Confused after my post op appointment..

I've noticed that just lifting a full kettle feels too heavy still so will continue to be careful. It's easy to forget sometimes though. Thanks for your reply, reassuring to know this is fairly normal. 

Hi LadyPink. I had an anterior repair and hysterectomy in 2003. It lasted 3-4 months but couldn't face having it done again due to problems immediately following the op. I had the latest op in January this year as it became too uncomfortable and this time had anterior and posterior repair. I've had problems with heavy bleeding, the day after the op when the pack was removed and twice more in the following weeks all from the posterior repair. I thought the anterior prolapse was back again but the consultant said it was very slight and mostly the looseness inside that I could see as a bulge. She also said another op wasn't a good idea. She's not the easiest person to talk to and I was left rather speechless when she said all looked ok! 

Having read all the possible side effects of  Vagifem I'm a bit worried about using it! I'm 66 by the way..

Hi Jane, just wondering what the issue is with vagifem?

Hi Jane my sympathies are with you.  In October 2014 (so i'm now nearly 7months on from my op for anterior/posterior and perineum repairs.  I waited years and years, saw different consultants with varying recommendations.  Took the plunge to have op as i felt uncomfortable and not at all feminine.  I was told i had a stage 2 anterior prolapse and a 2-3 stage posterior.  I didn't need a hysterectomy.  Well agony post op is an understatement and it took all of 7 plus weeks to ease up on the pain relieve.  I did all that was recommended and at my 7 1/2 weeks follow up appointment was told  (a Professor performed my op) that i was healed and 'good to go (even though i still had internal stitches) i.e. hoovering, sex and basically my usual daily life).  The week after was Christmas and yes i probably did my most for ages.  I did stand for longer than usual preparing and cooking a large meal.  The day after Boxing day i felt things were'nt right and had a look, and there it was a bulge.  I waited 2 weeks to see the female GP who sent me away for a further 6 weeks as she said the consultant wouldn't see me at such an early stage post op.  I've now after many weeks got an appointment to see a consultant next Monday.  It has taken over my life in every which way.  When i'm out walking, which i love it feels as though i have a tampax that needs removing, it can feel quite tight there and sometimes still pain.  I try to not get constipated, although strangely after a motion sometimes i feel things drop more.  Sometimes i wish i could go backwards, then i think of the reasons i agreed to op.  Right now i'm not sure if i would repeat having any more prolapse correction surgery and perhaps just live with it.  The risk of re-prolapse is high (however didn't think it would be in weeks).  I'm getting on with my life the best way i can and have taken positive steps in losing weight.  Still taking care with lifting heavy objects.  Resting when i'm able if i need to etc etc.  I use Vagifem and yes the side effects on the patient leaflet are scarey, took me ages to use.  However i can be very dry and it really eases this.  I was told that as far as it being HRT it is localised and does not get in to your system the way other types of HRT does.  I'm so sorry for you Jane, but like you felt like i was fussing and it's too soon after surgery to know if it has failed.  By the way i'm 62.  Take care Maureen 

 

Hi Maureen, so sorry to hear you that you've had problems post op too. The tampon effect describes it perfectly. Walking upstairs seems to feel worse strangely!  You're so right about it taking over your life, I'm like that too. On Saturday I went to watch my son at a running event so was standing/ walking around for several hours and I'm still paying for it with pelvic and back pain. Having now 'talked' to other ladies on other forums too it seem it can take six months or more to fully recover and heavy lifting is a no-no for good! When I had my first op there was little information and advice,  except to take three months off work. That's when the prolapse came back due to the type of work, lifting and carrying heavy items. Regarding the Vagifem pessaries, I made the mistake of 'googling' it and saw a detailed list of possible side- effects which surprised me as I thought a pessary would be fairly safe..

I hope your appointment goes well Maureen.

 

Hello Maureen

       I feel so sorry for you and others like me who have a prolapse bladder. I opted not to ever have surgery because I got use to the prolapse being there and it didn't cause me any pain or interrupt my bathroom movements. The only thing I didn't like is that feeling of it starting to protrude out of my private area. So I started doing pelvic floor exercises and that helps a lot. I think if you start exercises you might feel better instead of putting yourself through anymore surgery which is just a quick fix that really doesn't in many cases fix it at all.

Blessings to you and hope you don't have anymore operations.

                                                                Lynn

Thanks Moira,  seeing a gynae physio is a good idea, I'll ask my GP about it and see what she says about a second opinion. You're right about the misinformation, so much of it. Nurses and doctors all have there own opinions about how many weeks before you can go back to work or. lift anything. These forums are a godsend! Must be difficult dealing with young children when you're not supposed to be lifting etc. I've not been able to lift my grandchildren since they were tiny babies, when I had the first prolapse diagnosed.