Scared and depressed about my pelvic health

Body: 

I am a young mother of two and newly diagnosed with rectocele and cyctocele. I noticed things were not right after delivering my second and had a small buldge. Didnt think much of it because it did not interefere with my functioning or cause pain. Just this past June, I injured my back at work lifting a patient and what I no know was my prolapse got much worse. I now have much trouble with BMs, painful intercourse, cant fully empty my bladder and have more buldges that I know what to do with, I can easily feel my cervix. I also notice that its worse since starting my physical therapy for my back injury.

My labor and deliveried were both very easy and my children were both small - under 7 pounds. I had epis. with both - not sure why. My mother also had some form of prolapse but I am not sure which type and she is deceased from breast cancer so cant ask her about it or get support which has been difficult in itself.

I am really down about my situation and scared. I am only 30. Its very stressful to think of having to be this way for the rest of my life. I go today to meet with an gyn who specializes in this area and I know everyone has thier opinions on this. I was hoping to get some luck with a pessary until I saw the literature regarding the cream as a carcinogen which scared me to no end!

I have trouble with frequent UTIs/yeast so cant imagine how I can tolerate a pessary.

I definitely feel that surgery is not the best answer, but is there not anyone out there that has been successful with it? I am just so down about this and am terrified that I did to my pelvic organs why I had my lifting injury. I feel both emotionally and physically ruined as I am sure some of you may too...and just am at a loss...

Summer,
First, take a deep breath. You have found your way to a very good place. Start with the FAQ section on the homepage of this site. Consider purchasing a copy of Christine's book ("Saving the Whole Woman" by Christine Ann Kent ISBN: 0970144008) - it is out of print but can still be purchased through Amazon.com or Half.com Read through some of the forum posts here.

Don't be too quick to rule out using a pessary. You may not need to use any cream or lubricant with it at all, and if you find a comfortable type and size, it could provide tremendous relief.

Also, you didn't mention how many months/years post-partum you are. Many women who have recently given birth seem to experience improvement with time. Of course, some of us (like me) only begin to experience these problems in mid-life or later. Since you are so young, and if you are also relatively healthy, you stand an excellent chance of stabilizing (possibly reversing) and managing your condition.

I hope that you will be encouraged to try the lilfestyle, diet, exercise/posture suggestions promoted on this website before making a decision about surgery - you might be very happy that you did (:

I wish you all the best,
Jean

Dear Summer06

I truly wish I could just give you a big hug as you sound so down, and understandably so. It is a terrible shock to discover something like prolapse for anyone. However, there are many of us here with varying degrees, and types of prolapse, who are coming to terms with it all and living well with it too!

I strongly encourage you to read lots here as there is a great deal of information about many prolapse related topics. Jean gives good advice in her message to you in relation to the information on this site. Also read what others are doing in relation to their own prolapse, and you will find your own way to start healing yourself too, emotionally and physically. I was so devastated when I first came here, and now I feel good generally, and have seen great progress with my own post partum prolapse. I have been very fortunate.

In relation to surgery, there are probably women who have surgery and don't have problems, at least not for several years. I am sure also that there are some who live out their lives without more issues, but as you already know, many, many women do seem to have problems, and surgery is unfortunately not a cure. It is important for you to examine all of your options, slowly, and calmly if you can. See as many medical people as you need to, get lots of opinions, and ask lots of questions, and then really evaluate your situation. By then things may have improved for your prolapse and for your back.

I wish you all the best and hope that you can find the support you need here to get through this. You are NOT alone!

Big cyberspace hugs to you!

Michelle xxx