@lisalucier Wow, there is a wealth of information here, thank you for involving me.

I have seen a urogynecologist at MGH two times for urinary incontinence. I presume that is from a prolapsed bladder. The first thing she recommends is PT, there are specialists in PT who deal with urinary incontinence. Basically the PT teaches you umpteen ways to do Kegels -- walking, sitting, when you arise from sitting, and so on and so on. The doctor has also prescribed a drug for me, trospium. I am just finally picking it up today, it took forever to get the doctor and pharmacy to coordinate for a pre-approval. It's a fairly new drug so will cost me a bit more than my other prescriptions, about $57 a month. If it helps though it is worth it.

So far there has been no mention of surgery, except to possibly to repair a rectocele which is related to fecal incontinence not urinary incontinence. I never had a problem with that until I got on immunosuppressants and now I do. Mine is exacerbated by eating certain foods -- healthy foods, like oatmeal, strawberries, blueberries, and salads!. I am still trying to get a more definite feel for what I can and cannot eat. I was having wonderful salads every day for lunch with lettuce, strawberries, chicken, and goat cheese so I have stopped them. I am beginning to suspect the berries are the biggest cause of my soft stools. With a rectocele, some of the fecal matter gets caught in what's sort of a hernia, and then since it is soft, can seep out later. I do also have weak anal muscles though, does the surgery help that?

No mention has been made of a pessary. I guess that's something I should ask about. What exactly does a pessary do? I don't think my urinary incontinence is the type that can be helped with surgery, it is urge incontinence. I do need to address the other problem though. She wants me to see my gastro first and have some tests to get a better definition of exactly what is wrong.

I have shared here more than I have shared with ANYONE. I find this to be a rather embarrassing topic so it is nice to have people to share with who have similar problems. I am discouraged that the recovery from surgery takes so long.
JK

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