I had the Colpocleisis surgery on March 16. I’m now 3 weeks post-op. My bladder prolapse had progressed to the point I was not leaving the house much, and spent a lot of time sitting down. Was getting pretty depressed. Prior to this I was very active, working outdoors, riding horses and bikes, and traveling. My life pretty much ground to a halt. Last spring I could use a Gelhorn pessary, but then it came out and somehow it never fit or worked right again. I was told I also had a rectocele, though I wasn’t aware of it. Very uncomfortable to stand or walk because of the pressure and pulling and sharp friction at the vaginal entrance. I did 3 months of pelvic floor therapy, but the prolapse just dropped even more during that time. I’m 73, and though my husband and I have a lovely sex life, we agreed quality of life is more important, and sex is about more than penetration. I knew I wanted this surgery rather than having reconstructive surgery fail time and again, plus the safety of this surgery and easier recovery time. And mostly I just wanted it FIXED once and for all so I can get my life back. I did opt for the transobdurator sling due to leaking slightly during the pre-op test — although I’ve never had incontinence in my life! Woke up after surgery feeling great. Peed fine, so they took out the catheter. Went home and recovery has been easy. Bled quite a bit at first, but by morning that was just spotting. Burns at first to pee, but that only lasts 48 hours. Have to be careful how you sit, but that’s way better by day five. Didn’t even need Tylenol by day five. It’s a miracle surgery, it’s amazing to feel like all your organs are actually firm and secure up in your body! That there’s a “floor”, and everything is being held up. I find myself walking around just for the joy of it, just because I CAN! Now at three weeks I just feel very slight discomfort, which I’m sure is just the stitches and healing process. Looking forward to being able to do things again once healing is complete! Hardest thing is reminding myself not to lift anything or exercise. I did have pretty significant incontinence in the first 2-3 days, but that’s gotten a lot better. Just wear a light pad now “in case”, and for continued very light spotting. Very happy with the result so far!
I have used a pessary for a number of years. The first one began coming out, so I went without it for a while, but my prolapse was bad enough that the bulging tissue stuck to my underwear and I would have to peel it away frequently to get up from sitting, and the tissue was irritated and looking red. My gynecologist referred me to the head of female pelvic medicine at a hospital, asking that I be seen right away. She was not available so quickly, so I got a next-day appointment with a doctor in the same group. He fitted me with a pessary two sizes larger, which I still use. There have been some downsides to the pessary: there is a discharge, which is somewhat messy and odor-producing, so I have to use a light liner pad and change it several times a day; it has also irritated tissue, sometimes causing a sore or bleeding. The bleeding had to be checked out via ultrasound and hysteroscopy. A polyp was removed, and no malignancy was found. I was told to take a vacation from the pessary to let the sore heal, and it didn't heal so quickly, so I was without it for some time. Without the pessary, I felt tremendous pressure, a sense of needing to urinate almost all the time, but not always being able to do so. This seemed to inflame the nerves in my pelvic area, my arms, hands, and legs, which was almost unbearable. Also, I wasn't always able to empty my bladder completely. And I could have episodes of incontinence a short time after being unable to urinate. Out of desperation, I went back to using the pesssary, but it kept coming out whenever I went for an exercise walk. It was okay around the house, going grocery shopping, to an appointment, but it kept coming out during sustained exercise walking. A larger pessary was tried twice, but was found to be too large. Maybe I had lost my skill in inserting the pessary during the long vacation from it, but I seem to have regained the ability. I push up the bulging tissue, which the doc claims is the vaginal wall, before I insert it, and now it stays in again for exercise walking. I also use gloves to remove it, and put a drop of KY Jelly on the two fingers I use. I notice at times in the shower that some of the prolapsed tissue bulges over the side of the pessary, and I push it back up. With the pessary in, I feel like a person, but it may not be a long-term solution. Also, I may not always have the dexterity to insert and remove it. I am 83, and I have arthritis in various body parts, including some of my fingers.
During the pandemic, I was afraid to go anywhere, including to the urogynecologist who was treating me, which involved a half-hour drive and going into an elevator building. When I learned that the same medical group was sending one of its doctors to the medical center in my retirement community once a month, I opted to see that doctor in the medical center across the street rather than risk greater exposure of myself and the two people I live with before any of us were vaccinated. This brought about some confusion over who was my doctor, but that is a separate story. (Both doctors are associate professors at a university hospital and are involved in research.) In April, my former next-door neighbor, who is perhaps 6 years younger than me, just had the surgery, which essentially shortens the vagina, bringing the walls together, along with a hysterectomy done vaginally. She is very happy with the results. Now she can comfortably travel to visit her daughter out of town. Of course, this surgery is an option only for women who are not sexually active. Colpocleisis is an obliterative, rather than a reconstructive surgery. I'm sure you've heard that some unlucky women who had reconstructive surgery with a certain type of mesh had problems, infections, and even died. Several years ago, I read about a doctor in Israel who was studying the use of stem cells to treat prolapse. The problem with surgery, he said, is that it often has to be repeated. I think this whole topic needs more open discussion. It's not something people are comfortable talking about. I also consulted a retired gynecologist who is a friend, and he is encouraging. I'm supposed to have a procedure called urodynamics, to gain more information for the surgeon, in a few days. That's about all I can write now.
Hi @lisalucier, @hopeful33250, @sharnie.
It's been a while since I've posted. Turns out that my UTI started right after surgery but with all the other symptons the DRS over looked it saying everything looked normal. Took the antibotics for a week and continued to have symptons. My OBGYN wanted my Primary DR to hand everything so my primary dr got envolved on Dec 31, 2024 did another urine test and it came back negetative. So she started my on estradiol cream 1g for the 1st 7 days. I'm on day 5 and seem to be having not problems. Once the 1st 7 days are over I'll be using the cream 2 times a week. I just wish the surgeon and my obgyn would have been more concerned about my symptons instead of saying everything looked normal. Thank you for listening to my conerns. Sue
Not sure if this is the right way to do this, but I'm trying to decide whether to do the Colpocleisis or another Sacrocolpopexy. I did my first surgery with a hysterectomy with both a bladder and rectal prolapse repair without mesh. It didn't hold for very long and it was terribly painful given the fact I wasn't able to use pain meds. I recently learned that the stitch that was used actually caused my sense of urinary urgency, which I never had previously. I recently was given Gemtesa and the estrogen cream for my vagina to see if that helps with urgency, although Gemtesa is outrageously expensive and causing constipation. I suffer from bouts of diverticulitis, so having constipation can lead to more problems. I also have a theory that the fact my colon isn't in the proper place exacerbates diverticulitis.
I've read about all of the problems with mesh and am dubious a second surgery will be sufficient to handle my problem given the fact the first didn't work. Magee Women's Research is working on stem cell mesh, but I don't think it's in use yet. I've read that it is a chronic problem and there might be a need for a third surgery down the road. The thought of needing an additional surgery for this is unbearable. I used a pessary for a number of years and it no longer works for me. Everything I've read states the Colpocleisis procedure is more successful, but it's permanent and I'm a young 70 years old and making a decision to give up intercourse for the rest of my life is a big one.
I would greatly appreciate any advice and am very curious to hear from women who have been living with this procedure for many years and whether they have subsequent problems. The doctors quote percentages of success, but does that reflect a few months after surgery or years after?
I had LeFort type Colpocleisis surgery 3 weeks ago. (I am 75 years old.) The surgery has already helped several of my problems that I had prior. I was wanting to know from others who might have had this surgery approximately how long I might expect to have discomfort from the stitches and the surgery itself? Other than my very sore "bottom" I feel very good!
I had the urodynamics procedure and it was more of a discomfort than painful. The PA and nurse who performed it were so nice and made me comfortable. I did not have it done lying down but rather on a special chair with a cutout so if you gush, which at a point I did, it goes on the floor onto towels. It's sterile water that they keep putting in to see if it comes out when you cough. Although fake coughing is nothing like real coughing. But I eventually failed the test and the water came flooding out. So now the surgeon is wanting to put in a mesh mid urethral sling at the same time as my hysterectomy and colpocleisis surgery. I'm not sure if I want to have mesh put in due to it's ability to corrode. Hoping some women will post if they have had to make the decision to have the mid urethral sling and how long has it lasted.
Thank you for your information. What is amazing for me and that’s why so many flags went up. I never had any bladder issues they did the test and then said I had bladder leakage! I have strong urination. No leakage no witness no dampness and then she’s gonna tell me that I need a bladder sling. I’m going to get a second opinion.
I too did not pass the urodynamics test for stress urinary incontinence even though I only need a panty liner. I am planning on having a total colpocleisis with hysterectomy at the end of October. My prolapse is severe. I am 76yrs old and having angst about whether or not to do the mid urethral sling for incontinence. Also wondering if it can be done later if I choose not to add the sling at time of hysterectomy and colpocleisis. Looking for anyone's thoughts or experiences with this.
The comment I am referring to was much more recent, perhaps in the past month or two. I was interested because the colpocleisis surgery is one that is being considered for me.
Hi @lisalucier, @hopeful33250, @sharnie.
It's been a while since I've posted. Turns out that my UTI started right after surgery but with all the other symptons the DRS over looked it saying everything looked normal. Took the antibotics for a week and continued to have symptons. My OBGYN wanted my Primary DR to hand everything so my primary dr got envolved on Dec 31, 2024 did another urine test and it came back negetative. So she started my on estradiol cream 1g for the 1st 7 days. I'm on day 5 and seem to be having not problems. Once the 1st 7 days are over I'll be using the cream 2 times a week. I just wish the surgeon and my obgyn would have been more concerned about my symptons instead of saying everything looked normal. Thank you for listening to my conerns. Sue
Update from Post Op Day 2 -3-4. DAY 2 - too sore to sit comfortably. Ate standing at the kitchen counter. Bowels started to move, slowly but not too painful. Thank goodness for the stool softener. Took a couple short walks down the hall. Stings less when I pee. Still spotting. Whole body feels tight from carefully lowering myself on the toilet, into a chair or bed. Warm shower at bedtime helped. Maintaining the schedule with pain meds. DAY 3 - bad day!!! Got up dizzy, clammy, weak. Abdominal pain that wasn't there the day before. Got pain meds (and food) in me and went back to bed. Inflammatory response usually peaks on the 3rd day, so not totally unexpected. No fever, BP was fine. It eased as the day went on. Several naps. Still tough to sit comfortably but stinging was much better. DAY 4 (today) - sitting is better! Can sit down without carefully lowering myself into the seat. Still spotting. Bowels are moving and will back off on one of the meds for that. Just a teeny bit of tummy upset. Sat outside on the porch for fresh air and sunshine. Washed my hair and got dressed in loose, comfortable clothes today. Took a little longer walk. Getting better each day. To clarify for those who are comparing to their own experience, my surgeon is a uro-gynecologist. Same day surgery. No antibiotics after the surgery (only IV during). Just taking it slow. Permission to be a lazy person.
Tomorrow I go for my 2 weeks post-op appt with the surgeon. Just to complete the description, here are highlights from the last week. That "teeny bit of tummy upset" turned into nausea and vomiting the next morning -- THAT pressure on the lower regions was painful and caused slight uptick in spotting. Took the nausea Rx once and cleared it up. Bowels got very soft so cut back on the BM meds. Each day the soreness eased (not sitting on pillows) so I eased back on Tylenol doses, spotting almost gone, daily walks helped me feel more normal. Then, one week out I was constipated. Cranked up the BM meds, daily fiber drink, prunes, high fiber foods. Got regular again in a couple days. At the same time I got a wicked UTI!! No surprise since UTIs are associated with catheterization, but if the OR uses the top sterile protocols this doesn't need to happen. You will assume this is the case in a hospital OR but not necessarily so. They put the catheter in before surgery, took it out to put the camera in to look at my bladder, then put the catheter back in. That alone increases the chances. I will ask my doctor why they didn't send me home on antibiotics, given all that. My question to start that conversation is "What are the infection rates for this procedure at this hospital?" Hospitals track that kind of stuff. Yes, PAINFUL to pee but the fix is antibiotics (nitrofurantoin, ideal for UTI) and lots of fluid and cranberry juice -- the ultimate catch-22... peeing more but hurts to pee. Stinging pain was reduced after a few days on the meds. Wishing I could soak in the bathtub, but not supposed to bend or lift for 6 weeks, so getting in and out would be a trick for me. Hot tips: Used moist towelettes to wipe. Pyridium tablets (OTC), an analgesic pain reliever for UTI (pee turns orange). Using a cold pack wrapped in a wash cloth between my legs to calm the urethra swelling. I am lucky to have a sister who is an RN and a nursing professor! Today I feel pretty good, everything seems to be under control. Will start easing back more on Tylenol doses and ibuprofen after the doc appt. This procedure has not been easy, but so far if the worst is over in 2 weeks then it will be well worth it. I am grateful I could clear my calendar and focus on self-care for that time period. Reminder: I had the modified Le Forte Colpocleisis, posterior repair with high Levatorplasty, and Cystoscopy. No hysterectomy. Just so you can compare apples to apples.
I have been advised to have a Colpocleisis surgery and have an appointment in a few months. I am concerned that my skilled doc is not being fully open about the negatives. I am very drug sensitive and allergic to some antibiotics. In reading experiences here I see that some patients have developed infections that seem difficult to treat. I avoid invasive treatments due to my deep fear of antibiotics. So I have a trade off... future problems with the prolapse or possible deadly anaphylaxis. The doc is highly skilled but has also seemed paternal. Advice?
I hear you! Have you considered a second opinion to find a surgeon more tuned to your concerns? Especially one who will specifically discuss the antibiotics they use during the surgery and may prescribe after for various complications like UTI? Have you explored all the non-invasive approaches to prolapse like pessaries and physical therapy? Best of luck. You are your own best advocate!!
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I had the Colpocleisis surgery on March 16. I’m now 3 weeks post-op. My bladder prolapse had progressed to the point I was not leaving the house much, and spent a lot of time sitting down. Was getting pretty depressed. Prior to this I was very active, working outdoors, riding horses and bikes, and traveling. My life pretty much ground to a halt. Last spring I could use a Gelhorn pessary, but then it came out and somehow it never fit or worked right again. I was told I also had a rectocele, though I wasn’t aware of it. Very uncomfortable to stand or walk because of the pressure and pulling and sharp friction at the vaginal entrance. I did 3 months of pelvic floor therapy, but the prolapse just dropped even more during that time. I’m 73, and though my husband and I have a lovely sex life, we agreed quality of life is more important, and sex is about more than penetration. I knew I wanted this surgery rather than having reconstructive surgery fail time and again, plus the safety of this surgery and easier recovery time. And mostly I just wanted it FIXED once and for all so I can get my life back. I did opt for the transobdurator sling due to leaking slightly during the pre-op test — although I’ve never had incontinence in my life! Woke up after surgery feeling great. Peed fine, so they took out the catheter. Went home and recovery has been easy. Bled quite a bit at first, but by morning that was just spotting. Burns at first to pee, but that only lasts 48 hours. Have to be careful how you sit, but that’s way better by day five. Didn’t even need Tylenol by day five. It’s a miracle surgery, it’s amazing to feel like all your organs are actually firm and secure up in your body! That there’s a “floor”, and everything is being held up. I find myself walking around just for the joy of it, just because I CAN! Now at three weeks I just feel very slight discomfort, which I’m sure is just the stitches and healing process. Looking forward to being able to do things again once healing is complete! Hardest thing is reminding myself not to lift anything or exercise. I did have pretty significant incontinence in the first 2-3 days, but that’s gotten a lot better. Just wear a light pad now “in case”, and for continued very light spotting. Very happy with the result so far!
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2 Reactions@luftmensh1
I use a layer of thick cocoa butter vaseline on a pad to stop any chafing or bleeding. I've been doing that for a couple of years now.
@csues
Not sure if this is the right way to do this, but I'm trying to decide whether to do the Colpocleisis or another Sacrocolpopexy. I did my first surgery with a hysterectomy with both a bladder and rectal prolapse repair without mesh. It didn't hold for very long and it was terribly painful given the fact I wasn't able to use pain meds. I recently learned that the stitch that was used actually caused my sense of urinary urgency, which I never had previously. I recently was given Gemtesa and the estrogen cream for my vagina to see if that helps with urgency, although Gemtesa is outrageously expensive and causing constipation. I suffer from bouts of diverticulitis, so having constipation can lead to more problems. I also have a theory that the fact my colon isn't in the proper place exacerbates diverticulitis.
I've read about all of the problems with mesh and am dubious a second surgery will be sufficient to handle my problem given the fact the first didn't work. Magee Women's Research is working on stem cell mesh, but I don't think it's in use yet. I've read that it is a chronic problem and there might be a need for a third surgery down the road. The thought of needing an additional surgery for this is unbearable. I used a pessary for a number of years and it no longer works for me. Everything I've read states the Colpocleisis procedure is more successful, but it's permanent and I'm a young 70 years old and making a decision to give up intercourse for the rest of my life is a big one.
I would greatly appreciate any advice and am very curious to hear from women who have been living with this procedure for many years and whether they have subsequent problems. The doctors quote percentages of success, but does that reflect a few months after surgery or years after?
I had LeFort type Colpocleisis surgery 3 weeks ago. (I am 75 years old.) The surgery has already helped several of my problems that I had prior. I was wanting to know from others who might have had this surgery approximately how long I might expect to have discomfort from the stitches and the surgery itself? Other than my very sore "bottom" I feel very good!
I had the urodynamics procedure and it was more of a discomfort than painful. The PA and nurse who performed it were so nice and made me comfortable. I did not have it done lying down but rather on a special chair with a cutout so if you gush, which at a point I did, it goes on the floor onto towels. It's sterile water that they keep putting in to see if it comes out when you cough. Although fake coughing is nothing like real coughing. But I eventually failed the test and the water came flooding out. So now the surgeon is wanting to put in a mesh mid urethral sling at the same time as my hysterectomy and colpocleisis surgery. I'm not sure if I want to have mesh put in due to it's ability to corrode. Hoping some women will post if they have had to make the decision to have the mid urethral sling and how long has it lasted.
I too did not pass the urodynamics test for stress urinary incontinence even though I only need a panty liner. I am planning on having a total colpocleisis with hysterectomy at the end of October. My prolapse is severe. I am 76yrs old and having angst about whether or not to do the mid urethral sling for incontinence. Also wondering if it can be done later if I choose not to add the sling at time of hysterectomy and colpocleisis. Looking for anyone's thoughts or experiences with this.
I’m having this surgery tomorrow
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2 ReactionsHi @lisalucier, @hopeful33250, @sharnie.
It's been a while since I've posted. Turns out that my UTI started right after surgery but with all the other symptons the DRS over looked it saying everything looked normal. Took the antibotics for a week and continued to have symptons. My OBGYN wanted my Primary DR to hand everything so my primary dr got envolved on Dec 31, 2024 did another urine test and it came back negetative. So she started my on estradiol cream 1g for the 1st 7 days. I'm on day 5 and seem to be having not problems. Once the 1st 7 days are over I'll be using the cream 2 times a week. I just wish the surgeon and my obgyn would have been more concerned about my symptons instead of saying everything looked normal. Thank you for listening to my conerns. Sue
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3 ReactionsTomorrow I go for my 2 weeks post-op appt with the surgeon. Just to complete the description, here are highlights from the last week. That "teeny bit of tummy upset" turned into nausea and vomiting the next morning -- THAT pressure on the lower regions was painful and caused slight uptick in spotting. Took the nausea Rx once and cleared it up. Bowels got very soft so cut back on the BM meds. Each day the soreness eased (not sitting on pillows) so I eased back on Tylenol doses, spotting almost gone, daily walks helped me feel more normal. Then, one week out I was constipated. Cranked up the BM meds, daily fiber drink, prunes, high fiber foods. Got regular again in a couple days. At the same time I got a wicked UTI!! No surprise since UTIs are associated with catheterization, but if the OR uses the top sterile protocols this doesn't need to happen. You will assume this is the case in a hospital OR but not necessarily so. They put the catheter in before surgery, took it out to put the camera in to look at my bladder, then put the catheter back in. That alone increases the chances. I will ask my doctor why they didn't send me home on antibiotics, given all that. My question to start that conversation is "What are the infection rates for this procedure at this hospital?" Hospitals track that kind of stuff. Yes, PAINFUL to pee but the fix is antibiotics (nitrofurantoin, ideal for UTI) and lots of fluid and cranberry juice -- the ultimate catch-22... peeing more but hurts to pee. Stinging pain was reduced after a few days on the meds. Wishing I could soak in the bathtub, but not supposed to bend or lift for 6 weeks, so getting in and out would be a trick for me. Hot tips: Used moist towelettes to wipe. Pyridium tablets (OTC), an analgesic pain reliever for UTI (pee turns orange). Using a cold pack wrapped in a wash cloth between my legs to calm the urethra swelling. I am lucky to have a sister who is an RN and a nursing professor! Today I feel pretty good, everything seems to be under control. Will start easing back more on Tylenol doses and ibuprofen after the doc appt. This procedure has not been easy, but so far if the worst is over in 2 weeks then it will be well worth it. I am grateful I could clear my calendar and focus on self-care for that time period. Reminder: I had the modified Le Forte Colpocleisis, posterior repair with high Levatorplasty, and Cystoscopy. No hysterectomy. Just so you can compare apples to apples.
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1 ReactionI hear you! Have you considered a second opinion to find a surgeon more tuned to your concerns? Especially one who will specifically discuss the antibiotics they use during the surgery and may prescribe after for various complications like UTI? Have you explored all the non-invasive approaches to prolapse like pessaries and physical therapy? Best of luck. You are your own best advocate!!