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AnneH
January 10, 2009 - 9:19am
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I think as long as the
I think as long as the doctor has rechecked you after you've used the pessary for several weeks and made sure it is not causing any pressure damage, it is not likely to be doing you any harm. I don't see how it can make the rectocele worse, however I can think of a couple of ways it can SEEM worse when you remove it. Possibly the tissues sag more after you remove it because of being pulled during the removal process. Possibly there is a mental sensation of sagging more because you are now comparing the situation to moments before, when the pessary was in. Also if you usually check it right after a bowel movement, it may seem worse at that moment. It is also possible it is worsening a bit ANYWAY just coincidentally when you got the pessary. Also, possibly it is pressing the upper part of the rectum a bit and squeezing the lower tissue a bit, causing the lower part to bulge more, thereby making the rectocele actually appear worse, and this "rearranging" is remaining after you remove it, but in reality, it's a rearranging of the tissue, not further damage. Or your small intestine is moving to a different location pressing on the bowel, pushing it down more, because the pessary made space for that to happen.
My pessary too comes out with a bowel movement but I position my finger on it to hold it inside. However I have a rather large one, and also have a uterus so that may make a difference. If the pessary is keeping you from being miserable, and if it does not hurt while you are wearing it, and if the doctor has verified that it is not damaging your tissues, perhaps with time this feeling that the rectocele is hanging worse after you remove it will go away. I too have had times of great fear that things were worsening. With time this fear subsides. Maybe they WERE worsening a bit, maybe it was just my imagination, but it settles out into "normal for me" again and I eventually find myself not thinking about it anymore.
chattylady
January 10, 2009 - 11:14am
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reassurance
Thank you so much for your reply AnneH! Yes it does seem worse after the pessary comes out after a bowel movement. What you said is exactly what I have been afraid of. It does make sense that it would seem worse. I am very comfortable with the pessay after I got over being scared of putting it in and taking it out. Sometimes I worry about worrying. When I had my uterus removed I also had bladder surgery. I sure don't have to worry about leakage. The dr. actually tied the bladder up too tight and ever since I have a hard time emptying when I go. The things we put out bodies through. ugh!
Actually I wasn't overly impressed with the dr. that gave me the pessary. She said just take it out once a month and clean it. She didn't say anything about coming back to have it checked. I am making an appointment to go anyway. I've had it about one month now. I asked her if it could cause infection and she said no. She let it go at that. I take it out every night and put it in mid-morning.
I have changed my diet and do not get constipated. I had a bad cold and cough and did some lifting before it got worse about 2 months ago. Also had a real bad time with constipation. I drink more water and the granny smith apples have really helped. I am more aware of my posture which has been very helpful. I was feeling very scared and like it was something unusual happening to me when it got worse. Now with the help of this site I realize I am not alone and I deal with it so much better. I know now to be more aware of things I used to do. I do not want more surgery! Thanks so much.
AnneH
January 11, 2009 - 4:06pm
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I do hope you can avoid
I do hope you can avoid future surgery, I think you're taking the right attitude. I guess the doctor was very confident she had fitted it properly because they can indeed hurt you if not fitted right, but I think you're wise to go in and have it checked. Good luck... yes it does help a lot to know others are going through the same problems.