Should have asked more questions

[Visitor7]

I have heard of the operation, but haven't had it done myself. I know my mum knows a fair bit about it as she has issues in that department. I'll ask her today and get back to you.
Make seek a second opinion about it before agreeing to it?

[Sophia73]

hi Rachel,

I find myself posting quite a bit about this lately as I'm struggling with similar problems myself.

Did the doctor say it was a prolapse? Prolapse of various types (uterine, bladder, bowel etc) can cause incontinence. Basically its caused by a weakness in the pelvic floor - often caused by vaginal births (exacerbated by large babies, difficult deliveries etc).

I find it amazing that the doctor suggested surgery right away! My understanding is that the surgery is quite invasive and not always successful. I see a post natal physio and gynae about mine and they both recommend conservative measures first (pelvic floor exercises, oestogen cream, pessaries).

Also - are you still breastfeeding as this can affect the symptoms too. Are you planning other babies in the future as they will usually not perform surgery until you have finished your family.

Incidently my physio says latest recommendations are the pelvic floor squeezes be done for at least 20 seconds per squeeze (rather than short sharp ones). The duration is the most important factor in strengthening these muscles according to her.

Do you see a gynae or can you access a women's physio. I'd be gathering more info from the experts - I'm doing it at the moment too!

I wish you the best!

[MantaRay]

Rachel, a friend of mine had the op and things have been much better for her. But it doesn't always work and can make things worse in about 10% of cases I think. The best thing is to really work those PF muscles first. The standard PFE are great, but if you see a physio (some specialise in these "women's issues") they can give you a range of targeted exercises. I strongly recommend trying this before having surgery. Pilates is also great as it helps you work the PF. GL.

[C~Q]

Sophia - The Dr didn't really say much about what is was, I think she suggested surgery as i'm about to go for my group fitness training and she knows how important it is for my career that I have perfect technique in say, scissors or jumping jacks, also I'm going to have so many other things going through my head that "sqeeze in" isn't going to be one of them

No i'm not still breast feeding and god yes i've finished having babies

Thanks for the advice, i'll get a referrel to a Physio first

Thanks MR - OMG at making it worse, that would be the end of my career

I don't do Pilates but I do Body Balance which is a mixture of Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga.

Thanks for the advice guys

[Laranna]

I'd definitely seek advice from a women's physio and start pilates before considering the operation. Pilates has really worked for me.

[MantaRay]

Rachel, also FYI, I believe the op is called something like colpo-suspension or similar - it is basically raising the vagina to take the pressure off the pelvic floor.

[C~Q]

Thanks MR.

OMG I just found some info..

Can there be any complications?

There can be complications with any type of surgery but serious complications are rare. The risks are:

between one and ten in a hundred women will have trouble going to the toilet and may need a catheter after the surgery until normal bladder emptying is established. Less than one in a hundred women will have long term problems needing a catheter for a long period

about ten in a hundred women will develop an irritable bladder

one to five women in a hundred will develop a urinary infection

one in a hundred women will develop a wound infection

less than one in a hundred women need a blood transfusion

one in a hundred women will have damage to the bladder or urinary tract and this is usually repaired at the same time as the operation

a small chance of damage to blood vessels, ureters or bowels during the operation

occasionally keyhole surgery may need to be changed to a larger incision during the surgery due to complications.

between one and ten in a hundred women will have trouble going to the toilet and may need a catheter after the surgery until normal bladder emptying is established. Less than one in a hundred women will have long term problems needing a catheter for a long period You have to be kidding Is it just me or does that sound like a lot??

And...

Recovery time

Most women stay in hospital for 3-4 days. You will be sent home once you are feeling well and once you are able to pass urine with no problem.


It is important to rest after the operation and allow the area to heal. Generally it is recommended:

you restrict activity for two weeks

after 2 weeks do light activity only

avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks, including shopping bags, washing baskets and children

abstain from sexual activity for 6 weeks

avoid playing sport for 6 weeks

.

So thats pretty much 7 weeks without classes. Hmmm, I don't think this is for me! I suppose I could always get a boob job at the same time