Vaginal Prolapse

[rpotter31]

I had a bladder sling (mesh procedure) for a cystocele, rectocele and enterocele 4 months ago. I had these 3 procedures initially done in 1993 w/out the use of mesh, so this was basically a 2nd and more extensive procedure. Unfortunately, within 8 weeks of the procedure, my cystocele (bladder sling) with the mesh failed. The other two procedures were successful. My highly experience Urogynecologist said she had never had a mesh procedure fail...this quickly after surgery. She mentioned I would have to have a more extensive procedure which requires shortening the vagina and some additional work. Does anyone have any information on what is involved in this more extensive kind of procedure? Thank You

[Sophie1]

Would love to know how you are doing. I had all the same surgery as you did in January. How do you know when the Mesh procedure failes? Thanks

[rpotter31]

The vaginal wall that is shared with the bladder wall weakens and a bulge begins to show at the opening to the vagina. The bulge (which looks like a hernia) is even worse than before I had the surgery done in Sept. 08.

[Sophie1]

Damn I hate to hear this. What does the Dr. say. This is all so much more serious than I thought at first. Do you think you did something to make this happen? How old are you? I am 66 years old. Live in South Carolina.

[rpotter31]

Thanks for your comment. I am 52 yrs. old. I am now normal weight, however, I was 70 to 80 pounds heavier for several years prior. After the surgery was completed I was under strict orders not to lift more than 10 pounds for 6-8 weeks. I was compliant and did exactly as I was told and didn't lift ANYTHING heavier than that for the recovery period. My doctor said she had never seen the procedure fail so quickly which was with in 8 weeks of the procedure. She said she was shocked. I have received a copy of my surgical records from her and plan to get a second opinion during the summer. She tried to explain the next procedure that included shortening the vaginal wall, however, I was in such shock that all the info went over my head the day she told me the procedure had failed.
Before this procedure my cystocele, rectocele and enterocele were all classified as stage 4, so it was quite advanced, certainly not life threatening, just simply uncomfortable with this 3-4" "ball" at the opening of my vagina. Hope this helps you.

[Sophie1]

I am just so sorry this is happening to you again. Please keep me posted on the second opinion. I am so scared just reading this can happen again. I really thought once I had the surgery it was done forever. I pray that you can get this taken care of. I am never going to lift anything heavy again in my life. Just for the record I have never been over weight. Take good care of yourself.