Post hysto story/Progress

I am new to this forum and was hoping to find stories of women who had used these exercises who had had a hysterectomy. That being said, I decided to start a thread, tell my story, and then document my progress.

I am 54. My prolapse started very, very young. I believe, based on what I've read that it actually started pre menstruation. When I was in high school I had major difficulties and was diagnosed with a rigid spine (which has since been debunked) I had my first child at 20 yrs and based on the position of my uterus it was very difficult for them to determine a due date.

At 21 years old I was diagnosed with endometriosis and a beginning of a prolapsed uterus. Dr wanted to do a COMPLETE hysto. I said absolutely not, I want a second opinion. To which he went down the hall and brought in 2 of his colleagues, who both concurred. I was outnumbered, so I shut up. When my exam was over, they already had me scheduled when I got to the front desk. I politely told them no.

I found a naturopathic Dr who agreed to work with me. During the course of the next 2 years we dealt with the endometriosis and ovarian cysts the size of grapefruit, and no further mention was made of a prolapse.

I did not go back to an OBGyn until I was pregnant with my 4th child and went into premature labor. I was hospitalized, threatened, given drugs I shouldn't have received and ultimately I lied to get out of the hospital without an emergency C section and hysterectomy, I was 26 weeks pregnant. I found a new OB and she was wonderful. I had a midwife deliver my baby full term at the hospital. I hemoraged because of the drugs I had been given but all seemed well. Their best explanation of what "went wrong" was I had an irritable uterus and they felt strongly that I needed a hysterectomy

I went back to a different naturopath and he felt I had a systemic infection that was rooted in my uterus so we did herbal vag packs and ultimately 3 months of antibiotics. By now I was in full blown uterine prolapse. It was difficult to walk, urinate, defecate. The whole time the only solution was a hysterectomy. I found a massage therapist that would dig into my abdomen and pop my uterus back in place. You could actually feel it and hear it! We did this for 2 1/2 years. Every 3 to 4 weeks I went back to have it put back!

At 32 I did not want a hysterectomy, but I was raising 4 children, working full time and I was exhausted. I finally agreed to just my uterus and only if we could do it vaginally. No bladder repair! The surgery took much longer than anticipated and when the dr came to talk to me he was very upset, they had sent chunks off to be tested for cancer. He said my uterus disintegrated and it was very difficult to get all of the pieces out. He almost had to do an incision but knew how badly I did not want that to happen, so that's why it took soooo long. It wasn't cancerous, it was completely consumed with infection!

I did great, even the bladder seemed happier until 5 years ago. I had a bulge! I did NOT know what was going on, actually thought I might have colon cancer! I could feel it was connected to bowl movements. I went to a naturopathic OB. She chastised me for not doing enough Kegals, told me this situation was entirely my fault, that if it had been doing my Kegals and either having sex or masturbating (what!) my vaginal wall wouldn't be in this condition! I was mortified! Then she measured me for a pessary drew some blood and told me to come back in a week. I never went back.

I've lived with this situation for the last five years. Using my finger (sorry to be so graphic) to insert and press against the bulge to have a bowl movement. 2 weeks ago I experienced another bulge. I decided it was time to deal with this but wasn't even sure what kind of Dr to go see so I did some internet research and found this site.

I'm starting the exercises today. My intention is to chronicle my progress or lack thereof. I'll keep you posted!