prolapse surgery and pessaries

Had a bladder prolapse fixed. It helped, but there was a sore bit left, which they fixed for me. All OK now - don't have to keep getting up in the night any more! This was all done in a public hospital, zero cost to me. (Australia)

Thank you Joan. Did anyone suggest a pessary

How long were you in hospital?

Greetings from sunny London!

No - no pessary suggestion. I had to go see this specialist urologust in his surgery, where all sorts of tests were done - quite embarrassing, but you know, I've had kids, so I was OK. Well, I suppose if I hadn't had kids the problem wouldn't have existed! He said surgery would help. This was done at our local hospital as day surgery, with a general anaesthetic.

Good luck with your problem. I envy you living in London - so exciting. I spent a couple of months there with my husband when was in the navy in the 1960s. There was so much to do, and I'm sure at least that hasn't changed over the decades.

PS At least I think it was day surgery - it was a while ago.

I would try a pessary first tbh. And absolutely loads of kegels before that. I'm sure kegel exercises saved my bacon.

Kegels are excellent, I haven't had a prolapse and may be entiely wrong but believe that these exercises may have gone some way to prevent it. I have always done them and DH loves it

harrigran -

I am due to have a prolapse (bladder) repair in the next couple of weeks, I will report back. I tried ring pessaries but they fell out instantly. I am doing some Pilates in preparation for the op, then as soon as it is safe afterwards I will do them again. I am looking forward to having my bladder sent back to where it belongs instead of trying to escape. (I am in the NW UK).

Good luck Nannajeanie

Hi all
I had pelvic repair surgery for a prolapse in May. It was a double job - bowel and bladder and they did a vaginal hysterectomy in order to make it easier. I had it done in one of the nhs specialist treatment centres and I'm very happy with the outcome. The actual operation was not as bad as I thought, but I was unfortunate in that I had a couple of infections in the wound and had to take antibiotics for ages. As far as my present comfort goes though, I would thoroughly recommend it. By the way both the surgeon and my gp told me that sometimes, no amount of exercises can prevent it and it's just the luck of the draw.
Good luck to anyone having it done.

I am going through this now. First step was a ring pessary which was a disaster as I 'leaked' continuously, then a larger one was tried, same result. Then to the consultant and urodynamics with a friendly nurse (absolutely vital as extremely intrusive procedure) then a Fluid Diary where all input and output had to be measured - not easy when out and about!
Next step back to consultant who I know is going to suggest surgery, but am very wary of any surgery due to horror stories.
Anyone else got to this stage?

Jangly : thank you for your good wishes

pinkhater: good to hear you are doing OK. I had a subtotal hysterectomy about 15 years ago, so my repair on the bladder is a separate job now, my surgeon said he might take the cervix out this time. Since you had your surgery in May, where are you up to in being able to drive and lift things? Although I am having my pre-op in a couple of days and I could ask questions like that, it would be nice to hear it from a fellow grannie. Of course what I really want to know is when will I be able to pick up the grandchildren again

Hi nannajeannie
I followed the usual advice about not driving and lifting for 6 weeks (except for my little grandaughter, who lives with us - but don't tell anyone ! ) As regards bladder control, it was not as bad as I expected but I did follow the exercise regime properly for the first few weeks and I did take things really easy. I guess my advice is just follow instructions and give yourself the excuse to have a rest at least once a day.Good luck.

Well, I am going to hospital 8.30 am Monday morning. Pre-op was done last week. Prolapse repair scheduled for a morning slot. Nil by mouth after midnight so I am just going to have a sneaky bowl of cornflakes now. I will continue to report when I am home if DH would be kind enough to pass me my laptop whilst peeling me a grape.

Good luck NannaJeannie
I hope by the time you read this you'll be recovering nicely. Also hope you get plenty of good help and advice re drinking and resting plenty.

Hi girls,I had this procedure 2 yrs ago and am sorry to say it did not work for me
but I know girls who it has helped,I am due to go back in for more surgery
on 8th Sept when I will have the neck of the bladder injected with botox to
strenghten the neck of the bladder (I've heard all the joke's)here's hoping
it will help as I am up 4/5 time's a night and have shares in Tena lady products,
Don't listen to horror stories just research your specialist and if you are not satisfied find someone you are happy with,even if you have to wait a while longer
Take care NannaJeannie and have loads and loads of rest

Thank you everyone for good wishes.

I had the surgery (with a good specialist) on Monday midday. Woke up in the recovery room singing 'the wheels on the bus..' (which is what I normally do on Mondays) and wittering about how I 'must fix the hood on this pram'. I spent a long time in recovery as I have a very low respiration rate and the ward would not take me back. The aneasthatist gave me a stimulant and I compensated for that too. I explained to them that low respiration rate is normal for me and I had ensured that it was on record - I have done that for many years as a relaxation technique. Anyway I got back on the ward and got no sleep as a lady with a shouting psychosis had been admitted.

So far I am very comfortable, resting and reading at home and feeling such a difference, I am taking paracetamol of course, but I feel better, no low backache, no hip ache, and no small grapefruit trying to escape from my vagina if you will pardon the expression.

I have got leaflets telling me what to do, physiotherapy sessions booked and Pilates to return to eventually. Right now I am very optimistic.

glammamama, I hope your botox works Ok, I have heard about that

Good to hear you're doing well. I'm reading this thread with interest as I'm beginning to fear that I am entering 'the prolapse years'. [Sounds like an Adrian Mole book, doesn't it...'crimson..the prolapse years']. Oh joy.

Day 3 after my prolapse repair and still making progress. Just had a shower unaided and DH is making lunch, something with Broccoli - sooooo important. Might be able to go out and walk round the block later, if the rain stays off. Not taking painkillers any more, just very ginger about moving about. It is frustrating not being able to lift anything and load the washing machine etc but needs must. And I am starting the pelvic floor exercises.

So far so good

Take care,you will be surprised how tiring a walk will be so be
careful,and let everyone wait on you hand and foot.Thanks for the good wishes NJ I just wish it was over and done with

Thank you Glammanana.

Day 7 now and progress is slow but in the right direction. I am up to 15 minutes walk a day now and aim to increase by 5 mins a day during next week (I am following a sheet from the hospital). DH is still being a total amazing help. Ever vigilant to what I might need passing to me. I even have to ask to have my laptop put on my knee if I dont fancy sitting at my desk.

DH decided to tackle the washing before, I supervised from the step to the utility room. I said 'separate out the light stuff' I did not add 'from the dark stuff' - we did not have enough whites to run a load, and if I had said 'just put the whites in' he would have taken me literally. So he put the 'light stuff' in and I saw him chucking in black socks with my shabby but light knickers and bras. He thought I meant light in terms of not-heavy.

You don't realise how, when breaking down household tasks you really need to be ultra clear, almost like a computer programme. We have division of labour in our house which I have encouraged, but bless, he has never done the washing. He has learned to use the new electric steamer though.

Now I must wriggle my ankles and do a few pelvics.

Oh the joy's of a new man,how lucky are we to have such caring hubby's,if
that was in my dad's time my poor mum would have to get on with it,even though I loved him to bit's he was very much "a man's man" and a women's place
is in the home type of guy,very old fashioned

NannaJeannie - please be patient and follow instructions. Several years ago I had a hysterectomy and, being a bit of a coward, followed those instructions to the letter. It was a bit frustrating and I remember saying after a couple of weeks that I'd gone to work feeling much worse! However the 'no lifting or hoovering' rule is a must. May I add - don't try changing duvet covers either. A friend had the same op a month or two later and being a competitive type decided just to get on with things - obviously saw me as a wimp! I promise you that I have had not the slightest problem in the intervening years while she has had to go back for minor corrective op's at least twice. It isn't about being robust or brave - it's about being sensible and allowing your lovely man to help, as he seems perfectly willing to do. Very best wishes for a full, but gradual recovery.

Now in my second week after my prolapse repair - (hysterectomy done many years ago). My Bladder seems happy to be back in its proper place and it is still lovely to be devoid of hipache, backache and a grapefruit down below.

I am to increase my walking time this week and still lift nothing heavy. I can do household activities but no housework. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN. Of course I will apply common sense, but you don't realise that to do anything usually means lifting something before you do it.

I very rarely dusted anyway, so I am not going to start that now. I have removed washing from the machine, item by item. I have made toast. I have fed the cat. I have had a shower and washed my hair, but DH had to hold the hairdryer and I waggled my head under it.

Sat in the front room bay window, my hanging basket is looking bedraggled so I will have to get DH to put it on the wheelie bin while I trim it.

Still I am very grateful for having the surgery, very grateful.

Hi nannajeannie
about the lifting thing - my gp said nothing heavier than a kettle.
I also found no gardening very frustrating, so I limited myself to light pruning and dead heading. Kneeling was fine though, if you're used to it.
I don't do walks because I have arthritic feet, so kept myself active in other ways. Plus I'm not very good at being waited on, so quickly returned to preparing food. I did take an afternoon nap most days though - after my exercise session. I'm 3 months on and seem to be ok.
best wishes