Pessary advice for prolapse

[Fingals9]

Pessary advice-

I’ve got a prolapsed uterus and have been trying pessary es to help with the symptoms of heaviness. The first one was too small kept falling down and second one too big and uncomfortable due to tightness. I’m now on third one a size inbetween the 2. Still finding it uncomfy and I know something is there. Do I need another size or just need to get used to it? I’m using ring pessary es maybe I need another type?

Any advice much appreciated.

[HighlandMo]

I'm afraid I can't help with pessary advice as I didn't like the sound of them and did some research myself. That's how I discovered that some people use sea sponges - like a tampon - soft and squishy but the same idea as the pessary. It's working for me so far.

[Fingals9 in reply to HighlandMo]

Thanks for your message. I am not sure sea sponge would offer me enough support but could try it

[sushke]

Am sorry to hear you of your situation and that you are struggling to find a suitable pessary. Am interested to hear folks comments in response to your enquiry as am in a similar boat. I had hysterectomy and anterior repair 14mths ago. All was well for 9mths, but have slowly become aware that my bladder is dropping/prolapsing. It hasn't totally dropped as yet, but I can feel it, (similar symptoms as prior to my op.) and am concerned as to what I should do next.

I've heard good and bad reports about pessaries and have been wondering if I should I go down that path first, or whether another op. would help or even be available to me. It would be good to know if certain types of pessaries are better and more comfortable than others. Am sorry that none have worked for you to date as it must be so depressing going thro' the stages of trying each... and I hope that someone can point you in the right direction. I wish I could be of more help, but wishing you all the best.

Su

[Fingals9 in reply to sushke]

Thanks for the message.

I had an operation for bladder prolapse in October and since then the uterus has prolapsed so not sure if operations are best way forward as they weaken the area. However saying that if I can’t find somthing to help. Me I may look to have an operation in a few years when my chn are a bit older. I think I may try a pessary with extra support and hope that helps.

[sushke in reply to Fingals9]

I think you may be right that operations weaken the area Fingals. The anterior repair after my hysterectomy was meant to hold everything in place - but obviously it hasn't worked as it should. For this reason, I am hesitant to go down that path. Please can you advise as to how long you were off your feet after your bladder prolapse op? I have read that you also have to wear a catheter for 3 to 7 days after.. is this correct?

Thanks also for your thoughts re: a ring pessary. From what both you and Eulalie have said, am presuming this is probably the way forward for me. I know nothing about pessaries, or ring pessaries, or what is best.... but it appears I just need to get the ball rolling, persevere and hopefully find the correct and most comfy solution.

I am def. a step nearer to making an informed decision and hope you are soon sorted too. Thanks again for your sharing your initial message.

Su

[Eulalie]

Hi - lots of sympathy. I had a medium bladder prolapse 18 months ago. After my doctor tried and failed to fit a pessary, I was referred to nurse specialist at the hospital. She was very experienced and helpful. I still had to try around 5 pesarries before I ended up with a ring with an infill which holds the bladder back. Am conscious of it mostly when sitting, not walking or standing. It's not uncomfortable. She also put me on to the NHS squeezey app for pelvic floor exercises. Really good and lots of hints to help. I have done them every single day ( still do ) and, after a year( (!) felt I'd really improved. Don't give up. I now go to her every 4 months for a check, remove, clean and replace. It doesn't take long. I'm very keen to avoid surgery. There is an element of getting used to and putting up with it, but I'm in a much better place than I was 18 months ago. Sometimes I can feel it's moved down a bit ( never fallen out) and am now used to pushing it back up higher myself. Amazing what you can get used to.

I would say be prepared for trying out quite a few sizes until you find the best. I've also started doing yoga for over 60s and find that incredibly helpful. I'm 70.

Lots of luck, don't give up put time into flames being the best solution for you.

Eulalie

[sushke in reply to Eulalie]

Thanks for your informative and encouraging message Eulalie. I have just sourced the app. you mentioned. I cannot understand why it hasn't been recommended to me and other women before.... I've never heard of it, but I really could have used this after my op. There was little or no info. given about strengthening my pelvic floor muscles after my hysterectomy. I sourced a few from the internet, but the appa sounds really promising. I am 64 yrs old and have always been very active, but there are certain things I just cannot do for fear of worsening the situation below. So many thanks for sharing your thoughts -and your experiences re: pessaries.

Wishing you all the best,

Su