Sea Sponge etc Questions

Submitted by Ali_ on August 19, 2005 - 5:55am
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Hi, Christine and site members.
My history is that I am 56 years of age, and I had an abdominal hysterectomy with both ovaries removed, about 5 years ago, because of a large fibroid and very heavy periods.
It took me 2 fairly difficult years to recover from the hysterectomy. I still have pain and discomfort in my lower abdomen with minor lifting. I also have bowel pains and problems.
About one year later I ended up with a medium grade cystocele, which may or may not have been as a result of the hysterectomy, as I also had a very heavy child. I was due to have surgery to repair the cystocele but have postponed 4 times. I am frightened that I end up with additional problems as a consequence of the surgery. I currently have no incontinence problems. The only problems with the cystocele are a significant bulge into my vagina, and a dragging down feeling with significant discomfort at times, particularly when my bladder gets fuller, or when walking, and after being on my feet for some time. I also experience frequent thrush problems. I have developed coping strategies, but would obviously prefer a satisfactory resolution, if possible. However, I do not want to trade the problems I have for potentailly worse ones. I have been using Estraderm MX50 transdermal oestrogen patches for the past 5 years.
Before I happened on this site I had never heard of sea sponges or their novel use. Today as an experiment I used a conventional tampon, and found that my cystocele was no longer physically in evidence. I do, however, now have a period type pain low down. As the use of the tampon seems to have worked thus far, I will now send for the sea sponges. I do have some questions that I hope can be responded to.
Given my history are there any reasons why the sea sponges should not work for me?
Would the posture etc exercises help with my cystocele?
In some quarters, conventional pessaries are said to exacerbate cystocele problems in time. As an unconventional pessary, why should the sea sponge be considered different?
As I have a cystocele I am prone to yeast infections. Could the sea sponge make the situation worse?
Due to the hysterectomy, I am obviously physiologically different in my pelvic area. Could the sea sponge thus lead to dryness and subsequent irritation?
Would it be ok to do pelvic floor exercises with the s. s. in place?
Would it be more beneficial to use a Kegelmaster with my bladder held up with the s.s?
This is a rather lengthy posting, but I would appreciate any additonal responses considered relevant.
Thanks,
Ali

Christine

August 20, 2005 - 9:17am

Dear Ali,

Yours is a question that comes up here on the forum every few months and I

Ali_

August 23, 2005 - 6:35am

Christine,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my questions.
Perhaps I should have found a site like this before opting for surgery.
My husband and I researched eveything thoroughly, and took a long time to arrive at a decision with regard to hysterectomy.
However,it is only with hindsight that you discover the deceit of the medical profession.
I am still experiencing this deceit with regard to the cystocele repair. They make out that it is a problem that is easily rectified with nothing to worry about. Research on the Internet has suggested otherwise. As with most transactions in life there are vested interests.
Anyway I am going to give the sea sponges a try.

Regards,

Ali_