Newbie-scared and confused

Body: 

Hello-So glad I happened upon this forum. I have an appointment next week with a urogynecologist but I am sure I have both rectocele and cystocele(sp?).
I saw my PC and have many if not all of the symptoms. I am 56 and still have my uterus--went thru the change 5 years ago. I had been having problems with bowel for over a year--some constipation, cannot empty bowel etc.

My first question is about the pain. My real pain started 6 weeks ago and seemed to coincide with a combination of lifting some heavy boxes, doing some new pelvic exercises a PT gave me for my hip, and going to the gym alot. I was making great progress on my weight-lost 15 pounds so far. I have horrible pain that is in my rectum (up about 4 or 5 inches)......in my buttocks and tope of thighs..sometimes feel it in vagina and groin.
My pain is the worst lying in bed and sitting---yet everything I read says the pain should be relieved by lying down. This makes me worry it is something else besides the prolapses. I feel better when I am up awhile but then get the pressure. I am so miserable. I am supposed to travel to Italy in 4 weeks and don't know what to do.

Is the dr. likely to want to try a pessary on me if I have both prolapses at once?
I hate the thoughts of it since I was never successful at using diaphragm years ago. I hated it. I would be willing to try at least till vacation is over (involves much walking). Will the pessary take my pain away?

Thanks for the support...........C

Hi C

Welcome to the site. I can hear that you really are scared and confused. It is always scary when your body starts doing something unexpected and you don't know what is happening, especially with a big trip coming up. You don't know where to start.

First take a deep breath and let it out again.

You have recently done some lifting, (Seen the PC(?). What do you mean by PC?), visited the physiotherapist, and are now experiencing some pain. I would think that pain after a physio treatment would send me back to ask them about it, or go to a doctor to see what s/he thinks.

Some women experience pain with prolapses - others do not. You can also visit www.wholewoman.com and check out the FAQ's. If you think you have prolapses there are a lot of things you can do before you go to the doctor. Correct your posture, correct your diet to ensure that you are getting sufficient fibre and water, ensure that your clothing is not compressing your abdomen and sending all your organs south. These things alone may give you some immediate improvement with prolapses.

Also use the Search box to look for posts about Pain and also about Pessaries. Pessaries are a world unto themselves and there are many women who visit regularly who have a lot of experience with all sorts of pessaries. There are all sorts of shapes and sizes available, depending on where you are on the planet, and whether or not your doctor thinks they are worthwhile. You might have to try several different sizes.

That should give you a few places to start. It can be a long journey but the end point can be very good.

Cheers

Louise