Should I try a pessary first???

Submitted by Toni on October 31, 2011 - 2:46pm
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I was diagnosed several years ago with a cystocele. He suggested I try a pessary but I was reluctant at the time so I didn't do anything. I had a hysterectomy when I was 28 (in 1975) so I don't have a uterus. Over the years my problem has gotten worse but I didn't have any insurance for surgery. I turned 65 Oct. 1 so when I went for my physical my doctor referred me to a GYN for the cystocele. It turns out I not only have a cystocele, I have a rectocele, and a vaginal vault prolapse. He asked me about a pessary, but again, I didn't think such an "old-fashioned" device would help so we discussed surgery. He would do the mesh thingy for the bladder and rectum and a GYNO-Urologist would do the VVP repair (sacral colpopexy).

I started reading about these procedures and came across so much info on complications that could occur from this mesh that they use that I started having second thoughts about surgery. I came across this site and decided to re-think my decision on surgery vs. a pessary.

I have an appointment with my GYN on Wed. to discuss my concerns and I'll ask him if I can try a pessary before any surgery is scheduled.

louiseds

November 1, 2011 - 1:05am

Hi Toni

I have heard the same dismissive comments from doctors. You may find a pessary very useful, and they have genuine uses for some women, buying them some freedom from the horrible symptoms brought on by these operations.

Just because they are called 'old-fashioned' by this gyn does not mean that they do not have use in contemporary gyn, or that old-fashioned is necessarily bad! They are still for sale in 2011. What does that tell you? Women are using them!

What you definitely need is a gyn with a different attitude, rather than a spider enticing you into further into a web that has already failed you. I wish I could be more encouraging about sticking with this one, who you are familiar with. I am sure you will be able to find one who is a pessary expert. You might be able to find one (or get some hints on finding one) via a physiotherapist who specialises in women's health?

If we want to try something new in any part of our lives, do we seek the guidance of somebody who is negative about our decision, or find somebody who has already helped other women positively?

My guess is that he gets more experience and income for surgery than he does from pessaries. Therefore he does not know anything about using them successfully, and has no intention of helping you to get the best out of a pessary.

Louise

Toni

November 2, 2011 - 4:17pm

Here's my update. I went to my GYN today and talked to him about the (maybe) surgery. Then I asked him about a pessary and if he thought it would work for me. He smiled and said, "Let's try one." He said, what's the harm.....the worse that could happen is you don't like it or it doesn't work for you and then you can always consider the surgery. So, he fitted me and we ordered one!! I couldn't even feel it when he put it in. The only thing that happened was I had to pee really bad...LOL. The nurse said that was normal because the bladder is being pushed back up in it's right position and since my bladder hasn't been emptying fully for a long time because of being tipped it more than likely has residual left in there. There's also some pressure on it from the pessary so that may be an issue but I'll have to wait and see. At least, he was more than willing to try this first.

I have to clarify that this is not the GYN that had told me a long time ago that pessaries were for "old women".

louiseds

November 3, 2011 - 7:25am

That's great Toni, that you are giving it a try. Let's hope that you can help your uterus to stay forward with WW posture as well, so your bladder is not leaning back on the pessary quite so much, and producing unpleasant sensations.

Call back and tell us how you are managing.

Toni

November 6, 2011 - 8:57am

I do not have a uterus so the use of a pessary for this purpose is not applicable.

louiseds

November 6, 2011 - 10:11am

Look Toni, if it works, that is wonderful. No longer having a uterus makes it more difficult to use your body's natural design. You just do what works. Almost anything to prevent your having to have another surgery, which statististically will not be as successful as the first. Keep checking back. There are now a few woman with no uterus who are having some success with pessaries.

Louise