prolapse surgery and pessaries

Nanacupcake1 Glad to hear you are now feeling better.

I think with a lot of things like surgery, if you have rough idea for how long it is likely to be painful and that what you are feeling is to be expected. it is easier to deal with as you know it's not that something has gone wrong. IYSWIM

It's now seven weeks since op for bladder prolapse, and I still can't do much or walk about for a long time before I need to have a rest, this is not me at all am used to being very active, I have got the constipation under control with Psyllium husk capsules from Holland and Barrett I can highly recommend these. I was scared of straining but these have done the trick.

Ive had 2 lots of prolapse surgery in the last 2years for rectocele cytocele and entrocele and i feel as though im back to square one again .My last surgery was done november and by february could feel it bulging yet again. waiting to see consultant been told no appointments till july it seems dreadful that we are kept waiting with this condition for so long .Its totally uncomfortable to walk and sit and can still feel it lying in bed. my life seems to be on hold cant go away on holiday or even travel very far in the car.Im 62 and dont want to live like this as ive always been active.It just feels like i have a huge fist inside me which hurts no matter what i try to do .Does anyone else feel this or are my insides over sensitive.Ikeep trying to be positive but its really hard

nikrap how I feel for you I had this problem until I had my first procedure and like yourself I had to have a repeat operation the following year,will your GP not give you the option of seeing another Consultant at another Hospital as you can look to choose where there is the shortest waiting times.Sounds like a more indepth procedure may be necessary in your case and a bit of lifting is required so I would get back to your GP or speak to your Urology Nurse at the hospital and get her input.
I go again this Monday for my botox top-up and do find it is a life saver,I have managed to go for 10months without having it redone and I am sure it is all down to pelvic floor excercises.

glammanana thanks for reply ive already had 2 different surgeons the last supposed to be one of the best in my area derby.But both were very negative telling me that its not always possible to fix this problem also ive paid twice to get it done selling my car to fund last time.been in touch with doctor today who advised me to ring hospital again next week to see if they can see me any quicker.There doesnt seem to be urology nurse or physio nurses at my hospital done away with alot of services do to cutbacks . any way will see what they can tell me when i ring them.

nikrap there will definatley be a urology unit attached to your health service it may not be within the hospital it could be health centre based as mine is so worth chasing up,make sure the people dealing with the waiting list now that you can come in at short notice just in case anyone cancels at the last minute best of luck.

glammanana Rang the hospital today only to be told my consultant is on holiday for a fortnight Was assured my file would be given to him on his return with an attached note informing him of my situation.I asked about a urology nurse but they didnt know if there was one and said if there was I would probably have to go through consultant anyway. meanwhile my own Doctor has prescribe lidocaine cream which has a numbing effect unfortunatley this seems to wear off after about an hour has anyone else used this.Looks like waiting yet again for consult to return.

Advice needed please? I had a prolapse repair in 2007 - not sure what type of prolapse it was. Over the past few weeks I've felt 'uncomfortable' - but no lump - and feel as though I need to go to the loo, even though I've just been. Because of this discomfort, I go to the loo a lot and sometimes the flow is slow. Does this sound like another prolapse? I've been backwards and forwards to my GP for months because of laryngopharyngeal reflux - waiting for an endoscopy - and don't really want to go back again with something else at the moment. I was thinking of waiting till I'd had the endoscopy and then I'll go back and make a double appointment so we can discuss the results and I can then mention the possibility of a prolapse. If this is another prolapse will waiting make any difference?

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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