Having problems post Bladder Prolapse Surgery: What helps?

Thank you, Jeanne. I'm glad your friend is fine now. The new mesh seems to have other applications as well.

I had uterine prolapse at 43 after 2 difficult pregnancies. I had a full hysterectomy and then my bladder started to fall. Had it repaired and it lasted about 6 years. Had it done again and it has been good. I am 70 and am hoping to get a liver transplant but my levels aren't bad enough. Guess that is good. I am getting cystitis and infections and looking for a new Dr. In Fl. Lots of issues but lots of spirit too!. Hang in there and hope you find your fix. I will be watching for your posts.

@jeanne5009 Do you recall the method they used on your two prolapse surgeries? The first time did they use mesh or did they just stitch up the ligaments? And what about the second time? How long ago was your second surgery? I ask because @luftmensh1 was asking about the different procedures for prolapse repair. I had bladder prolapse surgery in 2017 with mesh as my doctor was concerned that just stitching up the ligaments would not hold and that I might have to have the surgery again. I was afraid of the mesh but he was adamant about the new mesh being very different from the kind they used to use that caused a lot of problems and lawsuits. I have had zero issues with the mesh and wish I had done my surgery a lot sooner rather than putting up with the prolapse, pessary, bleeding, etc. for so many years. I was trying to make the point to @luftmensh1 that she should not be worried about the mesh because it is not the same as it once was. Just wondered what your experience was with regard to mesh, if any?.

With regard to your cystitis and infections, do you know what that is due to? You mention trying to get a liver transplant. So sorry you are having these issues. Just trying to connect the dots between the liver issues, the cystitis you mention and your past prolapse surgery. The way I read your email is that the cystitis and infections are liver related. Is that right?

First one was in 1978 and that was stitch up...second one in 1983 I think he did a sling. Might have been before mesh. I have followed news on mesh because I spoke to my Drs thru the years about it. Would an ultra sound indicate if the procedure was used?Not sure why I am having UTIs and cystitis now. Had a cystoscopy and no one mentioned anything structurally wrong. I am curious if it could be connected to the liver. My urologist is of little value as he has been out on CoVid leave since last April. Will be talking to my liver team
in 2 weeks at my regular testing at Mayo Jax to get their help. My concern is that I have little relief from 5 different anibiotics I have tried. Always sympathizing with any one with cystitis issues.

Hi @luftmensh1 @baxtersmom @gardeningjunkie and @jeanne5009, I've been catching up with this conversation and would like to contribute a few online articles to help clarify some of the items you're discussing.

First, this article from the FDA clarifies a lot about the older (no longer used) mesh that caused unwanted complications and the newer kinds of mesh made from man-made (synthetic) materials or animal tissue.
- Urogynecologic Surgical Mesh Implants https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/urogynecologic-surgical-mesh-implants

The description about absorbable, non-absorbable, or a combination of absorbable and non-absorbable materials helps to clarify the mention of "skin growing into the mesh," which I think was referring to absorbable mesh. See this paragraph:
"Non-absorbable mesh will remain in the body indefinitely and is considered a permanent implant. It is used to provide permanent reinforcement in strength to the urogynecologic repair. Absorbable mesh will degrade and lose strength over time. It is not intended to provide long-term reinforcement to the repair site. As the material degrades, new tissue growth is intended to provide strength to the repair."

Tanglefoot is no longer a member of the community and her posts were removed when it was discovered that she became a member with the intent to sell a device for pelvic organ prolapse that was not evidence based or FDA approved. This is against Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/)

Here are further articles about treatment options available for pelvic organ prolapse as described by Mayo Clinic:
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treatment for vaginal prolapse depends on severity, symptoms https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-treatment-for-vaginal-prolapse-depends-on-severity-symptoms/
- Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive care for women with pelvic floor disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/urology/news/mayo-clinic-offers-comprehensive-care-for-women-with-pelvic-floor-disorders-such-as-pelvic-organ-prolapse-and-urinary-incontinence/mac-20459713

@luftmensh1 I hope this information along with the experiences shared by other members helps you to prepare questions to help find the right and experienced professional and to ask questions to get the treatment best suited for you.

Very good information about the prolapse mesh. Thank you for monitoring the site and block those blogging with us with the intent of making money. I have experienced this on another site where I blog about my eczema. It's so easy to want to believe someone has a "miracle cure" ointment for a auto-immune disease that is incurable. Treatable in some cases, but to claim it is curable is a scam. These people ask to be your friends and then ask for you personals email to contact you directly and not go though the website. It's happened to me once but I learned and now I never ever give out any personal direct contact information.

I appreciate all the information and shared experiences. At age 82, I don't have forever to make up my mind, but thanks to you, I'll be better prepared to make a decision.

@erikas @luftmensh1 I have no experience with bladder prolapse surgery, just with having botox injections for urinary incontinence. The injections did help but I did get a UTI both times that I had them.
Sorry, I wish I could be more helpful.
JK