Reposting to different section

Submitted by IrinaM on September 1, 2010 - 8:22pm
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Hello All -

I am thinking of trying the sea sponges I've read about here. Based on what I've read, though, I'm wondering whether they could work for someone with this type/degree of prolapse.

By way of re-introduction (I was here for awhile last year, then went away for awhile, and now I'm back), 2 years ago following the birth of my 2nd child I had bladder neck suspension surgery for a pretty significant cystocele. Unfortunately, I did not know enough about other options until after I had this surgery. I now understand that what I am now left with -- what I believe is a 3rd degree uterine prolapse -- is pretty much a guarantee following this type of 'corrective' surgery. The uterus has pushed down the cervix, which hangs at or around the vaginal opening (I can feel the strings of my IUD).

I'm desperate to avoid any further surgeries, which of course the surgeon informed me would be 'inevitable' after he detected the uterine prolapse. I don't fully believe that is the case. However, symptoms as-is are growing increasingly difficult to handle. I have 2 very young and very energetic boys (2 and 4) and am frustrated by my inability to keep up with them or maintain my formerly active lifestyle. I don't think a pessary will be a good option for me. I think I remember Christine advising me that this type of prolapse didn't respond well to them and I want more control over whatever I decide to put in there.

Before I waste any money, has anyone in similar situation tried one of these with any degree of success?

Any advice is greatly appreciated - thank you!!

IrinaM

September 1, 2010 - 8:23pm

I just want to add that I am reposting this to a different section because I think I may have posted originally in the wrong place..thank you for your patience!

louiseds

September 2, 2010 - 2:02am

Hi Irina

It may be that there are not many women who have had this type of surgery who have even tried a pessary. You could also try putting "sea sponge"' and "bladder neck" or some similar terms into the Search box, and see what has been written in the past.

Louise

IrinaM

September 2, 2010 - 8:01am

Thanks Louise,

I think the important part is that I am suffering from uterine prolapse, not that I've had bladder surgery. The bladder is asymptomatic and has nothing to do with my current issue.

I'm wondering whether anyone with uterine prolapse has had success with a sea sponge.

alemama

September 2, 2010 - 7:53pm

I have a rectocele and not a uterine prolapse. I can't really speak to the sponge and how it helps with uterine prolapse but I am guessing it won't work well. Also they are very rough and if you have scar tissue you won't like the scratchy feeling. The reason I wouldn't try it with a sponge is that your cervix will most likely just push it right out. You might try a tampon first and if that works for you then maybe the sponge will too.
I absolutely hate to hear how you are suffering. I simply can not imagine caring for my children with a severe uterine prolapse. Boys are amazing aren't they? So much physical energy. The bright side is that in just a few years you will have two strapping boys to carry your groceries and move your furniture. And they can be really gentle and loving too.

What do you think about Nauli? Do you think it would damage the sutures and the repair you've had done?
I hope you figure out what will work and feel so much better soon.

IrinaM

September 3, 2010 - 8:31pm

Alemama -

Thank you so much for your advice and kind words. It helps so much to hear back from someone who understands.

What you are saying makes complete sense, and this is exactly why I didn't just go ahead and order the sponges. I already went the tampon route awhile ago and it definitely didn't work. I don't use them all anymore because they are uncomfortable and don't stay put.

I don't know much at all about Nauli but I noticed the posts here and will check them out. I'm willing to try anything. I've had pretty good luck with recumbent biking - I'm just on hiatus right now due to a knee injury. I don't worry too much about the sutures and residual effects from the surgery. It's been over a year since the surgery was performed and so far I've had no negative effects. It just didn't work. Like so many surgical attempts at pelvic floor repair, it fixed one problem and resulted in another.

Anyway, thanks for saving me some time and money!! Stay well.

louiseds

September 3, 2010 - 9:48pm

Irina, is asking your doctor about the possibility of removing the sutures an option you would consider? I have no idea of whether or not this is possible, but it *might* reinstate your natural anatomy, as long as nothing else has been damaged or altered.

IrinaM

September 19, 2010 - 3:24pm

Louise,

At this point I would consider anything to avoid further surgery and further collapsing of my organs. So, to clarify, would removing the sutures allow my bladder to fall back closer to where it was originally? Would the hope be that 'nature's pessary' might take effect? Keep in mind that I also have a sling and synthetic mesh - the dr felt that the absorbable type wouldn't do the job b/c the tissues (according to him) were so weak. Do you think it would still have a chance of working?

This Tuesday I have an appointment with a female PT specializing in pelvic floor issues. I'll ask her opinion on this as well. I've been waiting over 2 months to see her and am so excited to get an assessment and some advice from someone other than a surgeon! (I'm sure you won't be surprised when I tell you that the last time I visited my surgeon for a post-operative assessment, which was sometime last summer, I had to ASK him to examine me standing up, rather than lying down. Kind of says it all, doesn't it?) Anyway - based on what I told her over the phone she did not believe I was beyond hope.

Thank you for the suggestion. This site has been enormously helpful to me during the past few weeks. The rather large chip on my shoulder is gradually shrinking and I am starting to feel like a woman again and not a sewed-up, messed up freak.

heavenly

September 19, 2010 - 5:46pm

Hope you feel comfortable here because it will be the most incredible place you will find for comfort, peace of mind, and information. You will learn to feel safe here, and if you have low self esteem, the standing tall and proud will do wonders for you in so many ways. If you have not ordered the DVD and or book and are able to do so please do. Any questions? We are all here for you and if you read many posts you will see everything is talked about here. Don't be shy. Ask away!!

We love you
Heavenly

louiseds

September 24, 2010 - 8:49am

Irina, I have no idea what would work, or even if they would attempt to remove sutures, but I did not realise that you had mesh and a sling as well, which is much more complicated. It is all way out of my knowledge area. I wouldn't advise anybody about what surgical options they should go for. I do not know anything about surgical fixes other than what I have gleaned from my reading, and learned from women on the Forums who have had surgical fixes. I was really just thinking out loud.

It is great though that you are learning about what has happened, and positioning yourself to make the best decisions for yourself. Keep calling back.

Louise