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[Kerryj]

The doctor referred me for an ultrasound due to prolapse symptoms getting worse. I had the scan this morning and now I’m panic mode. Towards the end of the procedure she asked if I had any surgery, I was sterilised 25 years ago. I have convinced myself something has been spotted. I am due to go away next week and that is how long the results take. I’m not sure whether to cancel the holiday now. Having severe health anxiety is making things a lot worse. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[CLKD]

I would write a list of worries and phone the Dept., asking if I need to cancel the holiday.  However, my Surgeon told me that it was better for a patient to go on holiday as a few weeks is unlikely to make any difference, should 'anything be found'.

Where you planning to go?

[Kerryj]

We were going to Lanzarote but after talking things over with my husband we have decided to cancel. We have previous experience of me waiting for test results when on holiday with high anxiety and it isn’t good. It was an outside company that travel around gp surgeries so I’m unsure who I would call. Thank you for taking the time to reply

[Gnatty]

I bet she only asked you that because sometimes certain operations can make us more prone to prolapses. Eg hysterectomies etc. Or maybe she could see where they tied up your tubes. Maybe your surgery could advise you who to call for more info. X

[CLKD]

Do you have a referral letter to the appt., on which there will be contact details.

[sheila99]

Perhaps she saw some scar tissue and this explains it. I know it's easy for me to say but do try not to worry.

[Taz2]

Hi kerryj. I agree with both Gnatty and Sheila.

What type of prolapse do you have and what symptoms are worsening? I've had three so I may be able to help.

Taz x   

[Kerryj]

Uterus prolapse. The dragging feeling is getting more uncomfortable and bulging in vagina is getting worse. Feels worse before bowel movement.

[Taz2]

Ah that's the same as me. Yes those symptoms are typical of a uterine prolapse and the effect on it when needing a bowel movement is easy to understand really as the womb sitting in the vagina squashes the rectum and, equally, a full rectum squashes the vagina. I think of the vagina and the rectum as two simple 'tubes' which impact on each other.

Do you know what grade prolapse you have and have you been given exercises and advice to follow?

Taz x

[Kerryj]

I don’t know what grade it is. It was diagnosed by a nurse during a smear test more than 20 years ago. She just told me to do kegals. I have recently started using the Squeezy App, but it’s early days yet.

[Taz2]

Ok. You would benefit from a proper examination by a uro gynae just to see how prolapsed it is but If you've had it for 20 years then you have done excellently using the kegels.  Are you on HRT at all?

Taz x

[Kerryj]

Yes, I started HRT in Feb 2018. I use vagifem every other night

[Taz2]

That's good news. It was when I had to come off HRT for a while due to a daft doctor not wanting to prescribe once I got to 60 that worsened mine.

I just want to mention that if I overdid the kegels my prolapse became much more uncomfortable and after referral to a pelvic floor specialist nurse I was given a much kinder programme to follow.  Also, it is important to follow the advice re lifting and trying not to stand for hours at a time.

Taz x

[Kerryj]

Yes I’ve noticed I can’t stand for as long I used to. My gp has suggested I need to consider coming off HRT next year as I will have been taking it for 5 years. I know this isn’t the case anymore and will deal with it when the time comes

[Taz2]

It's a good idea to research prolapses as much as you can so that you can give yourself the best chance of keeping it comfortable. I had a hysterectomy in the end as I got fed up with the lump and the dragging feeling. It was always great when I first got up in the morning but worsened during the day. Let us know what your results say won't you.

Taz x