What could it be? Cystocele?

I had a TAH on April 17/07 ... everything went well, and I am VERY happy I had this procedure done. However, about 3 weeks ago I was moving two bags of feed (55 lbs each) ... just slid them out of the way, didn't lift them, but then not long after I had some pains and then felt like I had a small tampon in my vagina (which I didn't). I was very uncomfortable for at least a week. When I felt inside (I know, TMI) just above my pubic bone, I could feel something a little small than my pinky finger. I don't have any problems with my bladder .. .no urgency, no problems voiding, etc. Is there anything else, other than a cystocele(SP?) that could cause this? I have a job that involves heavy lifting, which I am not doing yet (other than that day 3 weeks ago). I have an appointment with my gyno on the 17th of this month to get it checked out. Was just wondering if it could be a vaginal wall weakness without the bladder pushing through ... anyway, any info would be much appreciated! Thanks.

Maxine--

It does sound possible but you won't really know what kind of prolapse you might have until you see your DR, of course. So it's good that you are seeing him/her this month. If it's not causing you pain at the moment, that's a good sign, of course.

55 pounds is an awful lot of weight to lift. If you do have any type of prolapse repairs, it is usually recommended that you do not lift anything weighing over 25 pounds ever (check out the augs.org website). So it's good to be cautious about going into this kind of thing.

Having a HYST does put you at a somewhat greater risk of having a prolapse later on. Other risk factors, are age (over 40), menopause, childbirth (esp. strenuous births, long labors, multiple births), prior pelvic surgery, obesity, frequent heavy lifting/strenuous activity, and chronic coughing/straining (such as from constipation). Most of them have to do with a loss of your muscle tone in your uterus, vagina, and the supporting structures. [A good place to go for prolapse info is http://www.wdxcyber.com/mprolaps.htm#mpr03.]

Hopefully, IF you have it, yours will be a mild one that will not need surgical treatment and you will just need to be careful.

Sending many +++ thoughts and extra good vibes.......

OrahDeb ... thank you for your information. I am over 40 (just turned 50), have had 3 vaginal births, one prior abdominal surgery, and have been lifting 55lb bags of feed, at work, for the past 2 1/2 years; DH and I also live on a farm so have been use to lifting bales of hay, etc, for the past 30 years. Anyway, will see what the doctor says. I am hoping that I will be able to at least assist customers lift their purchases (which would mean I would only be lifting about 25lbs). Again, thank you for your reply. Have a wonderful weekend.