More than a cystocele?

[loveleigh]

I have had urine leakage since being pregnant in 2002, never thought much of it being that I've always been overweight. Then in early June I experienced some diarrhea (no hard pushing) and suddenly felt something drop to my vaginal opening. My PCP saw me the next day and said that it is a minor cystocele and told me to make an appointment with a surgeon. The surgeon can't get me in till late August. They did not tell me to not have sex, but there is almost constantly some mass with in an inch or two of the vaginal opening and when we tried my husband was unable to get past what ever is hanging there. I have intermittent pelvic and back pain with constant pelvic pressure. I can not have a BM with out pain or something pushing out (feels like a broken turkey neck) strange.  Both front and back walls seem to be protruding also. On the upside I've had very little SI or leakage since this happened but I have to push on my abdomen to urinate or have a BM. I feel like 2 months is a long time for such a problem to go untreated. Does this sound like a basic cystocele and what should I be doing in the mean time? PCP told me to lay down a lot and take some motrin. I have a child with CP so that isn't really an option.

[loveleigh]

Turns out I was right, I have a cystocele, prolapse of the the uterus, rectum and vaginal walls. I go back in Nov. for urodynamics because she doesn't think I should be having some of these pain issues and to pinpoint the urine leakage. She also won't do surgery till I lose 40 pounds, I understand and respect her decision but I am unable to have intercourse due to these problems nor take care of my disabled child ( lifting ). So I've been diagnosed but will be living with the pain and inability to live my life for a while still. I'm very annoyed.

[Carrie72]

Hi just a question - how long was it after childbirth did you have the surgery? I have a cysctocele prolapse and have been told it's too early for surgery and I have to have physio first. I don't have any incontinence or problems with bm but have a bulge about an inch in. I am 10 weeks postpartum. Also what's a sling? I hope you don't mind me asking! At the mo doing lots of kegels but feel nothing's working - it's hard to rest with 2 sons! I have bought a kegelmaster to try and have some feeling and effect.

[Lennox Hoyte, M.D.]

You are describing the problem called prolapse and urinary incontinence. There are surgical therapies which can fix the prolapse. Regarding the incontinence, your doctor will need to do urodynamic testing (bladder testing) to determine the specific type of incontinence. If it is pure stress incontinence, you doctor can offer you a surgical procedure to correct the incontinence.  The incontinence can sometimes be harder to fix if it is associated with prolapse. Make lsure your doctor is experienced in the treatment of prolapse and incontinence before you proceed. Many surgeons ask patients to wait about 6 weeks after surgery before attempting intercourse.

[stef56]

good news!  i had surgery in june for rectocele and had to wait for 3 months, but IT IS SO WORTH IT!  i had been having urine leakage for about 5 years and just thought i would have to live with it; also had the lovely added effect of having that portion of vagina protruding, too.  to take a BM, i would actually have to push it up and back as my rectum was ballooning into the compromised anterior vaginal wall - just depressing.  (my surgeon also put in "the sling" to relieve stress on my urethra)  so, don't despair - a couple of months is nothing compared to the relief you'll feel for the rest of your life!  by the way, your husband will also be very happy with the results!