Prolapse question

Hi - I've had my prolapse for probably 7-8 yrs now. I've been careful with lifting and pushing. I was doing step aerobics and found that I had alot of pressure afterwards...so quit THAT! Now, yesterday and today, of doing not much - I have this pinching feeling down there. Cervix is right at the opening - I give it a push back up a couple times a day. I am 50 and still cycling.

When do you know when the time is right to have surgery? My doctor just told me to come and see her when I'm ready! Heck....I'll put this off for as long as I possibly can....but then, maybe that's not such a good idea. NEED HELP! Thank you! Jody

Hi Jody

Here is a link to the prolapse section of our Resources Directory: http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/lin...=browse&cid=27

You may want to ask your doc about using a pessary to hold your parts in place until you have figured out your choice of treatment.

I hope you are able to find the right answers soon. I am sending huge cyberhugs

Hi (((Jody)))

Ya know, I've heard that before about the 'right' time being when the prolapse patient says it's the right time. You are the one who is uncomfortable and living with the symptoms. You get to be the one to decide. :marble: I didn't have my hyst for prolapse, but I did recently have a rectocele repair. Once it got to be 3rd degree & symptomatic I knew I was ready.

s & best wishes to you as you make your decisions.
Beth

Jody, if you want to put off surgery for a while, you could get a pessary. I wore one for 2 years while doing research and trying to decide what to do about prolapse. It held up the uterus nicely, and was so comfortable that I'd forget it was there. However, the bladder continued to fall. When I was really tired of very frequent bathroom trips, I decided to have surgery to repair it all. My Dr. is a urogyn and she did a re-suspension surgery with mesh that now holds up both bladder and uterus. At 6 mo., I don't feel it at all and it is supporting both organs very well. Recovery was quick, pain was very minimal, and infection was zero. The downside is that I can't lift more than 20 lbs. ever again, and no pilates or stomach exercises for a year...and I'll be careful about those in the future. These restrictions are ok with me as I feel so good now. I'm glad that I had this surgery, and recommend it to all with prolapse. Get a few opinions, and do your research to make the best decision for you. Hugs, Jeanne

Thank you - about the pessary - do you insert and take it out by yourself - I had a diaphram years ago - just wondered if it was similar? I am having no issues with my bladder <knockin on wood>.

How did you go about finding a urogynecologit. I just looked in our phonebook, and they are not listed by that speciality. Thank you for giving me other options to think about! I appreciate it! Jody

Jody, My GP Dr. recommended the urogyn to me; she's an expert on gyn problems. To find one, ask your GP or gynecologist.
Yes, I was able to insert the pessary and remove it myself. It takes some practice and is more difficult than a diaphragm, but you can learn how. It has to be fitted correctly, or it can be too tight or too loose. A gyn can prescribe it for you; if you're lucky, you might get a good fit with the first one that is tried. My insur. wouldn't pay for it (but they pay for Viagra!!) and it was $55. Worth the cost for so much comfort.
Hugs, Jeanne

Thank you so much for the information Jeanne - I have my yearly exam in May and I will definetely ask about both the pessary (if I can manage until then!) and also a recommendation to see a uro-gyn.

I have a friend who was having bladder issues - only 38 - she chose to do the hysterectomy and bladder repair. It's so hard to know what the right thing to do is.....I would have the most trouble with having that surgery and not ever being able to lift over 20 lbs., I am one of those gals that like TO DO IT ALL! But - I will weigh my options! Jody