Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Scottishgirl]

Hi again everyone. I have posted about vaginal atrophy and vagifem, which I use and find helpful. I have a new problem perhaps you can help me with. I had a bad bout of diverticulitis just before Xmas, and since then I think I have prolapsed bladder again, maybe because of pressure from bowel. I have had hysterectomy in 2007 and further rectocele surgery in 2015. I had a look down below because of extreme discomfort and to my horror, everything is gaping open and can see several large things protruding, one I presume is my bladder, goodness knows what the other things are I can see. I am wondering if it's a vaginal vault prolapse, because I have no uterus, and other things above my bladder are coming down as well. I have had terrible backache, and now wondering if this is why. Can anyone offer any insight to this. ? Thanks. Love this forum.

[Taz2]

Hi Scottishgirl. I think that vaginal vault prolapse is what concerns most women when they have a hysterectomy. My consultant told me that 40% of women will experience further prolapses after hyster but this can be reduced by the use of HRT to keep tissues stronger.

I'm so sorry that you are going through this especially as you have had further surgery too. It is common for the vaginal walls to collapse leading to rectocele and cystocele.

I've found this information about vaginal vault prolapse which might be useful. http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/11681Psacrospinous.pdf  Please continue to do your pelvic floor exercises every day but I would suggest that you do get yourself an appointment with the GP. Lower back pain is a symptom of vaginal vault prolapse so this could be why you are so uncomfortable. Are you on HRT?

Taz x

[Scottishgirl]

Thank you Taz. At the moment I'm using vagifem, which is helping with vaginal atrophy symptoms. I see a female GP that specialises in this kind of thing on Thursday, and I'll probably get her to refer me to a gynaecologist . I think this is much worse since the diverticulitis as my bowel was very inflamed and swollen. I was in hospital for a week. Maybe the pressure made it worse. Hard to tell. I also worry about sinister things going on with my bladder( I'm an anxious person) . I had a pelvic ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound leading up to my diagnosis of diverticulitis, which was diagnosed by cat scan. And everything was fine, apart from the bowel . I am up to date with colonoscopies etc, so hopefully the female GP can tell me what's going on. She's really good. I also never had the back pain before the diverticulitis, so it could be the prolapse and bowel problems. Very confusing. And worrying.

[Daisydot]

Great informative post taz2 x good luck scottishgirl x

[Taz2]

It's understandable that you are concerned but it does seem that prolapse could very easily be the cause of your symptoms so try not to worry too much. Have you had a look at the hysterectomy association UK site? If you search for vaginal vault prolapse in their forum you will get anything that's been posted on there.

Although Vagifem is an excellent product full HRT is more helpful to keep the pelvic floor stronger. A proper programme of pelvic floor exercises set by a pelvic specialist nurse would be useful for you too.

As for symptoms it's important to rest with your legs up to to give pelvic floor ligaments a rest and also not lift things like overloaded shopping bags although you probably know this already having had a hysterectomy. I remember the discomfort from my own prolapse.

Let us know how you get on.

Taz 

[Scottishgirl]

Thank you Taz. You have been really helpful. I will look at that forum. And I do a lot of walking so I will make sure I elevate my feet when I am seated, funnily enough, I have been doing that, as if my body is instinctively telling me that's what it needs. I will let you know how I get on after appointment.

[Taz2]

Do you find things feel more comfy when you first get out of bed? I used to feel almost normal until things slid down again

Taz x

[Scottishgirl]

Yes most definitely. Much more comfortable in the morning when I get up. Gravity certainly makes things worse!

[Taz2]

I always felt like I could do with a sling in my knickers   

Taz 

[Scottishgirl]

Yes I know that feeling!  I feel,like I need to push it all back up. ( doesn't work, actually tried it ) 😂

[Winterose]

Hi there Scottish girl

Ive mentioned this before as I have prolapse and having had a hysterectomy and repair helped for a while and then not wanting another op with all the mesh issues I saw on here a lady who had used an inflataball from Stress no more - they have a number of pessaries but this is brilliant and holds up the prolapse , stopped the endless need to pee and any wind issues - I use a small one - started with largest and worked down so suggest you try smallest and work up ; if they are too big they fall out . I don't notice it in at all and remove it every night . Been using it for 2 years - replace every 6 months - makes you feel young again , pm me if u need more info .

It does mention in sales spiel not suitable for hysterectomy but mine works 100%

[Daisydot]

That's a great website Winterose I'm very interested in the inflatoball also I've emailed them to ask how I'd know what size to buy,I also got a five quid discount code so that reduces it to £42,anything that saves surgery is worth a try to me many thanks.x

[Daisydot]

Just received a reply from them ladies and they have advised go to see gp for accurate sizing before ordering,just thought I'd let you know xx

[Winterose]

My gp  tried me with a ring , measured me and said I needed largest size , ring just fell out so I assumed I was huge down below and ordered largest inflataball which worked for a couple of hours and then slid out , worked my way down - it was expensive but anything better than having op - run my own business so another reason for not going to hospital - so bear in mind the gp may not get sizing right .  When I got the smallest one I was a little sceptical but it just takes one pump and it fits so well I am unaware of it throughout day - good luck. There are other pessarys but this is so easy and I like the fact it pops out every night .

[Daisydot]

That's good to know winterose thank you.x