Vaginal Prolapse

[tlbell]

So, a little background, a couple of years ago at age 46 I was advised to have a pessiary (No way). I was beginning to get a 'bulge' from a prolapsed vagina. I had delivered 5 children over the years and this is the probable cause of vaginal stretching, to the point that it lost its elasticity. Finally last this past October during my routine pap, it became obvious the surgical correction was neccesary, any time I sat down, I had to sit initially on one side of my butt then gently center myself. Crunches on the floor were out of the question, I could do them on an exercise ball.... still no instances of incontenence, just being aware that if I ever had the need to go, it would be best not to wait, lest I end up doing a scissor walk... there were a lot of races in the stall to beat the flow once I did get into a bathroom..... so yes, it was a becoming a problem.
On Jan 30th I went in for surgery. My urologist placed my bladder in a sling using a piece of pigskin vice a synthetic mesh. I awoke from the surgery and was MISERABLE. Between the catheter and the inflateable booties to keep blood from pooling in my legs i HATED the hospital stay. The next day I convienced the nurses I would get up and use the toilet, so they finally removed the cath..... I dont recall exactly when the bladder spasms started, but at age 49, I didnt need that feeling of feeling like I needed to push a baby out, which is what it felt like. I ended up staying a second night. I returned home and for 5 days lived in vicoden-land and took the stool softners and anti-spasm pills. It sucked. On day 6 after the surgery I finally had a bowel movement.... I stopped taking the other pills as they were drying me out too much. I eventually left my bedroom and moved downstairs - I still cant sit down unless I am propped to one side. I returned from my post-op with a prescription for xantax and a probable diagnosis of pelvic floor syndrome..... appaently there is no known cause or treatment for this yet.... Just showering exhausts me.. I am not posting this for a pity-party, just know that while I am really trying to be optimistic for a good recovery - right now it sucks. Thank goodness I have ample sick leave saved up at work and can eventually telework if necessary - Has anyone here been diagnosed with Pelvic Floor Syndrome?

[Samnabby]

Hi! I'm sorry you are having such a miserable time! I have pelvic floor dysfunction...would this be the same thing? I have had two failed surgical repairs for prolapses. Both times the mesh they used became detached. Now I am unable to have any more surgery for this as I was told it is too risky and surgically complicated. I am now dealing with thing "coming down" once more. It is so discouraging! I hope you can find relief from your problems soon. I think that the only option for me is to have a pessary inserted. We'll see...good luck to you and keep us posted ok???

[tlbell]

Day 21 - I am still getting the spasms, but I am beginning to think some of them are not in the bladder, but around the labia, maybe near the eurthia outlet. Isnt it funny that I cant pinpoint the pain... wierd. I am on 2 different anti-depressants now. Not because I am depressed - but because these drugs apparently affect the central nervous system. The xanax isnt bad, but the nortriptyline really turns my head into pudding. I dont know if the drugs are helping or if I just dont care when I take them -lol. I have gone to the store a couple of times, I still cant sit correctly any where, and if I am on my feet for any period of time I feel like I have a softball falling out of me, . Still trying to be optomistic though! I have my 3 week check up Monday -

[tlbell]

Things are changing - today I had a follow up appt and exam. My dr told me today that when they were transfering me off the operating room table and onto the wheeled bed to leave the surgical suite that the catheter tube got caught up unbeknowst to them and they tugged on it not realizing that it was acutally my newly attached bladder they were tugging on. Hmmmm - no wonder I am having such pain and nerve damage. Anyway, the drugs are helping, we cleared up a yeast infection, and I sit on one of those U shaped pillows like you take on an airplane for your neck. I have also been given a referal for physical therapy.... and an increased dosage of the nortriptoline. I just want to get better - I am telling my story here, so that you all will see that although the road is a rough one, I believe I will be better in time. Do I regret the surgery? No, the recovery sucks though, in the end I hope it is worth it. I will keep putting updates in here. Tomorrow I attempt to go back to work part time....