The Next Phase of WomanhoodAre you a curious what the next phase of life will be like, or are you already there? This forum will be for discussion of the Crone phase of life, filled with wisdom and new challenges. Come in and talk about your experiences and fears, your joys and hopes.
So I had a hysterectomy 6 1/2 years ago, it was a vaginal hysterectomy. I had also given birth to 4 wonderful kids...
I have had a rectocele for a number of years, and have to support it (by inserting a finger into my vagina) in order to have a bowel movement.
I noticed slowly a bulging on the top side of my vagina, and knew it was a cystocele, or my bladder slowly protruding into my vagina.
All of my research tells me that it is a dysfunction of the pelvic floor, no amount of Kegels will fix it or stop it. ( am/was a kegel fanatic, taught it during my childbirth classes, reminded people,,that was not a problem) Quite likely the support structure of my pelvic floor was damaged during the vaginal hysterectomy.
What I am wondering is if anyone else has had surgery to repair the pelvic floor. I am dreading the idea of another surgery, and I know that the recovery from this can be long. The abdominal surgery with the larger incision seems to have better success long term than a laparascopic surgery.
I feel so gross, sex is painful, and the sensitive tissues that rub on my underwear always cause itching and discomfort. I really want to feel normal again.
I have had a cystocele since my 3rd baby (10#-10oz), which has made considerable improvement over the years. I'm not diligent at all on doing kegals, so I can't attribute it to gaining improvement. Like all things that go awry in our bodies, I think that an imbalance or depletion of minerals and other nutrients, may cause saggy muscles and skin. I know that I am one who didn't start to really take my health seriously, until it was almost too late.
However, as far as your question is concerned, I have no advice for you about surgery. Only you know what is necessary for your body. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.
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My 1st Granddaughter - Kiera Marie @ 1 week old
Born: 6-4-08; one day after my Olivia's 6th B-Day!
I have been dealing with a prolapsed uterus (since 2 weeks after I had S). My doctor told me that you don't just want an obgyn doing pelvic floor surgery, find someone who specializes in it. My ex MIL had the surgery with very good results. You might want to check out this site it is anti surgery but has some good information. The Whole Woman
Luckily my situation seems to be improving over time. I am sorry that you are dealing with this. I hope you find answers and get back to feeling like yourself.
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~Gael~
Mom to Grace 11 and Santino 5 months
Location: True health flows from loving relationships, good food, time spent in nature, daily hugs, inner work, meaningful work and breathing thankfully for the richness of this life.-Kate Gilday
Posts: 22,735
Huge hugs to you. Just dealing with prolapse issues this year big time....from hyster and cancer treatment.
There are kegals that do help. Look on my blog
herbwyfe.blogspot.com for the insane ritual.
I have actually heard good things about doing this many in repitition. I know it is helping me so far, but I dont have a recto or cysto cele yet-I just completely lost tone in my pelvic floor.
It is frightening, makes you feel depressed and unattractive. I am amazed at just how our emotions and our pelvic floor are connected.
I actually have only heard good things about surgery of the pelvic floor so maybe it is not as bad as it seems.
I am so happy to see you mama. I asked about you around here about a month ago.
I have been dealing with a prolapsed uterus (since 2 weeks after I had S). My doctor told me that you don't just want an obgyn doing pelvic floor surgery, find someone who specializes in it. My ex MIL had the surgery with very good results. You might want to check out this site it is anti surgery but has some good information. 
Tawnya, your memory lives on in your children.
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