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Can you tell me what to wxpect at my first appointment (UK)

Posted , 5 users are following.

Jojo112
Jojo112

hi everyone,

I have my appointment at gynecology on Wednesday, which i have been reffered to by my GP.

I believe i have a cystocele & rectocele (urine leakage & issues with BM & bulges at both sides - but not yet coming out)

What will they do at this appointment? Obviously they will want to have a look. Do they do anything else? Also with rectocele do they also examine the rectum? (Urgh)

If a pessary is suggested would it be fitted there and then or is this another appointment?

Thanks in advance. Jody x

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Jojo112
    Jojo112

    Posted

    Ps, that is obviously supposed to say 'expect' !
    • nannylin
      nannylin Jojo112

      Posted

      Hi I had surgery for this problem in May and the examination was fine. Just a quick look at my vagina and asked to cough ( this puts pressure on the pelvic floor so they can see the extent of the prolapse) none of this was painful. Of course you feel embarrassed but remember they are doing these examinations all the time. My surgery was arranged at that appointment not sure if I had needed a pessary ring if that would have been fitted there or if I would have been referred back to GP.
  • lisahelen
    lisahelen Jojo112

    Posted

    Hi, went through this last december. The consultant will ask what your symptoms are. Yes he/she will do a physical examination, mine was with a camera as i had unwarrented bleeding to check for polyps or growths. As far as im aware the camera exam is the norm. No rectal exam because bulging can be seen from vaginal exam. 

    It didnt hurt and was quite quick, also was able to see on a screen exactly what was being done inside me.

    depending on severity of what is found they will discuss your options whether it be exercises, pessery or surgery.

    dont worry and good luck.

  • Jojo112
    Jojo112

    Posted

    Thank you both.

    Sounds pretty straight forward then. I jusT wanted to prepare myself. Im a bit nervous.

    Nannylin how long did you wait for surgery?

    • nannylin
      nannylin Jojo112

      Posted

      I could have had it 6 weeks from consultation but put it off so it didn't have too much impact on me looking after my youngest grandchild. You cannot lift anything for weeks after (or not at all if you are sensible) and at a year old she still wants picking up. Op was straightforward, was warned it would be painful and they were right but once I had my first bowel movement 4 days after the pain improved. I did only use paracetamol for pain relief although was offered stronger meds but didn't feel I really needed it. Resting after is the big thing and not overdoing things. I had my op second week of May and had a girly day out shopping with a friend last week (first long day on my feet) and boy did I know it I am so used to just doing everything gradually. But my age may be a factor and I have other health issues so I'm happy with the way things have turned out.
  • LadyPink
    LadyPink Jojo112

    Posted

    Hello Jody, Yes they will examine both prolapses. It doesn't hurt and don't be embarrassed. Remember these medical specialists are doing this every day, every month and every year. After the examination they will sit you down and explain what they have found and what they can do to make things better. 

    I had both the rectocele and the cystocele repair done in the UK in Oct 2013  and at the same time I had the perineum area lifted and tightened. My surgeon said it was "A bit baggy!" I hadn't long remarried so the success of this procedure was important to my new husband and I. However, all went really well and three months later we resumed intimacy which was better than we could have ever hoped for!! I am young and active 70 by the way and this operation almost 2 years ago gave me a whole new life. Read up online beforehand, all you can so that you'll know exactly what's going to happen and about the recovery period, which can be a bit challenging for some. For me, it was all FANTASTIC and so worth it. Any more questions,....we are all here to help. LadyPink

  • Jojo112
    Jojo112

    Posted

    thanks nannylin for the info! I have 2 kiddies one is 5 and one is 2.5!! Youngest is pretty independent though, i might find it tough not to pick her up 😁

    The problem im having is my sex life 😐 i just dont feel like it when i know whats happening down there. It disgusts me 😔 hubby is not too fussed mind, & we can have sex, it just feels a bit uncomfortable. But i am totally off it. Because i just feel gross. Im only 29! I want to feel normal again.

    Do you know i can you if you can have sex with a pessary in? I don't doubt that i will want it anymore with something inside me.

    My appointment is in the morning. Im not nervous about what they will do, checks ect. More what they will be the plan going forward.

    Thank u all x

    • LadyPink
      LadyPink Jojo112

      Posted

      Hi Jojo112, When I had the option of having a pessary ring fitted or the operation I chose the pessary ring. It was then specially ordered for me by my GP (you need to have one that fits your size). I went back to my GP when it arrived at the practice but was surprised how thick and big it was. I was expecting something more 'delicate'. When I asked about having sex she said it was not advisable to have a ring fitted if ladies were still planning on having a regular sex life, as once fitted it should be left inside. During sex she added it would be uncomfortable as the man would be able to feel it. I apologised for wasting her time etc and declined having the pessary. I then waited another three years and then I decided it was time to have the operation done. Almost 2 years later I am STILL delighted with the results. LadyPink
  • lisahelen
    lisahelen Jojo112

    Posted

    If you have to have surgery then you will not be able to lift your little one😢. Maybe you could start using the good old hand holding now, just in case. Let them know you have a sore tummy but that you still love them even if you cant give a lift up cuddle. 

    With regard to the sex bit, perhaps a different position will help. The rest of it is mind over matter, just try to think that everything is normal until it can be made better.

    the well used mantra of 'i am beautiful on the inside as well as out' lol

    good luck tomorrow

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