diagnosed yesterday with Cystoce

[JayceeJC]

For a while I have been suffering with bladder issues, always feeling I needed to go but can never fulfill emptying bladder so constantly in and out of bathroom.

After an internal examination Consultant confirmed cervix looked healthy and that I had a prolapsed bladder which was also pushing down on my vagina which created a slight bulge. My options were to have an immediate ring fitted or pessaries or 2 options of surgery. I decided no ring and no pessary but still considering surgery. Waiting list is about 6 months.

in the meantime he wants me to have a scan to check the condition of my ovaries, womb etc but also to use a oestrogen cream Estriol which I guess is a HRT . I went through the menopause about 8-10 years ago as hadn’t really noticed the process. Has anyone else used this cream (does it help) or had the surgery.

[Hifibar]

hi , I also have a prolapsed bladder and know exactly what you mean about emptying your bladder. Look up double voiding it helps . Also see if you can get to see a physiotherapist and she will teach you how to do pelvic floor exercises. These exercises don’t cure the prolapse but make you more comfortable but you need to do them regularly.

I wear support pants as well which gives you a bit of firm hold underneath !

I tried 2 ring pessarys and they both fell out within hours so have given up on that one. There are daily pessarys you can use and I have found Contrelle bladder support the best. You can get a starter kit to see what size works best. You use them like a tampon and throw them away after 12 hours. They are expensive but good for when you are going out. They push the bladder back to where it should be.

I have used the cream for years now twice a week it’s ok no side effects

[JayceeJC in reply to Hifibar]

Thank you Hifibar.

I think I’ll definitely take up the offer of physio from the consultant.

I’ll ask about Contrelle bladder next visit to the hospital.

I’ll check out the cream again when I collect from pharmacy.

[bantam12]

The cream will help to condition and strengthen vaginal tissue and treat any atrophy/dryness so support can be better but it won’t actually treat the prolapse.

I personally would hold off on surgery until it’s the last resort as it can cause further issues with repeat prolapse and scar tissue.

Pilates is excellent for pelvic floor training as you need to learn how to exercise these muscles properly, it’s not as easy as we all think and doing kegals wrong causes more damage, I highly recommend finding a pelvic floor trainer (preferably physio trained) and having a go at Pilates, it does work.

[JayceeJC in reply to bantam12]

Thank you bantam 12. I’ve decided no surgery but I’m still reluctant about Oestrogen cream as it’s HRT and since menopause about 5 years ago felt I had no issues. I’ve heard you can get weight gain and I don’t want that. May take up the offer of physio and also look at Pilates. Hopefully my pelvic scan will show no other issues.

[bantam12 in reply to JayceeJC]

The absorption of the cream is minuscule as it’s purely a topical treatment and acts locally. Unfortunately once we are post menopausal and as the years go by the issues just get worse and with vaginal atrophy there’s no cure, it just has to be managed, I’ve been at that particular game for many years ! I personally would always recommend seeing a female Urogynaecologist as they have more understanding of the problems and are more willing to help.

[JayceeJC in reply to bantam12]

Thank you bantam12.

[Lurcher-lady in reply to bantam12]

I agree surgery should be the last resort due to high failure rates. I couldn’t keep ring pessary in place but gellhorn works like a dream and makes life far more comfortable on the whole 😊

[MissStar]

There are. altrenatives to surgery and pessaries, check out wholewoman.com - great tips for bladder emptying (like, lean forward with weight on heels when toileting, the tipping foward will help empty bladder) lots of women have reversed their prolapse with changing breathing and posture using this method. I am in the process of learning this method, bladder issues much better. wishing you healing and good health

[JayceeJC in reply to MissStar]

Thank you so much Miss Star for your response. I’ve decided no surgery at the moment but I guess if anything found from the scan that I’m having on the 23rd I may not have any choice. I will try the technique you mention. Still not sure why I’ve been described a Oestrogen cream but will ask when I go back. I do have the chance of physio. Do you think that would be beneficial. ?

[Lurcher-lady in reply to JayceeJC]

The oestrogen cream prevents the drying out of vaginal tissues, which also helps stop prolapses.

[JayceeJC in reply to Lurcher-lady]

Thank you so much for your information.

I’m looking forward to finally picking up the cream from the pharmacy

It looks as though I may need additional surgery as vaginal ultrasound on Monday has shown I have cysts on my left ovary and already received a letter to see the Consultant again in 3 weeks.

[Lurcher-lady in reply to JayceeJC]

Good luck with your consult 😊