Can an abdominal hernia cause external pelvic sagging?

[graymouse]

And if so, what kind of doctor would be able to diagnose this? (I ask because I'm only getting the deer-in-headlights reactions from doctors regarding some of my weirder symptoms. Not so helpful, that.)

Details, for the interested: Months ago, I experienced a burning line of pain across my lower abdomen, and within days was having pin-***** pain sensations below that line, up and down the upper legs, as well as the "falling out" sensations usually associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Since then I have also developed a feeling just under the skin of everything being pulled down (from the ribcage to the rectum--like one giant sub-dermal wedgie), as well as various other pain problems in the pubic region. Plus my whole pubic region just looks a *mess*--as if everything has been rearranged to hang downward and to the back. It's causing a lot of discomfort, tingling and sometimes shooting pain.

I've been diagnosed with a mild cystocele recently, but the doctor palpating my abdomen made all my symptoms about 300x worse. I'm not entirely convinced that she's correct about it, or at least it's not the only thing going on there. My symptoms are NOT normal for cystocele.

So I'm hoping someone else can give me a direction to go in, either doctor-wise or another forum where I might take my question.

[graymouse]

Hi, and thanks very much for your response.

I've been examined by a gynecologist, including a transvaginal ultrasound, but pretty much got the answer that it wasn't her area of specialty and that I should see a physical therapist if I'm in pain. I'm not really sure where to go from there. I see a gastroenterologist next week for some digestive issues I have, but I don't know if I should even ask about bowel prolapse. I'm afraid to get the same response.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
It is difficult to comment without examining you. However a feeling of your whole abdomen being pulled down is seen in vaginal prolapsed, rectal prolapse, rectocele and even in adhesions in the abdomen from previous surgeries.
Abdominal hernia can cause the intestines etc to prolapsed out and hang. However it will not cause a pelvic sagging through your vagina.
I would strongly recommend you to consult your gynecologist to start with. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!