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anterior repair coming up, also job interview at Boots!! help

Posted , 4 users are following.

welshgirl67
welshgirl67

Hi im looking for some advice please.. I was due to see my consultant next monday to work out a date for repair. Im between the devil and the deep blue sea..I need to work fulltime hours and have been looking for another job close to home. My job at the moment is 3 days a week in a ladies boutique. I have an interview this thursday at boots for 30 hrs a week but I am worried that it will be the wrong decision to take this job is offered to me as that means i will have to put back my repair till the summer (3months probationary period) but cant deal with this bulge any longer.. Sorry for tmi but i feel i could push out an egg and it drives me insane sad Can someone give me some advice on what they would do in my situation. Would you stay at the current job earning less money and have the surgery or take up the better paid job and put back the surgery. I have been at my current job for 1 year and will be off for 6 weeks so the consultant says. Any help would be wonderful. Thankyou so much!!

0 likes, 45 replies

45 Replies

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  • chris00938
    chris00938 welshgirl67

    Posted

    This really is a question of how desperately you need the money.  If you can get by without the extra, and you feel you can still have that opportunity of a better job after surgery, I'd get the surgery, but if there's not much chance of the job opportunity arising again and you need the money, then it might be worth taking it if it's offered now.  You could get a prolapse pessary fitted to keep you going until you have an operation.  I have one and it's absolutely brilliant.  I went from feeling like you - as though there was a lemon stuck there, so feeling normal again!  There are a variety available, so if you want to be able to have sexual penetration, you can get one that can be removed, or if not, one that will stay there until you have your operation?
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 chris00938

      Posted

      Thank You chrissy for replying.. Ive not really thought about a pessary as i was told they can erode the vaginal tissues, didnt like the sound of that, also having to take it out all the time too for sex didnt appeal to me.. although the way i feel doesnt make me want to feel sexy right now either.. I will see how I get on in the interview, i may not be successful so the decision will be made for me lol. thank you again.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 welshgirl67

      Posted

      Don't be put off by a pessary if you do decide at some point to have one, because I had one for years before surgery, and then my surgery failed (long story, but some do and mine was more likely to fail because of another condition) so I've got a prolapse pessary again now and VERY happy with it.  They don't normally cause vaginal erosion if they fit properly.  But just keep in mind it's a possibility if you do have to put the op off for any reason.  But as I see Matron has said, your health is the most important aspect!
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 chris00938

      Posted

      Do you think that Id be able to work on a shop floor again after surgery. Im worried that such a physical job on feet all day with undo any work done by my consultant. I had my gallbladder out nearly 2 years ago and was back at work the following week.. it seems quite compliated the recovery, on what you an and cant do temporary or permanently. Can I swim and bike ride once ive healed? so confused amongst all the other worries.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      When you had your gall bladder removed it would have been keyhole surgery so you do recuperate much quicker. Prolapse surgery is classed as major surgery so if you worked on a shop floor ideally you should be off work for 12 weeks.
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      surprised OMG 12 weeks. my consultant never told me that amount of time. he said 6 weeks. that is worrying as i cant afford really to be off for 6 weeks nevermind 12.. i think id be bankrupt lol...  im really conerned about all this now. its not straight forward at all is it.. even if they do the repair vaginally is it still classed as major?sad
    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      If you're working on a shop floor, standing and probably lifting there's no way you could go back to work at 6 weeks. I do hear of consultants who make these claims but unless you're in an office job, sitting all day then it's almost impossible. Chris has come up with an excellent point, a pessary. That is definitely worth exploring until you are settled in a new job. Some women don't find them easy to cope with but many do so discuss this possibility with your consultant who I hope is a Urogynaecologist.
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      Thanks Matron, yes My consultant is the top urogyne out of Southampton general so im in safe hands. even if i was settled in a new job being off for 3 months is just madness. 
    • celia49
      celia49 chris00938

      Posted

      Hi Chris.

      just read your reply and would like to ask you about pessaries. I am 66, and in April, after waiting 2 years, had an anterior and bladder repair. Took me 3 months to recover, but by the time I saw the consultant, my posterior wall had collapsed. THEN I was sent to physiotherapy, and although I do the pelvic floor exercises, as I have done for many years, it is not going to go away. But can I face further surgery? Or try pessaries? What has been your experience - medics do not give me confidence!!!

       

    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      Oooops sorry of course. I answered your other question. I am surprised he has said you'll be ok to go back to work at 6 weeks but I'm now wondering if he repairs anterior prolapse differently. 2 Urogynaecologists in my area are doing this new procedure where you can drive after 2 weeks and recovery is much quicker. You are also in hospital as a day case and it's performed without an anaesthetic. This could be what he is doing.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 celia49

      Posted

      Hi Celia.  I had a prolapse ring pessary for years - I'm guessing around 6 years and was very happy with it but when I had to have a hysterectomy (long story - I got endometrial cancer after being put on vagifem at three times the recommended dose for 16 months) I took up the offer of surgery to repair the worst prolapse which was the anterior, too, but that had failed 9 months later and because of having a connective tissue problem it makes it likely that any further surgery won't be successful for long.  I know it can make fitting a pessary more of a problem after hysterectomy and vaginal surgery, and the first prolapse pessaries that the gynie tried didn't work for me (stopped me weeing) but the shelf pessary that she fitted is excellent.  You can't have penetrative sex with the shelf pessary but it's taken away that feeling of something bulging there totally.  It was my best Christmas present ever (it was fitted in November).  A lot of medics will automatically put women on vagifem if they have a prolapse support pessary but obviously, after having endometrial cancer, they wouldn't even suggest that now, but there are brilliant alternatives to vagifem.  One is Balance Activ Menoopause plus which has hyalaronic acid in it, which has shown in many studies to actually improve vaginal atrophy, any my gynie said that's absolutely safe to use as often as I want to, or there is organic coconut oil, which is what I'm using and have found that to be very successful, so I'm over the moon with my pessary and using the coconut oil alongside.  If you do want sexual penetration to be possible, there are pessaries that you can take out (just like a tampon really), so it's a case of talking to a gynie to find out what will work best for you.  Because I had the failed anterior repair, a posterior prolapse AND the vaginal vault was coming down, I knew mine was going to be more complicated and my husband was very sweet when we went for my appointment and said penetrative sex wasn't as important as my comfort all day every day, so that meant that aspect wasn't a problem for me.  I actually think prolapse pessaries are under used really.  You don't know feel them once they're in, and knowing that around one third of prolapse repairs will fail at some point, to me it makes sense to give pessaries some consideration, especially as you get older.  I'm 66 now too;-))))
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      I will be in hospital overnight and will have anaesthetic.. so im guessing its the stitched approach. what is the procedure your thinking of matron? be nice to know smile
    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      It's a mini sling that can be adjusted to tighten it. My friend is a research nurse who works alongside the Urogynaecologists who are now performing this procedure and she said the ladies really like it and coincidentally my neighbour is having the procedure on Friday. She said she'll be playing golf in 2 weeks which is excellent news.
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      wow thats wonderful!! I have heard of this but always thought it was for leakage. I dont have any of this just the feeling of this bulge in the entrance. im guessing he would of told me if it was that. i would remeber a mini sling. i wish your neaighbour the best of health and speedy healing.
    • celia49
      celia49 chris00938

      Posted

      Thanks for your informative reply! How often does it have to be changed, and can you do it yourself.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 celia49

      Posted

      Some types you can take out yourself, but the shelf is one that you can't - it's one of the more difficult for them to put in and take out.  They tend to take them out roughly every four months, although it can be a bit longer, I THINK, depending on the gynie.  They just take it out, check the vagina, clean the pessary or change it for a new one, and then put it back and you're done and dusted until the next time:-)  But some are meant to be taken out every couple or few days and people are shown how to do those themselves.  Others can be left longer but people can still be able to take them out if they want to.
    • celia49
      celia49 chris00938

      Posted

      Thanks for the info. I suppose if you weigh up a 3/4 month recovery against approx a half hour 3 times a year, the pessary will win hands down!! You seem happy with one, and when I see my surgeon - soon, I think - I will definitely see about going down that route. I had hoped that a female surgeon would have more empathy, but mine is quite, Oh well, these things happen. Thanks again.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 celia49

      Posted

      I'm over the moon with mine Celia.  But yes, it's certainly worth you asking about this aspect and seeing what they can offer you:-)))   I hope it goes well.  Do keep us updated:-)))
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 chris00938

      Posted

      Thought i would reply and say i dnt et the boots job.. so i guess my decision was made for me lol. thankyo all for your eply's
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      Hello matron.. How is your friend doing after her sling op? hope all has gone well.x
    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      Very well. I have seen her a few times after the operation and apart from being a bit uncomfortable for the first couple of days she's done really well. Was in hospital a total of 12 hours. She can't lift or drive for 6 weeks when she has a follow up appointment with the consultant.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 welshgirl67

      Posted

      Ah, that makes the decision easier then.  Hope all goes well for you:-)))
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 chris00938

      Posted

      thanks chris..yes i have decided to get my anterior repair sorted then once healed ill look again. i will be glad to get rid of this bulge.. it makes me feel gross. i cant beleive ive got this.. im so slim and healthy its shocking lol. since early menopause its happened.xx
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      thats brill matron.. hope i feel like that after my antrior repair lol.x
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      Im guessing matron the minisling is for leakage? i dont have any leakage with my front wall prolapse. how strange is that? should i have this with front wall weaknes?xxx
    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      My friend had a prolapse and yes leakage but no you don't necessarily have to have leakage with a prolapsed bladder.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 welshgirl67

      Posted

      I've never had leakage with my front wall prolapse either.  There was the odd time when it just felt as though it was a bit weak, so I did pelvic floor exercises for a few days and that sorted it.  Even though the gynie told me that pelvic floor exercises wouldn't help me because I have a connective tissue disorder, but it did help that aspect.
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 chris00938

      Posted

      ive bought a kegal ultra but i havent used it for a bit.. didnt do much good for the prolapse but i shall keep using it after surgery to keep everything tight, once ive healed. Do you know when they repair the front wall if they stitch just the wall or near the bladder also?
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      Matron could you explain what happens when my urogyn repair the prolapse? do they just stitch the walls or do you push up the bladder and stitch in place? thought id ask as you are very experienced in  nursing.xx
    • chris00938
      chris00938 welshgirl67

      Posted

      From what I've read, if the prolapse is slight, kegels can improve it, but once it gets past a certain point, only surgery will help.  I've no idea if they just stitch the wall or near the bladder.  I imagined it was just the wall.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      Usually they do just as you've said. Pull the prolapse up using a few incisions they stitch it back into place or they use a sling to keep it in place by pulling it up and tightening the sling
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 Jan999

      Posted

      ok that sounds like it. ill just have stitches as i have no weakness with bladder leakage.. does the feeling afterwards feel like childbirth? a bit scared of pain lol. when i had gallbladder removed i had a bit of pain afterwards for a few days like id done a million sit ups lol.x
    • Jan999
      Jan999 welshgirl67

      Posted

      You'll probably have worse pain than you did following your gall bladder surgery because that was probably performed by keyhole surgery but it won't be as bad as a rectocele repair. It's difficult to say just how much pain you'll have because everyone's pain threshold is different but it will be bearable and you'll be prescribed pain relief.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 welshgirl67

      Posted

      I remember waking overnight and telling them I had a bit of pain but that was it and they gave me something for it.  I was told to take Ibuprofen and paracetamol regularly, which I did because they told me that it would take inflammation down too, and really the only discomfort that I can remember was the journey home where it felt as though all my insides were bouncing around LOL!   Also I had a day of wind that was uncomfortable, but I'd been warned about that (it's to do with the laparoscopy) but I'd got various remedies and by the time I'd made up my mind what to take I realised the wind pain had gone!   But I've got a high pain threshold.  I did have a hysterectomy at the same time too.
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 chris00938

      Posted

      i nevr take any pain killers.. i cant stomach them. so it will be paracetamol for me and thats it im afraid lol. i told them i couldnt take any ibrofen etc and i felt great after anisthetic. i did use my sea bands afterwards which are meant to be good for sickness. oh well it has to be done i suppose. i will miss my baths though at night lol.x
    • chris00938
      chris00938 welshgirl67

      Posted

      I'm sure you'll be fine and hope all goes well and wish you a speedy recovery.  Just do what they tell you with resting, and lifting etc.:-)
    • celia49
      celia49 chris00938

      Posted

      Saw the consultant on Monday - a different one - wh examined me and said that I had a Grade 1 prolapse (rectocele) and a grade 4 higher up. I said that I didn't want surgery and she agreed, and that a ring pessary was the way to go.  She wasn't sure what size, and fitted one - I was quite happy coming from there. Today, however, by 4 o'clock I can feel a bulge, and have been having a discharge which I thought was the cream she put on the pessary before insertion. I had a pessary for a shot while before my surgery last year, but don't remember having a bulge at all. Is this my grade 1 or my grade 4 bulge??? 
    • celia49
      celia49 chris00938

      Posted

      Hi Chris.  Don,t know if you saw my last post, so I will recap. Saw the Registrar -  different lady - very nice and gentle, but possibly new to the game. Agreed a pessary was the way forward, and she fitted one. Within 2 days, I had a bulge back, so telephoned the secretary, who made an appointment for the following Monday. She removed that and inserted a larger one, and said to come back if there was a problem, but that she was on "nights" the following week, bu in Clinic the following week. Well, the same thing again, so I telephoned and the secretary said that there was no clinic that week, and that I really ought to see someone before that, and gave me an appointment for last Monday with  Consultant. He was very nice and fitted a much bigger - well, to me!!- pessary, talked about the shelf pessary, and said that there was a more pliable ring pessary which I could have, can be changed by yourself, you will be in charge blah blah. He also said that I couldn't keep telephoning and coming back to the clinic, and if I have a problem, to go through my GP who will refer me back.  Ok, I understand, but I was only there 10 minutes.

      i still ah E a bulge, maybe not so bad as it was before the pessary, but I thought I could forget it all for a couple of months. I am fed up with it all. Am thinking of having a sex change!! LOL

       

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