Prolapse after surgery: I had a bladder... - Pelvic Pain Suppo...

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Prolapse after surgery

kitzka profile image
17 Replies

I had a bladder prolapse stage three along with a few other parts that had prolapsed. I had all the usual symptoms, bladder hanging between my legs via my vagina, back pain, difficulty sitting and walking and severe constipation. My doctor recommended a hysterectomy since a pessary did not work for me. I had my surgery in April 2023. On Mother's Day I was feeling pretty good and invited my son over to celebrate. He was having health problems causing him a lot of pain so I settled him on the couch with a blanket and pillow and went to work. On this day and for about two weeks more, I felt FANTASTIC. I had forgotten how it felt to feel good. Something that I did not expect is that I had a strong stream when I urinated. You should have seen my face when it happened. Never realized that I was weak in that area. No one could believe my energy and sheer happiness. Two weeks later, it was like I never had anything done. I was back to square one (except that my bladder did not distend below my vagina) but the horrible constipation is back. I almost wish that the two weeks of sheer bliss never happened. I am having cataract surgery right now, so I haven't been to see my urogynecologist. Tell you the truth, I am almost afraid to make an appointment. Is this it? What happened? Has this happened to anyone? Were you able to get it fixed? Please contact me if you have been through the same experience.

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kitzka
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17 Replies
Jasparswim profile image
Jasparswim

I had my repair surgery 10 weeks ago and I too had recovered and have not felt so good for a long time. Managed to get back in the pool for a dip, nothing strenuous and even a short ride on my bike with a new silicon soft saddle cover. Yes, a big stream for wee now and I never realised how bad it was before. At my 6 week follow up my Gynaecologist said that my stitches had not yet Disolved so to take things easy for another 3-4 weeks and I could resume things. No further checks necessary. Well, last night I had that old pain in my lower back and back passage and pelvic area felt heavy. Been ignoring a few days in case it's just because I have resumed walking and going out at last. I took a photo whilst standing over the toilet, put phone on toilet cover to see what my vagina looked like now, 10 weeks after surgery.....and to my suprise there was the lump hanging down again !!!!!! How could it have dropped - I've been so careful. Perhaps, normal functions were just too much, not even considered sexual relations with hubby yet so it wasn't that. I am so upset. I've called Dr and seeing her today and will show photos and have asked for small speculum if she examines me. I am gutted this has happened so soon after surgery !!!! My Gynaecologist did say at my 6 week check up that the op was big as it took 2 hours and that I would probably need another procedure later on, but I didn't expect it all so soon.

kitzka profile image
kitzka in reply toJasparswim

I am so sorry. Your situation sounds exactly like mine. I have been reading HealthUnlocked for about a year now and heard that other women have experienced a second prolapse but nothing so soon after surgery. I hope you can let me know what your doctor suggests and that it is encouraging. Please stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. Best of luck and hopefully second time is a charm.

HashtagNell profile image
HashtagNell

I haven't had this experience (yet) because I have been able to use pessaries and physio successfully, but I am feeling so sorry for you! I empathise closely. But you must go right back and see that urogynaecologist. Make that appointment right now, please!

kitzka profile image
kitzka in reply toHashtagNell

Thank you for your encouragement. It really does help. I am so glad the pessaries and physio worked for you. I will be calling for an appointment but I am having cataract surgery right now. Currently, I have one eye done and the other one operated on in two weeks. After I recoup, I will move on to the Urogynecologist. Sending you best wishes.

HashtagNell profile image
HashtagNell

Good luck! It's a challenge living in an older body but we are glad to be alive and awake and dealing with it. May you see clearly and come through. x

Sage4158 profile image
Sage4158

I am so sorry for your experience after surgery. I am in the same situation managing with pessary and exercise. Now I have to think twice. Please don’t give up hope go to your urologist as soon as possible. Thanks for sharing your experience and don’t forget to post the update

kitzka profile image
kitzka

Thank you all for your encouraging messages. I will definitely come back and let you know the diagnosis. I would like to that everyone who has posted the concerns and results on this forum. When I first saw what was happening outside my body I went into panic mode and immediately went to the web. My research led me to HealthUnlocked. I had never heard of something called "prolapse" and was amazed at the percentage of women that suffered from this condition. Worst of all - how many of us had never heard of it. One place where I think it is crucial that it would be brought up is the pre-natal classes that potential parents attend. I don't think it should be emphasized, but taught as part of the baby's process through the birth canal. Not in any detail but that it could be part of the effects of the birth on our bodies. Just hearing the word 'prolapse' will give us a point of reference and you know where to go from there. What is absolutely criminal is when you go to your gyno, and they don't know enough to be able to advise you. There are excellent presentations on YouTube that are thorough and help explain what it is and help understand the various types of help in getting the prolapse under control. It should be a part of our gynecological exam. That is the only way we could catch it in its early stage when we can actually do something about it, i.e. kegel exercises. Sorry for the long-winded post. Kudos to you all.

Sage4158 profile image
Sage4158

you are more than 100% right. I didn’t know anything about prolapse until my bladder prolapse was stage three. In my case it didn’t happen suddenly and my gyno never explained the problem.

kitzka profile image
kitzka in reply toSage4158

It is a sad state of affairs. It sure as heck is not a topic in medical school.

Meze profile image
Meze

I'm so sorry for you and quite understand. I had a huge pelvic floor op 4years ago .It was extremely painful afterwards and no one prepares you for that.I had to rest loads and could not walk far for over a year.The only way to cope was to be on my feet for 45mins then sit down or lay down for about 3 months.When I felt better I used the Squeezy app and still do my pelvic floor exercises 3 times a day.Otherwise I still leak- so spare pants in my handbag too.

For constipation I have a high fibre diet and extra fruit.A few prunes a day are great.

2 years on I am back to almost normal and can walk miles and swim.I walk every morning which really helps.Yoga also for when my pelvis seems achy. Adrienbe Yoga online is great.

Reading the book Heal Pelvic Pain by Amy Stein was a lifesaver to understand more too.

Good luck with your recovery.

Be patient. It will take time but you will get there.Rest as much as possible and take painkillers if you need them.

Love Sarah xx

kitzka profile image
kitzka in reply toMeze

Sounds like you went through hell, good for you that you persevered and are doing better. Thank you for letting me know what helped you. I will definitely be following up on your suggestions, beginning with the book by Amy Stein. My best wishes for you.

Sammy2005 profile image
Sammy2005

So sorry this has happened so soon after your surgery definitely get back to urogynecologist ASAP.....I was admitted to hospital hysterectomy fallopian tubes and cervix removed vaginally also sacrospinous ligament fixation along with mild posterior repair and moderate bladder prolapse in September 22 .At 6 weeks post surgery I started to suffer heaviness pain unbearable seen my surgeon at 12 weeks post surgery he asked how I felt I said bloody awful oh Dear he said what's wrong I said I have a prolapse bladder he said that was whole point of surgery. He said can I examine you I said I would love you to ..after he examined me he quickly rushed to read my notes while I got dressed..I sat back down he continued reading my notes I said why don't you just tell the truth you didn't fix my prolapse bladder he paused and then said it was mild Samantha so I left it alone ..I said really yet you fixed mild bowel prolapse he never spoke .He then said your on my priority list I said enlighten me he said 4 to 5 months I said you can't be serious. I then asked him how he'd feel if he had his bladder protruding out of his penis he never spoke ..I then asked to be referred to have my bladder fixed private he said he could do it at a cost of 7k .I had bladder repair done 8th December 22 I have went down hill since regards pain in vagina and lower back..I've had numerous tests mris scans all came back clear ..He then suggested by looking at my symptoms between 2 surgeries that it was sacrospinous ligament fixation stitchs giving me my pain I had them removed 4 weeks ago hoping for pain relief as all the meds prescribed gave me awful side affects and awful anxiety I've lost over 2 stone in weight. I'm now currently laid up in bed after a 2 weeks stay in hospital due to suffering a 10x8x4cm haematoma in vagina..Sending lots of hugs yr way 🤗

kitzka profile image
kitzka in reply toSammy2005

Good heaven, you have been on quite a journey trying to find some relief. Looks like you are not there yet, I pray you will soon find some relief. You have all recommended that I see my urogynecologist ASAP, and I intend to do just that, I will be calling for an appointment tomorrow. It is silly of me to wait, it's not going to get better by waiting. I am usually a person who goes after issues quickly and with determination. My thanks to all of you for giving me that extra push.

Sammy2005 profile image
Sammy2005

I certainly have kitzka and all drs want to do is throw antidepressants at you !! I'm not depressed I'm in pain 💔 Sorry I ever started surgery journey been honest but I trusted my surgeon !! He said I'll have whole new life 😥 Wishing you all the best with yr consultation with urogynecologist I'll be keeping you in my prayers 🙏 all works out for you ...please please keep advocating for yrself don't be fobbed of yr body doesn't tell you lies what you feel .

Sending healing hugs 🫂

Best regards

Samantha

kitzka profile image
kitzka in reply toSammy2005

👍

BlueSkies12 profile image
BlueSkies12

Kitzka, I hope you have managed to make an appointment to see your urologist as these things never get better on their own.I want to add a positive note for anyone struggling with the idea of surgery.

I had a similar situation to you with full prolapse and had surgery to improve the situation. This has included the sacrospinous ligament surgery. The stitches in this surgery is what is holding up those parts that were travelling down. I can only presume if these stitches were to be removed that it might solve a pain problem but prolapse symptoms would return.

I had my surgery June 2022 and didn't begin to return to my normal activities until about February 2023. After reintroducing each new activity I was really nervous that I had done too much...but all was OK.

At the beginning just singing weekly in a choir seemed like a giant work out as you are using so many muscles that you didn't know were connected!

A year on I am singing, gardening, walking and this week I went swimming for the first time.

Take things slowly at first. Short activities and lots of sitting. In the beginning I went window shopping for 30 min and then drank tea while the others shopped. Now I can manage a morning or afternoon out.

Listen to your body and stop when it tells you.

Don't stand too long and never carry more than a light bag.

Please to anyone out there considering surgery, listen to the best consultant you can, and take his advice. Don't suffer in silence. My operation has changed my life in a good way and I will always be thankful for it.

kitzka profile image
kitzka in reply toBlueSkies12

Listening to your body is good advice, plus a lot of patience. I was too busy being elated with how good I felt and doing things I should not have. I think you have to consciously "tune in" and listen to every nuance. I have an appointment with my Urogynecologist on 9/21. Anxious to know "next steps".

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