Any insights welcome (Topockgal's comment moved from another Forum)

Submitted by louiseds on December 19, 2010 - 8:13am
Body: 

Hi All, Louise here with my Mod hat on.

I have just taken the liberty of moving this comment by Topockgal from the Pregnancy and Prolapse Forum to the Hysterectomy Forum, and made it into a new topic. Topockgal, I hope this is OK with you.

"Not quite two years ago I had surgery for repair of a cyctocele and rectocele along with a TOTAL hysterectomy which was recommended by my physician. I rushed into this surgery because of an impending "trip of a lifetime" that we had scheduled. I was naively under the impression that if something was "broken" then one needed to get it fixed. Never did I figure that I would be one with a cyctocele recurrance less than two years later! Only this time it seems to be worse! My mornings are okay for awhile, but the longer I am up the more pressure I experience. After meeting with mly present gynocologist/surgeon (who is retiring) and my GP, I have researched and sought out a specialist in Urogynocology at UCI...have an appt. there after the first of the year. I did have the option of a pessary a couple of weeks ago but it kinda freaked me out and after reading possible complications from a pessary usage, I wasn't too eager to jump too soon again! Obviously I do not want to have surgery again, but my symptoms are getting in the way of my life style. I don't feel like walking in the morning like I have been doing for a long time..I am afraid of doing the wrong kind of core exercises, etc. I have looked at the ads for Christine's book and DVD but wasn't sure that they were appropriate for me as I have no uterus and her brochure noted that these items were particularly for persons who had not had a hysterectomy. I am 62 years old, and am in good health, but am feeling older by the day! I have read about bladder suspensions with the use of cadaver tissue instead of mesh...has anyone out there had this type of surgery using human tissue? I am looking to gather as much information before my Jan. appointment so I am prepared to ask a lot of questions of this new Dr. Also, am looking for more specifics on pessary use and any side effects? Obviously I am very concerned about what I do not and how it will effect me the rest of my life! Thanks in advance for any responses!!"

louiseds

December 19, 2010 - 8:44am

Hi Topockgal

Yes, you have a real dilemma. I think you will benefit from trawling this hysterectomy forum to see if there are other women who have had hysterectomy, who have found pessaries useful.

Pessary use can be complicated, but having another op can be complicated too. You can take a pessary out but you cannot go backwards after surgery.It is non-invasive. If it doesn't work you can opt for the surgery, or work out how you can live with the symptoms you have, or perhaps improve them. As your body has been significantly altered you might also have to change your expectations about how good it can get.

I don't mean this to be a negative comment. Even when you have your uterus unrealistic expectations can lead to great frustration. Modifying your expectations a little can be a valid way forward.

Louise