Calling All Women - Vaginal Prolapse - As We Get Older.....the risks increase

[PaddockWood]

So I’d never been warned about heavy lifting and as we age the risk of bladder, uterine or rectal hernia and dropping down out of the opening. Given how hard horse women work and especially when you have a farm or work at the barn. We’re in the middle of a huge construction project and the most physically demanding in my life. I’m 57, fit, not over weight and thought I was doing well through this.

So last night I notice something not right “down there” and get a mirror and holy *(@! what is that? See my doc today and he warns me no more heavy lifting - dx cystocele. That doesn’t work for this lifestyle. So I start thinking of all my friends and family younger that me that they need to be mindful to avoid this.

Can we talk about this? I’ve come to the conclusion today that getting a pessary is first order of business to help hold things right? My doc just suggested it was something I could consider. And if things got worse a hysterectomy might be needed.

[KBC]

Hands up all those who read this and found themselves doing Kegels exercises without even thinking:D

Not a subject I have come across, lucky me, so keen to find out more.

[Redlei44]

I do not have firsthand experience to share, but in your situation I might go back to the doctor and assure them that indefinite stall rest is not going to suit, so you’d appreciate a little more information about options going forward (rather than just a “something to consider” comment). You might also get a second opinion with another specialist.

I have read very good things about pelvic floor therapy - it can apparently work miracles for post-birth complications and physio-sexual issues. So you might look into finding a pelvic therapy provider as well.

Thank you for sharing - I am perhaps a few years away from this but I am glad to know about the risk.

[kayray]

While I have not dealt with this, my daughter did last year after a very difficult birth. The pessary did not work for her due to extensive scar tissue from a 4th degree tear, but many have success. Physical therapy, though rather unpleasant, did help. You do need to find someone skilled with this specific issue, not all PT’s will have the skill set. Best of luck finding a solution that works for you!

[Bluey]

I had that problem six months after starting exercising hard in a local gym.
Doctor said, “it figures”.
He sees many older women having that problem after they decide to go at it hard with exercise.
There was a strange mass in there, so we went for total pelvic floor reconstruction surgery.
Get it over, get everything stitched back in place and good to go.
I have a lifetime restriction on pulling, pushing or lifting too much.
Dollies and carts are your friend, easy to manage, just be smart.

For me, the real problem after all was not the gym, really, but that mass.
He was thinking a tumor, it was some intestines that had herniated and were not supposed to be there!
That probably is what pushed it all down.
They could have caused their own problem, colicking like a horse.
He fixed it all, took twice as long as expected, recovery was swift, he was a magician, really.

Now years down the road, all still in place, all working well.
One advantage, those intestines are in place now, but as the gastroenterologist said, when he tried to do a colonoscopy later, everything in there was too “twisty”, a new medical term, to get very far, so no more of those for me.

Best to find a really good gynecological surgeon, very experienced and do what they tell you.
They may recommend other than surgery, that is but one more option.

[hoopoe]

Have you seen a uro-gynocologist? If not get there for their opinion!!!. This is their specialty area

I went last year for what is called pelvic floor dysfunction and boy am I glad I did. The pelvic floor is a very complex area and these specialists know all about the muscles and ligaments that hold everything up , in and together.

There may be appropriate therapies and exercises that can help your particular situation.

[PaddockWood]

@KBC

Hands up all those who read this and found themselves doing Kegels exercises without even thinking:D

Not a subject I have come across, lucky me, so keen to find out more.

OMG that was a true LOL. Yes, it’s no wonder I don’t have a charlie horse going yet. I’ve got mine in basic training! Yes, we need to be talking about this subject.

[PaddockWood]

@Redlei44

I do not have firsthand experience to share, but in your situation I might go back to the doctor and assure them that indefinite stall rest is not going to suit, so you’d appreciate a little more information about options going forward (rather than just a “something to consider” comment). You might also get a second opinion with another specialist.

I have read very good things about pelvic floor therapy - it can apparently work miracles for post-birth complications and physio-sexual issues. So you might look into finding a pelvic therapy provider as well.

Thank you for sharing - I am perhaps a few years away from this but I am glad to know about the risk.

Thank you so much - I WILL find a pelvic floor therapist - great idea.

[PaddockWood]

@kayray

While I have not dealt with this, my daughter did last year after a very difficult birth. The pessary did not work for her due to extensive scar tissue from a 4th degree tear, but many have success. Physical therapy, though rather unpleasant, did help. You do need to find someone skilled with this specific issue, not all PT’s will have the skill set. Best of luck finding a solution that works for you!

Unpleasant? Please do tell? What is that?

[PaddockWood]

@Bluey

I had that problem six months after starting exercising hard in a local gym.
Doctor said, “it figures”.
He sees many older women having that problem after they decide to go at it hard with exercise.
There was a strange mass in there, so we went for total pelvic floor reconstruction surgery.
Get it over, get everything stitched back in place and good to go.
I have a lifetime restriction on pulling, pushing or lifting too much.
Dollies and carts are your friend, easy to manage, just be smart.

For me, the real problem after all was not the gym, really, but that mass.
He was thinking a tumor, it was some intestines that had herniated and were not supposed to be there!
That probably is what pushed it all down.
They could have caused their own problem, colicking like a horse.
He fixed it all, took twice as long as expected, recovery was swift, he was a magician, really.

Now years down the road, all still in place, all working well.
One advantage, those intestines are in place now, but as the gastroenterologist said, when he tried to do a colonoscopy later, everything in there was too “twisty”, a new medical term, to get very far, so no more of those for me.

Best to find a really good gynecological surgeon, very experienced and do what they tell you.
They may recommend other than surgery, that is but one more option.

I did read past threads on the subject and came across your story and appreciate the dolly and hay hook idea. Please do share any other tips and ideas to manage. Thank you Bluey.

[PaddockWood]

@hoopoe

Have you seen a uro-gynocologist? If not get there for their opinion!!!. This is their specialty area

I went last year for what is called pelvic floor dysfunction and boy am I glad I did. The pelvic floor is a very complex area and these specialists know all about the muscles and ligaments that hold everything up , in and together.

There may be appropriate therapies and exercises that can help your particular situation.

Thank you - have never heard of a Uro-gyno and will find one.

[hoopoe]

@PaddockWood

Thank you so much - I WILL find a pelvic floor therapist - great idea.

I went through Pelvic floor therapy with a therapist I was referred to by the Urogynocologist .

www.augs.org

https://www.voicesforpfd.org/about/w…ogynecologist/

start with the doctor and find out what therapy might be available for your diagnosis. My doctor during her exam commented how tight my hips were and I told her yes, my riding trainer had the same complaint.

Some people might consider the therapy I had “unpleasant” or embarrassing but it took me from barely able to stand up to back pulling my 30 pound bow in 2 months. For your particular situation I dont know what they would offer you. Mine was tight muscles in spasm. Therapy was pressure release technique combined with proper breathing. Pressure was exerted vaginally by a qualified female therapist At home there were simple exercises to engage the core and lower abdomen, very simple.

there is no reason to be embarrassed by any of this and no need to go through it with bad advice. If they did not I am sorry your doctor did not recommend a UG consultation. You will likely find a UG attached to a local medical center. I was referred by my GP after an US screening which ruled out ovarian cancer, which was the first consideration considering the local and onset of the pain

[fanfayre]

Is this a possibility for all women, or only those who have borne children?
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, but if not having children precludes, then it’s one less thing to think about.

Thanks for the heads-up, and hope all you who have experienced this are better very soon

[PaddockWood]

I have no borne children. :no: My reading so far is that 1 in 4 women will deal with the issue.

[fanfayre]

OK!
So when you said you noticed “something not right”, did you mean pain, excess pressure, difficulty urinating, what?

[candyappy]

I am not sure if this is the same thing but both of my aunts( one of her daughters) have issues with their insides falling out? Thankfully my mom is not affected like this and as far as I know they were not heavy lifters. Both aunts have had it repaired , but my 1 aunt is going through it again. Definitely sounds like something to avoid if possible. It might be hereditary so you might talk to your mom if that is possible.

I am sure this is something most people keep to themselves.

[Redlei44]

@candyappy

I am sure this is something most people keep to themselves.

From what I’ve read, it’s not only that patients keep it to themselves, but that the medical establishment has historically considered pelvic floor issues “just something that often happens” to women, particularly after childbirth. Doctors either don’t know about or don’t prioritize active, immediate compassionate treatment when their patient mentions pelvic disfunction. Some of those issues can then become chronic, which is a real shame when something like pelvic floor therapy can apparently be quite helpful if only it were better known.

[PaddockWood]

@fanfayre

OK!
So when you said you noticed “something not right”, did you mean pain, excess pressure, difficulty urinating, what?

I felt bulging tissue (I was washing) got a mirror and confirmed it. No pain, no blood, no pressure. Had been noticing it taking longer to urinate. Just thought that was the aging process?

[PaddockWood]

@candyappy

I am not sure if this is the same thing but both of my aunts( one of her daughters) have issues with their insides falling out? Thankfully my mom is not affected like this and as far as I know they were not heavy lifters. Both aunts have had it repaired , but my 1 aunt is going through it again. Definitely sounds like something to avoid if possible. It might be hereditary so you might talk to your mom if that is possible.

I am sure this is something most people keep to themselves.

Right - most people probably don’t talk about it and definitely past generations were more like that. I say, eff that. Let’s talk about it so those of you not affected don’t deal with this…hopefully.

[SuzieQNutter]

I have learned something today and hope to never find out. Not only are dolly and hay hooks a food idea, but also a tractor with and FEL for lifting things.