Beema - I had a moderate cystocele (bladder) prolapse half way through my first pregnancy... will be back tomorrow to tell u more! This is to remind me!
Totally agree they are a right PITA (well A is not quite right is it!), big
Ok i'm finally back (where did that week go? ). In the interim, I've actually made it back to my physio to discover that my cystocele prolapse is still the same (moderate), but I also have a mild rectocele prolapse too. I was convinced it was heaps worse since being pregnant again, but she's assured me that the actual prolapses are no different, it's just the weight of bubba causing me more symptoms, plus pregnancy blood flow/changes making it all more uncomfortable (bah!). So I'm totally with you on HATING the feeling of your insides falling out - I find squatting or sitting on the toilet very very uncomfortable, and definitely worse during PG).
So answers to your questions:
What did you do or not do during pregnancy? I don't think I've changed from what I couldn't do during non-PG, basically told to avoid coughing (chronic), constipation, heavy lifting (defined as having to hold your breath for a big lift effort). . I also found that copious vomiting doesn't help either . I'm finding that being on my feet bothers me much more than it used to, plus i'm regularly picking up my toddler (about 12-13 kgs) which I'm sure doesn't help. I haven't been told to avoid any housework, but I think I like the idea... . I also have a DH who is prone to a bad back, and currently has a neck sprain... so I'm doing everything atm *sigh* with frequent "rests". I agree that sitting isn't always enough, it has to be a full lie down. Easier said than done some times.
Were you able to strengthen the muscles? I've sustained some nerve damage to my PFM from my last birth - so my strength (on each side of my PFM) is rated by my physio as 4.5/5 and 2/5 respectively). My physio encourages me to work on that weak side but we've not had much success (over 18 mths), and she says that's why I'm having more continence related problems atm . As she explains it (and you probably know) - the actual ligaments that have stretched can't be strengthened, all you can do is strengthen the pelvic floor muscle that sits underneath and attempts to hold everything up/in.
I may have to go down the path or a perssarie ring (sp) if we can't strengthen the muscles, what impact did this have? I also considered a ring last PG but didn't do it in the end. So saying it wasn't as bad then cos I didn't have the nerve damage. May do it this time.
Were you about to deliver via VB or did you need a CS? I delivered VB (suffered the prolapse half-way through my last PG). My phsyio thinks I should go CS this time - she thinks another birth like the last is too risky. My obs is hedging his bets, but agrees that forceps should be avoided (last birth: GD on insulin, induction, epi, failed suction, forceps).. Apparently once you get to 2+ PGs, the actually weight of bubba during the PG does the damage with the prolapses anyway. So they find that the delivery method doesn't necessarily make a massive difference (apart from the fact that forceps are known to be more likely to cause issues). In my case, I've also got a marginal placenta previa this time, plus waiting to see if I get GD again - both of which may sway the case for VB vs CS. So it's a wait & see game. I'd suggest that may also be the case for you. It also depends how many more childen you want too as to best method to avoid exacerbating the prolapse. Did you get yours after the birth of your first child?
I have to say it's a right foul thing to have - it's not like you can have a whinge to your neighbours about your vagina falling out today...
Squidipa - I'm curious, with the ventro suspension, was it a big op to have it done? And how much difference did it make? I've been told that there's no point having anything done until I've finished having kids but my prolapse is only moderate, maybe that's why?
Thinking of you both & sending "keep it all in" vibes!
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). In the interim, I've actually made it back to my physio to discover that my cystocele prolapse is still the same (moderate), but I also have a mild rectocele prolapse too. I was convinced it was heaps worse since being pregnant again, but she's assured me that the actual prolapses are no different, it's just the weight of bubba causing me more symptoms, plus pregnancy blood flow/changes making it all more uncomfortable (bah!). So I'm totally with you on HATING the feeling of your insides falling out - I find squatting or sitting on the toilet very very uncomfortable, and definitely worse during PG).
. I'm finding that being on my feet bothers me much more than it used to, plus i'm regularly picking up my toddler (about 12-13 kgs) which I'm sure doesn't help. I haven't been told to avoid any housework, but I think I like the idea...
. I also have a DH who is prone to a bad back, and currently has a neck sprain... so I'm doing everything atm *sigh* with frequent "rests". I agree that sitting isn't always enough, it has to be a full lie down. Easier said than done some times.
. As she explains it (and you probably know) - the actual ligaments that have stretched can't be strengthened, all you can do is strengthen the pelvic floor muscle that sits underneath and attempts to hold everything up/in.
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