New with ??'s re: Uterine Prolapse

I was diagnosed with grade 3 prolapse, cyctocele and rectocele 1 year ago after the birth of my daughter. My Ob-Gyn told me I was going to have to "live with it, & do Kegels religiously for the rest of my life". I finally got a second opinion & am scheduled for surgery 9/24/02 (TVH and repair). The cystocele doesn't bother me nearly as much as the rectocele--although I don't have a great deal of pain, I am very prone to constipation, which can be a nightmare. I have found that being vigilant about my diet is key. I have eliminated most dairy (especially cheese, which is very constipating), and make sure I get tons of fiber (you can take care of this by eating Fiber One at least a couple times a week, I shoot for every day). This has really helped to keep my symptoms manageable as far as the rectocele is concerned.

One thing that I find interesting about this whole situation is that I believe I have had this prolapse and rectocele since my son's birth (8 years ago) and time and gravity have just made it worse. Funny enough, in May of this year I started Weight Watchers and lost 15 pounds and that is when the bottom really dropped out for me !!! My doctor believes the weight loss was the trigger of sorts.

Twyla, I am faithfully doing Kegels!! Coloradorn, I can agree with the nightmare constipation. I eat Fiber One twice a day and drink a lot of water and still it is some work to get things moving. I am SO hoping this is remedied by having the rectocele fixed. I will be watching for your Post-Op posts to see how everything goes for you. My prayer is that it will be a cure for what you have put up with in trying to 'live with it'. Good for you getting a second opinion!!

Thanks again, Janice

Hi Janice,
My surgery is scheduled 10/15/02. I have prolapsed uterus and rectocele and possibly cystocele. I have to "splint" with most all BM's. (yuck!) I first noticed the rectocele problem about a year or so ago. Tried kegels and they helped for awhile. You know, I just replied to someone about lower back pain and bloating. I wondered if it is related. You have like problem. That's good to know. Let's hope the tvh clears up this, too. My 2nd oponion Dr. suggested a bladder sling. I don't know if you're dealing with this, too? But my Dr. said wait because this procedure is not usually a one time thing if done too early. He said I should wait til I'm older (I'm 43) if I have a problem because I really don't at this point. Good luck and keep in touch!
Trudy