New, worried and need advice please
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hello, I've been reading people's stories trying to self diagnos, thank you all for sharing. Apologies for the length of my post, really just need someone to listen to me that understands.
I think I have a prolapse, there is a bulge when standing and sitting but disappears when I lay down. I've recently been having tests it feels like a uti or a vaginal infection, but my tests have come back negative, my doctor examined me and said that I must have been feeling my cervix. I have to admit that at 41 and having 4 kids I'm not really that familiar with my internal anatomy. I'm now having severe stomach pains like trapped wind but low down to pelvic bone, and a constant feeling of needing the loo as well as lower back pain, I have read online about emptying bladder completely and tried that today oh my it was never ending ! Does this sound like a prolapse symptom ? I'm so confused and feel like I'm becoming a hypochondriac, thanks for reading
0 likes, 9 replies
Gnomebottom Bitworried
Posted
Hi Bitworried, I don't think hypochondria is your problem - it sounds as though you have got something going on and need a better investigation.
I would suggest you read up a bit more on this forum - it is excellent and loaded with good, honest information from women who are openly discussing subjects that aren't the usual 'chit-chat' among your girlfriends.
When you've had a good look into posts that descrive symptoms etc. that sound similar to yours - start writing a list of what's going on in your pelvic region. Like the one you've done in your post.
Then write another list of all the questions you want/need to ask.
You definitely need to know if you have a prolapse-cervical/cystocele - bladder and if so will need to see a gynae consultant.
If you're anxious when you do to see the Doc its easy to not get through the sort of explanation/questions you planned in your head - so writing it down is a great help. Just 'bullet points' in priority order.
I'm always conscious of how limited a time you are allocated for your consultation - 10 minutes on average here....so you have to just go for it and get as much out of your 10 minutes as you can. Ask for a 'double appointment' if it is the same where you are to make sure you get a thorough consultation.
jillian1612 Gnomebottom
Posted
You symptoms sound similar to mine. Although i am now 2 weeks post hysterectomy. I first noticed about 2 years ago a bulge in my vagina. I was grooming (hahaha) and saw something that shouldn't be there. It also disappeared when laying down. I was also having symptoms of difficulty opening bowels. After a few months when bending over i kept feeling this bulge. I was referred to Gyne. They examined me standing with one leg up on a step and then it was visible. It was a prolapse uterus. It affected my weeing and caused back pain. I am so happy to be rid of it. Recovery is not easy. But the bulge is gone and already weeing is better. Im still having problems with bloating and bowel. Hoping that will settle. Ask for referral to a gyne. Good luck.
Bitworried jillian1612
Posted
Will be making another appointment, hope your recovery is going well, was a hysterectomy your only option ?
phyl_40063 Bitworried
Posted
Hi Bitworried,
It all sounds familiar, you may only have a very mild prolapse and if you go to your GP and get refer to Gynaecology they can refer you to a physiotherapists who specialises in pelvic floor, you may be able to prevent any further prolapse and avoid surgery.
Anyway between them they will be able to tell you if you actually have a prolapse and give advise on your options.
I had a very mild prolapse after my 5th child and
controlled and prevented it from getting any worse for a further 15 years through pelvic floor exercise, though I must admit didn't fully understand the need to seriously keep up with the exercises until I had my 6th child. Anyhow didn't completely claps till the change of hormones with menopause.
Please get help and keep up with the pelvic floor exercises they give us to do after giving birth it really helps prevent or lessen effects of prolapse!
Let's us know how you get on,
Phyl x
Bitworried
Posted
Thank you both, I'm gonna have a good read of this site and make another appointment, the only female doctor has already said I don't so have a prolapse, I guess I just feel rude questioning her diagnosis and then scared I think, if surgery is required. Thanks again
phyl_40063 Bitworried
Posted
If you click on your profile name then genitourinary group it should come up with Emis moderator, and under useful resources lots of info on various pelvic floor conditions.
I don't think you need to worry too much as sounds like you may be aware enough to have got in early enough for preventive exercise to help!
Take care and don't do any heavy lifting leave that for the lads?
Phyl x
robyn94818 Bitworried
Posted
Bitworried robyn94818
Posted
Is that something you can ask your GP to do ? My surgery the appointments are like gold dust so I'm compiling a list of questions so thanks for your advice it's really helpful
robyn94818 Bitworried
Posted
Yes. Your referral for pelvic floor assessment should be to a Urogynaecologist, not a straight Gynaecologist. The former are 3yr trained on pelvic floor problems and surgery and that's all they do.