Follow up to my Vaginal vault concerns...

Submitted by Cecilly on November 5, 2014 - 9:18am
Body: 

So I started wearing my V2 supporter. I notice that my bulge sits right at the vaginal opening with just some of the rounded part beyond after wearing it for a while. The support is keeping it from sagging or hanging suspended at least. It's not the most comfortable thing, but I can deal with it. However, I'm not sure what kind of underwear is best to wear under it as it eventually pulls the waistband down and my belly causes the waist band to even fold over the top of the V2. Also, the back straps pull the leg elastic in so my underpants practically vanish! It's like wearing bikini undies (which I never wore, even as a teen). Perhaps a fuller sized brief panty (mine are regular briefs that come to my belly button. The side straps of the V2 eventually slide down to a parallel position on the side of my hips (I start with them pulled up higher) and they are already at their snuggest with no more room to shorten them further (size med btw). Is this normal? I may order another med and a small to compare as I really think my med is mis-sized and is really a large.

Regarding exercise, is it ok to walk when the bulge is down, even out some? Or should I abandon my walk when things drop? I wore my V2 this morning while walking and it did keep things like I said, down but not so much out. When I do my chair exercises, everything is well up, but those exercises don't provide any cardio, nor do they do much for my dog (who needs her walk as well) :)

Finally, I watched some videos of vaginal vaults (actually coming down and out), and I must say that what I saw did not look at all like my bulge. I am more convinced that mine may be more of a rectocele, and since it is effected in size, feel, and positioning by what's in and/or comes out of me poo wisw, I'm hoping it is still just a rectocele and not a vaginal vault beginning. I plan to seek out a good urogynocologist for confirmation.

Finally, with WW posture aiming to keep the pelvic organs forward, is this also the aim for a rectocele in gals like me who have no uterus?

Thank you for any insights and replies.

Forum:

Aging gracefully

November 5, 2014 - 9:42am

Hi Cecilly, yes it takes some adjusting with those V2 supporters. I wear the full brief with mine. I pull it up over my hips and adjust the back straps to accommodate this position with it. I also have to pull my underwear away from my crack and try to smooth out the underwear underneath the best I can. And, yes my side straps do slip down at times too. I can usually get it in a comfortable enough position to go for my walks to where I can feel that stabilizing affect. It is not the most comfortable thing to wear and I am always ready to take it off after my walks.
From my understanding, the hope is to get the rectum also moving into its proper position just like those of us with uteruses. Only you will be able to tell us how that is working for you. I certainly would be interested to know of your progress.

Surviving60

November 5, 2014 - 10:20am

Cecilly, I don't have much faith in doctors when it comes to female pelvic health, but if I were you I think I'd try to get a good diagnosis of what you have going on. It would be a great relief to know that you are just dealing with a rectocele and not the beginnings of a vault prolapse. I agree with your plan to seek out a doctor for this purpose, and please try to make sure you are examined standing up. - Surviving

Cecilly

November 5, 2014 - 10:39am

Pardon my ignorance, but how exactly is an exam conducted when the patient is standing? I mean, is the Dr. lying on the floor looking up? I can't quite get a clear picture. And what if the Dr. does not examine me like this...do I ask for this to be done?

Also, how do I find a "good" urogynocologist? My insurance is about to change and I'm sure I'll be putting out a good chunk of change with this exam. I don't want to waste it. Are there certain questions I should ask when searching before making an appointment?

Surviving60

November 5, 2014 - 11:38am

I hear this advice (be examined standing up) on the forum from time to time, but I don't know how it's actually done. I haven't had a pelvic exam in years and don't have any plans for one. Not much help I know. - Surviving