Million dollar question

Submitted by MyMomIsCool on April 16, 2006 - 3:51pm
Body: 

The consultant's letter to my Mom said that she had symptoms of a first stage cystocele. Whilst it did not make a recommendation saying surgery was needed, it said that she should wait for a while to see how things developed, with the option of having a 'TVT cystocele repair' later if she wanted it.

Wanting a second opinion My Mom has gone to see a gynaecologist consultant in another country, who is her personal family friend. This consultant has a reputation for not encouraging surgery unncessarily.

She asked me to ask some basic questions. Infact the first question is my own , but when I told her about it, she was really keen that I ask it on the forum. I've seen several references to 'stabilizing' the symptoms and 'living well' with prolopase, so at the risk of asking the obvious, I think many women would like to know the answer to this. I think the answer to Q1) is 'YES', I hope so, but here goes:

Q1). FOR SOME WITH A MODERATE CYSTOCELE/RECTOCELE, WITH THE RIGHT LIFESTYLE CHANGES, EXERCISE PROGRAM AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT SOMEONE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE CAN DO, IS IT POSSIBLE TO IMPROVE THE SYMPTOMS, THEN GET RID OF THE WHOLE CONDITION COMPLETELY?

Q2). My mom's concern is, if she is not able to get the condition to improve naturally and if she doesn't have the 'TVT' operation, she is worried that it might lead to even worse complications a few years later - like hysterectomy. Is this possible?

Q3) If the answer to Q2) is YES, how likely is it, because with all the resources and help that Christine has now made available, surely it must be possible to improve the condition a little or at worst, hold it at bay?

I'm going to have to get my Mom a laptop and teach her how to use it. I'm sure if she starts looking at the many threads of useful information she will get a real boost. Right now, I have to go through all the threads and then show her stuff I think will be helpful.

MeMyselfAndI

April 16, 2006 - 4:19pm

Q1). FOR SOME WITH A MODERATE CYSTOCELE/RECTOCELE, WITH THE RIGHT LIFESTYLE CHANGES, EXERCISE PROGRAM AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT SOMEONE WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE CAN DO, IS IT POSSIBLE TO IMPROVE THE SYMPTOMS, THEN GET RID OF THE WHOLE CONDITION COMPLETELY?

YES you can improve - But personally I do not think you can get rid of symptoms totally (I also have a grade1 cystocele and rectocele and a uterine at grade1 also and it HAS gotten better over time as uterine was a grade 2 when i got here last August)

Q2). My mom's concern is, if she is not able to get the condition to improve naturally and if she doesn't have the 'TVT' operation, she is worried that it might lead to even worse complications a few years later - like hysterectomy. Is this possible?

Anything is possible - But not definite! I do not believe that doing nothing per se will lead to worse terrible or life threatening endings - The worst that could happen is over the years it will SLOWLY get worse - Then she would if wanted be able to do this TVT thing then - Or continue posture and just live well :-)

Q3) If the answer to Q2) is YES, how likely is it, because with all the resources and help that Christine has now made available, surely it must be possible to improve the condition a little or at worst, hold it at bay?

I personally believe it can be made a bit better and held at bay for \MANY MANY years - if not permanently - if you do the posture and all the other stuff like not straining on toilet etc etc

:)

Sue

somer

April 16, 2006 - 6:04pm

In the meantime while your mom is slowly getting used to the computer, could you print out pertinent threads or replies for her? Then she can read them at her leisure or when you aren't around to assist her on the computer. I've done this on some replies or even whole threads simply because my aging eyes get tired of looking at the screen after a while. For me, it often helps to get a clearer picture of what was said and I can refer back to it more easily. I only do this for anything I really want to study and it helps me a lot.

a6a25725

April 16, 2006 - 8:24pm

Hi,
I too am 70 and have a prolapsed uterus and bladder which I have lived with since 2001. I found this web site 2 years ago and decided to try the posture instead of surgery.
The posture has helped stabilize my prolapses and improved them quite a bit. I have found the posture has many other benefits too.
Your Mom sounds very active and I would say if she does all those things and doesn't have any discomfort her condition is pretty stable.
If she learns the posture I don't think her condition would worsen.
If it did there are other methods besides surgery. There are pessaries, the v2 support belt and the fembrace.
I have a pessary and wear it most of the time because I feel more comfortable with it in. I would certainly consider these options before resorting to surgery.
Flora

MyMomIsCool

April 17, 2006 - 11:35am

Before she caught her flight, I printed out a couple of interesting threads. Printouts are a good idea, but it would be even better if she knew how to find her way around the forum, she would find lots useful info.

UKmummy

April 17, 2006 - 11:37am

Hope your Mums trip goes well..................would be interested to hear the second opinion after she gets back if that is OK!!
Michelle.

MyMomIsCool

April 17, 2006 - 11:40am

Ladies, thanks very much for all your replies. I'm going to make sure my Mom looks at this thread!

I think she will be very interested in those alternatives to surgery, just as a safeguard. Thank you Flora.