Prolapse issues freaking me out (babies mentioned)

Oh dear heavens...prolapse issues are freaking me out! I had a TAH on June 1, 2012 (turns out it was unnecessary, but I was told it was necessary), and now i'm scared out of my mind about prolapsing at some point in future. I just had my first (and now only) baby 15 weeks ago - very traumatic birth, forceps delivery, huge episiotomy, he was well over 9 pounds). I know this predisposes us for prolapse anyway, but a hyst. does not help matters in the least. How are you moms dealing with your babies and tots? I'm so upset that I can't lift or carry my child. I don't want to do anything that will jeopardize my healing (they say it takes a full year), but how on earth am I supposed to raise a baby? I'm a single mom too. I was in such amazing health before the delivery, and was back on my way again, until this TAH.

I just read your post and thought I'd respond. I, too, am worried sick about prolapse!! I talked to my doctor about it, and he assured me that I am at no greater risk than any other woman. He said that all women, unfortunately, have the chance of dealing with it at some point, but he said that there is no reason for me to worry about it now! So I will TRY not to worry! Although my daughter was 18 when I had my hysterectomy, she was a few weeks old when I had an 11 pound tumor and my right ovary removed. I was cut from belly button down to my pubic hair line. I was a 19 year old single mom. So i know how difficult it is to care for your child right now, and I feel for you. I know this isn't great advice, but just know that some how, some way, you will pull it off!

Thanks for your response. It's so hard to know who to believe, since it seems every doctor has something different to say. I'm guessing from your email that we are about the same age (I'm 40, so 2-3 years older than you are), and I want to make sure that I have as healthy a life as I can, since we have many years ahead of us. I'm going to start doing pelvic floor PT in a couple of weeks, so hopefully that will help to be a preventative measure. I still don't know how I'll deal with my baby though. Right now, my elderly mother is doing all the carrying, but she's at her limit. If you get a chance, I'd love to hear what you did to cope with your newborn after your earlier surgery. Did you just lift despite pain, or make any special modifications?

After I was released from the hospital, my mom spent one week with me helping, then she had to fly home. I remember doing my best to never lift my daughter from really low down. I kept her in a bassinet near my bed so I could just reach over and pick her up. I also tried my best not to carry her around and just spent a lot of time holding her and laying with her, which was painful without proper positioning. I tried to nap when she did because I got so exhausted! I told my doctor that I'd have no choice but to lift her even though she was about 10-12 pounds at that point, and he said that would be okay. The main thing I remember was feeling guilty for not feeling more upbeat when I was interacting with her (because I wasn't feeling well mentally or physically), but she grew up to be super happy and healthy, so it didn't effect anything long term (yes, I worry WAY too much!!). Oh yeah, I'll be 38 in a couple of months...although I'm feeling about 60 right now!!! Ha!

I can relate to your worries. I was 41 when I had my hyst and my daughter was 18 months old and much heavier and active. I strongly suggest going to a pelvic floor PT specialist when your doctor OK's it. Eight years ago when this was going on with me they where very rare, but you should be able to find a good one without too much trouble now. I have been to one recently and she is great!

That being said, I would start slowly doing exercises at home to strengthen your core, maybe a video while the little one naps. Try not to worry, stay regular, do not get constipated,etc. You have the advantage of being proactive now before issues start. So, take delight in that and relax and enjoy your baby! They grow up so fast!!

Thank you both for your replies. I've already booked my PT appt in 2 weeks, and Bowen therapy was also recommended.
I feel so awful about this hyst. for many reasons, one of which is that I'm not bonded with my baby as I had hoped. I lie down with him, play and cuddle him as much as I can, but it's not the same as being really hands on and 'active' (which is how I've always been in life). So, I can identify with that sense of being disconnected in a way...too much on my mind, body in pain, disappointed with how things have gone, etc. etc. I'm pretty sure he'll be fine, but I guess that I'm the one feeling losses and regrets already. So, I'll keep doing what I can for him.
And for me, I'll do PT, Bowen, walk, eat well, and take what my naturopath has suggest to optimize healing. For anyone interested, I'm taking magnesium citrate (helps to heal muscle, promote bowel regularity, stabilize hormones, and a lot of other things), Vit. C and E (can put the Vit. E oil on the scar too), Arnica (helps wound healing) and Nepronil (special enzymes that help against adhesions and clots). I hope to find out more about proper lifting and such from the PT.
Wishing us a prolapse-free life!

Hello sliwka40,

I understand your fears, especially after reading about women who have had prolapses after a hysterectomy. It sound like you are doing a lot to prevent prolapsing which is great. You might also ask about vaginal estrogen cream once you are finished breastfeeding your baby. That also helps strengthen the pelvic floor.

I also wanted to give you a hug for having all of this happen during one of the most joyous times of your life.