Prolapse & Rectocele!
Posted , 9 users are following.
I'm 26 I've been trying to get answers for such a long time I've been struggling with problems since I was 18 and I've always been passed from pillar to post. Finally I got a result yesterday that I have a prolapse as I always presumed (what else would be coming down your vagina) but the drs refused to believe due to my age and the fact that I have never had children. Still with the results I was quizzed yesterday and then surgeon sat and scratched his head absolutely puzzled as he has never seen this before.
I have had constipation for a long time and due to a weak immune system had multiple chest and throat infections that have caused a lot of coughing over the years but still the surgeon doesn't think this this could cause it at my age.
I do need surgery to repair but he was very hesitant about this as he said I wouldn't be able to have children and my age is very young. I have been referred for physio until I can fully decide about children even though currently I don't want them he said I may change my mind.
It's a lot to take in but I'm focusing on getting my life back. I'm wondering if anyone has had the physio and if they know what will be in store for me going forward? Feeling a bit lost at the moment and I know this has come as a big shock to my partner. Trying to be the strong one. Any help would be amazing Xx
1 like, 14 replies
steph16921 RachRoux
Posted
I've had the physio. Although it can strengthen the muscles, it won't get rid of the prolapse. I would recommend getting a second opinion from a UROGYNECOGIST. Also you can still have babies, but if vaginally might ruin repair. There is also c-section option. Keep us posted
RachRoux steph16921
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Lynn2008 RachRoux
Posted
Awe I feel for you! Hard not knowing why certain things happen to us. you are young and you may change your mind about kids. Pelvic Physio is helpful. It won't get rid of your prolapse but will make it hopefully more livable. I waited 4 years after the birth of my last children's of my last child before my repair. A strong pelvic floor made it possible. Did they talk to you about a pessary? Some people find it really helpful. Good luck!!
RachRoux Lynn2008
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Lynn2008 RachRoux
Posted
It's an option I don't know much about them. I think they are more effective with certain prolapsed than others.
dorothy03601 RachRoux
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RachRoux dorothy03601
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Is there any reason in particular you feel I need another opinion? Here in the UK we are not really used to getting 2nd opinions but it's something I will look at. Thanks
Hel2much RachRoux
Posted
Hello there
Not sure what country you are in but get a second opinion.
My consultant told me anyone can get a prolapse including virgins and nuns. And conversely women who have had six kids don't get them.
Constipation is really bad for you so maybe you could see a dietitian. If you get lots of chest infection you may also consider going dairy free for a while as it's known to aggravate.
You can have a baby after prolapse surgery. Many women who have difficult births have to have surgery afterwards of a similar nature to rebuild the perineum etc and do have more kids.
You will do much better for physio which you can start before surgery and after.
You could also ask GP to check your hormone levels. Lack of oestrogen can affect elasticity of pelvic tissues.
Good luck and go see another doctor
Best
Helen
RachRoux Hel2much
Posted
Hi I know constipation is really bad and i'm assuming that is the cause of this however I have seen dieticians over the years without much luck on finding any help for it through my diet. I have struggled with eating disorders and anaemia both of which don't help matters. In terms of my chest infections I think these are coming from my weak immune system, I am vegan so no dairy is consumed to contribute to chest infections however I do suffer with chronic pain and muscle degeneration amongst other things which really weakens by immune system. I'm currently fighting the flu and a chest infection and I've realised how much coughing impacts my prolapse. Something which before I don't think I realised as it was never confirmed. It's interesting that you say about lack of oestrogen can effect elasticity as my body doesn't react well to oestrogen which isn't good given that I'm a woman so I have to ensure my levels are not to high. Interesting stuff!
Kegel8Stephanie RachRoux
Posted
I am pleased you have finally been heard. Now you can start the journey to getting strong – I say this because you must realise that if you do not change why you do, the prolapse will happen again.
You need to embrace your Physical Therapist and change your posture, and it is vital to strengthen your pelvic floor which has been weakened with the coughing, and constipation. Learn the ‘brace’ technique when coughing it will take the pressure off your pelvic floor. Get a toilet stool so that your knees are raised when you poop, this helps to make elimination easier.
How’s your weight? Even a 10% reduction in weight can improve your pelvic floor by 50%, it is that critical.
Supplement with Vitamin D3 to strengthen your pelvic floor – clinically to proven to help when pelvic floor exercising.
Good luck with the operation, but please remember you must change how your body works, so that this doesn’t happen again.
Your age and willingness to rectify this means that you can get strong quite easily because hormones are on your side, please take advantage of this!
Good luck!
S
RachRoux Kegel8Stephanie
Posted
I'm more than happy to make the changes it's just being able to a lot seems against me. I have a lot of health problems and I am on a lot of medication and the meds I am on have made my weight fluctuate a lot. I can't blame the meds completely as I do suffer with depression and food can be a comfort but I do thing if I lost a bit of weight id be a better position and id feel better about myself too. I do eat healthy vegan meals every day my issue is more with portion sizes when I'm feeling low but I am positive at changing things. I do take daily vitamin D as I have recently been very low vitamin D and been treated on high dose vitamin D by my dr. I also take multivitamins I will make sure D3 is within that if not in the Vitamin D supplement. Thank you for all the info. =)
lauren1988 RachRoux
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Hi Hun, where are you based? I'm 28. I saw the most amazing urogynecologist today! Also had a pessary fitted (so far so good) also told I am too young for surgery even though I have a daughter and said I'm happy with not having anymore. She did say i shouldn't need it anyway as physio should really be able to help me keep things at bay aswell as looking after myself.
All the best x
RachRoux lauren1988
Posted
Hiya, I'm based in Leeds UK. What is a urogynecologist? The person I went to see was a colorectal surgeon. How does the pessary feel and how does it work? I don't know if I can even imagine everything going back to normal just by doing exercises it seen unbelievable! Im open minded but it takes me like 10 seconds to pull everything in! I have severe OCD and I think I might feel really scared about germs if I have a pessary fitted. Maybe this is why they haven't offered this as a possibility. This is not that pessaries carry germs just the irrational thinking of my ocd mind. XX
lauren1988 RachRoux
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A urogynecologist is a specialist for pelvic floor disorders. I had a ring pessary fitted, there are different types but this one is great (so far...6 days on) and you have to go back every 4-6 months to get it changed and can take it out yourself if you want to and put it bk it. I haven't done that yet as wanted to see how it went for the first week atleast. I had enough of waiting on NHS so went for a private appointment and it felt so good speaking to someone who knew exactly what I was taking about and examined me and answered all of my questions. Even if you go to the GP, tell them you want to see a urogynecologist. All the best Hun xx