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Advice over having a gellhorn fitted

Posted , 4 users are following.

Taff1234
Taff1234

The next step for me is having a gellhorn fitted and I am feeling a little bit anxious. Has anyone had one and did it work when have had a hysterectomy.

Was it painful?  So many questions. 

I hope someone can answer for me..

 

3 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Pam143
    Pam143 Taff1234

    Posted

    Putting it in - not painful.  Taking it out - ouch!!  At least, that was what I felt.  I had two attempts at getting used to a gellhorn.  They were both removed.  And yes, I have had a hysterectomy.  Apparently it is common for women who have had a hysterectomy not to be able to use the standard hard plastic pessaries.  As I said earlier, I now use sea sponges, they seem to work and I can put them in and take em out myself - a big plus!

    Pam

     

    • Taff1234
      Taff1234 Pam143

      Posted

      I'm not convinced that it will work for me as couldn't bear the rings I had put in.  But have to do something as in so much discomfort.

  • Pam143
    Pam143 Taff1234

    Posted

    My GP told me that ring pessaries were not useful for women who have had a hysterectomy, so I am surprised you had them fitted.  Maybe the gellhorn will be better?  I don't know but would suggest you give it a try.  

    • Taff1234
      Taff1234 Pam143

      Posted

      I was told that too, but was suggested to try the ring ones as sometimes work.  I tried 4 different ones and none did the job...
  • sally60368
    sally60368 Taff1234

    Posted

    I'm sorry, I have never heard of a gellhorn or a sea sponge.  Could someone explain?

    • Pam143
      Pam143 sally60368

      Posted

      A gellhorn is another type of hard plastic pessary.  It has a spike sticking out from the centre which is used to help insert and remove it.  I had two of these fitted (at different times, of course!).  After the gellhorn, I had a shelf pessary fitted (twice again!).   A sea sponge is a natural sponge, harvested from the sea.  You cut it to size (takes a bit of experimentation to see which size is best) and insert and remove it yourself.  Seems to work pretty well once you find the right size, though it can be a so and so at times, slipping out and having to be re inserted.  I use either olive oil or Estriol cream to make insertion easier.  The sponge has to be removed after 8-10 hours max. and must be cleaned daily by soaking it briefly in a mixture of water, tea tree oil and a little bicarbonate of soda.  Needs dedication but worth it if the hard pessaries can't be tolerated.

      Pam

      p.s.  The sea sponges are a large size specially for prolapse and can be ordered on line.  Let me know if you need the name of the company I use!

    • Taff1234
      Taff1234 Pam143

      Posted

      Thanks for the suggestion will keep it in mind in case the gellhorn doesn't work for me.

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