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Hysterectomy or not ? for stage 4 prolapse

Posted , 4 users are following.

ann27271
ann27271

Hi, Hope for some advice on a stage 4 prolapse that my consultant has said  the best way forward is to have a hysterectomy and a repair, its all a bit of a shock at present, I have had a pessary fitted that has elevated the symtoms a little but been told not to stand for more than an hour or lift anything, have been really groggy for a week and am due for the operation in a week. would most appreciate any advice.

best wishes Ann

1 like, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • Clarissabelle
    Clarissabelle ann27271

    Posted

    Ann I have had seven major orthopaedic surgeries to my leg and ankle in the past six years and my ankle is now fused.  I told the anaesthetist on admission and he ensured I was fine in the stirrups.  I have a leg length difference so was concerned.  I had no problems with the leg post op.  I got to see a Gynae doctor the morning of surgery and you could discuss concerns then if you can t get to speak to them before admission.
    • ann27271
      ann27271 Clarissabelle

      Posted

      Thanks Claire, that's good advice, oh dear you have been through it bless you, hope you will continue to have good health.

      thanks again, I will discuss my concerns as you suggest.

      Ann x

  • shani1953
    shani1953 ann27271

    Posted

    Hi Ann

    I am now post op after a vaginal hysterectomy and anterior (bladder) repair and I feel brilliant!!  I had a stage 3 prolapse and suffered discomfort more than pain but I did not want it to get worse (particularly as I was in a new relationship!)

    I was first on the list for my op at 9.30.  By lunchtime I was sitting up in bed eating lunch and 3 cups of tea.  I had no pain or discomfort at all and apart from a little soreness on the first night, I had nothing thereafter.  I was signed off for 6 weeks which felt more like a holiday than convalescence.  Was jogging again at 5 weeks and back to work at 6 weeks.  I can honestly say I didn't feel as if I had had an operation at all.  I know from other discussions I've read, I am one of the very lucky ones but all I can say to you is don't worry about it at all, particularly if you are having a vaginal procedure as the recovery rate is very good.

    Best wishes and don't worry as the worrying is worse than the op!!

    Shani

    xx

    • ann27271
      ann27271 shani1953

      Posted

      Hi Shani, Thanks for the message it is great to hear from you and to know how well you have come through, Yes you are right about the worry, I think because it is happening quite fast it is the logistics and planning for the coming weeks, it doesnt help that I dont live in the UK all the time and the doctor said not to travel for 4 weeks before the op, I am waiting to hear from consultants secretary today to know about a pre-op discussion. I wondered if you had any swelling with your prolapse as my tummy seems very swollen and all my clothes feel tight including my bra, I suspect that this will also be the case afterwards too.

      Thanks for your help, this really is a very reassuring forum for us all.

      KIndest regards Ann x 

    • shani1953
      shani1953 ann27271

      Posted

      Hi Ann

      I was fortunate in a way that I didn't have much in the way of symptoms before my prolapse was diagnosed - just an episode of feeling swollen underneath when I had a shower.  During the time I had to wait for a doctor's appointment this wore off and my symptoms went away, so I was quite shocked when the doctor diagnosed a grade 3 prolapse.  The consultant gave me the option of just leaving it to see how it progressed, having a pessary inserted to hold things in (which would need medical intervention to change it periodically - yuk!) or to have a hysterectomy and a bladder repair (apparently what I could feel down below was my bladder falling out!) - I decided that I would go straight for the hysterectomy and repair.  I'm 61, so no decision with regard to future babies and through the menopause and with a very new relationship to think about, I just wanted it sorted permanently.  I have to say I think it was the best decision I could have made as I feel fitter and better in myself since it was done.   I would strongly recommend that if they don't mention having the procedure done vaginally then ask them.  From the posts I have read on this forum it is far and away the best option as you have no external wound to worry about.  I had no pain or discomfort at any time during my post op weeks and I'm sure it was mainly due to not having the op done abdominally.

      Best of luck - let us know how you get on.

      Shani

      x

    • jacqueline67292
      jacqueline67292 ann27271

      Posted

      Hi Ann

      I was reading your post to Shani, I was just like you, a very swollen tummy, it felt quite lumpy in places, I kept getting hubby to have a look as I thought something very untoward was going on, and everything was tight, but it was just where all the organs were out of place.  A lot of the ladies told me about 'swelly belly' after the op, so I got lots of baggy clothes ready, but I did not need them thank goodness, I went straight into my tight jeggings, and leggings and tight tops, he! he! I feel 30 years younger and I am dressing like a teenager but what the heck! I am 7 stone 6 pounds, my correct weight minus 2 pounds, my surgeon says this is the optimal weight to stay at for my newly placed organs not to have any strain on them.  So I am enjoying wearing clothes again.  

      Sorry I am rambling again, it is the joy factor, what I am trying to say is that not everyone is swollen up after the op.  Not sure if it is luck or how your body reacts to the op.  Hopefully you will feel wonderful after your op, just the fact that your organs will be back in their rightful place will make you feel a million dollars!

      Love

      Jacqui lol

    • ann27271
      ann27271 shani1953

      Posted

      Hi Shani, thanks for your lovely message, I really feel fortunate to receive all the experience and advice, spoken to my doctor today who has also confirmed that vaginal is the best way forward, I will be ready armed with all the advice, coming to terms with it all now and if I am honest I know it has to happen, hope my swollen tummy will go down after the op!

      like you I am in my 60's but in spirit 39, so need to get back to a fitter self and doing all the things I like.

      look after yourself will keep you updated.

      love Ann 

    • shani1953
      shani1953 ann27271

      Posted

      Best of luck to you Ann - I'm sure you will be surprised and relieved at

      how well you recover - good news that it looks as if you will have it done vaginally.  My 6 weeks off work with my partner was more like a holiday and I definitely don't regret having the op done.

      When you get to our age anything that helps you feel younger is a bonus isn't it!!

      I shall look forward to your updates

      xxShani

    • ann27271
      ann27271 shani1953

      Posted

      Thanks Shani, lovely to have been in touch will update you with news, after pre-assessment and of course after the deed!

      keep well and enjoy life it's so precious.Love Ann x

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