I feel it but don't think I'm seeing it (prolapse!)

Submitted by Pinetree on March 16, 2016 - 2:39pm
Body: 

Good day all,

I'm still somewhat new to the world of prolapse and am wondering if anyone else has experienced similar signs/symptoms as me or can shed some light.

I noticed my prolapse at 6 months postpartum after running. But when I think back, I probably had it since the birth. When I sat cross legged on a hard floor and tilted forward and back, I could feel like I was rolling over something in my perineum. Anyways, jogging made it worse and led me to my diagnosis. My doc didn't notice prolapse and said if anything it's mild. When I examine myself lying down I don't feel much different (but I can't remember my pre baby vagina)! When I stand up I think I can feel a bulge high up on the posterior wall (rectocele or enterocele)? So this leads me to believe my prolapse is mild.

At my vaginsl opening, when sitting on the toilet and looking with a mirror, I can see fleshy/puffiness. Like the opening to my vagina looks so small because the opening has this puffiness to it. I'm wondering if it's rugae pushed forward? Or perhaps this is normal. I really wish I got more acquainted with myself before baby!

Anyways, I'm wondering, if my prolapse is presumably mild, why I feel symptomatic after running errands. I understand Gravity has an effect. I have been doing the posture though.

I just hear of women with stage 3s being asymptomatic. Is my body just super sensitive that I can feel it?

Confused and just hoping it's not worse than I think...

Sorry I had posted a similar topic before but looking for some clarity if anyone has had a similar experience.

Thanks so much,
Pine tree

Forum:

Miss Diagnosed

March 16, 2016 - 3:24pm

I think that you describe things exactly correctly - being both body sensitive and aware must make a person feel more symptomatic even when the 'diagnosis' is mild. I for one was told time and time again after becoming symptomatic at 4 weeks pp that my vagina was fine, no prolapse and yet I felt massively different! I have even just had a pelvic MRI done (long story but it was to rule out potential nasties after some weird bowel habits that I thought were pelvic weakness whereas my doctor was concerned about a family history with cancer) and was told I had a 'strong and normal pelvic floor' even comparable to a non-parous woman of the same age! Crazy!
And most days these days at nearly 18 months pp I feel pretty good. Much stronger in so many respects. And then out of the blue I have a bad day and freak out and then it passes and I remember that I used to have so many bad days...
Keep walking and give Fire breathing and nauli a serious go. I didn't do the latter until I was a good year pp and wish I had.
All the best - hope you have many good days to come.

Pinetree

March 16, 2016 - 4:40pm

Hi Miss Diagnosed!
Thanks for your reply. I'm glad to hear you are feeling better at 18 months postpartum.
I'm just having one of those days. I just found out about this about 3 weeks ago and have been through so many emotions. I felt ok for 3 days then went for a walk and it came back. It is bumming me out so much :( I'm only 28!
I definitely grieving my old body. I wish and wish that it will magically heal one day. I'm just feeling so discouraged about my future and even having other babies (I just have the one). I don't want to be a downer but I'm having a "this is so unfair" moment.
Sigh.
I guess I must remember that I have plenty more time for things to at least heal a little bit more. I just want me back!!

Sunshine and Rain

March 16, 2016 - 4:54pm

You are describing what my vagina looks like. I first thought the 'fleshiness' was swelling from childbirth, but no, its my prolapse. I do have rugae at the opening, and then the bulges smooth out. And I know for a fact that the fleshiness wasn't there before my last baby! My rectocele is mild, but the bulge varies (whether high or low) depending on if my rectum is full. I couldn't tell you whether you have a rectocele or enterocele, but you'll probably be able to figure it out as you get more familiar with your body.

Your Doctor's reaction was a good thing, that means its totally manageable and that no medical intervention is necessary! It sucks to feel unheard I know, but at least you now have tools to feel better! And time and time again I read on here that symptoms don't always match severity of the prolapse. Thats just not how it works- we are all different and prolapse is so very connected to our general wellbeing. You are probably thinking about it all the time which is why you feel it more. Its funny how many of my prolapse symptoms disappear when I'm happy and well rested, and then they reappear when I'm down in the dumps.

Do you have that bulgy feeling? If so, try honey! That was my biggest gripe when I first discovered my prolapse and honey has greatly diminished that feeling. Hope this all helps!! Take care and appreciate that baby of yours!

Pinetree

March 16, 2016 - 5:55pm

Hi Sunshine and Rain,
Thanks for your reply. I do get the bulgy feeling after being on my feet a lot. How exactly does the honey work? Is there a certain kind to use and where do you apply it? Inside or external.
Thanks

Sunshine and Rain

March 16, 2016 - 11:39pm

There is a wealth of knowledge about honey on here. Just search for it! You use it internally, by inserting a tiny amount of raw, unprocessed (ideally from a local source) honey into the vagina. I do it once a day, but most recommend doing it twice. It helps the vagina generate natural secretions and healthy bacteria, keeping it moist and healthy. It makes a huge difference in the 'feeling' of the bulge and apparently has lots of other benefits too! Try it out- it took me a few weeks to get used to doing it every day, but the results have been great.

Pinetree

March 17, 2016 - 9:21pm

Thanks. I looked up the honey and may give it a try...although, I'm wondering from what I read, is it more beneficial for menopausal women? I just stopped breastfeeding 3 weeks ago so hope my hormones are almost balanced. I will still give honey a try though. Thanks

heather b

March 18, 2016 - 2:11am

Glad you are able to find raw and unprocessed honey. Not so sure about the honey where I live - not in the US - and would be wary of using other honeys.

Surviving60

March 18, 2016 - 4:47am

Pinetree, the effects of honey are most notable during times of low estrogen. This includes the second half of the monthly cycle, as well as periods of breastfeeding, and of course, peri-menopause and beyond. So really....it's for all of us. - Surviving

Pinetree

March 18, 2016 - 10:02am

Right! The second half of the menstrual cycle, that makes sense! Glad to hear there are natural methods for helping this :)

Pinetree

March 18, 2016 - 10:06am

Hi Heather b,
Actually I haven't found any yet. I meant I "looked up" as in researched how honey can help. I do hope I can find some though. I'm in Canada but where I live there are a few good health food stores where I'm sure I can find some. Now it's just a matter of heading out with baby for a drive. Trying to master getting in a comfortable position while driving! Ugh.