Pessary type, long vagina...

Body: 

Hello All...
I've been reading these forums for a while, but decided to join. I have Christine's book and DVD and found them both very helpful. I will continue to do the exercises, but work very long hours (some having to sit in a chair not so conducive to the posture. I have Stage 2 uterine prolapse and Stage 2 cystocele. I have minor stress incontinence, but the main issue is that my bladder doesn't empty completely. I had urodynamic testing done and was fitted for a pessary last week. They tried several sizes of the ring pessary with support, and I left the office after having been able to completely empty my bladder with the pessary in. I have a long vagina and had GREAT difficulty reaching the pessary. When I was able to reach it (in a horrendous state of angst...) I struggled to get it out. It took so much pressure that the silicone next to the ring had a tear in it. After it was out, I felt as if my prolapse worsened. I could feel the prolapse before, but not see it. When I looked after the removal, I could actually see my cervix. It was still inside me, but I believe that the pessary was too big and caused more damage. I called my urogyn the next day and will be seen on Friday. When I explained what I thought happened, I was told that pessaries wouldn't cause this to happen, but perhaps I was bearing down so hard that I caused it??? They will try smaller sizes and a Shaatz pessary.

Has anyone had a vaguely similar experience? What has worked for you? Also has anyone heard of a pessary product from Canada called Uresta? Journal articles made it look promising... Any advice much appreciated. I certainly don't want to do more damage!!

Thanks. Lindsays

I have no experience with pessaries, but I do remember someone here saying that she felt a missized pessary made things worse for her (sue? maybe?)

your post made me think.....

a short while before I found my prolapse I was fitted for a diaphragm and had a helluva hard time getting it out at the mw's office.
I never did end up using the thing. in fact, I found the prolapse when I went to insert the diaphragm for the first time. now I'm wondering if that wasn't the straw that broke the camels back.....

interesting

I'm also a bit surprised that you have such a 'long vagina' with a stage 2 uterine prolapse.

in any case, I hope someone else can share their pessary experience with you

Welcome to the web site. There is a lot of information here and the ladies are willing to help as much as possible.
If you google uresta it will take you to a web site that will tell
you about the product.
I did google it and it is supposed to be for urinary incontinence. I don't know if is available yet. It is supposed to be available in Canada this Fall. You will be able to buy it over the counter at a pharmacy without a prescription. Sounds interesting.
When removing a pessary you need to be as relaxed as possible. The ring pessary has two notches, one on either side. To remove or insert you need to squeeze the pessary on the opposite sides from the notches and press the sides together, then it is fairly easy to remove or insert.
It is quite possible that everything will go back in place if you rest and relax as much as possible. Your doctor will be able to tell if you did any damage.
Hope this info helps.
Regards,
Flora

Thank you Flora and Granolamom, for your replies... when the pessary was in behind my pubic bone, I could barely reach the edge of it, let alone get my finger in the hole to pull it out. I was told to "bear down as if I was having a bowel movement" to push it forward... I did, but was afraid to push to much as I thought I'd worsen the prolapse. I would be most grateful if the rest and relaxation did help reverse the latest drop!

Granolamom, with the pessary in, it seemed that everything was pushed back up.

Re: Uresta, I stumbled upon it while researching pessaries and it appealed to me as it looked easier to insert and remove. It is available, but in Canada. I did ask my urogyn to research it. I appreciate the responses.

To healing......