I was told to use an estrogen cream vaginally twice a week, which I have been doing. Supposedly, it is more benign in that form. However, many years ago, a doctor said that it still gets into the bloodstream. I mentioned that to my urogynecologist, and he did not agree with that. I could ask my long-term gynecologist for his opinion.

I had the surgery at age 83, and I am now 85. I have severe osteoarthritis of the entire spine and my right shoulder, which causes me considerable pain on certain movements. I also have scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) and stenosis ( a narrowing of the spinal column). My last dexa scan showed osteopenia. I have lost considerable height and am no longer able to remain fully upright when walking, so these are some issues that I'm dealing with. I'm trying to figure out what can be improved, risks and benefits of any treatment, and what I have to learn to live with. I do go to a chair exercise class, ride a stationary recumbent bike, and can use an elliptical machine. I also can try walking poles, which have been adjusted to compensate for my curvature. I don't think these things are necessarily related to my surgery.