I'm a 52 yr old woman with uterine and bladder prolapse following a viral cough that was so severe I actually felt my uterus collapse. I'm having difficulty in deciding the best surgical procedure to have since i've scanned the internet and there is divided opinion as to hysterectomy versus preserving the uterus and pinning it back up. I've learned that some professionals believe the bladder is dependent on the uterus especially in the case of prolapse, and that if hysterectomy is performed, at some later date, the bladder will fall again and cause trouble.

All this just happened about 3 weeks ago, I have a pessary in the meantime, and now, I am experiencing bladder infection due to the pessary. A rock and a hard place. The doctor I see wants to do abdominal hysterectomy with a&p repair, but i'm now not so sure.

I'm also living in new jersey. The doctor I want to see has left the hmo I am insured with, leaving me with no reliable alternative for a second opinion.

Have you had the surgery? How has your situation turned out?

Bmw

You asked me if I have had the surgery for this condition? No!! I am very hesitant since reading up on this matter. My one doctor, who is no longer in my health insurance network, advised me to think long and hard before having such an operation and also... She advised me to first try a pessary. I did some research on pessaries and found them to be very problematic...Just one in particular, you have already experienced. They can also do damage to your bladder wall, besides cause infection if not taken care of properly. I do not wish to use any type of pessary in.....Due to chances of complications. I also asked a couple of my dearest friends if they knew of anyone who has had surgery for a prolapsed bladder/uterus. (did you know this is very common in women after having children?) I found that there were two women. One had complications after the surgery but they weren't severe. The other woman, being in her late 30s, did not suffer any complications and was able to go about her normal routine after a week of being home. Since my regular gyn is no longer in my network, I am seeking another gyn"s opinion. I've already seen a urologist, which was prescribed by my first gyn. Are you going to continue using the pessary? Is it uncomfortable? How long have you been using a pessary?

I've had the pessary in for 3 1/2 weeks, the duration of the prolapse. I didn't consider it an issue because in the past when I was younger, i'd used a diaphragm with no problem, and it is similar in construction. Of course, all this changes when there is a prolapse. Since the insertion of the pessary, I have had no urge to urinate, which concerns me, but I seem to urinate freely whenever I wish. I haven't had incontinence. My doctor told me that I would not get an infection from the pessary, but it seems I have. I'm waiting for lab results due this monday. I may ask to have the pessary removed because it may be causing neurogenic bladder, although it has raised my uterus so that it is no longer hanging outside the vagina.

There are many issues both pro and con regarding surgery. I am abhored that the uterus has proceeded past my opening, feel as though I may be urinating on my own uterus, and that this may cause infection due to unsanitary conditions. By the same token, I am not happy with my doctor's cavalier attitude regarding my concerns. I am a medical assistant/phlebotomist, and I am well-versed in the medical agenda. And I want solid answers, which I don't seem to be getting.

I also have done research, and my point of view is that I agree with the theory that the uterus and bladder should be resuspended (they are doing this with a mesh sling or cadaver fascia) and not removed because in cases of pelvic floor herniation, the bladder depends on the uterus for maintaining its position. My doctor disagrees with me, and I am in an hmo which doesn't provide a sort of doctor who takes my point. Yet I am still considering other doctors. I have appointments with 2 more, off the hmo, just to hear their views. Once I find an md with whom I can connect, one who shares my beliefs and is experienced in the proceedure I choose, I will go ahead with surgery.

It is my opinion that the sooner the better. I don't believe that my prolapse will improve on its own. I'm past that point. I will assume the surgical risk insofar as I believe the benefits may outweigh the risks. Much depends on the skill of the surgeon. I have chronic pressure in the pubic bone, no urge to urinate, a pulling and tugging sensation about the ovaries, and profound lethargy and some mild abdominal swelling since this has occurred. At 52, I do not wish to suffer this for the rest of my life with a future of it gradually or suddenly becoming worse, particularly since as I age, my health may not be as good as it is now, and I might not tolerate a procedure and anesthesia as well as I would now. I don't believe in staving off the inevitable.

You say you are in new jersey. I am living in bergen county. Maybe, if you are nearby, we could share doctors' names and keep one another posted on our progress. I expect to do something about this within the year.

Additionally, i'm not always successful in reaching forums. I kind of surfed my way around and got to your post. Is it acceptable to trade email addresses here? Also, are there other women you have reached on the net that have similar experiences and can offer some useful, intelligent information?

Be interested to know.

Bmw

Hi, forgot to mention, I live in mercer county, nj. I'll have to see how far you are from my area??

Mercer county would mean that you are closer to trenton. I'm in closter, nj, which is nearer to new york state line. The hospitals I am personally looking at are englewood (i work for and know a good many doctors in this hospital) and hackensack, which I may have to use because I am in horizon hmo, and it seems that a handful of good mds there are still participating.

A sizeable group of gyns up here are cancelling their contracts with most insurances (except medicare). They are complaining of malpractice insurance costs, and some are folding up their practice. The doctor I wanted to use just removed himself from my plan. Now i'm really disappointed that I have to start all over looking for a suitable surgeon. This snafu with the insurances, both medical and malpractice, means that I had better jump on the bandwagon and have the procedure done now, or wait until I hit 65 and get on medicare. I don't want to wait 13 yrs with a fallen uterus. So i'm going to do my best to get as much info as possible as quickly as possible and head for the or!

The way I look at it is that there is surgical risk with any procedure-- even a tooth cleaning can cause death in a susceptible individual. You can't go through life worrying about everything. I think it's wise to investigate to the best of your ability all aspects of the procedures in question and their alternatives, and then make a decision based on your needs and aspirations, and go with it. I know mine will definitely include surgery of some sort.

On the other hand, there is risk in doing nothing. With a uterus outside the vaginal opening, you leave yourself open to infection, ulceration, increased tear in other organs, and it is always wiser to go into the or when you are not "hot" as they call it, meaning without infection present. Ulceration of the uterus can lead to septicemia. Not a pretty way to go. The vagina at the point of total prolapse is too close to areas of urination and defecation, both breeding zones for infection.

Just spoke to a nurse friend of mine whom I had worked with before in an ob/gyn setting. She said they just did an 83 yr-old woman (hysterectomy and a&p repair) and she is as happy as a clam about it. Says she never felt better in her entire life. She'd had a pessary for years and now she's so glad she had the operation. I try to think positive. The truth is that this procedure is so common, and the more procedures of this sort that are done, the more the odds will go up that there will be complications. However, I believe that in the hands of a skilled surgeon, the odds are kept at a minimum and they're worth risking.

I just sent away for a book called "saving the whole woman," by christine anne kent. I'll receive it in about 3 days, and I will read it from cover to cover to see what she has to say, but afterward I will still inquire about surgical alternatives. I'm very doubtful that exercise, foods, and postural positioning will erase the medical condition I already have. I've never had poor posture, I am not overweight, and I eat correctly, but none of these measures has proven an effective prophylaxis against prolapse. The truth is, I run like a horse, have family issues that keep me lifting (i'm a grandma, too), and my mother had uterine prolapse at 40. Some people are just designed to get a prolapse, and it has to be fixed!

All that aside, keep me posted in the event that you locate any news that might be of interest to me, and I will you as well.

Sincerely,
bmw

I am a 53 yr old woman who had a prolapsed uterus after my 2nd pregnancy at age 33.
After putting up with it for a couple of years, I was given the same options mentioned by everyone else...Pessary, surgery, etc.
Had the hysterectomy at age 35 and have been happy ever since. Ovaries intact, no incision. The freedom from discomfort, periods and birth control was wonderful. I have never regretted it for a minute. No bladder problems, either.
Don't be afraid of surgery----you have a lot of years left. Live them without the nuisance of a pessary and have a permanant solution.

My mother had surgery to have her bladder tied up 8 days ago and is feeling just fine. She was very excited about the procedure after being miserable for 25 years after her hysterectomy. They went up through her vagina and placed a mesh net and then made a very small incision above her pubic bone to insert the instruments to tie it up with. She was sore for a few days and now she is only quite tired but already back at work. She is 55 years old and ready to feel normal again. She could not believe that more women do not have this surgery. She was awake a couple of hours after and talking and making jokes. There are risks involved, however. They told her her bladder could be punctured, but you know that you could be hit by a bus on your way home from the grocery store as well. There are always risks in life. So do what makes you happy! Best of luck.

Can I ask you all what it felt like when you experienced your uterine prolapse?

I am having a terrible time with retctal pressure and soreness, I am having the complete bowel workup, which so far is normal, but I am wondering if it could be a prolapse of some sort. I have no other symptoms other than the ubove. Gyn appt in sept.

In the meantime I have constant rectal soreness, can't sit for long - it's with me 24/7

i appreciate your comments!

I also developed prolapsed uterus, bladder and rectum 11 yrs. Ago after the birth of my last child. I put off surjury for all this time but am now am really considering it. I have talked to many women who have had this surjury and I have not heard of anyone having complications from it. The only problem I have heard of is the prolapse happening again. For this reason I have questioned women who have had it done to see who did their surjury. I found one doctor who's name comes up repeatedly as being the best and no one I have talked to experienced another prolapse after going to him. I also have heard that heavy lifting can cause another prolapse and many doctors didn't tell their patients that.
I would be curious to know if other women with this problem experience any similiar symptoms as I do. I have reaccurent infections (i do not always go to the doctor so I am assuming it is always yeast infections.) I experience severe vaginal dryness and soreness which pretty much completely elimenates sex. It is usually after attempting sex that I get the infections or severe soreness inside or a burning feeling. I don't seem to get a discharge so it has made it difficult for the doctor to diagnose what is wrong. I also have reaccurent bloating in my lower abdomen and pain in the lower ab and lower back. I have tried everything to treat the vaginal dryness including replens and even went sofar as to insert vit e capsules (which did offer release but only for a few hours)
i would like to hear the other symptoms women experience with this.

Delete :?:

I am 39 and just had surgury in sept. To repair a prolapsed uterus and rectum. My understanding is they did not have to repair the bladder as it had not fallen as I was told earlier. I searched eleven years for the name of a doctor that had the best reputation for this type of repair in my area. In my case they went in vaginally and I had a hysterectomy along with the rectum muscles tied back up. I will be honest and tell you that the pain at first was way more severe then I expected. The first three days were a nightmare. I am told that it is more painful to have the rectum tied up then it is to have the bladder. I was up walking the first day and yes it was painful but the pain was only severe the first week. After that it was more of a discomfort. After the surgery bowel movements and urination have been easier and more regular. I go in nexty week to see if everything is going all right but right now I have no regrets. I only fear that things may fall again although it has basically been unheard of with the doctor I chose. But you never know. After the first couple of weeks after my surjury it was hard to remember to take it easy (never sure what I should or should not do) and I think until I see the doctor agian I will worry about another prolapsed. Plus everything feels so strange I am not sure what is normal or not. In my case there were other underlying conditions that made us choose to do the hysterectomy. My doctors all advised against the use of a pessary because they are prone to infections, as a matter of fact I couldn't find one doctor willing to try one on me. Anyway for now I have no regretts and if anything changes I will post another note.

has anyone used a passery for bladder prolapse or is surgery better?

I also have the the Bladder' the Rectal Wall and Uterine prolapse, while waiting to see surgeon i was offered pessary,
I am in pain lower back area,
I hope to get it all repaired,I am 48 years old and never had any vaginal infections, (that i know of) so i am not going with the pessary to add any more discomforts than already have.
I had the OP done when i was 32 back in England due to previously having a 101b baby, My Doc asked me about going to pelvic floor exercises and Pessary and i dont want none of that bother' As far as i am concerned i would just be prolonging the discomfort,
There is no way pelvic floor ex is going to push that all back up, I can feel it buldging and see it in the mirror, Doc was surprised i had Op so young but then she said no wonder after having 101b baby !!!
I wont forget the look on that ladys face when i told her that my baby weighed in at 101b specially as my weight always being 140/50 1b
Anyway Girls i am going for the OP , Doc says well if i have it done now, then in 10 years i may need it done again, But NO in 10 years i will probably need an Hysterectomy,
So No Doc is going to put me off, i am already in chronic pain with neck problem Prolapse is only adding to my pain.
So Good Luck to to the Ladys going to have the OP, and Good Health the the Ladys that have had the Op
NotSoScary FairySue x

I forgot to Mention
When i had the OP back in England when i was 32 , I was in discomfot for about a week, and told not to lift anything heavy for up to 6 months or any Vigrous sex, also warm not hot baths with some mild sea salt
And just take it easy for a while 'specially lifting Grandchildren if you older'
I was glad i got it done and i know i will be glad this time too as everything gets tightened including x vagina x

hello i am new and just reading the posts on prolapse. unfortunately i am one who has had no luck with the surgery or the pessary. i have had it for 3 yrs now. the first dr. had had been my gyn for 31 yrs and delievered both my children. he put the mesh sling and said it would last a long time but there was a chance of erosion. well 1 week later my bladder was prolapsed again. he brought me to the OR again and removed some of the eroded mesh. i had already had 6 weeks out of work and now was out another week. my bladder remained prolapsed and he said another suregery. well needless to say i decided to see a urologist. i went to the best Dr. in my area and he said i needed to see a specialist. they set me up wth one in another state in the meantime i also now had a prolapsed uterus. (I am a nurse and continue to work with this problem and pain on a daily basis.) i opted for the partial hysterectomy i could not use a pessary i did try one. well the dr. told me she fixed everything and did vaginal reconstruction. when going back for my 2 week check up she said the bladder remained prolapsed and she had not touched the bladder figurng it would go back after removal of the uterus. they released me and i continues on for another year . i now have a new gyn who recommended anther dr for consultation. here we are in 2008 and i have yet another surgery been out of work 2 mos and the dr. told me last week that i now need another surgery but woulod have to go in through the abdomen which he did not want to do in the first place. i know that plenty of women have had these surgeries with great results unfortunately for me i am stll prolapsed and now have stress incontinece which i did not have before, my primary dr recommends that i have the surgery when i am healed from this one i am not really planning any at this time. i am going to be 53 yrs old next week and hope things get better.

I wish you luck with it all my love, i just had all 3 prolapsed lifts a few days ago, so far only minor aches' I pray to the lord that nothing goes wrong in the coming months, it has been a long wait to get it done and constant discomfort' so i hope i am done with it all.
I wish you the best of luck with it, i sometimes wonder if its that bad, why on earth they dont do a full Heystrectomy and be done with it'
Good Luck
Laula
x

Hi, all!
I've lived with a prolapsed bladder for years (more than ten), but to make things interesting my uterus decided to join the party. It has been very uncomfortable and starting with a Dr. visit in May have wended my way through referrals and am actually scheduled to have surgery soon (within a month).

Since my uterus fell, I have been very uncomfortable, and keep having to "adjust" myself. I have tried a pessary, but immediately and uncontrollably leaked urine, so I was referred to a urogynecologist who gave me three options: 1- do nothing but eventually need to be catheterized continuously 2- use a pessary that will cling to vaginal walls with a suction apparatus that would lead to multiple infections due to friction 3 - have the surgery. I have opted for the surgery, but have opted not to have my uterus removed. At age 56 I'm still ovulating, and I don't want to add hormonal changes to the mix right now. I have a history of severe migraine headaches which are hormonally based. They began in earnest with my second child and I'm on daily medication to prevent them. The meds still let some migraines through, but they are much more manageable. I did have auras announcing my migraines, but in 2002 I had a ruptured brain aneurysym (I drove myself to the hospital - but that's another story) and since emergency surgery for that have not had any auras.

I LOVE the urogynecologist I have, and will have my surgery at a major medical center with a doctor who teaches at a prestigious medical school, and does this surgery all the time. I am very comfortable with my choice and can't wait until it's over!

Has anyone had the surgery for bladder prolapse? I am having problems and it is becoming more symptoms it seems as time goes by. I feel like I am trying to pass a huge clot like I used to have when I still had periods. It seems to bother me more when I am on my feet a lot at work. I'm worried about having surgery but not sure what can happen if I don't have it. Any feedback on this would greatly help.