Pessary and Protruding Cervix

Body: 

Hello everyone, and thank you for being available!
My question: If using a silicone pessary has actually worsened my prolapse -- I went from having cystocele and rectocele to very suddenly having my cervix protrude -- do I have a chance of healing without surgery? I ask this because of something in Christine Kent's wonderful online video "The Whole Woman Solution to Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence." Around 2 minutes into the video, she mentions that as a result of hysterectomy, it's possible for the whole vagina to invert and balloon out, bringing the cervix with it, and that this "can only be treated with serious reconstructive surgery." I've never had a hysterectomy, but my prolapse looks a lot like the photo shown at that point in the video. I hope you can tell me I still have a chance to manage this degree of prolapse and possibly reduce it a little!
Details that may help you respond:
-- My "balloon" and cervix appear only when I'm standing, usually after midmorning or noon, earlier when I've gone out for a brisk walk or have been lifting/carrying things. They retract when I sit on a firm surface or lie down.
-- The cervical protrusion started very suddenly after a short but intense illness that included internal pressure and massive diarrhea.
-- History: I'm 70. I've had one child, vaginal birth, at age 39. Afterward I had incontinence and felt what I now know was prolapse, but the ob/gyn was dismissive: "That'll go away." It never entirely did, but I wasn't assertive enough to mention it again. I first noticed the protruding cystocele and rectocele around 10 years ago. Around 4 years ago, I finally gathered enough courage to tell my doctor about it. Instead of scheduling the suggested mesh sling surgery, I started Mayan abdominal massage (ATMAT) and experienced significant improvements, learning a lot about my body and reconnecting with it emotionally in the process. Still, the prolapse is gradually worsening. I got the pessary 9 months ago and use it maybe 2-5 days each month, for about 8 hours per day.
-- These yoga postures feel like they bring all my pelvic organs back into place: "cat/cow" (especially "cat"); "puppy pose" (knees and chest on the mat, knees spread wide, big curve in spine); and sometimes "downward dog" and "shoulder stand".
-- I've bought and hugely appreciate Christine Kent's "Whole Woman Fundamentals" video bundle.
Thank you in advance for any encouragement you can offer!

Hi Udara and welcome,
I have the severely prolapsed uterus, and found my cervix sticking out. I can tell you that it hasn't gone any farther than when i actually found it, and with the whole woman work, I can keep it inside most of the time.
I would suggest for further reading, the Saving the whole Woman book, and The First Aid for Prolapse dvd for some great daily living suggestions, as well as and excellent exercise program. If you like the yoga, Christine's are very prolapse friendly and fun to do.

Thank you so much, Aging Gracefully! I'll take both those suggestions!
A related question: do you think I should stop using the pessary? I read elsewhere in the forum that a pessary, by reducing cystocele and rectocele and propping the vagina open, can worsen uterine prolapse -- because the cystocele and rectocele themselves at least provide a little support for the uterus.
Anyone have any ideas about this?

Hi Udara,
I know when I first started this work ,and was looking at every option, I found from reading Christine's work on the subject as well as other ladies' accounts here on the forum, the pessary just didn't make sense to me. For one thing, a severely prolapsed uterus usually pushes it out, and it can be very aggravating for a rectocele.
I found my best relief from really delving into the whole woman work, and adding in a lot of jiggling and firebreathing along the way.
We want to pull our organs forward into the lower belly as much as we can, and flatten our vagina as much as possible too. Whole Woman works for me, and I wouldn't change anything I am doing now.
Best wishes.

Once again, many thanks!
May I ask how long you've been using the Whole Woman work?
Apologies for all the questions -- I'm so happy to have found this, to be in contact with others who have prolapse (none of my friends do), and eager to learn all I can!

Hi Udara,
I have doing this work over four years now, and have not looked back, or changed my mind about the techniques used in this work. It has been a life saver for me, and given me the confidence to do whatever I want.

OK -- thanks -- hope you know how much your encouragement means right now -- not to mention your useful suggestions.
May you keep right on aging so gracefully!