New rectal prolapse and I need to drive 2,600 miles next week!

[DesertDeuces]

I was just diagnosed with rectal prolapse today. I am preparing to drive from California to Florida. I need to drive since I have my 3 precious birds going with me. I already changed my health insurance to a Florida company and gave notice to the property manager where I live. I'm essentially stuck with doing this trip now.

This prolapse HURTS! I just don't know what to do to relieve the pain. Using a donut cushion seems to make the prolapse worse. At least without it, the prolapse seems to recede until I change position from sitting to standing. Then, I have great difficulty walking.

Can anyone please help me with some advice? Thank you so much in advance!

[SpaghettiBetty]

Oh gosh that is a bit of a dilemma, sorry to hear that.Did you health care provider give you any advice or care pathway (are you expecting surgery?) If there is any way you can get advice from them about traveling give them a call/email.

I would suggest avoiding the cushion if it feels like it’s making it worse.

Some suggestions in case you haven’t gone over these already -

▪️Are there any specialist pet couriers who could transport your birds so you could fly? I know this may be difficult if you don’t want to be apart from them.

▪️Are you traveling with someone? Can they take over some of the driving (if sitting reclined or any other position helps)

▪️Make sure you take extra stops to break up the journey and plan in plenty of rest stops

▪️Drink plenty! Getting dehydrated can lead to constipation which can make a prolapse worse

▪️Make sure you have plenty of fibre if your diet allows (I know a lot of us struggle with it)

I’m not sure anyone on here has experience with prolapse but hopefully others may comment and share if they have. I struggle with long distance travel due to having 2 stomas but it’s all about planning your route and covering all eventualities.

I wish you a safe trip 💚

[Mariecapp]

Sorry to hear that you have this. Will surgery help? I guess that sitting too long can aggravate it. Maybe stop often when driving. Best to you

[nBnw in reply to Mariecapp]

Really sympathise as I too am awaiting rectal prolapse surgery. How common s problem is it?

EST wishes

[DesertDeuces]

I've been reading about it and it says it's fairly common. Women over 50 and women who had hysterectomies are more susceptible. I'm a 74 year old woman post hysterectomy.

[DesertDeuces]

Update: I had rectal prolapse surgery in July and now,, in October, it failed. I've been referred to another surgeon who does abdominal repair of rectal prolapse. I do feel I need it.But I am so disabled by the constant pain and incontinence that I'm even thinking about a colostomy to fix it.

Anyone been through this?