pelvic reconstructive surgery question

[dminton]

I'm not sure that this is the correct category for this question, but didn't know where else to put it!

I'm 48 and went thru a long difficult vaginal birth 14 years ago.......now I have significant uterine prolapse, some vaginal prolapse, and a minor cystocele and rectocele. Needless to say, a uro and a gyno both advised me to do the works; hysterectomy, bladder sling, etc. I don't see that I will have a choice, as gravity isn't reversing itself any time soon! I can feel the pressure weighing down on my bladder. I have uterine cramps for no reason.

I am a white knuckle flyer when it comes to surgery anyway, but in this case, I am very anxious because I don't know what it will do to my IC. The sling really worries me! If there is anyone out there with something positive to say about it, please feel free! I don't think I can handle any horror stories, to be honest, but am curious if anyone has come out of it with their IC either the same or improved? I know there are some who say their IC started after pelvic surgery, but I have had IC off and on for 30 years, by the way.

I am also very concerned about how this type of surgery changes one's sex life; I know there's no way to predict, but I find this very nerve-wracking. I have heard of some women saying things get better, and some not so lucky. Any words of wisdom?

Diana.

[Babs RN]

I had a rectovaginal fistula repair, rectocele repair and pelvic floor reconstruction in 2001. I still need the cystocele repair and see my uro on the 4th of April to hopefully schedule that. The surgery and recovery to me weren't all that bad. Yes I was sore, but all in all I didn't consider it excruciating. I would do it again in a minute. It took them 6 hours, three layers of tissue and over 650 sutures to repair the damage of Lindsey's entrance but like I said, I have been through worse and would do it again. Feel free to email or PM me if you have other questions.

Hugs,
Barb :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

I found that getting my abdominal organs back where they belong made me feel better. It's normal to be nervous about surgery --- I know I definitely am.

I've also had diagnosed IC for 30 years and have had several surgeries during that time.

Warm healing thoughts,
Donna

[dminton]

Thanks for the replies! I reread a letter from a urologist who examined me and the letter stated that many of his IC patients feel better when the surgical corrections take place. He also wrote of pessaries; has anyone tried one of those? Apparently, many IC pts. cannot tolerate them, too much pressure on the bladder or something. That's too bad, because it can give you an idea of how you would feel if your organs were back up where they should be!

If I knew in my 20's that I would be dealing with such unglamorous things.....

Anyway, any more comments would be welcome!

Thanks,

Diana.

[Betsie]

Diana,

I can't give you any advice as I have not been through any of this. I am sorry you have to face this, but I think it sounds like much of it will cause you to feel better after healing. All I can do is wish you the best of luck and a gentle and speedy recovery. It sounds very uncomfortable to be dealing with what you are now, so I do hope this will give you back lots of comfort. :kissing: