1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Genitourinary Prolapse

Bladder repair

Posted , 5 users are following.

ann80116
ann80116

I had consultaion july this year regarding bladder prolapse which iv had for several months but worsened so referred. Consultant very difficult to communicate with he didnt ask any question regarding the problems it has caused was only interested in any leakage to which i have slightly. Had urodynamic test beg aug which was fine. Follow up apt with consultant not until 16th sept. I an a nurse and have had numerous days from work due to utis and problems with sitting and discomfort. Along with this intimacy is impossible. On sick again with bad infection . I have done pelvic floor exercises. Im worried he will not concider surgical repair. Whats yr thoughts please

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Jan999
    Jan999 ann80116

    Posted

    Is there a reason why you don't want a repair ann? As a nurse you know you can decline any operation or procedure, it's your choice so tell him that. You could consider a pessary of course or physiotherapy.

    • ann80116
      ann80116 Jan999

      Posted

      Oh no im for surgery i have exhausted any other options. Im just frustrated that the consultant was not interesred in me expressing the problems it causes. After my urodynamic test im hoping to be considered for surgery. My worry is he wont.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 ann80116

      Posted

      Sorry ann I totally misunderstood.....apologies. I presume your consultant is a Urogynaecologist but I can understand completely that it's not ideal that he's a poor communicator. In your position I'd be asking for a second opinion. Is there a consultant you can speak to where you work? I've found when they know your a nurse particularly at the same hospital they are more than happy to help. After all we don't get many perks!

    • ann80116
      ann80116 Jan999

      Posted

      Yes i agree we as murses dont get anything also as iv had some time off with it im off again at present. Its costing the nhs lots of money so you would think getting me done shoukd be priority ?

      ?Unfortunately i work as an out of hours nurse through the night based with the GP,s so it difficul to speak to the right person. Think i will go for my apt and if im not happy will request a change of consultant. But may mean a longer wait. Fingers crossed cant go on like this.

    • Jan999
      Jan999 ann80116

      Posted

      A prolapse is very debilitating ann so fingers crossed you get this sorted out very soon. Take care.
  • Imnotadoctor
    Imnotadoctor ann80116

    Posted

    When I had my anterior repair my consultant was lovely. I didn't have any leakage but a 'something coming down' ache & I could see a large bulge inside.

    He did say once it has prolapsed pelvic floor exercises are too late (although they will strengthen the area & may prevent further prolapse) so the only way to be more comfortable is surgery or a pessary.

    It's good that he's not rushing into surgery but if it's causing you problems then if he's not willing to operate ask for a second opinion. Good luck.

    • ann80116
      ann80116 Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply. Yes condition very uncomfortable and its really affecting me daily now. Im going to wait for my next apt if mot happy will request 2nd ppinion as you suggested.

      Regards

  • VOWeaver
    VOWeaver ann80116

    Posted

    Stress incontinence/frequent bladder infections due to increasing prolapse are women's dirty little secret, it seems.  I started having real problems after the birth of my son in 1985, and every year at PAP smear time, I'd discuss it with my doctor.  I'd occasionally get a referral to a specialist, but most of them denigrated me for my weight and said NO surgical repair was possible unless I reduced.

    I limped along with problems until I had Lap Band surgery for weight loss in 2004.  After losing almost 100 pounds, I banged my fist on the table and said, "DO SOMETHING."

    At that time, the latest and greatest was a gizmo called a bladder sling.  Minimal invasive surgery, almost no recovery time, and hey, it worked pretty good for me.

    Until it didn't.  About three years ago, I started having problems, namely, frequent bladder infections.  EVERYBODY gave me the runaround.  When it got to the point of one infection a month.  I got snotty.

    Turns out the bladder sling had eroded through the vaginal tissues.

    On 11 May 2016, I had removal of the sling, correction of the bladder prolapse using my own tissue, complete hysterectomy, and a major rectocele repair.

    Recovery was abysmal.  But I kept fighting, and the swelling finally receded.  I don't have the infections.  Most stress incontinence is gone.  I do have the occasional problem with bladder spasms, but all in all, Life is MUCH better!

    ~VOW

    • Jan999
      Jan999 VOWeaver

      Posted

      In the UK most Urogynaecologists will not insist a woman loses weight before they repair a pelvic floor prolapse unless of course the anaesthetist felt that an anaesthetic could cause problems which is extremely rare. 
    • VOWeaver
      VOWeaver Jan999

      Posted

      As it was explained to me by two gynecological surgeons, the first surgical repair is always the best, and repair in an overweight woman can be easily undone at the first cough or sneeze.

      The doctor said the intestines come slamming down on the bladder like a hammer.

      ~VOW

    • Jan999
      Jan999 VOWeaver

      Posted

      You have to remember that although ladies from the USA and other countries join forums on this website the majority are from the UK and it is a UK website so it's important to highlight what is considered normal procedure in the UK.

    • VOWeaver
      VOWeaver Jan999

      Posted

      I understand.

      But I also recognize this site saved my sanity when I was recuperating!

      When I hurt so bad from swelling and could barely walk, I felt like I was completely alone in the world.  I wondered if I'd be miserable for the rest of my life (I'm 63 years old).

      I came here to find other women who were scared and confused, and there were others who had been where we were, and they said, "Yeah, it hurts.  But just wait."

      If the UK is more civilized about prolapse repair than the US, kudos to you, and congrats to the fortunate ladies living there!

      My point is that no matter where you are, sometimes you must wait.  And persevere.  Stress incontinence is simply not a big deal to some medical providers.

      Unfortunately.

      ~VOW

    • Jan999
      Jan999 VOWeaver

      Posted

      We treat incontinence very seriously and it's treated as a priority in the UK thank goodness. There are some new up to date procedures being performed, some of which ladies have mentioned here on this forum only in the last few days. In the UK we don't have "medical providers" but an excellent NHS and if women prefer private healthcare. 

    • Happynz
      Happynz Jan999

      Posted

      What are the new procedures that you mentioned?
    • Jan999
      Jan999 Happynz

      Posted

      There are previous posts on this forum about TVT under a local anaesthetic that is being performed. 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.