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osteoporosis and pelvic prolapse
I am wondering if any women in this discussion group struggle with pelvic floor prolapse and osteoporosis. I have both. If so has anyone had prolapse surgery? since weight training is so important for osteoporosis I am wondering how you have navigated that with prolapse concerns? Can we start a discussion with those of us who have both concerns? I am hoping I am not alone in my struggle with both.
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I'm struggling with those problems too. My family doctor has referred me to these specialists, and I now have an appointment with a Gynecologist this month and an Endocrinologist next month. I'm also seeing an Orthopedic specialist. I'm a 35-year survivor of breast cancer and am 78 years old. I learned a long time ago to put my personal "A Team" together for all the help I can get. I also use a lot of good nutrition books for advice. I hope you and I get expert help and advice and start feeling better soon.
A year ago, at age 68 I found I had a vaginal prolapse in addition to my osteoporosis. I could feel the prolapse in the vaginal area and impacted my activity. As soon as I discovered the prolapse, I stopped working with weight machines, walking 3 miles daily, and Osteostrong. I was able to get an appointment right away with a gynecologist and also discussed in detail with my primary care person. Every individual's situation is different (and for me, I was told I did not "cause" the prolapse with the weight machines. These weight machines were seated, for example chest press, lateral pull down, shoulder press, etc.)
After the visit with the gynecologist and primary care person, I did begin walking 3 miles a day but at a slower, steady pace. In addition, I attended a series of physical therapy appointments with someone who specialized in pelvic floor health to learn correct exercises I could do for my situation.
I researched and continued to self-limit myself with weight machines and Osteostrong due to my concerns and worry about making anything worse. I wanted another opinion and double check on continuing with the weight machines. It took months to get in, but I saw another doctor (urogynecologist) for another prolapse opinion. With this doctor I decided to have surgery to have the prolapse repaired, (and for my situation, it was approved to work with seated weight machines). All of these appointments and surgery schedule took about a year, and 7 weeks ago I had the surgical repair.
I am very happy with the result and have no regrets! I am being careful with a slow and steady recovery and look forward to being as active as I was prior to the discovery of the prolapse. My post surgery appointments have been going very well.
Did you ever feel like your bladder was never empty or the urge of urine before and or after surgery
My urinary problems were moderate. There was occasional leakage and often urge to urinate. I did not feel like the bladder was never empty. Rather, I was more uncomfortable of constant "feeling" the prolapse and/or heaviness in the vaginal area. After surgery, I do not feel the prolapse anymore (because it is not there) and no leakage so far. I haven't thought about urgency now until you asked me about it.
I did find that the physical therapy by someone who specializes in pelvic floor area was extremely helpful to me. My symptoms improved but never gone after physical therapy, while the prolapse remained in place. I was thankful for that.