prolapse surgery and pessaries

Meisha 82 glad you are taking it easier,I dont Know if you have read my posts further down but I dont feel I have much choice as this lump stops me from having a life . It really hurts to walk and even travelling in the car can be dreadful . So this feels like my last chance for a better outcome apparantly the vault is now coming down and because the tissue is to weak to hold anything up after 2 previous ops Ineed to have mesh to support it all.My problem has been the dreadful feeling of this lump all the time Ifeel im almost giving birth every day and cant live with it any longer .As I said Iseem to be fine for 8-10 weeks after each op but then it all comes down again.I am really dreading having this mesh inside me as there seens to be alot of people desperate to have it taken back out. The surgeon Ihave found down in luton is confident it will give me a better quality of life and has not had any problems that he couldnt sort out. So what do we do? I have to trust in some one, my op is on the 28th aug really trying to remain positve . take carexxx

meisha82, shame this has happened to you so young......mine did not start to manifest itself until my mid 50s.
Am no expert but natural childbirth is not necessarily a precursor to prolapse ....its just some of us are unlucky and if a certain set of circumstances happen...in my case Ist child was large, late and medically deeply unpleasant coupled with an early menopause and not looking after my 'core' enough had lead to this prolapse. Luckily I'm ok with the ring and do not want to go down the surgery route until absolutely necessary.

I think all young women need to be made aware of there 'apparatus' early, how to do pelvic exercises and to keep up their core strength through swimming, dance, yoga, pilates etc etc. Its so important!

Keep up the good work with your slow gentle recovery....you OH will reap the benefit later ....nudge nudge wink wink!

Sorry I didn't say thank you for the advice Nikrap and Hilda. Today I have done less.

Only lift a cup of coffee? I've lifted way heavier than that so hopefully theres no long-term damage done.

Nikrap are you off to have your 3rd lot of surgery?? I couldn't cope with that? how badly do you need to have it done if you mind me asking? can you live with it the way it is now?

My story if you can feel bothered reading...

Even though we love our kids more than anything in this world I now think having natural births causes looseness & prolapses to most women.

I had no idea I had any type of prolapse at first, I didn't even know there was such a thing. i knew I couldn't empty my bladder 100% after our second child but that didn't bother me really, infact I didn't even think about it until I was sitting in my doctors office 6 months ago asking for Vagina tightening for tighter sex (sorry to be so graphic lol but its important especially for husbands). She replied I couldn't get that type of surgery done free unless I had a health symptom in the same area that could be fixed at the same time. So at that moment I remembered my very minor bladder problem and she put the referral in to see the gyno.

4 months later... I was at the out patients area in the hospital sitting in the examination room with my gyno. I explained I needed tightenng after having kids and he replied 'I can only do V tightening if you have a bulge, its like a lump'. I responded a little confused 'what lump? do you mean cancer? I don't think I have that'. He did a examination and told me I had bulges front & back, describing what they were...A prolapse, not cancer! I WAS SO SHOCKED THIS CAN EVEN HAPPEN TO ANY FEMALE BODY AFTER KIDS! I couldn't get over this fact. I must of been naive assuming organs stayed in their correct places their whole lives. At the same time it explained why I had little minor bladder trouble. I booked surgery in for 1 month later & left...

The day before surgery... I was freaking out even though I was diagnosed with prolapse it didn't bother me. I kept thinking should I just be doing this for my sex life or not. Was very confused and kept changing my mind driving my hubi crazy with the way I was acting...

22nd July the day of surgery... Very stressed & unsure if I was needing the surgery done or not. Kept changing my mind still and asking hubi if I should do it or not. At the hospital hubi was very supportive & waited with me for a whole 4 hours before I went into theatre.

That evening apart from being tied to the bed with tubes etc I was uncomfortable but the pain wasn't bad at all. I had insomnia & bored out of my brain staring at the wall but was ok.

Fast forward 9 days later...

31st July

I started getting a little sore yesterday and still am today probably from bending down 1000's times helping my little ones get dressed etc since I got out of hospital. I had a serious talk with Hubi last night explaining if I can't rest and keep having to look after kids I will have to go stay at my dads house for 2-3 weeks. I think that was a wakeup call for him because since last night hes all of sudden started running to me every few hours asking if I need anything, filling up my water jug, made me breakfast and before the kids left for kindy this morning all I had to to was brush their hair!! Hopefully he can keep this up as hes staying up until 2am or 3am in the morning working from home on the computer so feel sorry for him too. I'm ok walking round 1 or 2 hours each day at home but not bending down.

The way I feel...It would have been so much wiser of me to have made this decision to get this done when kids are older. regrete that now but oh well.

Has it worked??

Back passage- no change. never had any problem with it anyway and being vegan helps. Even if your not vegan try change to high iron healthy vegan diet for 1 month after op so you don't get constipated and take bowl support vitamins. (lots of vegan recipes are online) .

Vagina- loads tighter. Happy about this. lol

Bladder- both good & bad.
The good- I seem to be able to empty my bladder. I think but not sure.
The bad- experiencing what I'm pretty sure is nerve damage. My bladder nerves fail to give a proper signal to my brain telling me I am busting. They sort of tell me, but the busting feeling isn't that strong so I am using a timer to go loo every 2 hours. does that make sense? When the nerves are cut with a knife obviously they are damaged aye. Has anyone else experienced this after surgery or am I a rare case? At least i won't feel busting when I start having sex again because it interupts it.

Hi meisha82 it sounds to me like you are doing far to much I wasnt in bed after my 2ops but did very little my hubby did most things.I know its difficult with children, Ithink alot depends on how strong your pelvic tissue is even though I was careful and felt fine for around 8-10 weeks after both surgerys its still comeback and facing more on the 28th aug. So please take care and be kind to yourself I think we are all guilty of doing things because we feel ok and want to be back to normal. Best wishes to you.xxx

meisha82.....good luck to you and your recovery! All I know is that taking it easy after such surgery is VITAL. The last thing you want is for the repair to fail. My doctor was telling me that all you should lift for the first month is a cup of coffee.

*heal not help in last paragraph

*I mean't heal not help in last paragraph

Hi ladies, I'm not a grandma yet but I am a mum (with 2 kids under 5)who just had surgery last week for a rectocelle and bladder prolapse so I can relate to what all of you are commenting about so thats the reason I have joined this site.

Many of you on this post have already had this prolapse surgery and may be able to help me with some after care advice.

How much do you think you need to be resting in bed for the first 6 weeks???????

My husband is stressing he has so much to do looking after our 2 & 4 year old daughters, animals, cooking, hasn't had time to clean our home yet and 2 very busy businesses.

I've been getting up out of bed since the day after surgery to help 1-3 hours each day bending down dressing kids, preparing food, feeding animals (more bending down) picking things up from floor etc. Apart from feeling pretty tired I actually feel fine and don't have any pain (I won't tell hubi this or he will expect me to do more lol).

Even though I feel well enough to help run the house do you think I could damage what has just been fixed from over doing it?? I'd hate for the prolapse to come back because I failed to let it help properly. What do you ladies think from your experience? X

I am on my second pessary....its been like a 'miracle cure' the only time a remember it is after an long walk...there is a mild dragging felling but as I now seem to have a dodgy hip which hurts more after a walk, the prolapse has almost disappeared off the radar. I too intent to just het it replaced every 6 months and have put any ideas of an operation way off the agenda.
nikrap, I too send you a big hug, what you have been going through sounds very distressing. I do hope you get your life back.

Seems like a bit more research is needed in this area, so many women seem to suffer from similar problems and it does seem to be considered pretty low priority by some.

Honey I get mine changed every 6 months, for hygiene reasons, which is no problem. I have been told as long as things stay the same (no reason why not) it will be an indefinite thing. I forget all about it most of the time, Like I said earlier Good Luck, I'm sure you will be fine

Hello newist, it is great to hear that someone else has had success and for over 2 years. I am not sure how long you can use them for but I hope there is no time limit.

A friend had a prolapse operation several weeks ago and found ,once home, that 'the pack' had not been removed!! She had to return to the hospital for this to happen and described it as agony! I think heads will roll at the hospital concerned as she knew which nurse was at fault. Luckily she's now fine and back to driving etc. ,but it could have been so much more serious. Be warned if you have to have such an operation.

Hello Honey I have used a pessary for over 2 years now, I had a large bulge which made everything difficult. I was lucky in the fact that the right size was fitted straight away. The difference it has made to my life is wonderful. I do have to be careful about not becoming constipated because of other medication I am on, the doctor prescribes Movicol to prevent this happening. It is in my opinion well worth persevering with it till you get it right, Good luck.

Hello all, I have been reading with interest some of your experiences and I decided some time ago not to have any surgery for cystocele but to opt for a pessary instead. I noted that few of you had tried or that those that had did not have any success.
I was told that you had to persevere until you got the right fit and that was true. I had a significant bulge before and had difficulty having to urinate as I had to push everything up in order to go.
I have a very good doctor and she recommended I stay on HRT to stop any atrophy. She also advised me of the various options available. Well I had the first ring pessary fitted in January - obviously the wrong size as it fell out the same day. I then went back to a special outpatients ward at the hospital and was fitted with 2 sizes up from the original first small size and that was ok for about 2 weeks then it came out again. I realised that I was doing far too much as usual, hauling heavy loads into the car and taking rubbish to the dump etc. Plus painting and decorating. Well I decided to take it easy and be more careful with myself.
I went back to the outpatient ward again and this time she fitted me with the next size which felt right. You have 3 chances and then they reassess you to see if another pessary might be more suitable, luckily I didn't need a different type. This one is great, I also take it much easier and try not to lift anything heavy. I resist picking up my grandchildren, I just can't do it anymore.
After 4 to 6 months you are due to be fitted with a new one which your doctor can do. I was told that the pessary may cause constipation so I have upped my fibre intake. Constipation was a bit of a problem to start with, but I have found taking a magnesium tablet every evening which I often do to stop cramp, and drinking plenty of water so it flushes out your gut seems to help. Whatever you do it is best not to strain.
I am due to have another pessary fitted next month by my GP, I just hope it works as well as this one. It is such a relief not to have that bulge and be able to urinate without any problem.

Nanabelle thankyou so much for reply i will take a look at the website it makes a real difference if you know some one who has a similar story i have been really good after all my operations my lovely hubby has done everything im so sad that i cant go out much now that he has retired because it kills to walk i really hope this op will do the trick if the lump is still there i dont know what i shall do all hubbys retirement money is going on paying for these ops too its so unfair trying to remain cheerful and positive thanks again

Big hugs of support to you nikrap - you are going through such a difficult time. I had a hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair altogether about 6 years ago and seem to be ok now, though I suspect rectocele is back but not a bother to me (didn't know I had one before anyway). Do try and have confidence in your surgeon and try and stay positive. My best advice is to take it so so easy afterwards, doing as little as possible so that your body has time to recover without any strain put on your insides. I actually stayed in a bedroom for a whole week as I knew if I went downstairs I would start doing jobs! And I had a cleaner for about 10 weeks - just to vacuum and do kitchen. Had tv, books, radio 4 extra (brilliant) on lots and rested lots, but also walked around the upstairs rooms a little. Once I started walking outside I did small distances to start with, building up slowly. Also, my consultant told me I should not lift heavy things - ever again! Cant say I have stuck to that as I move my garden pots about and compost bags, but I generally do try not to carry heavy stuff.
I used a marvellous website with forum which groups women in monthly slots for when you have your op, and you can chat away with people going through similar ops at same time as you. Do check it out: it is www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk - go to forums, then gynaecological conditions. Have a browse around. I know it says hysterectomy, but many ladies are having prolapse repairs and if you browse about or search possible, you may find someone having similar to yours. I found it very helpful and comforting knowing there were so many women undergoing similar procedures and sharing how they coped.
Good luck and lots of for you.

is no one writing on here any more i keep looking but mine seems to be the last entry thought i would post an update still struggling with this prolapse after second lot of surgery so done more research and been to see specialist near luton <2 hour drive>going in for sachropexy gold standard mesh as all my surgery has failed again really terrified such alot of bad reports of some mesh procedures but i have no choice as its really bad and cant walk about now its being done with key hole surgery which is supposed to be the best way ihave it done in august has anyone had this done im hoping and praying for a positive outcome

Nancupcake1 I havent been able to try kegel machine as told it would be almost impossible to use as limited room inside me now i even struggle to get the pencil slim pessaries inside me.Doctor has put me on gabapentin to help with pain think i will have to stay on it forever. Seems to help alittle just want to be able to walk about without feeling this lump.

Nickrap I feel for you,hope you get sorted soon.Have you thought about getting a kegel machine to strengthen your pelvic floor, I am trying this now as they have settings for prolapse, expensive but you can claim back the vat,they have lots of support on the web and good reviews, also check out Michelle Kenway on you tube a really good physio, and there is the whole woman site American I think, I had a repair a few weeks ago and I know that it doesn't always cure things, this is why I am trying other things as well.hope this helps.

feeling really weepy today used the lidocaine daily which just numbs area for short time Ive never had any incontinence issues just this dreadful feeling of something inside me all the time also pain up inside my bottom.After having this cysto-rect and entro done twice I get the feeling that they havent repaired the lump that Ican feel has anyone had three operations and had success.Also has anyone got any recommendations to allieveate the feeling of this lump so i can at least try to get about im so down with this been suffering for almost three years now t

Genevieve I have PM'd you with some information you may find helpful.

Thank you both. Well, I was going to put it off, but I've been so miserable today - constantly running to the loo (which doesn't seem worth it when I get there) - and very uncomfortable. So, I bit the bullet and made an appointment for tomorrow morning. Amazed that I actually got an appointment so soon, actually! I'm pretty sure it's not an infection, as I do get those every so often and I know how they feel. Do you know, glammanana, not only do I have no idea what sort of prolapse it was, but I have no idea about the type of repair either! I can't believe it myself that I didn't find all this out. I'm much more assertive and aware now about my health than I was seven years ago! However, I can remember being told at the time by the consultant that the operation wouldn't necessarily last - so maybe that time has come. I was really interested to read about the use of botox - never heard of that - and it certainly sounds from your experience that it is worth getting it all sorted out properly. If it does look like a prolapse, I will definitely ask for a referral. I don't think we have any sort of support group in this area, unfortunately. However, it's not something I've ever asked about - I will now.

Thank you very much, both of you, for your advice. You've been very helpful. On thinking about it, my GP will probably be quite pleased to talk about something other than reflux tomorrow morning!

Genevieve I would certainly make another appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to your Gynicologist prolapse repair does in some cases tend to fail after a while but there are differant types of repair available was yours the mesh sling type repair or more radical ? I do think it is a good idea to get as much information from your Practice Surgery about the support they can offer via a support group if they have one if not look on line for one near to you if you can.
I have just yesterday been for my latest botox to the bladder which helps with the urges to go to the loo and has strengthened the neck of the bladder massively,they also did a scan to make sure the bladder is emptying correctly,whilst there they picked up on a problem with last prolapse repair and have scheduled a date for that to be done so they really do go that bit further so don't think you are being a nusience by going back to your GP.

I would say that you should make an appointment with your GP and discuss this. You must be fed up with the sight of the surgery, but this is a different problem to the one that has kept you visiting recently. If it had cropped up on its own, when you had not seen a GP in ages, you would have seen someone about it.

I don't know much about prolapse, but any discomfort in that area and problems with urination should be investigated and diagnosed at once. It may be another prolapse, it may not. You can't diagnose it yourself, so go and get proper advice and treatment.