Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Sarah48 on March 27, 2022, 06:49:43 AM
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Hi Ladies,
I am 4 weeks into starting HRT, having good and bad days 😕. I have just found out that prolapse can occur during the menopause, due to drop in Estrogen levels.. YAY 🙄.. yet another issue! I have had mild symptoms of prolapse for over a year, but more recently, and probably bought on by having a chest infection, i can feel a definite change.. I can also see a bulge :-\. Going to make another call to my GP( seems to be weekly!) but has anyone else had/got this problem? Interested to know what advice you have been given. It honestly feels like my body is falling apart! Xx
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You will need to be checked out to see what exactly has prolapsed by how much and then weigh up/follow GP advice as to what to do next.
In general advice is to avoid straining with constipation i eat figs and dates with yoghurt and cereal every morning. Avoid heavy lifting (especially lumpy grandchildren !) I've found lifting up from the floor is worse than lifting something down, keep your weight under control so not too much around the pelvis (easier said than done). Coughing with your chest infection wouldn't have helped but that is unavoidable if you pick up an infection.
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Thankyou Minusminnie x
I had just gone back to gym which may also have made it worse ☹️.. we were doing deadlifts which is probably the worse one! I do suffer with constipation too so definitely need to sort that out. Hopefully I can see my GP, seem to be fobbed off with telephone conversations with the nurse. My HRT was prescribed over the phone in under 5 minutes. Was pretty much told to go and read online.
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I would agree with everything that Minusminnie has said. You definitely need to insist that you’re examined so that you know what degree/type of prolapse you have. My best advice then, if you can, would be to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist. I paid £60 to see a private one (just the once) and the advice she gave me has really helped me.
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Thankyou Haydo x
I did consider paying to see someone, there is a lady at The Nuffield who specialises in lady’s health. Did the person you see also do a physical examination? I have like a dragging sensation. I have noticed for a while that tampons are never comfortable anymore.
Few phone calls to make tomorrow x
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Yes she did give me a physical examination, and also made sure I was relaxing my pelvic floor whilst she examined me, which evidently I wasn’t doing before. Doing Kegels manically is not always the best thing! She was extremely helpful. I have also found very helpful the Femfusion (Dr Bri) videos on YouTube. Lots of information, exercises and advice regarding prolapses.
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Thankyou Haydo 😊
Will watch the videos .. never expected to have all these symptoms.. wish I was a man! X
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I had a prolapse caused by lack of oestrogen. Local oestrogen and phsyiotherpy corrected it. Yoga is good too.
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Hello Sarah 48 and welcome to the forum.
My neighbour had a prolapse and had a ring inserted by a nurse at the hospital. Apparently this proved too small so she now has a larger one which is working well. She too has been told to avoid becoming constipated.
I hope this helps.
Take care.
K.
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Thankyou Kathleen & Deirdre x
I’m pleased to hear their are options.. I will start with my GP and also look to see a specialist. Feels like information overload at the moment! Honestly thought going on HRT would solve everything within 24 hours 😂.. so much more complex xx
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Hi Sarah48 Please don't do anymore lifting at the gym at least until you have found out what has prolapsed. I had a prolapsed bladder (cystocele) followed by a prolapsed uterus leading to a hysterectomy and bladder repair. Lifting puts tremendous strain on your already stretched tissues. You do need to be referred to a gynae for proper assessment and then a tailored programme of kegels will be worked out for you. The ring pessary can work well for some but you should still try not to out too much strain on the pelvic floor. HRT is essential in my experience.
This might help explain things https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/#:~:text=Pelvic%20organ%20prolapse%20is%20when,can%20cause%20pain%20and%20discomfort.
Taz x :welcomemm:
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Thankyou Taz2 x
You have been through so much.. how is everything now?
I do find I have days where I keep thinking I need a wee, it seems to come and go. I have messaged my GP and asked to see someone face to face.
I’m also not sure if HRT is helping or making me feel worse 😕.. I seem to feel quite edgy but will keep going as only a few weeks in.
Xx
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Yes I had one. I would suggest you are really assertive with doctors about this. In my experience they send you for tests & examinations and then grade you on how severe the prolapse is. If it’s not considered in their grading system too bad then you’ll be sent away with physio sessions that teach you how to do pelvic floor exercises.
That was in 2015 so it may have changed now.
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Thankyou Taz2 x
You have been through so much.. how is everything now?
Xx
Thanks Sarah. I'm ok but have to work hard to keep the pelvic floor strong as hysterectomy (especially for prolapse) weakens the pelvic floor still further and can lead to other prolapses. My bladder prolapse has returned though not as bad as it was before. This is also to be expected as the repairs often only last for five years. My gynae says that repeated surgeries are less successful each time and as long as I stay on full HRT (just try to take that away from me!!) plus vaginal oestrogen and keep up my pelvic floor exercises every day then I should be able to stop it worsening. I am under the care of a specialist pelvic nurse who is lovely. She also recommended YES OB as a moisturiser (not just for sexual use) as this helps keep things healthy. She says that every time I put moisturiser on my face also put some YES down below. I think she had to dust off the cobwebs when she examined me ;D
Which HRT are you on?
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Thankyou Louise 😊.. I am going to pay to go and see a specialist I think .. still waiting for GP to get back to me but as you say will probably just be fobbed off 🙄. Are you okay now?
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@Taz2. Good to hear it has been partially successful. I’m feeling quite overwhelmed, as it feels like everything has changed over night! I am
On Everol 25 patches and take Utrogestan 100mg nightly for 25 days then 3 days break. My anxiety has got worse which I don’t know is due to the drugs or me! I feel really edgy and like im not in control, really strange feeling. The feeling comes and goes, but it’s draining trying to carry on with work and be happy! The nurse said to keep going for 3 months before any changes made.. I am one month in.
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Thankyou Louise 😊.. I am going to pay to go and see a specialist I think .. still waiting for GP to get back to me but as you say will probably just be fobbed off 🙄. Are you okay now?
That sounds a good plan Sarah.
In terms of prolapse I’m physically ok. I had fibroids which meant I had to have a hysterectomy at the same time as a repair. But I saved to get a private op because I wasn’t getting anywhere with NHS sadly. Always been v active and now have local oestrogen, systemic oestrogen and of course pelvic floor exercises too to keep it all where it should be.
You sound like you’re on the right track so keep going 👍🏼
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@louise2010. Saw the nurse yesterday who confirmed stage 1 prolapse. She said my pelvic floor muscles are very weak, so need to focus on the exercises. She also have me a pessary and reduced my Evorel to 25 from 50. I thought I was already on 50! I told her felt very edgy and just not myself, she said the Evorel normally helps anxiety but we are all different! She then said you have had a hysterectomy, ummmm no! When she examined me she said I think your vagina wall is sagging but didn’t seem too sure 🙄.. I am going to pay and see a pelvic floor physiotherapist..
I have the videos to watch on pelvic exercises.. I have also considered buying a Kegal 8.. has anyone used one of these?
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I think reducing to 25 might not prevent worsening of prolapse as it is a small dose but obviously she had her reasons. Vaginal walls sagging is linked to prolapse. Do you mean a vagifem pessary?
Kegel 8 is supposed to be good.
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Hi Taz,
Yes vagifem, have to use nightly for 2 weeks then twice weekly. Plus stick with lower patch. She said I could increase the AD I take ( citalapram) but to see what happens with the patch first.
I don’t really have much confidence in the nurse at our practice. It feels like most of us end up having to do our own research!
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Not prolapse related but my pelvic floor improved markedly with testosterone so that might be worth investigating. It improved muscle tone in all muscles including pelvic floor so I no longer need to do pelvic floor exercises. I agree reducing your oestrogen is not a good move.
I think going privately is a good idea if there's a wait for the nhs. No experience with people but lots with sheep (put one back in this morning, now covered in sheep wee again >:(). I know it's different but in my experience the longer you delay the less likely it is ever to stay put and approx 50% are terminal because of it.
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As you say you are going to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist I would advise waiting until you have seen her before buying a Kegel 8. I bought one and made my atrophy worse (without realising it as it was before I had major symptoms and atrophy was diagnosed) and also over-tightened my pelvic floor muscles! The physio I saw did say that as and when I was able to use it again she would advise taking it along to her and she would examine me again and make sure I was using it on the right setting for me. I haven’t done so as it’s just too irritating and painful with the atrophy, but if this isn’t something you suffer from I’d still suggest you discuss with your physio before buying one, particularly as they’re so expensive.
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Thankyou ladies 😊.
Shelia I think some days I would prefer sheep to people! Not sure about the wee though 🤣.
Haydo I had no idea you can over tighten! Sorry to hear you are suffering with Atrophy. I feel like I have a whole new language to learn.
I have an appointment now booked with the physio ( end of April), as you say prob best to see what she says regarding the Kegal 8. Will be interesting to see what she says about the HRT too.
I would ideally like to have a full MOT! I am going to try and find a menopause clinic too.
Really appreciate your advice x
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Hi Sarah I’m glad you got to see the nurse and have an app with the physio. Stage 1 is like it sounds not severe so that’s positive. Vagifem will definitely help.
I have a kegel 8 but haven’t been able to use it due to VA which I’m treating now so after another week I’ll give it a go. I had a hysterectomy so different situation to you but still trying to keep things where they should be!
Let us know how you get on.
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Just seen this thread. I had some awful symptoms at the start of the lockdown and I too had a chest infection (probably covid), I had stress incontinence while coughing, which I'd never had, it was an overnight change.
A lot of that changed back by itself, so I think I was having major hormone swings at the time and then I decided to go on evorel sequi and vagifem and that seemed to resolve it.
Unfortunately I think I've got some potential for mild bowel prolapse. It's noticeable just before my period more and not at other times. I think going to see a physio would be a good thing and will look into it. I worry that my posture when sitting at my desk might have affected it, as I sit on my tail bone and with feet up on desk ::)
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Me!! Estrogen levels are non-existent... and as a result, mild prolapse. I was prescribed Vagifem which definitely helps, but pelvic floor exercises are what make a difference. Good luck!
Hi Ladies,
I am 4 weeks into starting HRT, having good and bad days 😕. I have just found out that prolapse can occur during the menopause, due to drop in Estrogen levels.. YAY 🙄.. yet another issue! I have had mild symptoms of prolapse for over a year, but more recently, and probably bought on by having a chest infection, i can feel a definite change.. I can also see a bulge :-\. Going to make another call to my GP( seems to be weekly!) but has anyone else had/got this problem? Interested to know what advice you have been given. It honestly feels like my body is falling apart! Xx
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Quite a lot has happened since I posted about my prolapse! Basically gyno confirmed front and back prolapse, stage 2. Pessary didn’t help so now having prolapse repair surgery and hysterectomy end of July. I get a constant ache in my lower stomach, my bladder doesn’t seem to empty properly and some days feel like I constantly need to pee.
Taking Evorel 50 and Utrogestan now.. seem to be okay on that, night sweats gone but also have a good few days feeling on edge.. I am
Wondering whether gel absorbs better than patches? I have accepted getting HRT right takes time!
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Quite a lot has happened since I posted about my prolapse! Basically gyno confirmed front and back prolapse, stage 2. Pessary didn’t help so now having prolapse repair surgery and hysterectomy end of July. I get a constant ache in my lower stomach, my bladder doesn’t seem to empty properly and some days feel like I constantly need to pee.
Hi Sarah - It's good you have a proper diagnosis now. Was it a vaginal ring pessary you tried to push the prolapses back up? This works well for sometimes so sorry it didn't work for you. Do you also have a uterine prolapse if you are having a hysterectomy? I only ask as one of the causes of future prolapses is the removal of the womb. Since my hysterectomy and bladder repair almost eight years ago I now have a new bladder prolapse plus a small rectal prolapse and scar tissue from the operation which affects my bowel slightly. I was told that in some women the prolapse repairs last around five years. I just wanted to make sure that the hysterectomy is absolutely necessary. Also, stage 2 is still quite small so I'm wondering whether, with an exercise programme to follow you could improve things enough to avoid major surgery? Have you been given a programme to follow to strengthen the pelvic floor as much as possible before the op? This made a lot of difference to me before my op.
As for the bladder have you had a cystoscopy to check the function?
Taz x :)
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Hi Sarah. I have a stage 2 prolapse, anterior and posterior. I was offered the operation to repair both, but at the time (a year ago) my VA was so bad that I couldn’t entertain it, and the gynaecologist agreed with me. With exercise and oestrogen treatment the constant weeing, back ache and feeling like I was sitting on a brick has gone. Having said that I would have surgery if it gets worse, but I am delaying surgery for as long as I can, because of the length of time prolapse repairs are supposed to last. We are all different and obviously we don’t know all the ins and outs but, as Taz says, I would be absolutely sure that the surgery is necessary and that you know the pros and cons of it.
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Hi Haydo. I'm glad you are feeling more comfy now.
Taz x :)
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Hi ladies,
The pessary I had was a cube.. the consultant said the pessary could/might help but the physio wouldn’t sort my prolapses, my uterus has dropped too, which is why I need the hysterectomy too. We currently have private health care, so I thought I would go on and get it sorted. I am having a cystoscopy at the same time.
I have a constant dragging feeling in my lower stomach, retaining urine, feels like I have a tampon falling out. I do understand that prolapse surgery can fail but I am so fed up with my symptoms.
I am still seeing the physio too.. apparently my pelvic floor is quite strong.
The Vagifem makes my bladder symptoms worse, which is odd as so many ladies benefit from it.
X
I am still seeing the physio
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Sounds like it's all covered. Keep your ovaries if you can though. Good luck with the op and make sure you follow recovery instructions too. That's quite a lot to have done at once but at least, that way, it's all over with in one go :)
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Completely understand why you’re going ahead with it, particularly as you have private health care. Plenty of rest and recuperation afterwards too. Good luck with it all. Do let us know how you get on.
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Haydo & Taz2.. Thankyou 😊
I am keeping my ovaries and having a vaginal hysterectomy, so hoping the recovery won’t be as long as abdominal. Do you think 4 weeks off work will be sufficient? I can work from home thankfully. I need to get lots of Boxsets lined up!! x
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Taz is the one to answer that, or anyone else who has had similar surgery. I do have a friend who booked 4 weeks off after having a hysterectomy and ended up taking 8 weeks off. I suppose it is all very individual, and also depends on the work you do too, though I’ve just realised you can work from home which will obviously help. Yes, line up the box sets and books!
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Hi Sarah48,
I had a keyhole hysterectomy, I was told to take 6 weeks off, but then again I’m a cleaner.
I would say 4 weeks off and work at home for two would be more than fine.
With my keyhole hysterectomy I was up and going to the toilet myself under 12 hours, I was was walking out of hospital 20 hours after surgery. The most painful thing about my hysterectomy was the gas leaving my body, can be painful as it moves up and out the shoulders. Peppermint tea is really helpful for that pain? No idea why, but I was always in less pain after peppermint tea. The other little pain comes from the organs moving and setting in their new positions.
I’m sorry but I can’t help with how you might feel with the prolapse part. Wishing you luck with your operation ::)
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I have, not too bad, meno and constipation bought mine on as I have a slow bowel. (!) I was told to not get constipated, I do try...errrr...I do try as it's not nice...and to do exercises...pelvic floor. Recommended a very good app called Squeezy...not free a couple of s and well worth it...I'd really recommend it
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Haydo & Taz2.. Thankyou 😊
I am keeping my ovaries and having a vaginal hysterectomy, so hoping the recovery won’t be as long as abdominal. Do you think 4 weeks off work will be sufficient? I can work from home thankfully. I need to get lots of Boxsets lined up!! x
I had a vaginal one as well plus an anterior repair. The advice from my consultant was that although a vaginal one would seem to be quicker to heal this is not true. A lot of healing has to go on inside the body with the various muscles etc having been cut and re-attached. I was advised 8 weeks off but it took 12 before I was fully able to go back to my job (primary school). I did have a week by week recovery sheet but not sure if I've still got it. You only have one chance to heal so dont be in a rush. I was in hospital for two nights but that was due to having hysterectomy and repair. I didn't have much pain at all but did cause a bit of a fuss by suddenly bleeding a lot but this was soon remedied by being put on a drip for a few hours.
I think that hysterectomy due to prolapse is slightly different on the recovery front as it is so important not to put any strain on the repairs. It's great not to have those awful feelings like you have a ping pong ball almost sitting in your knickers when you stand up! I was so pleased that it worked! It was 10 years from diagnosis for me when it was a stage 2. I'd kept it at bay really well with the pelvic floor exercises trying to avoid surgery but in the end it was getting too uncomfy.
Taz x
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Thankyou ladies 🥰🥰..
My anxiety is really high at the moment! Not sure if it’s apprehension about the op or hormone related 😵💫.
Xx