Midwives - uterine/bladder prolapse, - experiences?

[bobandjess99]

So..I think I have uterine and bladder prolapse. I UC'ed on Dec 27th.
I do have a midwife, but don't normally get a 6 week PP check.
I'm wondering what my next step should be.....my research online leads me to believe that I will likely need surgery to correct the problem.
So... I'm thinking maybe I should just call a local OB instead, since if my suspicions are true, I'll need a surgeon, right?
Of course, we have no insurance right now...*sigh*

Is it dangerous to let this go for a little while, or can I wait a bit until we have insurance to get it fixxed? Also, I can't imagine being away from my babies, for a hospital stay ......

Also..what the heck did wome do before surgeons? I mean, if this had happened many years ago, would the women just live out their lives with their bladders hanging out of them? I can't imagine what else they might have done....

anyway..any info on this subject, anything at all, personal/professional experiences, training, education..anything?

[pigpokey]

Not a midwife but BTDT. It is not dangerous to leave it alone unless you start having UTIs from not emptying your bladder fully. As a precaution you may want to void leaning over as much as possible to empty your bladder.

I would stop lifting anything heavier than your newborn and try to rest some with your chest on the couch and your butt in the air. Meaning do not hold your newborn with one hand and move a gallon of milk with the other, at least not until you've given your body a chance to heal. I wish someone had told me this when I first prolapsed.

It's a bit early and you may get significant improvement. You won't want to have surgery until your youngest can get into the car by himself and you are done having children, if you choose that option, as you will have significant lifting restrictions for about 12 weeks. The surgeries do not have great long term cure rates but they are what they are. I had it a year ago and while my uterus has stayed up, my bladder is back down b/c although the surgeon said I did not have to avoid lifting after my 12 weeks, it dropped down after lifting maybe 9 months after surgery. So.

You can get fitted for a pessary or leave it alone.

I went in for pelvic reconstruction at 6am and came home at about 9pm. I did need significant help at home.

[doctorjen]

You might see if there is a physical therapist in your area who specializes in pelvic floor issues. I've had a couple clients avoid surgery this way. You might be able to go to one without a referral, or you might need a referral from a doctor or midwife.
It's not particularly dangerous to wait. I have one client who had a uterine prolapse in her first pregnancy (while pregnant, not post delivery) and used a pessary in early pregnancy. She has had significant prolapse after each birth, also, but has done well with physical therapy and has not needed surgery and never had trouble with urinary tract infections.