Prolapse advice needed please...

Hi everyone, I am not sure how much this has been discussed in previous threads, but I have a very depressing problem and I am sure that I am not alone. It seems to be a topic that is not widely spoken about and I think that it should probably be covered in antenatal classes so that women are fully informed of their birth choices. I gave birth to my first baby, a healthy baby girl in December last year but ended up with a number of post partum health issues. I really had no idea of some of the consequences of a difficult labour and thought that the troubles I went through was normal, because no book writes about these things. I had a long 6 hour second stage labour and the obstetrician initially tried to suction cap her out without success. She was positioned Occipital Posterior and also with her head in the opposite natural direction of the pelvis. After suction didn't work, I had to sign a bunch of disclaimer forms for an emergency delivery which entailed the possibility of either forceps or caesarean delivery. I had a spinal block inserted and the doctor on duty ended up delivering her with forceps. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I found it very difficult to walk because I suffered from severe pelvic pain and was also bleeding quite badly during this time. I was told that the bleeding was probably normal and would diminish within around 6 weeks, so I soldiered on...I might add that the blood was quite red and fresh, not dark as it is supposed to be. Anyway, after three weeks I discovered that I had a piece of "meat" hanging out of my vagina and I panicked and rang the hospital. I was able to see my obstetrician that day, who to his shock and surprise found that the entire amniotic sac had been left behind...! How this could have happened I will never know, because they are supposed to check all this at the hospital...He removed it straightaway and after two days, my bleeding diminished to almost nothing and I was able to lose the crutches. Obviously the amniotic sac in my uterus caused some sort of inflammation to occur causing the pain. Then I thought everything was fine until one morning I felt something else hanging out of the vagina, so again I rushed in a panic back to my obstetrician and he diagnosed me with a moderate prolapse of the bladder (cystocele), uterus and rectal wall (rectocele). This has been the most depressing thing for me as it feels as if my insides are falling out, especially when I cough or sneeze. I also have to support my rectal wall with fingers in order to have a bowel movement, something I have never had problems with before... What I am wondering is, will my prolapse improve significantly with time if I continue to do pelvic floor exercises? I have been doing lots every day now since the birth (not noticing much of a difference yet) as prescribed by my doctor and my physio. It has only been three months since the birth and I am breastfeeding my daughter as well. I have heard that hormones can affect the recovery of a prolapse, is this true? I have always been a very active person before pregnancy and would like to continue to be active, but I can't jog anymore until this is fixed... thankful for any advice from people who have experienced this horrible problem, and also if anyone has had the surgery for this and whether or not it was successful. Also, before I stop rambling, could anyone recommend a good gyno/surgeon who specialises in this sort of thing, preferrably in Sydney or Canberra? Many thanks to anyone who can help! Hugs and Kisses!

No advice hun, but couldn't read and not reply. I really hope it improves for you soon. I agree that this kind of thing isn't talked about nearly enough. Bravo for putting your story out there. I hope someone with some experience and good advice comes along soon. xx

I too had a posterior facing bub and the labour was so much harder than I expected. I was in labour for 50 HOURS and then when I was pushing they started freaking out saying if he didnt come in the next push ..... there would be trouble. I pushed so frantically that I had a third degree tear and gave myself haemorriods.... something that still hasnt gone away after 16 months. I hope you heal well but I really dont know much more.... Best of Luck

I also have no advice but couldn't help but reply to this thread. Your birth sounds EXACTLY like mine and I thought that was bad enough even though apart from a weak pelvic floor, I have had none of the post-birth trouble you have had. You poor thing, what a horrible experience. I know there are others on here who have posted about prolapses before so I am sure someone will reply to your post with some advice. I wish you the best of luck sweetie :hug:

Hi Bubblesbum,

Sorry to hear you had such a rough time of it. I have had 3 children. My first born, 18 hours labour, 2 hours of pushing, bub was posterior, ended up with suction. Second son was 4kg, also posterior, birthed unassisted but he crown with head to side. (I think he is the one that did the damage)

After birth of my last son my GP told me I had a rear prolapse, I asked more information and he was very blase (typical male).

I have a book called Waterworks, is quite good at helping to teach how to do Pelvic Floor correctly (so wish I had this before I was pregnant)

I think for me when I have decided I have finished having babies I will look at surgery to correct.

Good luck with it all, and I agree not enough information out their about this problem

Another thought.. perhaps you could post in the other prolapse threads.. that way anyone who replied to those threads will get a notification. You're likely to then get a few responses from people who have experienced similar issues. I know a post natal physio is often recommended. Not sure if they can help you out, but no harm in ringing one up to ask.

Hi Bubblesmum,
Just doing a search on this topic myself and I couldn't not reply.
You sound like you're really having a rough time. Just wanted to send you a big hug and a reminder to take it easy. The body does heal. I'm not a patient person myself and I'm very frustrated at how long it's taken me to recover from the birth.
I hope you get the advice you need soon.

Hi Bubblesmum,

I'm sorry you are feeling so down about this situation but please remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE and IT DOES GET BETTER.

I have been through what sounds like a very similar situation myself and have done tons of reading and seen heaps of professionals about it. Finally more than 2 years and 2 babies down the track I am nearly symptom free.

I too had a difficult posterior birth with forceps (a major factor in damage to pelvic floor). I was diagnosed with cystocele and rectocele (GP said "severe" but months later it was assessed as "very mild" so remember this can change too).

From my reading and own experience I'd say the following:

Three months post baby is very early days - your hormones are still affecting your muscles especially if you are breastfeeding, which means your pelvic floor is quite weak and can't hold up your organs as well as usual. I did not start to have symptom free days until 12 months after birth.

New research is coming out showing MOST women who have had a vaginal birth have some sort of prolapse. Many have no symptoms and others are too ashamed to report it.

Seeing a GOOD physio who knows a lot about post natal issues is essential. Get working on your kegels and make sure you are doing them correctly. Strengthening your core muscles is important too (Pilates is ideal).

Get your physio to check to make sure your musculo skeletal system is supporting you well (I had a twisted pelvis from the birth and once the physio had treated this my symptoms improved out of sight!)

It is a real shock to discover but please know it gets better with LOTS of work and professional help.