Newbie With Questions

Submitted by Nippett6 on July 6, 2006 - 7:51am
Body: 

Hi Everyone,

This may be a little lengthy and I apologize for that. Anyway, I have lumbar issues going on and at first my spine doc thought I might S1 Joint Dysfunction. So, he put me into physical therapy and water aerobics. During PT I was doing back exercises along with pelvic floor exercises. About 6 weeks into PT I had SEVERE pain. So, my PT had me to stop and go to my ob/gyn. She diagnosed me with a cystocele and a rectocele; probably from doing the Kegel exercises...they just killed me. I have had a complete hysterectomy by the way. Anyway, I am scheduled to see a Urogynecology group tomorrow and am dreading it. Can someone tell me what to expect from the testing?

Also, IF, and I am sure I will, require surgery, does anyone know if lumbar issues will worsen or feel better? And, really, I am speaking more so of the sacral area. I am also very worried about the use of a pessary. I am on HRT and use Vagifem but I know the tissues are dry. If I "up" the Vagifem I get severe headaches. Please help! Thanks!

willowy

July 6, 2006 - 8:38am

Hi Nippett6,

My friend swears by fine coconut oil as a lubricant, it's natural and if you're not allergic to nuts it may be helpful.

Willowy

Christine

July 6, 2006 - 10:41am

Although no one has yet to care enough to begin studying the orthopedic condition of the hundreds of millions of women worldwide who have lost the central support structure of their spine/pelvis, data is pointing to destabilization of the SIJs as a major cause of post-hysterectomy lower back pain. None of the known pelvic or back surgeries address these conditions. If it were me, I would learn natural female posture in order to carry as much of my bladder and intestines toward the front of my body as possible, stop all straining on the loo, and also wear a wide belt very low on my hips to help stabilize the SIJs.

Nippett6

July 6, 2006 - 2:10pm

Thank you!

Okay, now this leads to another question.

Since all my reproductive organs are gone and I may need surgery, what is the usual procedure to repair this? I mean what would they do to re-attach everything? Also, do they get anywhere near the sacral area?

And, I had to laugh, all my intestines and belly everything used to be in a forward posture. UNTIL, in PT, they had me suck everything in and up and THAT is when the real problems began. I tried to tell the gal I was in agony when doing the Kegels. None of this happened until PT.

Christine

July 6, 2006 - 3:11pm

Well, those seem like excellent questions for the urogyn! There’s nothing you should be apprehensive of viz-a-vis the diagnostic testing. How about if you come back and give us an update after your appointment? Best of luck to you!!

Nippett6

July 7, 2006 - 6:21pm

I went to the Urogynecologist today and went through some bladder testing and pelvic exams for the cystocele and rectocele. I do not have any incontinence problems and they diagnosed me as Grade 1. However, I am sooooo confused now. The one doctor stated that theoretically, they are not there. What? I can see them. But then he went onto explain that it was possible vaginal tissue I was seeing. They do, however, want to proceed with a rectal xray (barium and such) to see how my pelvic floor reacts and bowel function. The Director (doctor) came in and spoke with me and told me that what probably happened during PT while doing back and pelvic floor exercises was that the PT was not showing me how to coordinate both. He then recommended a person they use to focus on PT for the pelvic floor. Also, when I told him of the pain from SI joint or sacral area, he said that any nerve damage (which I may or may not have), can cause the pelvic floor muscles to become weak and mine are very weak. So, the next steps are to do the rectal/bowel xray and then PT. Anyway, no surgery is warranted nor use of a pessary. He did prescribe some Miralax in the meantime. And that is for now. Thank you for all of your responses.

Christine

July 7, 2006 - 6:41pm

Yeah, they all sing the very same tune - usually in rounds that lead back to the same place they started - it’s all they can see, really. This is an extraordinary time in history!

AnnTN

July 9, 2006 - 2:14pm

I'm wondering what kind of exercise you do now. I know I had severe nerve or joint pain and started walking. The walk includes climbing a hill. In two days the pain was greatly reduced and now it's gone.

louiseds

August 20, 2006 - 6:07am

I think Willowy is right. Use of lubricants is very important in preventing tissue damage and discomfort. I have found that oils work much more effective than water based lubricant (which I think should be saved for use with condoms, where oils can affect the integrity of the latex - bad news).

I think the most significant cause of dry vaginal tissues is the hormonal shortage that happens at the end of a woman's reproductive life, which is where Vagifem and the like find their niches in the market place.

However, another significant cause of dryness is the under-use of our sexual organs ;-). Sexual stimulation, no matter how you get it, is very effective in plumping up the tissues of the vagina. So go for long and gentle foreplay or self-stimulation to avoid the pitfalls of artificial hormones, and use plenty of lube if you need to. That is, of course, unless you find that 'having a headache' is a useful tool for getting out of unwanted sex. ;-)

Cheers

Louise