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How to decide when to do surgery?

Posted , 6 users are following.

linda83164
linda83164

I am 55 and last month diagnosed with class 3 cystocele, and class 1-2 rectocele/uterine prolapses.

I have been working with a fantastic physiotherapist who has helped me with kegels, and instructions on being able to 'finish the job' for bowel movements. I have to support when having a BM as my bladder pushes down. I do not leak urine but do feel pressure in my vagina when my bladder is full, and then emptying it is harder if I wait too long.

My urogynecolgist has prescribed vaginal estrogen, a pessary or surgery. She will not offer advice on whether I should do it or not. She told me if there were 100 women in her office like me, that 50 would have surgery and 50 would not.

My question is how to make the decision to go ahead with the surgery? I have heard that you can end up with worse symptoms after the surgery. Thank you for your comments. I am from Canada.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • robyn94818
    robyn94818 linda83164

    Posted

    I would go for surgery as, if the Surgeon is real experienced & really good at fixing them, then you can be a great success story! Have you researched the Surgeon?  The hormone vag cream or tablet is a good idea whatever decision you make. It's also a good thing to continue after surgery also. I don't like the messiness of the cream so pay for the tablet form you pop up top of vag with an applicator. I think surgery is inevitable for you, so my thought is go for it sooner, rather than later. 

    • linda83164
      linda83164 robyn94818

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply!  I am told this is a great surgeon so I am lucky that way. Yes I think that you are right that surgery is inevitable, in fact my surgeon told me that I may not be able to avoid this surgery for ever. I have that thought as I feel my bladder pushing down as I support to have a BM. The other thought is that now I am healthy, and do not have many health issues. That may/will change over time and then the surgery could be harder.

       

  • Imnotadoctor
    Imnotadoctor linda83164

    Posted

    It has to be your decision Linda not anyone else's. It sounds as though your physio is really good,if you have tried everything & you are still having problems then maybe surgery is worth thinking about.

    I had an anterior repair & hysterectomy in 2013. Unfortunately this made my rectoenterocele worse and after putting up with bathroom "difficulties" for 3+ years decided to go for another op. I've used Vagifem on the advice of my urogynaecologist & pelvic floor exercises (although as my vaginal vault had dropped as well not much was happening) regularly. 

    I had my repair on 3 November & although it's very early days I do feel much better for it. You have to be prepared for a long recovery even if you feel as well as I do. I'm not going back to work until after Xmas. 

    Good luck. X

    • linda83164
      linda83164 Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      Hello! Thank you for your reply and thoughts!  My physio is so awesome and has made the difference thus far. The other thing she suggested was to lose the extra weight, so I have been doing that. Maybe that is also why my symptoms have mainly subsided. At times I do feel like I cannot fully empty my bladder which is concerning to me. Eventually it does empty though, just have to try not to let it get too full. 

      I appreciate your reassurance that you do have to make the decision yourself. For me, this is my first surgery so I am pretty terrified and green when it comes to this. It will take me some time to make the decision which is fine because I need to take the time I need to decide. What things make women make the decision? Is it leaking, fullness, pain? My symptoms are more frequent urination, and then support to have a BM. When I read the comments in this discussion, I realize this has a longer recovery time and painful for many. I live alone and do not have family nearby so that is a factor as well. 

  • Kegel8Stephanie
    Kegel8Stephanie linda83164

    Posted

    Hi Linda,

    Hmmmm, I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask that question. Statistically I think you will find that the majority of women on here have already had one operation (or more) and your results may be skewed.

    I would say do whats right for you - but remember, if you do not change what you have always done the same will happen again. You need lifestyle change as well as pelvic floor muscle exercises. Have you thought of a pessary for daily support? Supplement with Vitamin D3, watch your weight - it is critical, correct your posture and practise good 'pelvic floor friendly' breathing techniques. A femmeze vagina trainer might help you poo (it is essential you don't strain, and get a toilet stool.

    Hope this helps, please try to do all you can to manage this condition and stop it worsening. Good luck, you will be stronger for it.

    Stephanie

  • Redhead1960
    Redhead1960 linda83164

    Posted

    Hi Linda, it is a very personal decision and do take the time to research the options and if you decide to go ahead, prepare  your recovery support plan. I am 57 and had my surgery done almost 6 weeks ago. I was very unhappy with the physical constraints the cystocele and rectocele was having on the quality of my life but otherwise was fit and well. Having tried everything that had been recommended, kegels, local oestrogen treatment etc and also a uterine pessary I did choose surgery. My decision to have the surgery was based on having tried my best to improve it, live with it and as the problem was not going to cure itself and indeed would likely get worse as I got older and continued on my menopause journey. I considered I would have a better chance of recovery whilst I was younger and fitter rather than wait and see until I was in my 60's, 70's ...... plus it is now that I really want to enjoy my golden years with travel, exercise, living life to the full etc and the prolapse was enslaving me to the bathroom! I don't regret it so far. For sure the surgery and recovery is uncomfortable, but even within 6 weeks, it is a great relief to know my bladder and bowels are now properly supported and work correctly and each week I am feeling better and doing more. I see my Urogynaecologist at 7 weeks and hoping that he will check and advise me that it has all healed perfectly and I can continue to support the recovery over the next few months and look forward to a long time without any future problems.

    • linda83164
      linda83164 Redhead1960

      Posted

      Hi!  Thanks for your thoughts. I really appreciate it. I am feeling more encouraged by the replies on this blog. I guess I needed to hear some stories from those who have gone before me. I recently hiked to Machu Picchu and now I would not be doing that at all. So I can relate to your desire to go and do while you can. I too think that I am not getting any younger to have this surgery, as afraid as I am to have it. But, it will take me some time to flip the switch and go for it I think.
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