Due an op

[Giraffe4]

I have a size 4 vaginal prolapse and also need a rectal repair, I have a size 18 shelf pessary. I experience both types of in continence , also have constipation

I have been on the nhs waiting list for 10 months for a hysterectomy and rectal repair

Anyone have any experience of this?

[SonsyLass]

Hi Giraffe, I know how you feel , I'm in the exact same position as you. I am waiting for anterior and posterior repair and hysterectomy.I first saw gynocologist March 2020, the last day before lockdown. have was given a shelf pessary which was no use, and came out after 3 days. The hospital was now closed and only taking emergencies, we were told not to contact hospital or doctors surgery unless life -threatening emergency, so I was back to square one.

I was contacted by the hospital in December and given an appointment for February 2021, had a series of 3 pessaries fitted over two days, all of which came out after 2-3 hours, and the young doctor who was attending to me then referred me to the surgeon.

Saw the surgeon 3 months later, fitted with gellhorn pessary, which worked well as first, was supposed to have return appointment in 6 months. When 6 months had passed, I waited as bit longer, then spoke to the practice nurse in Dr.surgery, who phoned the hospital and asked for me to be seen again. I got an appointment 2months later.

The staff seemed a bit annoyed that I had asked for an appointment, saying they you don't really need to be seen every six months, that's just a guideline.

However, I then had the most painful and stressful experience,as the pessary had become out of position, and was embedded into surrounding tissue and had to be removed with difficulty.

I have since had different pessaries which do not help the situation.

The surgeon told me I would have surgery, or appointment on or before September 2022. This date came, no word of surgery or appointment, got an appointment December 2022 after asking for it, and now since had another appointment In October 2023, still on the waiting list, surgeon says he can't give me an estimate of when I can expect surgery. The waiting list is long, and priority is given ( quite rightly I agree) to patients with cancer involved.

Three years on the waiting list so far, I'm just about giving up hope.

[Giraffe4 in reply to SonsyLass]

I have been told exactly the same, had a call to say would I go to another hospital said yes, then a text saying would I accept an alternative provider I said yes, now all gone quiet. I get my pessary changed every six months. It’s a stressful time because when I get constipated it comes out ! Wish you well appreciated the reply .

W