Want to discuss prolapse bladder or any kind of prolapse

Posted by Tanglefoot @tanglefoot, Aug 2, 2015

I am looking to discuss prolapse bladder or any kind of prolapse that other ladies have experienced as well. I would also like to comment on incontinence as well. There is a lot to talk about when it comes to prolapse bladder etc and it seems to be a silent epidemic among women. If there are others out there like me, lets talk about it and I have some solutions. I am surviving prolapse bladder without surgery and I have been living with it for over ten years. I wear a support garment that is light and easy weight and fits right under my existing underwear. Don't know what you are doing or wearing, but I would like to hear from you. Thanks.
Tanglefoot

***NOTE FROM THE COMMUNITY DIRECTOR***

February, 2017.

Thanks to a Connect member, it was brought to our attention that @tanglefoot may have a vested interest in promoting the support garment "hideaway" mentioned in this discussion. Further investigation revealed that @tanglefoot is the designer and inventor of this product, and that she routinely posts on discussion forums using pseudonyms. Posting solicitations or advertisements of any kind violates Mayo Clinic Connect's Terms of Use. We have decided to leave @tanglefoot's past messages as to not interrupt the flow of conversation, but she will no longer be able to post to the community.

Colleen Young

Community Director, Mayo Clinic Connect

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Women's Health Support Group.

@baxtersmom

@pizon, So sorry you have had to endure multiple surgeries following your prolapse repair. I have not had this same problem but will tell you some things my urogynecologist who performed my surgery did tell me. I was very hesitant about having my prolapse repair done with mesh. He highly recommended it because of the condition of my ligaments (they were extremely stretched out and he did not believe just repairing the ligaments holding my bladder would last long-term). I also have another hernia that I have had for many years and has not caused me problems so it has never been fixed. The urogynecologist asked me if I had any hernias because he said he often sees people with very stretched out ligaments holding their bladder having other hernias as well. He said some people's tissue is just more prone to hernias and the prolapse is just a very specialized type of hernia. He had no reason to know that I had the other hernia and I would not have known myself had it not been found on a CT scan looking at something else (just by accident). So I went ahead and had the bladder prolapse repair done with mesh and I am so glad I did because after 6 months I have no issues at all. I had a stage 4 prolapse which was huge and often would bleed if I did much activity at all (or if I coughed or sneezed). So I am thinking that you may be like me and sort of prone to hernia due to the nature of your tissue. My regular gynecologist was planning to do my prolapse surgery without mesh but after consulting 2 urogynecologists who do prolapse surgeries all the time, I decided to go for the mesh repair. If you still feel like you are sitting on a ball then something is not right and I think your prolapse may have come back. I am no doctor but my urogynecologist told me that the prolapse coming back was almost a certainty if he did not use the mesh since I have other hernias and am apparently prone to them. I sure hope you get it figured out but I would encourage seeking the advice of another specialist in uterine prolapse. If you are hesitant about the mesh I certainly do understand as I was adamant I did not want it. But it is not the same mesh used by doctors a while back and the type you see in the lawyer commercials that frankly scared me to death. I have had absolutely no problem with the mesh and am glad I went ahead and got it done. Best to you.

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Thank you for you reply I am going to see the dr.(uro) next week and will mention it he never said anything about the condition of my ligaments I have had other gyn's look at me and they can't find anything wrong with the surgery again they think it may be a nerve issue I am also going back to p/t in 2 weeks when I prolapsed I also got pelvic floor muscel spazams...the hernia was found after my prolapse repair (stage 2 both bladder and uteral) I had the hernia's repaired before they got any larger so again to avoid mesh I will mention to him about the tissue and if I have to I will go out of state to get another uro's advise (there is only one in the state of DE and once you have a dr. in that practice you can't see any other dr.) again thank you and I am happy your repair has gone well

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@baxtersmom

@pizon, So sorry you have had to endure multiple surgeries following your prolapse repair. I have not had this same problem but will tell you some things my urogynecologist who performed my surgery did tell me. I was very hesitant about having my prolapse repair done with mesh. He highly recommended it because of the condition of my ligaments (they were extremely stretched out and he did not believe just repairing the ligaments holding my bladder would last long-term). I also have another hernia that I have had for many years and has not caused me problems so it has never been fixed. The urogynecologist asked me if I had any hernias because he said he often sees people with very stretched out ligaments holding their bladder having other hernias as well. He said some people's tissue is just more prone to hernias and the prolapse is just a very specialized type of hernia. He had no reason to know that I had the other hernia and I would not have known myself had it not been found on a CT scan looking at something else (just by accident). So I went ahead and had the bladder prolapse repair done with mesh and I am so glad I did because after 6 months I have no issues at all. I had a stage 4 prolapse which was huge and often would bleed if I did much activity at all (or if I coughed or sneezed). So I am thinking that you may be like me and sort of prone to hernia due to the nature of your tissue. My regular gynecologist was planning to do my prolapse surgery without mesh but after consulting 2 urogynecologists who do prolapse surgeries all the time, I decided to go for the mesh repair. If you still feel like you are sitting on a ball then something is not right and I think your prolapse may have come back. I am no doctor but my urogynecologist told me that the prolapse coming back was almost a certainty if he did not use the mesh since I have other hernias and am apparently prone to them. I sure hope you get it figured out but I would encourage seeking the advice of another specialist in uterine prolapse. If you are hesitant about the mesh I certainly do understand as I was adamant I did not want it. But it is not the same mesh used by doctors a while back and the type you see in the lawyer commercials that frankly scared me to death. I have had absolutely no problem with the mesh and am glad I went ahead and got it done. Best to you.

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How old are you. I am 74 and have 3 organs prolapsed. I’m going through therapy, but just feel I want these organs put back where they belong! I am miserable, but don’t want more problems. This has thrown me all off balance - does anyone feel that way too?

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@littlesnowflake52

I had told my doctor that I always have to wear a feminine pad to keep me dry. She told me to start doing some kegal exercises but unfortunately they are not doing any good. I had told this to my oldest sister and she said that I may have to have my bladder pulled up. But I was thinking maybe I'd buy Ben-wa balls. Maybe they would help. What is your input on these?

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Hi, @sueblue -- I'd like to introduce you to some other members who may have some thoughts for you on your mucosal rectal prolapse with fecal incontinence and the discharge you've been experiencing. Please meet @pma58, @letsgo, @coliemore, @dreamin1037, @aithnie and @cowboy1997 . I also thought you'd like to meet @sandytoes14, @hopeful33250 and @kariulrich.

I thought you might be interested in one of the Mayo clinic videos about fecal incontinence, here: http://mayocl.in/2CfJac9.

How are you holding up emotionally with this situation?

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@littlesnowflake52

I had told my doctor that I always have to wear a feminine pad to keep me dry. She told me to start doing some kegal exercises but unfortunately they are not doing any good. I had told this to my oldest sister and she said that I may have to have my bladder pulled up. But I was thinking maybe I'd buy Ben-wa balls. Maybe they would help. What is your input on these?

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Thank you so much for your kind words and reply. I am kind of at my wits end as I want to get a vaginal culture done but really afraid to. I dont want to make matters worse than they are and if some anal leakage gets in there from the exam plus I will be bleeding I am scared of maybe getting sepsis. The leakage started as just excess mucous from the rectal prolapse but now is a bit worse. I will check out that video.

If it was just incontinence and not rectal prolapse i could keep something up against it to prevent leakage but the prolapse sticks to whatever I try putting there and it hurts pulling it off. All I need now is bleeding there. It seems you go to the doctor and you get worse! If only the GP haddone a thyroid blood test earlier instead of passing me off I know I would not have gotten this bad. The PT therapist said I may even have SIBO from the severe hypothyroidism. I mentioned this to the doc but "nothing"!

Somehow I find this worse than what I went thru with the breast cancer.

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@littlesnowflake52

I had told my doctor that I always have to wear a feminine pad to keep me dry. She told me to start doing some kegal exercises but unfortunately they are not doing any good. I had told this to my oldest sister and she said that I may have to have my bladder pulled up. But I was thinking maybe I'd buy Ben-wa balls. Maybe they would help. What is your input on these?

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@sueblue -- sounds like it's been a really hard time if it's been worse than what you went through with breast cancer.

You may also want to check out this thread on rectal prolapse. Some of the posts there are older, but others are from 2018: http://mayocl.in/2Fy8Rnb.

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@maxann

I'm new to talking with other people about my problems. Three years ago I had surgery for what my doc said was "the trifecta" uterine, bladder and rectal prolapse. He said I needed surgery and since I had had breast cancer, he suggested a hysterectomy too. I went along with it...He's the doctor, right? Since then, sex is so painful I don't have it and I went from a vibrant person to just not feeling great. I cant take hormone replacement because of my history with breast cancer, so after a second opinion about my sexual disfunction, the doc suggested the Mona Lisa lazer therapy, which I did with little results. Now.I'm prolapsing again and the first doc wants to do surgery again. What the heck? I don't want to live with prolapse..I have a very physical life style. Anybody have anything for me?

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Hi, @skd43usa -- your bladder and your rectum could still prolapse.

How is your pelvic floor therapy going?

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So frustrated....after years of bladder issues, I finally had the opportunity to FIX IT! The excitement leading into the surgery, into recover was amazing. Everything was roses - ahead of schedule. Then came week 10 follow-up. The doctor's facial expression changed, he informed me that the sling was protruding into my vaginal walls. Initially, he said no sex - wait 2 more weeks (after 10!) see if it corrects itself. Two weeks later - no change. We discussed immediate procedure vs. taking her out for a test drive and returning. Sadly try <a class="hash-tag" href="/search?search=%231">#1</a> no go- I'll never forget my husband's loss of color when he hit the mesh. Try<a class="hash-tag" href="/search?search=%232">#2</a> No go as well. Try <a class="hash-tag" href="/search?search=%233">#3</a> was awkward for me, but successful sort of. Return visit/ wk<a class="hash-tag" href="/search?search=%2312">#12</a> follow-up he opened me up to remove 2cm of mesh. We're wait and see again. Considering bladder leakage during sex was my number one complaint, and now the fix-all could prevent me from having normal intimacy with my husband moving forward.....I'm devastated.
Aside from being a celibate newlywed (and more importantly) I'm feeling much more uncomfortable this week (sore near my hip/anchors)...
I'm thinking I should call my regular Oby/Gyn for my annual so I have a second opinion before going to next appt. I LOVE the surgeon and really would recommend him again. But what ever "unique" side effect I have - I want fixed.
Anyone out their with negative side effects/recovery post-op? Anyone know what test/scans would be recommended? Is there a way to "observe" the entire sling and hip brackets without cutting me open? (3 surgeries in 9 months - I'm done)

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Welcome to Connect, @fromwoundedness,

Having three surgeries in a short period of time must have surely taken its toll on you! Thank you for joining us and bringing your concerns here. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion because I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you may experiencing.
If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you can read through some of the earlier messages and meet some of our other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

We have several other discussions where members have shared their experiences with bladder surgery/prolapse surgery. You may wish to read through the conversations in:
- recurrent bladder infections after prolapse surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recurrent-bladder-infections-after-prolapse-surgery/
- Recurring bladder problems https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recurring-bladder-problems/

I encourage you to read the messages in this discussion as @maxann @maisie2 @pizon @littlesnowflake52 @AlwaysHopeful @gailg have shared insights and experiences that I think you’ll find useful.

@fromwoundedness, what is your biggest concern?

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@kanaazpereira

Welcome to Connect, @fromwoundedness,

Having three surgeries in a short period of time must have surely taken its toll on you! Thank you for joining us and bringing your concerns here. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion because I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to the many members who have discussed much of what you may experiencing.
If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you can read through some of the earlier messages and meet some of our other members talking about their or their loved ones' experiences.

We have several other discussions where members have shared their experiences with bladder surgery/prolapse surgery. You may wish to read through the conversations in:
- recurrent bladder infections after prolapse surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recurrent-bladder-infections-after-prolapse-surgery/
- Recurring bladder problems https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recurring-bladder-problems/

I encourage you to read the messages in this discussion as @maxann @maisie2 @pizon @littlesnowflake52 @AlwaysHopeful @gailg have shared insights and experiences that I think you’ll find useful.

@fromwoundedness, what is your biggest concern?

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Possible endometrial cancer. Possible hysterectomy.

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Hello, I had the bladder lifted by stitching no mesh 1 yr ago next week, I also had ligaments sewn together to help hold everything up. It was performed by a uro gyn very good ratings top notch dr. in this field. I have felt like I am sitting on a ball ever scince many return visits to him and my gyn. Stating at one visited to him pelvic floor muscle spasm's back to p/t...then it was you have I/c and back problems I went to a back dr that referred me to a chiropractor because my back was not in that bad of shape...went on marshmallow root tea with slipper elm that took care of the so called I/c, then a cat scan found 2 hernia one on each side and am now 6 weeks out of that surgery ( did not take care of the problem) now referred to a gyn that speclizes in vag disorders now stated problem with the predundal nerve back in p/t....I was stage 2 the surgery was a success however I feel worse then I did before the surgery I can't work because I can't sit for long periods of time so I have had 2 surgery's in the past year and know how you feel. I am not a fan of the medical profession and how I feel confirms it I will not have any more surgery's I am 57 and before I prolapsed (which I did all at once) I was a very active and vibrant person .... now it's all I can do to walk 3/4 of a mile...with every surgery I feel worse once I feel better I will probley have to go out of state to another uro gyn...only one practice in my state and they do not allow you to see other dr.'s in the practice...if I were you I would get another opion (or 2) before I would let them cut into you again is there anyway you could get the mesh out? Do they think the mesh is the problem? I wish I had more advise I can only share my story and tell you I wish I never had this surgery I really did feel better before it....I will keep you in my prayers good luck

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