Trying to figure this all out

Body: 

I am so excited to find this site. I thought I was all on my own. I had a hysterectomy 7 years ago due to a large fibroid tumor. Then just last year I developed a large cancerous tumor in my abdomen. I had it removed and shortly after that my bladder prolapsed. I managed nicely with the smaller pessary ring until the tumour started to grow again and the size of the abdomen and weight of the tumour made the ring useless. Miracously the tumour has shrunk again. I am a walking miracle, but now I need to deal with this bladder. I have a questin for those who use the v2 and the Fembrace. Do you wear them both at the same time? I will be ordering the book and DVD soon. So many more questions, but for now I will close.

Hi QE and welcome. I know that you have read the discussion thread called "Hysterectomy and the Whole Woman" because you have posted a comment at the bottom. Be sure to read the article that Christine links to at the very beginning of that discussion. Without a uterus you definitely have more of a challenge in keeping those remaining organs forward. But for the sake of your hips, spine, and best possible quality of life, this is what you need to try. So let us know how you are doing! - Surviving

So sorry for all your additional problems!

I purchased two V2 supporters, one in small and one in medium. I start the morning with the small as soon as I get out of bed before the bulge descends; in the afternoon, I switch to size medium because once I have eaten a few meals, the bulge descends from the pressure. I also have a size medium Fembrace which has more support than the V2 but I think I might have to order a large as it is a bit too tight around the waist when I relax the belly as WW suggests. Since I am retired I have the freedom to change often so during the same day, I switch to Fembrace when the V2 is not as comfortable as I would like. Some days I only switch from one V2 to another, other days I switch all three. The difference for me has been incredible and all because a lovely lady on this site suggested I try a support!

Apparently, depending on where you live and which insurance company you are with, the garment might be covered if you get a doctor's note.

I hope someone else replies to you so we can get additional tips to share.

Could you please tell me what a V2 is?? And also what a Fembrace is?? Thank you.

Both "Fembrace" and the "V2 supporter" are also used for pregnancy for perineal and vulvar compression as well as external prolapse. If you google (not this site) one at a time, you will see pictures.

The Fembrace is similar to the V2 but comes with panties, however you can wear just the brace over regular panties. Fembrace elastic sits on the waist and you adjust the straps at the back to suit your body but the V2 comes without the panties so you just wear it over your normal underwear...cotton would be best, of course. The back of V2 sits high on the back but very low on front.

You adjust velcro tabs to increase or decrease compression...in other words, so you feel your insides are staying in and not hanging out. (It is the same idea as though you put your hand under to keep your bladder or uterus in.)

I find the supports work very well for me because I have a lot of discomfort (continuous mild pain) when the bulge hangs out, it feels as though ligaments (or whatever??) are being stretched and pulled down. The bulge is not entirely in most of the time even with the supports but I certainly feel a lot better and more confident. www.fembrace.com has pictures and explantions.