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[SaraC2773]

Hi all,

So I had a face-to-face appt today with the GP and she gave an examination and it turns out that I have a cystocele as well as a rectocele.

She said there were some minor signs of VA but nothing major and all in all everything looked pretty good.  She took swabs as I hadn't had one done yet due to the discharge easing up but said she thinks it might actually have been urine and not discharge.  She also explained this is likely to make me feel sore/uncomfortable down there.

Apparently she said a common symptom of a cystocele is feeling constantly wet/damp and it's often due to a small amount or urine getting trapped which then releases as you stand up or move about.  It's weird as I noticed it more when I stood from sitting and she said the fact it was like water is more likely to be due to that than an increase in discharge.

So she went through options such as a ring pessary,  referring me to the hospital bowel/bladder dept which is closely linked with Gynae or worse case scenario surgery.

Anyway she has given me literature to read about the ring,  also offered VA treatment as she said it's recommended that women use it regardless if they have symptoms or not (quite refreshing to her a GP who promoted treatment" and once I've decided what I want to do to call and let her know,  either she can fit the ring or I can just use the VA treatment and see how I go.

Also got a link for the lovely pelvic floor exercises!

Just wanted to let you all know as you were all very kind in responding to my meltdown a couple of weeks ago.

[CLKD]

How do U feel overall?  MayB see a physio interested in womens' health as Kegels must be done 'correctly'.

Get that VA treatment up there.  Which route do you think U will take?

[bombsh3ll]

I would get on the waiting list for the surgical clinic now, this doesn't commit you to anything and you can try conservative measures in the meantime.

If they work just cancel the appointment but if not then you will at least be halfway up the queue.

[Taz2]

I'm glad that you have now got a diagnosis. I had a cystocele and then a uterine prolapse. I had the cystocele repaired at the same time as a hysterectomy as the exercises etc. couldn't alleviate the uterine prolapse and the cystocele was becoming difficult to manage. The cystocele repair lasted five years which was about the time predicted by the gynae. I now have a small rectocele. I think that if you are predisposed to prolapse then other things can eventually sag too so it is important to carry out the pelvic floor exercises every day and not lift heavy things etc. I didn't actually try a ring pessary but I might in the future if the current ones get worse! I did see the consultant - he's really approachable and easy to talk to - and after examination he said that, yes, the cystocele was back together with a small rectocele but they have found that repeated surgeries for prolapse did not have a good success rate and failed faster than the first time. I am due a review with the pelvic floor specialist nurse sometime next year.

It's worth finding out as much information as you can about this. I found it really difficult when I first discovered I was developing prolapses - felt like a little alien being invading my vagina! 

Taz x

[SaraC2773]

So I was going to reply today to say I'm planning on reading the literature the GP sent through over the weekend to decide on next steps re my prolapses but I now have a more pressing matter.

Today I started bleeding,  more spotting but bright red spotting,  as if I'm about to start a period.  I also have cramping.

I called the surgery and they have suggested a watch and wait as they think it might be a result of the examination but I've never had this amount of bleeding after an examination,  a couple of spots on wiping but this is enough to come onto a pad.

I said to the GP when the discharge first started just over two weeks ago,  my first thought was it felt like an attempt at ovulation as it was extrmely watery but there was a small amount of egg white discharge.  it then eased up and yesterday I had another surge after the examination and now this.  I also had sore boobs yesterday!!!  GP thinks definiately not ovulation and I agree but this feels like exactly what used to happen towards the end of peri where my body would attempt to ovulate and then eventually give up and a period followed shortly after.

Obviously,  I'm petrified,   hubby has said if I'm really worried not to leave it and to call BUPA and go through them.

Would be grateful of some words of wisdom as I'm spiralling.  My last period was June 22 and then in July last year I had one day of slighly brown spotting which started just after using the estrogen cream,  so GP put it down to that.

[bombsh3ll]

Please do not worry, the vast majority of postmenopausal bleeding is completely benign, even if you aren't on systemic hormone therapy.

It may well be related to the recent examination - whilst it hasn't happened with gynae exams in the past, you probably didn't have the same degree of vaginal atrophy back then.

This makes the tissues fragile and easily torn.

I think it is entirely reasonable to continue with liberal vaginal estrogen and observe.

However if you aren't comfortable with this and it is going to play on your mind, it is also reasonable to ask your GP to refer you for a scan as per postmenopausal bleeding guidelines.

This should also be done if the bleeding persists or recurs.

Personally I wouldn't pay out of pocket for this as a) the likelihood of serious pathology is very low and b) you wouldn't wait long for an NHS scan anyway if your GP refers via the urgent postmenopausal bleeding not on HRT pathway.

[SaraC2773]

Thank you bombsh3ll,

I am still spotting today although it seems to be a lot less.

I've booked an apt with Bupa next Wed to see a gynaecologist. Stressing like mad as I can't believe an exam would cause this level of spotting.

Anyway,  will keep you all posted

[bombsh3ll]

FX'd for a reassuring result for you, at least this should put your mind at rest before Christmas.

I totally understand the just needing to know.

Whilst it is one thing to understand that clinically this is extremely unlikely to be sinister, this doesn't factor in the emotional response.

Do let us know how you get on.

[SaraC2773]

Thanks Bombsh3ll,

So I thought it was stopping but last night had awful cramps exactly like I used to get with my periods,  this morning got up and spotting a lot heavier and gone through several pads today.

The weird thing is when the discharge started my first thought was that my body was trying to ovulate,   then I thought it was ridiculous and put it out of my mind.  However,  the discharge continued for quite a few more days and last week I felt really off,  bit wobbly,  generally run down and a bit sick,  which is exactly how I used to feel before I got my periods,  especially the last few I experienced.  I then had sore boobs Monday night and Tuesday this starts.

I know it's highly unlikely but really praying it's a rogue period.  I'm 51 and I remember my Mum saying when I got past a year that 49 was young,  given her and all her sisters didn't go through menopause until 53/54. 

I think Wed is an initial consultation but the consultant I'm seeing leads the gynae unit at the local hospital so hoping that she can get me in fairly quickly for any tests.

Will defo keep you all updated.