Have the pelvic floor repair op done

[Littlegreyrabbit]

Like a lot of you ladies I really didn’t want to be operated on so eventually tried a pessary. This donut shaped piece of plastic was inserted by a nurse at my GP’s surgery. She was great and it wasn’t that uncomfortable getting it put in. Unfortunately the next day it fell out. Apparently a lot of women have to try different sizes to get the right size one. The next one was totally fine for me and I couldn’t believe the difference it made to how I felt. Not just physically in that it was wonderful not to have this lump trying to get out of my vagina but it made me feel lighter and younger. However although I didn’t have a problem with my bladder, if I left it a bit late to do a wee I wasn’t able to just squeeze my muscles together so I couldn’t get to the loo in time like I did before the pessary. It’s like the pessary stops you doing pelvic floor exercises. I should say here that the surgeon told me that once the bulge has come right down the vagina then no amount of exercises will reverse this. Also I was worried the pessary would come out when I did a poo as I could feel it trying to. I read online that you can put your fingers in your vagina to hold the pessary in when you do a poo, which I tried - tho I found using my thumb better. This did work just fine but was only really good if I was at home because inevitably some poo might get on my fingers (sorry if this is too much info). I then started thinking that if I got really old and couldn’t manage this at some time in the future (imagine being a 100 years old in a home) then it would be horrible for someone else to have to do this for me, or worse I was just left to poo in nappies. Anyway the pelvic floor nurse eventually persuaded me to see the gynaecologist saying it wouldn’t hurt just to talk to him. I did this and he told me I was too young to be putting up with the situation - I was 73 at the time! To cut a long story short I had the op a couple of months ago and I AM SO PLEASED I DID. He did both sides, both anterior and posterior repair. There was absolutely no pain or any problem afterwards or since, Not only is there no longer this dragging feeling in my vagina or worse it being outside my body, but it just makes you feel really young again. After putting up with it for years I had got used to it but when it was gone then Wow it just makes you feel great. However what I hadn’t realised was the bonus effect it would have on doing a poo. Apparently the sagging into your vagina from the back passage means poo can get left behind in this sort of loose pouch. This resulted in poo that was soft just leaking out without any warning at any time. After the operation it’s a straightforward route out, there’s nowhere for the poo to hide so I can just poo normally like everyone else now. I’ve just turned 74 and feel 34. I would urge any ladies having doubts about it to get the operation done.

[Alaine1 Administrator]

This is fantastic news! I’m so happy to hear a happy ending. Please continue to let us know how you are doing long term

[Owlie]

Hi, did you have your op in the uk? I have read nothing but bad things d about reoccurrence of prolapse and problems afterwards. Which type of repair did you go for?

Thanks

Owlie

[Kphee21]

Great to read a positive outcome . Like owlie would love to hear where you had your operation

[Hidden]

Thanks for telling your story - great that it has worked out for you.

[pizon]

I am so happy that your op worked as well as it did and wish you many more happy years...I don't want to put a damper on anyone that is considering having this surgery I am sure many women out there feel the way you do however I just want to warn women to be aware of all the side effects this type of op can leave you with....I was not educated of them and have been left with nerve damage that is not only painful but life altering...and I am a lot younger then you again this is not a cry to not have this surgery done however just be aware of all the things that can go wrong.....again very happy for you and happy to read a good story may God keep and bless you

[Fingals9]

Good to read your post. I’m due to see a gynacologist tomorrow for a pessary. Had operation to lift bladder in October and now uterus has prolapsed so have the heavy dragging pain. I have 2 young children both under 5 so don’t want another operation just yet as impossible to rest properly afterwards. Hoping the pessary will improve things for me I am 38 but feel very old.

Have similar issues where I don’t feel I empty my bowels properly after going.

🤞pessary will help.

[Sylviayork]

Thank you for sharing your experience on here. I'm definitely going down the surgery route.