try a ring pessary, if that doesn't work we'll do a little patch-up, then if that doesn't work - and it normally doesn't (!)- maybe a bigger one'. I'd rather have a big one-off fix-it op even if it's painful than faff around with minor interventions that don't work and I really don't want the ring pessary which needs to be changed every few months.

The nurse is very nice, but she's not a consultant, and I wonder whether I need to push for a hospital referral. Also DP has BUPA cover at work which extends to me, so I wonder whether I should ask for a referral down the private route when I see her, as they may take a different approach and move quickly. I hate the idea of queue-jumping but I'm hobbling like a little old lady and worried to pick up my son.

So your advice ladies would be most welcome. Both on any short term relief to get me through to the end of April without hobbling around like John Wayne due to the discomfort, and what to ask for when I get to the clinic. Grin

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