Vaginal Prolapse

[hairspray]

I have just been diagnosed with a prolapse of the bowel by my GP, he is referring me to the gynaecologist saying I will need surgery, I am petrified, I want to know everything about this from somebody who's been through it, I mean everything even the bad bits please.
Jo

[Arosebud]

Hi Jo, I can't be of much help to you as I am in the same boat. 15 years ago I had a vag hysterectomy with repairs of bladder/rectum due to sagging, I guess. The uterus had prolapsed (I had no idea) and was just about as far down as possible and still be in the body. I had never heard of this happening and at the time I didn't worry about the surgery because I simply didn't know anything about it. The surgeon said at the time that it might have to be repeated some years down the line. I wondered how that could be because after all, I only had one uterus (?) Well, now I have a bowel prolapse and I was told by a lady gyno that examined me, that it was classed as severe. I guess after a hysterectomy there is more space in there and the roof of the area can stretch downward and the small intestine (bowel) basically comes down with it. If there is just a little sag downward you usually wouldn't even know it. Mine is down to the edge, severe, and has been dropping over the years, I guess. This has put pressure on veins, etc and caused much discomfort which I didn't know was from this condition. It amazes me that after pelvic exams over the years, no doctor has ever mentioned it. Anyways, she mentioned reinforcing the area with some kind of mesh due to the fact I have very stretchy tissues. I am petrified about having this surgery and am writing to you just because I don't know anyone who has this condition. Have you found out anything more on your problem and are they scheduling surgery? Your in a foreign country? Oh well, I guess women everywhere can have this problem and doctors must correct it. However, I did read that Chinese women don't seem to have the problem. Scared as I am about this, I don't see how I could live my life without correcting it. Sounds like your life is in some turmoil right now, and I wish you well and peace, eventually. Sylvia

[hairspray]

Thanks for replying to my post Sylvia, It sounds as though you have been through a lot already, have you had children? I have had five, I suppose this is why I have had this prolapse, I have put a lot of strain on my body and I must admit I didn't bother to do my pelvic floor exercises after having the children, I wish I had now, but when you are young you don't imagine experiencing any of these problems.
I don't know much more yet, I have an appointment with the Gynaecologist on 3rd January, I will let you know how I get on.
I am very nervous at the thought of an operation, but I need something done as I am feeling very uncomfortable especially when standing and intercourse is painful.
I live in Guernsey in the Channel Islands, where do you live?
Please keep in touch.
Jo

[dawnphaw]

Hi
I realize I'm finding you a little late, it's been two yers since you first posted but I'm searching for information on the prolapse now as well. I was told by my doctor that my rectum protrudes into the vagina and where I used to feel the discomfort from this only occassionally, I now feel it daily. I was wondering if you had found out any good news on treatment/surgery for this condition. I also get rectal bleeding, constipation and pelvic pain. I feel miserable most of the time.
Thanks
dawnphaw