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Possible prolapse - can't get a diagnosis

Posted , 4 users are following.

lynx32
lynx32

I've never tried a forum like this before but have had a disturbing experience this week and am desperate to know if it's happened to anyone else. 3 months ago I found changes in my vagina on self exam with mirror. Have always been able to see a clear opening into the vagina, but now it looks full and I can see a lump with a small slit in the middle. I thought of prolapse immediately - my gran had a terrible one. Went to the doctor - asked to see a woman. She examined me with a speculum - terribly painful. She said no evidence of prolapse, as I was far too tight. I asked if I could show her what I see standing up with a mirror - did so. She informed me that the lump I am seeing INSIDE the vagina is in fact my urethra. I tried to explain that my urethra is actually higher up away from the vagina but she wasn't in agreement. Asked for referral and saw the specialist this week. She examined me internally in a particularly brutal way - it was agonising and she made me bleed. Said I don't have prolapse. I did the same with her - showed her the lump in vagina and to my horror she told me the same as the GP that it is my urethra. I was quite distressed by this time and am furious with myself that I didn't make her re-examine me so I could show her the urethral opening' but I was fighting back tears and just wanted out. She offered to push a catheter in just to show me. She has given me Vagifem pessaries to use and said she will follow up in 3 months. I am in despair of I am not prolapsed that's great, but my vagina still full of something that is NOT my urethra, and I'm left wondering whether I'm malformed in some way, and what on earth would happen if I had to be catheterised some day. Have lost all faith in GP and consultant. Sorry so long winded - any advice welcome.

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Jan999
    Jan999 lynx32

    Posted

    Hello lynx I can tell just how upset you are and I'm not impressed with your consultant making you bleed. Do you know if she is a Urogynaecologist? Some women do have their urethra inside the vagina, in fact it's more common than you think. Your not abnormal in any way. The fact that 2 doctors have confirmed you don't have a prolapse it's difficult to disagree with them but you need a good Urogynaecologist to examine you so check if the consultant you saw actually is one. If not ask for a 2nd opinion.
    • lynx32
      lynx32 Jan999

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your reply. She's a Gynaecology and Obstetrics consultant, so maybe that is a way round. I'm 62 and had menopause at 47, no HRT so maybe the pessaries will help at least with the tightness. My urethral opening is very small and is positioned quite high up immediately below the clitoris so I guess she didn't look closely enough to see it properly. Very much appreciate your thoughts.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 lynx32

      Posted

      It sounds as though she's a gynaecologist but not a Urogynaecologist and there's a big difference. If you read previous posts on this forum you will see some ladies do a lot of research before requesting a referral. Urogynaecologists have undertaken extensive training after becoming a consultant. If she isn't a Urogynaecologist you can ask for a second opinion. If you want you can send me a personal message with her name and the area you live and I'll check it out for you.
    • lynx32
      lynx32 Jan999

      Posted

      Would be very grateful for that thanks so much.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 lynx32

      Posted

      Message me and I'll get back to you as soon as possible 
  • jan05416
    jan05416 lynx32

    Posted

    Hi there like u I too have the same sort of lump, my gp told me it was a prolapse but my consultant said it wasn't. I seeing a private consultant this afternoon for a second opinion , so will let u know the outcome. X
  • jan05416
    jan05416 lynx32

    Posted

    Hi there like u I too have the same sort of lump, my gp told me it was a prolapse but my consultant said it wasn't. I seeing a private consultant this afternoon for a second opinion , so will let u know the outcome. X
    • lynx32
      lynx32 jan05416

      Posted

      Oh gosh I hope it works out for you. Fingers crossed. At this stage I would just like to know what is going on from someone whose opinion I can trust. Am thinking of a private consult but going to take Matron's advice first. Good luck!
  • Kegel8Stephanie
    Kegel8Stephanie lynx32

    Posted

    Dear Lynx32

    I am sorry you have had a bad time, but it does sound as though it is a urethral prolapse. this is where the urethra has fallen out of position, and this is causing the bugle inside your vagina. You are right, it does not affect the opening of the urethra which is why you are adamant that is not the urethra, I think that is why the Consultant wanted to insert the catheter, so you could feel it going inside the urethra and know that that was causing the bulge. Basically the ligaments/muscle structure that holds this 'tube' (urethra) it in place from the bladder to the urethral opening have 'dropped out of position', giving rise to the lump you feel and see. It is a common prolapse. Do you find you gets lots of bladder infections and don't always manage to empty your bladder fully? 

    You say your Gran had a prolapse, well sadly there is a genetic predisposition to prolapse, so be aware of it. Sadly we only usually find out about this too late! Also with any bladder, and/or urethral prolapse you are also more likely to suffer with a bowel prolapse too, this is the other side weakening too. Do all you can to get help and prevent this from getting worse, get medical advice, do your exercises (To stop it getting worse, and to prevent further prolapse) if you are carrying any excess weight you would help your pelvic floor no-end if you could lose it (lose 10% of your weight and regain 50% more pelvic floor strength says Dr Mark Slack), and improve your posture by sitting up straight, and siting in a chair with BBC - your bum at the back of the chair. All these small tweaks will improve your pelvic floor strength and support capabilities and if you can get a referral to a Physio all the better. Good luck, there is loads of helpful advice on here from women just like you, and we support each other as much as possible. Try not to worry or blames yourself for what you might or might nont have done. This is your starting point - get strong instead and get the help you need.

    S

    • lynx32
      lynx32 Kegel8Stephanie

      Posted

      Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I don't have any bladder or bowel problems - what you're saying may be an even better reason to seek out a Urogynaecologist. Would have thought the consultant would have at least acknowledged that something is not right though. I am overweight but keep active, and don't eat meat, eat lots of pulses veg and rice etc. Will take your advice on board and try and make more effort to lose it! Also am hypothyroid unfortunately which makes weight loss a bit harder - also runs in the family; what a legacy!
    • Kegel8Stephanie
      Kegel8Stephanie lynx32

      Posted

      You're welcome, Matron is a real boon to us on the outside of the medical world - invaluable, especially when we are anxious and upset. Arm yourslef with as much knowledge as possible (Including other women who have been through this too) to help you make the right choices for your condiotion.

      S

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