Whole Woman Village Forum

Hi all,

It's been a while since I last posted. But, today I went for my annual PAP and exam. Last year at this time, I was diagnosed as having a stage 2 prolapse of the bladder and slight prolapse of the rectum .... I guess I must have missed the fact that I also had a uterine prolapse. Today, however, I was diagnosed with stage 3 in all categories. I must say I was a little taken back at first especially listening to my doctor tell me how he could "fix things" for me vis a vie a vaginal hysterectomy (since I'm done having babies) and then a procedure to fix my sagging bladder and rectum.

I stopped eating meat a couple weeks ago. I haven't noticed any difference but I am pregnant and bulgy because of that so I don't think I will be able to tell until after. I feel great about the way I am eating now (I don't get bloated after supper anymore) but although I've read books about becoming veggie I would like some of you who are experienced to check how I'm eating and let me know if you see any problems or areas where I am lacking nutrients. I still eat some dairy and wheat because I tried eliminating those before I was pregnant and it didn't help. I haven't tried tofu or other soy foods for protein. I am hoping I can get enough without it. Here is a sample day:

Passing along information of interest to women on this forum regarding a petition campaign that would compel doctors to provide educational info. to women prior to pelvic surgery. Knowledge is power.

Check it out: http://hersfoundation.org/anatomy/

Jean

Hi all, I was wondering whether any among you cycle on a reasonably regular basis. Do you find it's OK on the prolapses?? I have recently begun cycling a little, on flat areas, maybe 4 times a week. I don't have any draggy feeling immediately afterwards but I've noticed I have a draggy feeling down there the next day. Do you think this is just coincidence, or could it be the cycling? Look forward to hearing your views.
Cheers, Wendy

I found the rectocele. It was never gone. Doctor was trying to minimize it as she thought I wanted surgery. She knows different now.

But I have to say I hardly know I have one ~ the posture, exercise and this forum have just about cured me!

hi everyone...just wanted to let you all know that granolababy made his entrance last night (april 26) at 6pm, weighing in at 7 lb 15 oz.

I went into labor around 7 am, by 3 pm was walking around the block with my doula to keep things from slowing down. 5 pm I was still sitting around the kitchen table helping my dd with homework, we called the mw and she said she'd finish up with her last patient and head over. 5:30, I had 3 back-to-back biggie contractions and went to pee...then hollered for the doula to get me off the toilet 'cuz baby was a comin!
I got onto my hands and knees and the doula caught the baby's head. three more contractions - no pushing! - and he was completely born.

I have a appt today at 1130. Gyn ordered an US two weeks ago and wants to discuss it with me.....had my pap, etc and he said everything looked ok, but I asked him what the bulge was and he said I had a cystocele, well there is one in the posterior aspect also, so probably a rectocele.....I am an RN, so I know what is going on with the body, but I was thinking of a pessary.....new to this forum and looking for some suggestions before the appt....I am 51 went through menopause 42-47 and since have noticed some changes.....one was the vaginal dryness and itching been using the Estring since October and have since noticed the prolapse.....anyone know if this could cause this problem....I have had some leakage of urine for quite a while so I am just guessing it goes along with the territory.....I also had a Sigmoidcolectomy in Nov 2004 for diverticulitis, so that is another thing not in my favor....but I can still do the Kegels.......leaving the house in about an hour or so.....would love any quick suggestions.....by the way the US said I have a fibroid uterus, could this be the problem?

My bladder is fine and the pressure has eased a lot in the past 3 days ive been trying the posture, that was the main problem with me was the dragging.Now the other UGH!
Women mostly in here have constipation with the rectocele, i used to have that all my life (constipation) but now that I feel a little pressure on my back passage I seem to have no constipation and everything has changed and my stools are quite soft, I have to go when called (but have made no mistakes...yet LOL) sometimes like this morning since ive had oranges last night ive got a touch of too loose stools, is this OK I do hope it is a rectocele and not the other where the bowel thingy protrudes down through my bottom because that would frighten me so when I go to the toilet I just sit there like a dummy terrified to press so it's just as well i'm not constipated or i'd be there all day, any thoughts on this please

I, too, am new to this type communication, but found it quite by accident while searching for alternatives to surgery for a rectocele problem. After searching around this site and reading alot, yesterday I ordered Christine's Book and bundle of stuff. Long story short...I am 62, gave birth to 2 children, underwent total hysterectomy 20 yrs ago. I noticed the rectocele very soon after the surgery, but over the years it has not been a particular problem until recently. For about a year I've been having to "press" a was of toilet paper into the vaginal area to complete a bowel movement. Then in the last 3 months I can actually feel the "bulge" most of the time, and it extends just to the edge of the vagina. If I cough or strain, I can feel it peeking just outside the vagina....very disconcerting! My primary care physician wants me to see a Gynecologic Surgeon to discuss having it repaired, and this just terrifies me, because I believe the thing is primarily a result of my hysterectomy...so....more surgery is not what I want. Will Christine's exercise/posture/diet book be of any help to me since I don't have a uterus? I certainly hope there is SOMETHING I can do short of surgery. I've heard of pessaries and read on this site something about "seasponge"...what is that all about?

I am only 36. Not ready to give up any part of my body without a damn good fight. I found this sight just less than 3 weeks ago, after being diagnosed with uterine prolapse as well as cystocele. Initially I was horrified. Today, I feel like I will take control.
Today is my beautiful son's 3rd Birthday! Each birthday I pull out my pregnancy and birth journal and read through, revisiting my birth experience. I just finished, and am reminded of how incredible our female bodies are. I am so greatful to have experienced this.
Just as I finished reading, the Post Man arrived with my Whole Woman book and CD!