Bladder prolapse

Hi Matron. My consultant has told me he will do my posterior and vaginal vault prolapse together next Feb. If necessary he will do the anterior one later if it causes problems as it's not too bad yet. I'm just relieved to be getting it done after all the waiting after cyst and ovary removal last April. He did listen to me about the allergy to polyester so will just use stitches instead of tape. Maybe some surgeons prefer to do one at a time, depending on the patient! I hope derek keeps in touch with us now as it does help to talk about our worries. Glad you're back Matron. x

Hello Pollyanna. It could be in your particular case the posterior repair and a vaginal vault repair would have just been too much if he did the anterior repair at the same time. You are having 2 procedures and that's all most consultants would do. Having those repaired may well help the bladder from prolapsing any further by protecting and supporting it. 

February isn't far away now Pollyanna, I look forward to reading about your recovery and fingers crossed it will go well, I'm sure it will 😘

Hi Matron, the surgeon said he thought it better to do the anterior prolapse first as the interior is only mild. But I am concerned I will recover from one operation then have to be operated on again. I can't understand why they would need to cut away a small piece of my bladder, I did not think think this was the way it was done. Please can you or anyone who has had it done help?

I'll let you know one way or the other. As I'm now 73 it's a bit daunting to say the least so I understand how derek feels!

Hello Pollyanna, I am derek's wife (Jade) we joined patient last year when he had a hip replacement. Have you had the prolapse operation or are you about to do so?

Hopefully you'll get some responses to your question derek, I can't help unfortunately because this is something new to me but I can ask colleagues who work in this field if they can help.

Thank you Matron for your response, please do.

Hi Jade. As Matron said I've never heard of cutting any of the bladder either! Could you have misheard what the assistant said? If you go to your GP, (UK), they should have all your details as they are sent electronically now, (emailed)! I've previously had 2 repairs, hysterectomy and bladder repair and posterior, bowel repaired, both vaginally. Next one is for vaginal vault and posterior repair/lift. We do sometimes have to have them redone as our tissues, ligaments etc get weaker as we age. I'm 73 so understand your concerns but I'm sure all will go well. Just clarify what you're having done to put your mind at rest. GP's won't mind and will understand your concerns. x Take care

Hi Pollyanna, thank you for your message, it is good to hear from people who have similar problems.

I went to see my GP yesterday and told her my concerns, she just said they only take a little of my bladder away. This afternoon I have made an appointment to see the consultant again, as I am still not happy. Good luck with your surgery and take care x

Hi Jade.

Hope the appointment goes well for you. Make sure you get the answers you want and ask why they have to remove a small part of the bladder! It's usually a small part of the vaginal wall so they can push the prolapse back then stitch it up a bit tighter. My dates for surgery are Feb so I have Christmas 1st and New Year. Might start getting a bit 'excited then! lol'   

Hi Pollyanna

You make the process sound like someone doing a bit of machining. I am asking a friend to go with me, to make sure I get the answers I need before I proceed with the operation. I am definitely being a man next time I am born. 

Know what you mean. Good idea to take a friend with you, ask her to make notes as it's hard to remember what's said after in my experience. I think we get so nervous our mind goes blank. x

Write all of your questions down, a good Urogynaecologist (make sure it is a urogynaecologist) won't mind even if you hand over the piece of paper with the questions written down. I've always recommended that and I've seen it done in the outpatient department. I've worked in gynaecology for many years but I did that prior to my appointment because it's very easy to forget once you are sat down facing the consultant.

Thank you Matron, I will write my questions down. I was speaking to a very knowledgeable friend last night and she has sent me what would be her questions; so between us we should get some answers.

I don't know what happened when I went to see the consultant as I am not a nervous person, but I was that day. I am going to write my questions down and ask my friend to take notes. x

Good for you. It's a bit nerve wracking speaking to consultants, I have to admit I'm the same. They seem a bit 'godlike'! Glad you've got a friend who knows what to ask and one to take notes. I'm sure all will be clearer after. Keep in touch if only for a chat. Poll

I agree with everything Pollyanna has said but remember Consultant's are human. They poo, wee and very often have too much to drink. They have all the same problems as us, mortgages, snotty nosed children, and wives who expect them to spend more time at home and nag them when they aren't available for parents evenings and family parties. 

Thanks for putting everything in perspective Matron.  X