Please help... Do prolapses cause pain?!

[Glyn8]

I'm 9 months into this nightmare. All srarted suddenly with itching /burning pain in my vagina, had a look and saw a lump. Diagnosed with a stage 2 rectocele and a low uterus stage 1/2 and atrophy by private gynaecologists as nhs waiting for this is a year!

It then just all got steadily worse from that day in July. I wake up in the morning completely pain free ( completely!) then it steadily comes on with the fullness and bulge feeling in my vagina and pain in my pelvis especially the right side. Sharp pain in pelvis above bladder area. Pain in my vagina like pressure, like I need to push something out. I feel stretched.

After 5 pm it really ramps up and I get no relief from putting my feet up. It's unrelenting pain that stays at the same level. Lots of wind also after eating which is new to me. It will also wake me in the night.

I also have a strange vibrating feeling.

I have a very constipated bowel from misuse of codeine for 27 years but I manage with laxatives.

Dr's don't understand this level of constant consistent pain so I've had a CT scan, colonoscopy, MRI on small bowel, pelvic ultrasound with no results.

All they will give me is gabapentin which Im not sure about?

The worse thing is sitting..... I find that very difficult. It's like I'm sitting on something. Car journeys are awful.

And it's real pain! Constantly from mid morning .... Despite Dr's saying it shouldn't be! Although I realise it could be something else wrong although I've had many tests.

The Dr's are also baffled that pessarys haven't helped me.

They feel they should as my pelvic floor is OK. They help a little with the bulge feeling but do nothing for the pain

They say they'd operate... Take it all away but no guarantees and it'll cost 12,500!

In so sorry, I seem to have written a novel here but if anyone could help I'd be so grateful. I'm 61 and at the end of my rope. I spend every day in tears.

Thank you xxx

[MissStar]

I believe prolapse can cause pain, but we are all different and unique. I get different responses from different people - some say pain isn't part of the picture, others say, yes, women do experience severe discomfort. I have mild prolapse but with a lot of discomfort and what I would call pain (stops me sleeping at times), so recognise many of your sensation symptoms. I used to have strange vibrating sensations when I was perimenopausal, very rarely now, never thought they might be connected. But I do know pain is personal, we are all different with our sensations in our bodies. I am using the Whole Woman approach which is non-surgery, non-pessary and non- 'core work' or kegels (these works against our natural posture! ) - working on breath - how we breathe effects our organs, and posture, how we stand, sit and walk effects our organs. It's an amazing approach that works with women's bodies' perfect design! It is a commitment to do the work, but I really value what Christine Kent is offering women, she is remarkable! She had profound uterine prolapse which she has reversed and lives comfortably with as have thousands of women on her programmes. Check our her website: wholewoman.com for more information. And message me if you want to know any more about it from me. Wishing you healing and recovery

[Glyn8 in reply to MissStar]

Thank you for your response. I will definitely look at Christine Kent.

[bantam12]

Are you having treatment for the atrophy as that causes lots of debilitating symptoms.

I have prolapse and severe atrophy but as long as that is kept under control the prolapse doesn’t cause any issues, if I feel any symptoms starting I take Ospemifene tabs and use Yes VM moisture gel. I was also offered a hysterectomy but absolutely no guarantee it would help and could in fact make things worse so I’m delaying as long as possible.

[Glyn8 in reply to bantam12]

Thank you for you response. I have long wondered how much the atrophy is contributing. I've been on Vagifem pessarys for 6 months now but still have these awful symptoms.The pain is continuous from mid morning on after I've been up a while. To the point that I can barely sit.

I agree with you about the hysterectomy. I too have been warned that it can make it all worse.

Thanks again x

[bantam12 in reply to Glyn8]

Atrophy can definitely cause lots of local and pelvic pain, I also get reallly bad back ache when I’m having a flare up.

Vagifem may not be right for you, I used it for ages but then I developed a sensitivity to some ingredients in these treatments and I’ve tried just about all the topical them ! My Gynae prescribed Ospemifene tablets which work differently and they do work, I now only take them when I need to and for the last 3-4 years I’ve been generally back to normal.

[HighlandMo]

you could join the FPOPS Facebook group. There are lots of people with similar problems who offer great advice and lots of sympathy.

[pizon]

I am sorry to hear you are having this issue…I want to start by saying I am NOT a doctor I can only tell my story and what hasp worked for me …6 years ago while dressing I felt a drop and burning I went to my gyn and was told I had prolapsed to stage 3 this happened all at once with no warning…bladder and uterine I went to a uro gyn and tried many different pessarys all that were very painful and rubbing..the pain was horriable heavy feeling burning sitting what felt like a bulge and not sleeping..I finally saw a nurse practitioner who told me I had pelvic floor muscle spasms she gave me Valium and then sent me to a women physical therapist..she did internal trigger points this did help but was painful 😖 after a year of this and many different drugs that all gave me a side effect i had the repair surgery done the surgery was successful however I was still in pain the heaviness was gone but sitting was even more painful…I finally went to a pelvic pain specialist and was diagnosed with pudendal neuralgia getting this diagnosis 3 years later was truly a life saver…I now have an herbalist and take herbal remedies..valerian root and hops In capsules…sorry to be writing so much I truly hope this helps you …scince going with the herbalist and correcting the problem I am now able to sit up to 2 hours and can garden I am living a normal life ..I also do yoga and meditation…read the book by Amy Stein “ healing pelvic pain” and the yoga dvd ny Dustine Miller “Your Pace yoga reliving pelvic pain”…I pray you can find your answer…my new normal has limitations but I am able to live life

[Glyn8 in reply to pizon]

Thank you for sharing your story with me. I think I may have similar issues. I'm starting to think I may have trouble like yourself with the pudendal nerve. How did you get it diagnosed? I've sent 2 gynaecologists and they never mentioned that I could have this issue. Thank you

[pizon in reply to Glyn8]

i went to a pelvic pain specialist in Annapolis MD but was misdiagnosed by 3 different gynecologists and uro gynecologists…you may have to find a dr. That specializes in pelvic pain…I hope you find relief..if you are able to get the surgery to correct the prolapse that may be best..after my corrective surgery I no longer have the heaviness or pain caused by the pulling..the nerve pain can be worked around ..but for me personally I could not live with the prolapse pain..prayers to you

[Glyn8 in reply to pizon]

Thank you. You are basically saying what a urogynecologist has said to me, repair the prolapses than deal with ant other pain that you're left with. I have a stage 2 rectocele and a stage 1 or 2 uterus prolapse. I'm very frightened to have a hysterectomy as I've heard it can lead to further prolapse. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me.

[pizon in reply to Glyn8]

I would get a second option…i when from 0 to 3 all at once and did not have to get a hysterectomy..they used stitches..no mesh..I found once I got rid of the heaviness I was able to move better and felt better dealing with the p/n took a while however if I would have been diagnosed properly sooner life would have been better sooner…I am and may never be 100 % but now am able to walk and garden and at night my legs do not ache ..I wish you well it dose take time to figure things out

[abby3216]

absolutely causes pain. Pain plus burning plus feeling at mid day like someone has a heavy fist up there and is pulling your insides down. Also the lower area of tummy pain. Just like a dull ache but it’s a pain. Quite a few get a back ache also. I did not. I am day five of cystocele and vault surgery including mesh because of failed first cystocele surgery. Just keep on going forward to get help. Nothing helped mine … no pessary …. No pt … no video just surgery. I wish you well.

[Glyn8 in reply to abby3216]

Thank you for your reply. You describe the pain perfectly. I also don't get back ache. The pressure and pain around the bulge is just awful..I sweat with the pain.

I wish you well with your recovery from the op and really hope you get relief x

[SouthernSally]

Have you tried muscle relaxers? They won’t solve the problem but might take the edge off.

[Glyn8 in reply to SouthernSally]

What sort of drug would a muscle relaxer be? Thank you

[SouthernSally]

Two muscle relaxers are cyclobenzaprine and baclofen. You'd need a doctor to prescribe and make sure you can take them safely. Baclofen can also be compounded with other drugs into a suppository.

[Glyn8 in reply to SouthernSally]

Thank you. I will ask Drs if I can get to see them anytime soon!

[CockeyMoor]

Hi,

I have been struggling with a rectocele for several years. I self-diagnosed but then it was officially found during a cystoscopy 2 years ago. It is Moderate.

I have found that my pelvic pain and irritation down below is directly associated to when I am constipated which is most mornings. It is pushing all my pelvic floor downwards snd so I sometimes feel as if my insides are on the outside and so tender to sit on. I also have lichen sclerosis which I think is associated. So my pain arrives and wakes me up in the night if my bowel is full. As soon as I go to the loo using a glycerin suppository a lot of the dragging , pulling down pain resolves and I get left with a dull ache which sometimes goes straight away and sometimes lasts several hours but it is nothing compared to the pain from the rectocele when it is distended through the constipation.

I get a hot sweat( not the menopause because they have stopped) . This happens to me when the constipation has flared my Diverticular disease into Diverticulitis and I need antibiotics. It seems to be a red herring and a separate thing to resolve. Constipation aggravates my Rectocele and the pain is debilitating until I get the constipation sorted. I do get wind and notice when I pass it , the pelvic pain resolves slightly so it is definitely a pressure issue from the bowel pressing against the Rectocele causing the discomfort.

I am in the process of altering my diet to try not to be so constipated. I would not have surgery if I was you until you explore the constipation effects on your Rectocele.

I am 60 and had an episiotomy in labour 1993 and apparently this causes Rectoceles to appear for ladies at the menopause ?

[Glyn8 in reply to CockeyMoor]

That is so informative... Thank you. It really does describe my pain. I think I'm constantly constipated as unfortunately I have an addiction problem with codeine and take it daily which I'm sure dosent help. Can I ask where do you get glycerin suppositories from?Your reply has helped me greatly, all this started when I found the rectocele and I've always belieimy pain is connected to this. Thank you again.

[Glyn8 in reply to Glyn8]

Also do you use glycerin suppositories every day and can you use them with other laxatives? Thank you so much for you help.

[CockeyMoor in reply to Glyn8]

Sorry for my late reply. First Grandchild due and my Mum and Mum in law have both been poorly today! My family like to test me.

Glycerin suppositories adult 4g can be bought cheaply at Bodycare £1.19 for 12. The brand is Care.

They can also be purchased at Boots but are branded as Constipation Relief and they are very expensive. Other Pharmacies sell the Care brand too but not as cheap as Bodycare.

They can be used safely every day. You use one at first. Remember to moisten under the tap then insert a finger’s length up into the rectum. Lie on the bed with knees bent and stay as long as possible until you get the urge to go to the loo. The first one may not work at first so try one more. They melt slowly and you do feel crampy pains at first because you will probably find you have been blocked at the end of the bowel somewhat anyway. Other laxatives can be used but I often say that unless you get rid of the end bit all the laxatives in the world will just be putting you into more pain. If you get the lower bit of the bowel cleared with a suppository then using Senna or Laxido etc.. is safe. Glycerin is harmless and gentle. Only thing is that if you are quite impacted the first time you use a suppository it may cause a tiny bit of discomfort but nothing compared to the continuous gnawing pain you are already suffering.

Once you use one suppository a day you may hopefully get your bowel moving more naturally. I sadly have had to use suppositories since an inguinal hernia operation 30 years ago and I have become reliant because otherwise I am constipated . Codeine painkillers are renowned for causing constipation but it is a vicious circle. Constipation causes referred pain to the lumbar three disc of the spine so people believe their chronic backache is their disc pressing on nerves when it is really constipation. I hope and pray you have not had to take codeine for a back problem when it may be chronic constipation all along.

I was a Pharmacist but now retired. My knowledge on Glycerin Suppositories is from personal experience so I am still allowed to give advice as a friend but not professionally.

Let me know how you get on and don’t be frightened to use such a natural medicine. I used to make them up in the “ olden days” . Good Luck .

[Glyn8 in reply to CockeyMoor]

Thank you so very much for taking the time to explain all of this to me. So kind of you. I've been taking laxido and senna and they seem to work but cause me a lot of wind. I didn't realise you could still be blocked at the bottom end and like you say if this is pushing on the rectocele it will cause pain.I'm going to chemist today to get the suppositories to try.

Thank you again so much for you help

The daily pain as you know is dehabillitating.

[Glyn8 in reply to Glyn8]

I will let you know.... Thank you x

[CockeyMoor in reply to Glyn8]

How did you get on with the suppositories. Any relief?

[Glyn8 in reply to CockeyMoor]

Hi. They definitely work thank you. Still have the same amount of pain , vaginally around where I can feel the bulge. Trying to soldier on. Dr has put me on pregabalin. I've been on it a week. Don't think it's helping me with the pain yet but make me feel better in myself. Thank you for taking the time to ask after me.

[Hidden in reply to CockeyMoor]

Hi, I have been struggling using the peristeen irrigation system because the end of my bowel curls back inside itself and it is painful and time consuming. Also the following day I am in worse pain than ever. Do you think I might benefit from using these glycerin suppositories first to clear the end bit?Thanks

[CockeyMoor in reply to Hidden]

I would think so but I would not like to think of you being in even more pain.

The glycerol melts and works like a bit of an irritant to get the bowel moving so theoretically it should give relief.

Glycerol is safe. Only thing is that it can cause griping at first whilst it gets the bowel going.

I have never heard of the Peristeen system. It seems quite hard work compared to the ease of a suppository so I think it is worth a try.

[Hidden]

Hello sorry to hear you are suffering. I also have severe pelvic pain due to cystocele, rectocele, entrocele.My bowel does not work because of an intussusception which is the bowel telescoping inside itself so I use peristeen bowel irrigation. All tests show nothing remarkable and have been on a waiting list to see the colorectal specialist since November 21 and have now been told they can't do anything to help me as they won't operate on me. I have now had diarrhea for 6 weeks and GP won't give me anything due to my bowel not working properly. My life is a complete misery. I feel like I urgently need a poo 24/7 and have chronic pain in pelvis, lower back, diaphragm and have to get up to go the toilet all through the night. In the past couple of weeks I have been to see an osteopath and am waiting to see a herbalist. I eat 30g fibre daily, drink plenty of water and have just started drinking fennel seed, cumin seed and dried mint. I take slippery elm, black seed oil, vit d3, vit c, psyllium Husk as a bulking laxative, and a range of other supplements as I can't eat properly. I have been like this for 4 years and am only 62 but am virtually housebound now. I did not know about glycerine laxatives and I appreciate all the comments on here which are very helpful. I hope you get some relief soon. I am shocked at the number of people suffering and NHS and GP don't seem concerned enough about this problem. I also find yoga type exercises give some relief and my friend bought me a swing for the garden and I can sit with my feet up which alleviates the pressure and dragging pain. I also listen to healing and or solfeggio frequencies through my headphones and meditate and do reiki regularly. I hope some of my attempts to live with this nightmare help some of you and hope everyone can find a better way to live with this problem. Good luck and lots of love

[Glyn8]

I'm so sorry to hear your story. I'm 62 too and was fit and healthy beore this nightmare. All we can do is keep going forward and believe that things do change, pain can change. Sending love to you x