dealing with Prolapse... Update

Submitted by JBug1125 on February 15, 2014 - 7:08pm
Body: 

Since Sept.2013 thru today, I have been reading everything I can find on pelvic organ prolapse. I still find solace in the WW methods to get relief from the pain. ( I guess its good that its winter and I have alot of time to spend on the internet! ) I stopped taking the supplements my chiro had me on. I decided there are things I need to do for myself .
The pain in my lower back is now minimal (yay!) , most of it is now at my vaginal opening and within..an awful achey-ness. I fear that my rectocele is becoming worse. Somedays I feel like I have a fishhook up my rear (no kidding) When i laugh, cough, sneeze- I can feel a pulling or other movement within. Is it bad to clench up, press my knees together to hold it all in? Does anyone know? When I lie down to just rest or sleep, I can feel pelvic movement. Does anyone else feel that? My achey-ness eventually subsides only when I fully relax. I catnap and wake up 10mins later feeling no achey-ness.
Ive read about massage and that helps me too. I figure the increased blood flow is a good thing. Sitting isnt comfortable for me unless its in a no-cushion hard straight back chair.
Intimacy is becoming increasingly difficult. We try different positions, times of day, it all leaves me sore.
I have not had my period since Nov2013... sometimes i think I'd rather have an eternal period instead of this prolapse. Not like there is a choice though. Does anyone know if the organs dropping down is what causes our cycle to terminate? I was pretty regular up until the bulge made its appearance... I was already pre-menopausal, only getting hot flashes... its like I traded my cycle for these intense horrible hot flashes that are 10x worse. ( Im wondering what this summer will be like-me trying to cool down from an intense hot flash..)
I do have good spells though : occasional 4-5 hrs of minimal pain, but afterwards I have to lie down or bend over at the waist, back straight to relax... WW posture always helps.
I have minimized my sugar intake drastically, I do my daily walking exercise after morning stretches.
A visual self exam shows it looks the same.. no further protrusion but its constantly on my mind because of the acheyness.
My latest OBgyn visit left me with a referral to a UroGyn for further options... physical therapy, various surgeries, even though I have repeatedly told her surgery is preferably not an option for me.
I feel like I am making small baby steps... and I am still encouraged by other posts on this forum . There is so much great advice & knowledge!
Thanks for listening..

Forum:

sevilla555

February 16, 2014 - 1:52am

Hi JBug,

I'm not sure prolapse causes actual physical pain. I've never experienced any. Just a rather uncomfortable feeling comparable to how one feels wearing a tampon. Well, at least that's how it is for me. I do occasionally have aching in my lower back but I've had that since way before I ever developed prolapse. My walking routine - usually around 2 hrs daily - serves to relieve this and also helps with emotional stress which I've been battling since the death of my husband this past November. My prolapse doesn't ache and isn't painful. Perhaps some women ''may'' experience pain or aching I don't know. I don't believe that pain is a ''typical'' symptom of prolapse, but naturally pain can occur when there are other skeletal or physical problems in combination with the prolapse.

UroGyn's tend to promote the ''surgical'' option. That's what they do. Those that don't promote that route have to be a minority. Don't let the ''white coat syndrome'' overpower you and stand your guns about not wanting to go down that road. Read Christine's book, watch the DVD's and practice the WW posture work. Nothing better. One has to stick with it until it becomes a way of life. There is no actual cure for prolapse but Christine's posture work helps stabilize things.

Surviving60

February 16, 2014 - 9:34am

Hi Jbug and thanks for checking in with us. I'm glad that you are hanging in there with the WW work, but I have some concerns. I looked back on your original post and you said that you had been wearing a pessary for 2 years. Are you stilll doing so? That isn't a long-term solution and over time it can make the problem worse. Among other things, it can aggravate a rectocele. Since you feel the rectocele is getting worse, you might want to consider giving up the pessary, since it did not seem to be helping with your pain.

I too am concerned about the amount of pain, and tightness, that is expressed throughout your post. WW posture can only be accomplished by relaxing the belly completely. This is a long process to learn (or should I say "unlearn" the tightness we have been taught to hold there, and eliminate as much as possible the tightness that stress sometimes causes in that part of our anatomy). I was not completely there in the short period of time that you have been doing this work, so I do understand. Can you relax that belly? Do you practice firebreathing? It will help if you learn to visualize the organs being forward in the lower belly, because if you are tight, they cannot possibly go there.

And as Sevilla says, you are heading for a surgeon's office, so be prepared to ignore much of the "advice" you might get there. I do hope you can uncover the course of all this pain. - Surviving

Surviving60

February 16, 2014 - 9:37am

I'm so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. If I recall correctly, he has been ill and under your care for a long time. I hope that you are feeling better with each passing day. It is a long road...we are here for you! - Surviving

Aussie Soul Sister

February 16, 2014 - 4:49pm

Dear JBUG,
I have had rectocele for over 18yrs now, & apart from managing issues with the bathroom, I didn't notice much of a problem until mid 2012 when I felt pelvic organs very low, during a period, & I found Christine's work & this supportive forum.

Since then I have become menopausal around the same time as you & have noticed a change in tissue elasticity & the (sometimes) the shape of my rectocele at the vaginal opening.

What I am working on, apart from WWP is learning to relax more, not worry or fear as much, & keeping the vaginal area lubricated, as gradual dryness can cause pain & aching if irritated by anything.

Bowel pain & cramping with me is caused by a delayed reaction to a stressful time, & I get less of that now, I believe due to WWPosture as I am not living in complete physical tension, constantly pulling in my stomach, or tucking in my derriere.

Drinking enough water also helps overall health & well-being for me, & take Magnesuium supplements are a relaxant. I also see my rectocele as nature's pessary, preventing further prolapse, in conjunction with WWPosture.
Hoping this helps,
Best wishes,
Aussie Soul Sister

Aussie Soul Sister

February 16, 2014 - 4:53pm

Dear Sevilla,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband & wish you well.
(((hugs))) &
Best wishes,
Aussie Soul Sister

sevilla555

February 16, 2014 - 8:00pm

Hello Surviving,

He had end-stage Alzheimer combined with Aspiration Pneumonia and Congestive Heart Failure. Those were the 3 items listed on his death certificate. He was also diabetic and had stage 3 kidney disease. I had been expecting his demise but it's always a shock when it actually happens. The last 8 mths of his life were in an assisted living facility as I was no longer able to take care of him at home. He was 86.

Thanks again for your good wishes and I hope your mom is doing better.

sevilla

sevilla555

February 16, 2014 - 7:59pm

Hi Aussie,

Thank you so much for your good wishes. I appreciate it very much.

sevilla

JBug1125

February 16, 2014 - 11:27pm

thanx so much for your comments! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss ((HUGS)).
I do have lots of questions for the UroGyn appt.. I felt my OBgyn didnt know what else to do with me.. she told me the pain was from my pelvic organs dropping down...that constant pull (DAMN gravity!) I have been very explicit with her, asking so many questions, telling her of all my symptoms all along. Her response was as if this is just another pap smear.. another every day occurance (she has never had kids and does not suffer prolapse) As it is, I dont have alot of faith in our medical professionals.. so I have sought out alternatives to being prescribed another pill for whatever ailment. I now tend to follow a wellness regime. (diet,exercise,positive thinking, being conscious of what goes in/on my body) I am concerned about my levels of pain, but I know surgery is NOT my near future.
I too, have enjoyed reading Christine's book, I like your words 'way of life'.. that is what my goal is, preferably with all my body parts in tact :)

JBug1125

February 16, 2014 - 11:45pm

I appreciate your sharing.. you mentioned your tissue elasticity in conjunction with menopause.. the acheyness I feel is as if the vaginal skin is stretching to the max.. no dryness though.. Ive even applied organic coconut oil thinking the moisture would ease my pain.. Im just thankful my visual self exams are not appearing to worsen.. I have made contact with a WW practitioner for some direction, so will see how that goes.
2014 has become the year of ME. My focus is on my health. My baby has grown up & I retired in 2010 with grandiose plans that have since taken a detour for now.. Dont know what I would do without the WW approach/posture and forum info/awesome 'sisters' such as yourself! :) Take care!

JBug1125

February 17, 2014 - 12:13am

nope, no pessary.. its been retired to my sock drawer since Oct2013 (haha) Once I read that it could lead to rectocele, and with the pain I was experiencing as my cystocele seemed to progress, exposing "the bulge", I quit wearing the pessary. My ObGyn seemed disapointed and wouldnt acknowledge that it could contribute to rectocele.. she just let me know I had the beginnings of rectocele in my last exam..
I feel confident in holding the WWposture though it isnt second natue and it does relieve my vaginal and lower back pain but I have decided to get in touch with a WWpractitioner to possibly schedule an appt. yes, i do the firebreathing exercise too. I have somewhat of a potbelly (belly fat), in the past 4yrs had given up the core exercises I was doing sporadically. Im not one to lie around but exercise is not an everyday thing for me either. Walking has now become my exercise. My TonyLittle Gazelle is my best friend most mornings! I tend to hold any extra weight in my midsection so with my soft belly, i am conscious of the pressures on my pelvic area.
I never had a curve in my backside.. just a flat butt. so I can see now how holding in my 'potbelly' most likely contributed to my condition.. (sigh! ) The pelvic movements I feel might be my organs moving ?? I wonder if my bellyfat keeps my pelvic organs pushed down? These are concerns I have.. Yes, I will be on guard at the UroGyn appt.. thanx so much for caring! I have finally accepted there is no cure for prolapse, just taking it day-by-day.
Enjoy your week!

smilesoon

February 18, 2014 - 1:24am

hello, all. i'm sort of new here. i've read a few posts; but i have a question while trying to put all my symptoms into perspective and trying to see if they are all linked in some way.

in short, i have had urinary stress incontinence for years--since approx. 1995. i had 3 vaginal deliveries within 3 years, of babies all over 8.5 lbs. my last child was born in 1993. i have had hip problems since my teenage years, sharp pain in the ball and socket joint, and nagging pain as time progressed, and extreme pain during my 2nd pregnancy. my left hip seems to have been worse than my right. my primary doctor seems to think it is arthritis, though my x-ray years ago was unremarkable.

i had a hysterectomy due to an unrelated problem in 2006.

after years of urinary stress incontinence, i was diagnosed with bladder prolapse when i went to the doc for worsening of the incontinence. the surgeon gave me the option of surgery or physical therapy for mild bladder prolapse; i of course, opted for physical therapy. i currently have lower back pain and a recently developed migrating pain from my back down my left leg, and i am seeing a therapist for prolapse. a newer issue, however, is bowel problems. my diet is pretty good, and i am generally not constipated, but for the past 3-4 weeks, i have had problems in that area. i feel as though i cannot evacuate my bowels completely, and i believe it is due to my bladder pressing on, or sitting on my intestine.

i have 1 more month of PT before re-visiting the urogynecologist/surgeon, to see if the therapy has helped. i must admit, my pelvic floor muscles are stronger, i am holding my bladder better. but i am really concerned about my altered ability with my bowels.

i have not yet purchased or read the materials from whole woman, and i suspect that they will be quite enlightening.

not quiet sure where to go next. need to know if the therapy is going to help relieve my bowel issue. need to know if therapy will help someone like me who is post-hysterectomy. need to know the mystery of my chronic hip problems....need to put it all together. i feel like a half question mark, half exclamation point!?!

Barmaid

February 18, 2014 - 4:54pm

This is my first time on the Forum. I don't see what's wrong with a Pessary? It's even mentioned in Christine's book as something that has been used by women for over 100 years! Without my pessary, I am miserable as my cystocele is hanging out of my vagina. This creates a lot of pressure, not to mention more urination. The WW exercises (tried for one month) so far have not really helped to tone those muscles, and, from what I am hearing, will never do so. Using a pessary does not appear to stretch my cystocele; I think it would actually prevent it from stretching more, as it does due to gravity's pull. I see no point in being miserable just to be totally natural. For me, the jury is still out on this approach although I will not do surgery in the near future, and would, of course, like to avoid it altogether. I will continue with the posture, the breathing and the new kegels, but don't want to give up my pessary!

Surviving60

February 18, 2014 - 5:25pm

Hi Barmaid - by all means use your pessary if that is your choice. You might want to read more on this forum about why many members have given them up. We aren't doing this work "just to be natural", there is a bit more to it than that. Please study Christine's work more closely.....it really seems to me that you have largely missed the point of it. - Surviving

Surviving60

February 18, 2014 - 8:10pm

Hi smilesoon and welcome. There is quite a lot of information on this site, and there's no way to absorb it except just to start somewhere and keep going. I didn't notice the word "posture" in your post so I'm guessing that you haven't read a great deal yet, since that is how Christine teaches us to stabilize our prolapse and our hip joints as well.

This posture correction work is vital for every woman, including and especially post-hysterectomy because the loss of the uterus has huge structural implications, most of which are very gradual in presenting themselves. Bowel issues are very common after hysterectomy. Trying to coax the organs forward with WW work can give you a shot at improving that; only time and effort will tell.

Only you can decide if the PT is doing anything. In our experience, PT doesn't have much to offer. Once you have learned and understood the true orientation of the pelvic organs, and read some of Christine's many writings on the problems with kegels, this will make more sense.

Please go over to the Resources tab, then look for Videos and watch the first video on the page. It is a 20-minute overview of WW. The first half describes the types of prolapse and explains why surgery is not the answer. The second half gets into the story of posture and prolapse - absolutely must-watching before you go back to your surgeon expecting any kind of help there.....

Good luck! - Surviving

lovinggma

February 21, 2014 - 3:27pm

Where can I find out more about this massage?. Been doing the WW exercises for over six months and they do help. I have a busy life with trying to be present to 27 grandchildren. I have need of all methods so I can be an example of growing old gracefully!!

Aging gracefully

February 21, 2014 - 7:22pm

You know you can google anything you are curious about. I googled the Mayan massage, and it does look soothing like any other massage would be. Could it be the magical cure for prolapse? I am not seeing that from my understanding of what I have learned of prolapse thus far. I think surviving has answered your question very well in the previous thread this was discussed in. I agree you can try anything you want, but be cautious of quick fix cures. I have always believed if you want something to happen, you have to do the work, and that applies to prolapse also. Posture is what gets organs moving into the correct position. I have found this to be true for mine.
Wish you the very best!