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[Morwenna]

I'm nearly 55, have been taking sequential HRT for four years and am currently on Femoston 2/10. While it seems to suit me better than my previous HRT (Prempak C), since starting it earlier this year, my IBS-C has been more difficult to keep under control, particularly during the progesterone phase when I find myself having to take much more Movicol laxative (which I have had on prescription for five years) than normal and this then triggers an episode of very loose bowels for up to a week following the start of the withdrawal bleed. In addition to this I've been suffering from a sore irritable 'burning' bladder coupled with frequency and urgency. As I do not have a UTI (I test my urine regularly) my GP thinks the bladder problems are caused by lack of oestrogen and has prescribed Vagifem to replace the (seemingly ineffective for bladder discomfort) Gynest cream I was using previously, but I'm not so sure, as the Vagifem is not helping at all and I don't have any vaginal dryness or pain 'up there'. I've been researching bladder issues and my symptoms match those of Interstitial Cystitis more than anything else. As the discomfort (and IBS-C) always seems to be worse prior to a withdrawal bleed I have reached the conclusion that it's aggravated either by uterine activity eg building up and shedding of the lining causing pressure on the bladder, or the effect of progesterone relaxing the smooth muscle in the bowel and causing constipation (which also puts pressure on the bladder). I'm thinking that if I changed to Femoston Conti it would remove the uterine factor from the equation and maybe if I was levelled out in terms of hormone fluctuations then the IBS-C would be easier to control? Especially as the progesterone in Femoston Conti is a lower dose. However if it's progesterone that's causing or contributing to the problem and as I would be taking it daily as opposed to 14 days a month, then it could potentially make things worse?

Other things I have tried so far for my bladder, all to no avail, are Multi-Gyn Actigel, Bicarbonate of Soda drink, drinking lots of water, not drinking very much, Ranatidine (for its anti-histamine properties), abstaining from sex (poor OH!), going 'commando' (!), battery operated pelvic toner and Canesten cream. Plus all the usual things like not using soap, showering rather than bathing, emptying the bladder before and after sex etc. I do eat quite a good diet and don't drink alcohol or fizzy drinks.

One other thing - slightly off topic - I tested my urine the other day and it was high in glucose (I had eaten a cake two hours earlier) but when I retested the following morning it was negative. Wondering about type 2 Diabetes. I have a GP appointment next week and feel I have too many things to run past him in the space of ten minutes!

I might add that another GP at my practice thought I had a slight rectocele a couple of years ago which will definitely not be helping matters down below. Does anyone have any advice in respect of this HRT dilemma? Or suggestions as to what else I could do? Sorry for the massive post, I'm reaching the end of my tether with it all! 

Thank you x

[Hattie]

You have my sympathy as everything i try to help my down below problem doesn't help and i feel at the end of my tether - i am going commando at every opportunity around the house - you sort of feel that by doing it you might not get another problem on top of everything else.

Not sure about the battery operated pelvic toner - is this to tighten muscles ? that can often be the wrong thing to do.

You can also book a double appointment with a doctor so that you get more than 10mins.

[Maryjane]

Hi, have you looked in the pelvic pain thread, and also my painful bladder thread. I am just doing the reload dose of the vagifem and I am also using a small amount of the gynest cream on the outer bits, and so far touch wood and every other blinking thing it is starting to help, as I have been told by my women's health physio that the vagifem doesnt go far enough, once the reload is over I will do twice a week.

If you have IC a and bowel issues, the best thing you can do is give up all wheat and gluten, all dairy and all processed sugars, I have done this and my energy has gone through the roof to where I was, no IBS at all, hardly any wind either, my bladder is more complicated as I have a long standing infection in the bladder wall, which is proving hard to get rid of, also tea and coffee and especially good quality dark chocolate is an irritant for the bladder, no more cake except for the odd treat.

I can't answer any questions regards oral HRT, the experts will be along soon. I have a rectoecole most of us will by the ages we are, even if we don't realise it, I thought I had one small prolapse I have three.

Pelvic floor exercises and toners can do more damage than people realise, what you need to do is have good posture when , standing, sitting etc.

[Morwenna]

Thank you Hattie and Maryjane for your replies. I have been following the Pelvic Pain and other 'Bladder' threads with interest.

If you have IC a and bowel issues, the best thing you can do is give up all wheat and gluten, all dairy and all processed sugars, I have done this and my energy has gone through the roof to where I was, no IBS at all, hardly any wind either, my bladder is more complicated as I have a long standing infection in the bladder wall, which is proving hard to get rid of, also tea and coffee and especially good quality dark chocolate is an irritant for the bladder, no more cake except for the odd treat.

I can't answer any questions regards oral HRT, the experts will be along soon. I have a rectoecole most of us will by the ages we are, even if we don't realise it, I thought I had one small prolapse I have three.

Pelvic floor exercises and toners can do more damage than people realise, what you need to do is have good posture when , standing, sitting etc.

Maryjane I was worried someone would suggest that particular diet! I would find it very tough I have to say as I love carbs and dairy - and couldn't manage without my cup of tea first thing - is it like the 'Paleo' diet? How do you manage to stick with it?

It was the other GP who recommended pelvic floor exercises when she diagnosed the rectocele. I thought a pelvic toner would be a good investment but to be honest I keep forgetting about it. Luckily I don't have any problems with stress incontinence. (Not yet anyways! Who knows what this lovely menopause has in store next?  )

I'm surprised no one else has any advice regarding the HRT   

[kiltgirl]

Hi there, I have IBS-C also, I know when I get an attack it really affects my bladder too, and bad pelvic pains I wouldnt normally associate with constipation.
I had my gallbladder removed a couple of years ago which is I think where this started from...my old gp gave me Fybogel which seemed to help regulate things. But after a really bad attack a month ago I went to an out of hours clinic where the doc gave me Fybogel Meberverine,  I have to say this has made my insides feel almost normal again. It's foul in taste and texture but I swig it down with a straw so it doesn't touch the sides. One before breakfast and one before evening meal.
I like the Fybogel as it isn't a stimulant and feels more gentle than a laxitive, works for D or C, since I've been on this new stuff my bladder has been behaving a lot better, maybe less pressure on it, been feeling a lot less toxic too!
I hope you get some help for it soon, it's so miserable when you feel so aware of your body in such a bad way! Xx
 

[Ju Ju]

Kilt girl, I'm am interested in your post in particular. I too have IBS C too and use fybogel which helps though doesn't resolve everything. It looks like I may have to have my gall bladder removed. I have been warned about dumping syndrome. Do you think this is what has happened to you?

[kiltgirl]

Kilt girl, I'm am interested in your post in particular. I too have IBS C too and use fybogel which helps though doesn't resolve everything. It looks like I may have to have my gall bladder removed. I have been warned about dumping syndrome. Do you think this is what has happened to you?

hi, sorry i haven't been back on for a while and missed this post...re gallbladder removal, i don't think i've had dumping syndrome, feels like there is less lubrication in my intestine etc, gross i know! Everything has just slowed down...no pain from the gallstones anymore but i think eating smaller meals helps. The IBS has developed since I lost my gallbladder, my old GP said it wasn't a necessary part of the body!!
Ahem, i beg to differ...
Always get bloated and swollen on the left side, down by the pelvic area, it has to put pressure on the bladder etc and is hard to know where the cramps come from as it is so low in the body.
Actually my bladder has been a little better lately...HRT effects or the Fybogel Meberverine?

actually just looked on Wiki about Meberverine...mentions the gallbladder...

treats

"Irritable bowel syndrome in its primary form
Irritable bowel syndrome associated with organic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract such as; diverticulosis and diverticulitis, regional enteritis, disease of the gall bladder and gall ducts, gastric and duodenal ulcers, dysentery, and aspecific or specific inflammation of the digestive tract"