I had my biological daughter almost 6 years ago and left the delivery with a prolapsed uterus...which basically means it has dropped! After seeing several doctors, the news is all the same, have surgery to bring it back up. I'm nervous about the surgery/complications. It would mean a partial hystorectomy...the removal of the top of the uterus, but not my overies. Has any one else had or know of someone who has had this procedure. I'm only (soon to be) 34. I want to be active again, but would LOVE to hear of some success stories before I jump into this.
Thank you all so much for you responses. It IS so nice to hear that others have/are going through this. I have tried the pessary, feldenkreis therapy (which I loved), and waiting! I know I'm ready to do SOMETHING, but feel like I want as mcuh information as I can get before making this BIG decision.
The procedure that has been recommended to me is an abdominal sacrocolpoplexy. I the procedure my doctor would remove the fundus (top) of my uterus and use mesh to pull up my cervix. She would leave my ovaries.
For those who responded and had the whole uterus removed, why the whole uterus. I was concerned about losing my cervix and the bottom "wall" of my uterus. I'm concerned about sexual satisfaction after the procedure. I'm also worried that lifting the uterus may cause any incontinence to appear. Any thoughts? Thank you all again! I will check out the website suggested too!
I strongly recommend reading "Saving the Whole Woman" by Christine Ann Kent. You can also visit the website www.wholewoman.com There is a lot of eye opening information about prolapse that I found very helpful as a midwife. Good luck
J.,
I guess it depends on what exactly is "prolapsed." I had the same problem after my daughter was born and my doctor said eventually surgery is what I'll need, but in the meantime if I'm still considering having more kids, I can wear a device they call a pessary. They have these devices in all shapes and sizes depending on what is prolapsed (i.e. the bladder, part of the uterus, the colon, etc.) and it holds that section in. I have been wearing mine for 3 months now and wish I had heard of it much sooner! It's amazing the difference. I can work out, run, jump and chase my toddler around with none of those "dropping out" feelings. Ask your doctor or another gynecologist about this device to see if you're a candidate before taking the surgical route.
Hi J.,
I had both a prolapsed uterus and prolapsed bladder. Had surgery at Newton Wellesley by Dr Molly Clark (About Women by Women is the name of the practice she owns). The surgery was very successful. I was a lot older than you and opted for a full hysterectomy including ovary removal as I had already had my children and wasn't planning on having any more. The surgery was done vaginally so no scars and a much shorter recovery time. Recovery was about 6 weeks (but it could have been a lot shorter as I was feeling great shortly after the surgery) until I got back to normal and what a relief to be able to walk without that "bulge"! Make sure yu don't do any lifting until the doctor gives you the ok. Hope this helps.
K.
Raynham MA
J.,
I had a partial hysterectomy, removal of the uterus but not ovaries, to repair a prolapsed uterus as part of reconstructive surgery to repair a rectocele and cystocele and solve the problem of urinary stress incontinence. I did have complications post-op related to a heart condition that was previously undocumented and the problem of urinary stress incontinence required additional surgery, but the partial hysterectomy went well. I was able to return to my previous activity level after 4 months. You may be able to return to your previous activity level sooner since you do not have the other problems. I was about 43 years old and already had three children. Before having a partial hysterectomy, you would want to be perfectly sure that you do not want to have any more children. I had my third child when I was 36 years old. It is quite nice not to menstruate every month.
Hey J.,
My mother Heidi had this surgery when she was in her twenty's. It was very successful!! I will tell her to message you about it.
M.
At 39, I had major fybroids in my uterus. I felt like I couldn't go too far from a bathroom 24 hours a day. I had a Hystorectomy and my ovaries were left because the doctor said I was too young to lose them. It was the best thing I ever did. I felt remarkable after the first ten days post-surgery. I still fell remarkable today! The only thing I would have done differently is I would have had the procedure done vaginally so I wouldn't have a scar across my belly. The scar is a small price to pay for getting my life back.
Eileen
I had a hysterectomy about 9 months ago for the same issue. However, I was 42 and was not planning on having any more children. I kept my ovaries and the procedure was done vaginally, so I have no scar. I would definitely do it again! I feel great!
I have a friend who had it done in Holland. She was told she would never be able to get pregnant again...could not happen!! Well miracles do happen and she did get pregnant with her third. From my understanding the surgery was very successfull. Good luck,
H..
