Prolapse Help.......

[cjburb60]

I've been diagnosed with a bladder prolapse and a rectal prolapse.  I'm looking for any information that may be of help.  Do not want to go through any surgery - what are my options??

[sherrieP]

Can get a few comments off now cj, will be back to normal posting on the 31st. First up please find a urogynecologist, they can address any and all POP issues (there are 5 types). There is a urogyn locator on the AUGS site on the link I sent you earlier under the healthcare professionals page-hopefully there is one close. I often suggest women approach their local libraries to get a copy of book, then it doesn't cost them anything and other women will be able to read it too.

More info to you once I get back to home base.
Sher

[cjburb60]

Thanks for the update.  I have all the time in the world - I'm retired and have lived in the "burbs" (not by choice) for 8 years now.  I used to have acreage and horses, but my divorce left me little choice but to sell it all and live in suburbia.  I've spent the last 8 years helping out my Mom (she lived just a few blocks away).  She passed away last July and I'm still dealing with that.  Anyway, any information you have would be great - there sure isn't much out there on the internet.

Thanks,
cj

[sherrieP]

I'll do my very best to guide you and will send you a PM shortly. There is much info I'd like to share but am currently out of town working on the 2nd ed of my book and the wifi is not user friendly at all so please be patient until I get home on the 31st. The item your friend had is called is pessary, some are inserted by a  physician, most women insert themselves daily after a dr fits them.

Watch for the PM, more info there Cheryl.

Sher

[cjburb60]

I just turned 60 - spent my 60th BD in the emergency room wondering what in the world could possible be falling out now.  I've been to a Dr. - he recommends PT for the cycstocele prolapse, which I had a couple of years ago with not much effect.  He doesn't deal with the rectocele problems at all, so now I have to find another Dr. for that problem.  The rectocele came on quite suddenly (hence my trip to the Emergency room).  I have suffered with chronic constipation for years and just recently added bran to my diet.  I eat mostly fruits and vegetables - if meat its usually chicken or turkey.  My bowels have improved 100%, but I guess it was too little too late.

I did have a hysterectomy over 20 years ago and I'm just learning that might not have been a wise choice, but you tend to trust the Drs. - not anymore!!  I have an elderly neighbor in her 80's that has some kind of device inserted (not through surgery, but something her dr. inserts every so often) and she seems happy with that.  I've also found a site called "Whole Woman" by a woman named Christine Kent - seems she went through all of this and found a way to cure it with posture and exercise  - she doesn't recommend the Kegel exercise  at all - which the PT pushes.  Of course, you have to buy the book and video to find out if it works!!  I'm on a fixed income so I hate to spend $$ on something that doesn't work.

I'm not sure of the grade of the POP's - maybe find out more next week when I see the physical therapist.  Thank you Kathleen and Sherrie for all your help - God bless you both!!

Cheryl

[sherrieP]

There are many criteria to explore with POP issues; first up please read the 2nd post on this forum-it gives many basics on POP. There are many treatment options available both surgical and nonsurgical; its really beneficial to seek consult with a urogyn if possible. Your age, degree of POP (there are 4 grades of severity), level of activity, what you  do for work/career all come into play. After you read the post with POP basics, please send in more info about your scenario and I can address options more specifically. I've had surgery for 3 types of POP (cyctocele, rectocele, enterocele), grade 3, and I was extremely happy with the outcome. Some women are happy with treatments, some prefer surgery;  it depends on your personal scenario. I do recommend women try treatments first, you generally know pretty quickly if you will be happy with that or if you prefer to go for a permanent fix.

Sher

[Kathleen134]

All I can say is that I am in the same position and would not accpt further surgery due to the state of my health.
I think to have a hysterectomy would not be a good thing as even for somebody without a prolapse I have heard that the bowel can then prolapse. I have already had repair to the rectocele and a tape placed round the neck of the bladder to hold that up, but the rectocele is causing problems on and off, and I try and avoid constipation by having a teaspoon of ground linseeds in boiling water and consume just before breakfast, and I also keep to a vegetarian diet.
I have also raised the foot of my bed, as I have heard that this can help with a rectocele, and have now re-started wearing a  back support belt.
Before surgery I had a ring support, but this caused infections, and in turn antibiotics caused me to be sick and upset my stomach.'
Where I went wrong was to entertain a job that meant lifting, and in turn should have kept the former Husband away.
I hope whatever you decide is for the best and that you receive better instructions than I received. GOOD LUCK