prolapse, anyone? or other lingering annoyances for that matter

[ciga]

I know there is a general support thread in health and healing but I'm wondering if anyone else here has dealt with a prolapse of any kind.
I'm not sure how bad mine is yet (appt with a urogyn next week) but I'm feeling really bummed about it.
I kind of feel like its been one thing after another...painful labial tearing, sutures that popped so I'm kinda of mangled and won't even let DH look yet, vaginal wall prolapse, really slow healing that I'm constantly aware of, still bleeding at 7 wks...

I don't want to be a complainer because I know I could have it way worse but dang. I'm having a pitty party right now
I just want to feel healthy and strong again so I can carry my boy around all day without walking bowlegged by bedtime

[cocoanib]

(((HUGS))) to you Ciga.
What type of prolapse are you having?
I'm so sorry your having so many issues down there. It will get better!
Thank you for starting this thread, because I have felt like I was probably the only one still healing.
I'm 8wks post partum and don't know anyone else that wasn't healed past 6. I know it's dumb to compare yourself, but sometimes my mind goes there.

I don't have prolapse, but I'm still dealing with a tear on my perineum that won't heal. I had 2 in the vagina that healed well, but this one has been stubborn. I'm pretty tired of the burning, but there's nothing for me to do, but wait. My MW didn't think it needed stitches at my last check at 6 wks. At 8 wks I went in office and they didn't think it needed stitches either I just have to wait basically. I guess some tears just take a longer time to heal. Plus I still don't think my vagina looks like it's old self. Maybe it never will, I dunno. This is my first babe and I didn't know that I would miss the look of my old vag!

Truly I'm not complaining though. As long as my baby is healthy I can take anything. I'll gladly deal with this ripped up perineum and funny looking vag for as long as I have to, so long as she is growing strong, healthy and happy!

BTW- DH has'nt seen my vagina yet either.

[Deir]

(((((hugs)))) ladies-

First of all- have your pity party both of you- that sounds bad!

With my first I had a 2nd degree tear and it really took about 6 months before sex felt normal. The good news is- the next 2 kids births left me (almost) completely ok.

THis time my only complaint is very bad lower abdominal soreness- like really low. I never had this with the other 2. I am a little concerned and wondering what the heck it is. I'm used to being in pretty good shape (strength wise- not bikini wise!) and I am not liking this. I can only do about 3 push ups and carrying the baby all day seems to exacerbate it.

Anyway- sending you healing energy thoughts

[ciga]

Originally Posted by cocoanib

(((HUGS))) to you Ciga.
This is my first babe and I didn't know that I would miss the look of my old vag!

Truly I'm not complaining though. As long as my baby is healthy I can take anything. I'll gladly deal with this ripped up perineum and funny looking vag for as long as I have to, so long as she is growing strong, healthy and happy!

BTW- DH has'nt seen my vagina yet either.

This caught me off guard too! Somehow it didn't occur to me that I would look different and probably if I had thought about it I wouldn't have thought that I would care so much.
But it is also true that I'm just so happy that this boy of mine is happy and growing and I'm amazed every time I look at him.

I'm sorry your healing is taking so long too. I was reading all about prolapses today and general healing after childbirth (btw I believe I have rectocele and fortunately don't think my uterus is involved) and read that many cultures consider the postpartum period to last up to 2 years. I guess some docs won't consider surgery for childbirth related issues until you've reached a year PP. The other day my midwife also pointed out that for us breastfeeding mama's our estrogen levels are way down which slows down healing for a while.

Deir- thanks for the support, too. It is a relief to hear when subsequent pregnancies can be easier on the body. I've been slightly terrified by the idea of going through childbirth again even though I hate the idea of Ruben having no siblings.

[cocoanib]

Originally Posted by Deir

(((((hugs)))) ladies-

First of all- have your pity party both of you- that sounds bad!

With my first I had a 2nd degree tear and it really took about 6 months before sex felt normal. The good news is- the next 2 kids births left me (almost) completely ok.

THis time my only complaint is very bad lower abdominal soreness- like really low. I never had this with the other 2. I am a little concerned and wondering what the heck it is. I'm used to being in pretty good shape (strength wise- not bikini wise!) and I am not liking this. I can only do about 3 push ups and carrying the baby all day seems to exacerbate it.

Anyway- sending you healing energy thoughts

I hope your ab soreness goes away soon!
I just started having some low abdominal soreness again, but I also just started back to running this week. I expected sore legs and such, but was caught off guard by the abs. I guess my whole body's gotta get back in the swing of things.

Originally Posted by ciga

This caught me off guard too! Somehow it didn't occur to me that I would look different and probably if I had thought about it I wouldn't have thought that I would care so much.
But it is also true that I'm just so happy that this boy of mine is happy and growing and I'm amazed every time I look at him.

I'm sorry your healing is taking so long too. I was reading all about prolapses today and general healing after childbirth (btw I believe I have rectocele and fortunately don't think my uterus is involved) and read that many cultures consider the postpartum period to last up to 2 years. I guess some docs won't consider surgery for childbirth related issues until you've reached a year PP. The other day my midwife also pointed out that for us breastfeeding mama's our estrogen levels are way down which slows down healing for a while.

Deir- thanks for the support, too. It is a relief to hear when subsequent pregnancies can be easier on the body. I've been slightly terrified by the idea of going through childbirth again even though I hate the idea of Ruben having no siblings.

I was talking to an older neighbor of mine last week and she said to give myself 9 months to really get my body back. She said that's about how long you are preg, so don't be surprised if healing and getting back into shape physically and mentally takes that long. I was like "wow that's a long time", but now it doesn't seem like a stretch. Some things take awhile.
For some reason I imagined I was gonna be up dancing around a couple days after baby in my old body feeling like my old self. I realize that happens for some, but it's not in the cards for me and that's cool. I'm going to be kind to myself.
You ladies be kind to yourselves too

[LittleLegos]

The biggest thing I am dealing with at the moment is separated stomach muscles...it's pretty big this time around. My back gets super tired. Not having the abs also affects the way my belly looks too.

I'm almost 7 wks pp and hoping that in time things will heal sooner than later. Trying to do some exercises for diastasis and trying to maintain better posture. Both things are hard work, especially aggravated with holding a baby in my arms/carrier.

Have had some minor ligament issues in the vag, but seem to be resolving quickly. Doing my kegels and doing well with it now.

Amy

[cocoanib]

Originally Posted by LittleLegos

The biggest thing I am dealing with at the moment is separated stomach muscles...it's pretty big this time around. My back gets super tired. Not having the abs also affects the way my belly looks too.

I'm almost 7 wks pp and hoping that in time things will heal sooner than later. Trying to do some exercises for diastasis and trying to maintain better posture. Both things are hard work, especially aggravated with holding a baby in my arms/carrier.

Have had some minor ligament issues in the vag, but seem to be resolving quickly. Doing my kegels and doing well with it now.

Amy

Hi Amy
I hope your ab situation get's better soon. I was surprised that mine got back together pretty quickly. I did'nt have particularly strong ones before pregnancy.
Kegels...I need to do lot's more of these

[judybean]

and I couldn't help but do some Kegels reading this..lol

So sorry some of you are still working on healing physically (as well as mentally with the way things look down there... it's a journey for sure)!

My physical issues are so minor, but my hips really seem quite out of line still. If I lay on my side or sit funny even for a short period of time it can be really hard to get up and then even hurts to walk for a few moments while things adjust. I still feel like I have a bread-dough belly (or just general 'looseness' in the tummy region.. and no, it was nowhere NEAR nice and tight before.. but it's far looser now). But.. I can't complain too much.

I always figure nine months up, nine months down.

[october]

Holy sh** I think I have rectocele too! I just looked it up because I was curious what it was and hmm.. yep I think I have some of those symptoms, although minor. But I'm definitely going to mention it on Monday at my 6 week pp visit with the midwives.

I'm glad you brought this up. Does it just go away on it's own?

[Juvysen]

I'm dealing w/abdominal diastasis. Trying to do Tuppler technique exercises to bring things back together, but now that Avery is over 15 lbs, it hurts my back when I'm carrying him up high on my chest/shoulder for very long. I had him in the pouch sling the other day (for like 15 minutes) so I could get things ready to go out of town and it about killed my back. My other two kids were just over 11 lbs at this age, and not to 15 lbs until 5 months old or so! I guess my abs just needed more time to heal.

[Right of Passage]

I have a cystocele according to my midwife. I'm a bit bummed but I've probably had it since DS2. I also have the bread dough belly.

[ciga]

Originally Posted by october

Holy sh** I think I have rectocele too! I just looked it up because I was curious what it was and hmm.. yep I think I have some of those symptoms, although minor. But I'm definitely going to mention it on Monday at my 6 week pp visit with the midwives.

I'm glad you brought this up. Does it just go away on it's own?

nak
I've been reading a lot about prolapses lately and from what I understand it is all dependent on the severity. For some women specific exercise and physical therapy can keep it in check and possibly even heal the issue. I've been doing kegels religiously because I read it can help retrain those muscles walls. For others, surgery is needed. But i guess surgery isn't recommended if you want any more babies. My midwife referred me to a urogynecologist so i could find out my options for both the prolapse and my crazy tears which may or may not be effecting the prolapse. So, I'll know more tomorrow. I did read about women who had minor prolapses that turned into total uterine prolapses after subsequent pregnancies. I'm just notoriously bad about ignoring things to avoid going to the doctor so I've decided that I have to be proactive about this. I'd say that if you think you might have a prolapse it is worth getting a referral to a specialist because you might be able to do things to help heal yourself.

Originally Posted by LittleLegos

The biggest thing I am dealing with at the moment is separated stomach muscles...it's pretty big this time around. My back gets super tired. Not having the abs also affects the way my belly looks too.

I'm almost 7 wks pp and hoping that in time things will heal sooner than later. Trying to do some exercises for diastasis and trying to maintain better posture. Both things are hard work, especially aggravated with holding a baby in my arms/carrier.

Have had some minor ligament issues in the vag, but seem to be resolving quickly. Doing my kegels and doing well with it now.

Amy

I didn't really understand what diastasis was until I just looked it up. I guess my ab muscles are separated too. It only feels like a less than a finger width though. I'm going to start doing exercises to help move them back together. I have terrible posture and I'm trying really hard to correct that. I've found that the ergo is the only carrier my back can tolerate these days, especially with this 14 pounder I've got.

[MiaMama]

Another prolapsed mama here.

I found it when I was pregnant, so I'm guessing it was DD1's birth that really did it. I noticed when I was checking my cervix. I could feel a rectocele and has to reach around a cyctocele to feel my cervix. At the time, I had no idea what was going on.

I feel broken. If I do too much, I get lower belly pain and perineal pain, even though I did not tear there.

To top it off, my baby wakes at night, but grunts and squirms, and does not really nurse for more than a minute or two. So, AF seems to be trying to re-appear. I say trying, because I have just been spotting/light bleeding, crampy, headachey, and cranky for the past 11 days.

When DD1 was born, I moslty snuggled her all day and night, and felt like I was just filled up with love. Now, after DD2, I am bouncing a crying baby on my lap while googling "How do I clean toddler pee out of a floor vent?" I mostly feel tired.

Ziva will be 9 weeks on friday. My husband will return from a business trip the next day. It is his 5th! week-long trip since the birth.

I am so sorry for the pity party, but you asked for it . On the bright side, my beans, beets and zucchini sprouted in the garden! I am witnessing the awesome power of springtime and rebirth.

[Kikelet]

Still having a lot of mucusy discharge and it is so annoying. I am almost 10 weeks PP and I very well could have another couple weeks to go. I know it's not a big deal, but it's a PITA. For the most part, my body seems to be recovering pretty well. I hope the other mamas here with issues are doing ok.

[snoopy5386]

Originally Posted by ciga

I know there is a general support thread in health and healing but I'm wondering if anyone else here has dealt with a prolapse of any kind.
I'm not sure how bad mine is yet (appt with a urogyn next week) but I'm feeling really bummed about it.
I kind of feel like its been one thing after another...painful labial tearing, sutures that popped so I'm kinda of mangled and won't even let DH look yet, vaginal wall prolapse, really slow healing that I'm constantly aware of, still bleeding at 7 wks...

I don't want to be a complainer because I know I could have it way worse but dang. I'm having a pitty party right now
I just want to feel healthy and strong again so I can carry my boy around all day without walking bowlegged by bedtime

DDDC crashing from April. I am 99% sure I have a uterine prolapse and maybe a cystocele too. I'm going for my 6 week appt on Monday and will be asking for a referral to a urogynecologist. I'm hoping physical therapy will do the trick for me. For the first few days after birth I was a stage four and am now a stage three. Looking back and knowing what I know now I had this after DD1 was born but it was undiagnosed. I was a stage 2 then. I'm hoping to get back there again. It is horrible and I feel ashamed of my body. DH has no idea and I'm going to tell him all about this weekend before my appt since he'll be tagging along, I'm just so embarrassed by the whole thing.
I'm also a slow healer and had labial tears so I'm still having a lot of pain in the perineal and labial area. It has been really hard to tell what is going on down there, but I can tell you it will be quite a while before we DTD again.

[Plummeting]

I didn't see this thread until tonight. I have a prolapse. I am pretty sure I have a rectocele, but I can feel both an anterior and posterior bulge in there, so in my non-professional opinion, there are probably two things out of place, although there's no way for me to tell what the other thing is, since I'm not exactly familiar with what a prolapsed uterus or bladder would feel like. Everything was fine the first few weeks, other than some major urinary incontinence for a few days that completely went away after a week or so. Then at maybe 5 weeks I started having weird stools, but no constipation, so it didn't occur to me that it was anything serious. Then they got weirder and I started feeling like I had diarrhea all the time, but I didn't have it. I just had that uncomfortable feeling you get with diarrhea. Then I got constipated. Then I found the bulges when I had a weird sensation a few days ago and decided to see what I felt in there. That may have been a mistake. I then spent the next 3 days crying. I feel better now, but I'm waiting on my referral to come through. I'd like to get this sorted out ASAP!

[ciga]

Plummeting-- I figured out I had a prolapse when I made the mistake of looking at myself in the mirror to check out my tears. I had had some weird bowel issues but didn't even know what a prolapse was so it hadn't occurred to me. I scoured the internet for information and then spent two weeks being incredibly depressed that my body was falling apart. My midwife referred me to a urogynocologist and I am so glad I went to see her.

I have a cyctocele and a pretty decent rectocele according to my doctor. She said that it is best to wait for surgical repair until you're done having babies but there are lots of things you can do to manage your symptoms in the mean time. #1 is to start yourself on a high fiber diet. You have to be really diligent about it, though. I've been taking ground flax seeds + hemp seeds + probiotics + maintaining good general nutrition. #2 is exercise. I have become a kegel freak. She also said that yoga and pilates are suggested for women with these prolapses. It has been a week since my appointment and I feel so much better. Everything feels like it is working right again (I'm sure the fact that my stress level went down after seeing her has helped).

I know everyone is different but try not to worry too much. It may not be as bad as you thought. I let internet research really scare the crap out of me. I would go ahead and fiber up your diet while your waiting for your referral just to help get your bowels in order. It can only help.
Good luck

[josie423]

I'm wondering if I may have some slight prolapse issues... (3 babies in 2.5 years, eek!) You said you looked in the mirror and saw that you had a prolapse... How could you tell? Sorry if it's TMI, I just would like to know what to look for.

[Plummeting]

I know to eat more fiber, but honestly there is probably no way I can eat more fiber unless I take a supplement. For breakfast almost every day I eat an omelette with 3/4 cup of kale in it and 1/2 a sprouted grain bagel. I eat a large salad for lunch almost every day. I eat fruit in between meals. I eat lots of vegetables with dinner and eat very little other grain, but what I do is always whole grain. I do smoothies with flax seeds in them, I take probiotics. I don't eat dairy, which can cause constipation. All that might be why my initial symptoms did not include constipation. I dunno. Even now the constipation isn't bad. Much worse is the...stuff...in my vagina that is not supposed to be there.

My referral is to a regular gyne, since I had to go through the base docs and that's who he wanted to refer me to. That's probably better, though, since they'll be more likely to know the good local urogynes. It'll just be a PITA because then I'll have to get another referral. Oh well. The base guys sometimes have no idea who in the area is any good for anything.

So is anyone getting a pessary? All I know is that I am not EVER having sex until this stuff is up and out of the way. No way, no how. If that means I have to have the surgery now and not have more kids, then I'll do that. I wasn't sure I wanted more kids anyway. I do, however, enjoy sex a great deal.

[ciga]

Originally Posted by josie423

I'm wondering if I may have some slight prolapse issues... (3 babies in 2.5 years, eek!) You said you looked in the mirror and saw that you had a prolapse... How could you tell? Sorry if it's TMI, I just would like to know what to look for.

I think most everything on this forum is TMI, that is the beauty of it.
Basically when I looked in the mirror in a squat there was this scary weird bulge. It looked like the wall of my vagina was collapsing out, which it was. Also, if you can manually feel an odd bulge down there when sitting on the toilet that would be an indicator. They tend to be worse at the end of the day, according to my doctor. You can also google image rectocele or vaginal wall prolapse and see some images that will freak you right out.