Recovery Update - 15 Months After Prolapse Surgery and Hysterectomy

I’ve returned with a video to update you on the issues I was facing at one year post pelvic organ prolapse repair surgery. Good news… I’ve found relief from most of my issues (hormone levels, pelvic floor pain, painful sex, etc), and have more tips on how you can too! This video specifically mentions the value I’ve found in pelvic floor physical therapy for hypertonic muscles.
***The links below are affiliate links. If you purchase products using them, I may receive a small commission.
PELVIC WAND:
a.co/d/f718o9y
AMAZON LINK TO MY FAVORITE LEGGINGS: I recommend the “plus size” for anyone larger than a size 4. They’re much more stretchy and comfortable.
amzn.to/3EwErCj
PERI BOTTLE:
a.co/d/80I0KvV
PITCHER FOR DRAINING SUPRAPUBIC CATHETER:
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LINK TO THE TRAY TABLE I USED:
amzn.to/3ydEA9M
WATER BOTTLE/CUP/TUMBLER WITH STRAW:
a.co/d/eY32AGX
LINK TO MY FAVORITE COTTON ROBE (with the perfect quick-drying tie for showers):
amzn.to/3SVHMys
LINK TO MY FAVORITE FEMININE PADS (work great for urine or blood):
amzn.to/3UY4AQ7
LINK TO TUCKS PADS:
amzn.to/3V1ih0M
LINK TO STOOL SOFTENER:
a.co/d/dt0ESZV
LINK TO SHOWER HEAD I BOUGHT:
amzn.to/3M3XchT
LOW CARB/HIGH FIBER RECOVERY SNACKS:
a.co/d/07AxT1C (FRUIT BARS)
a.co/d/07AxT1C (TURKEY STICKS)
a.co/d/gg4djj8 (CHOCOLATE FIBER THINS)
a.co/d/bJfLLAW (CHICKPEA SNACKS)
a.co/d/63umcll (POP CHIPS)
a.co/d/iTKeXEk (SMOOTHIE POUCHES)

[@joytolan8321]

Please know what a resource this was for me and hopefully many other Women! SO important to talk about!! I’m having similar procedures in 2 weeks and because of your shared story I had informed, specific questions for surgeon and felt more able to advocated for myself. ❣️

[@personalprolapsestory]

Glad it was helpful!

[@margaretbryant6468]

Thank you so much for thus video.i had the same surgery as you but I'm was a lot older than you.mine only lasted 3 years as one winter I had bronchitis and coughing a lot and my prolapse came back.i haven't gone to see anyone about it as I'm 75 now and trying to put up with it.i am in pain .so glad you are better as you are so young to go through it.xx

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi Margaret! I encourage you to see a doctors help, regardless of your age. Try to find a doctor who does native tissue repair, rather than with mesh. Mesh doesn’t stand the rest of time. Also, if you haven’t, opt for a hysterectomy to remove any organs that can prolapse (other than your bladder). I’m sorry you’re in pain and dealing with a re-prolapse. That’s terrible. ☹️

[@mary-lougatward5125]

Thank you for this information. I’m 9 weeks post op and I will be seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist next week. Like you I thought it was important to see someone who specializes in pelvic floor Physio, I was pleasantly surprised to find a clinic in my city. I believe I have hypertonic muscles. I went into a stage 4 prolapse 6 weeks prior to surgery so I know I’ve been clenching that area for months. I appreciate your openness about seeing a therapist as I now know what to expect. ❤

[@WildChildMama]

Thank you so much for this. I’m so glad that you’re doing better. This gives me hope

[@personalprolapsestory]

I’m so glad to hear that. I really am feeling nearly 100% and have so much peace of mind that all is well and I’m as “normal” as can be down there now!

[@yeseniamts]

I’m so happy to hear that you’re doing better now. Your surgery was a success and I’m hoping the same. I’m learning a lot from your personal experience. Thank you for sharing!

[@davis-kc1xp]

You have no idea how much you helped me! I’m two weeks out from same surgery and have started having pelvic and lower back pain that has kept me from getting anything done due to the irritating pain. Now I know what it is! Hypertonic pelvis! THANK YOU!!!!! 🙏 Soo grateful for you!!

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi. Yes, it’s likely hypertonic muscles and scar tissue in your pelvic floor pinching nerves. I’d advise you to find a qualified and specially trained pelvic floor PT in your area and start seeing them. Once they train you, you can do exercises at home. In the meantime, you can try to palpate (apply pressure) to the are down there from the outside. I prefer doing it in the bath. Many of these muscles can be released from pressing around the pelvic floor area from the outside.

[@superm0m0f03]

Thank you for sharing your story. It has given me peace about going forward with my surgery knowing that there is hope and recovery it isn't so scary anymore.

[@carols4813]

Thank you for the update!

[@Mci10934]

Thank you for your story. Gives me hope.

[@designermirri5519]

I had total hysterectomy 29 days ago. The dr left my ovaries. I can say healing is a everyday process.. the first 2 weeks was abit crazy with pain but up to now week 4 am pain free. Walking is a booster to healing trust me. Just listen to your body.

[@eden8033]

I think what she had was so much more than a hysterectomy, not to downplay what you had done. I just think people neeeeed to know the difference. I had what she had, and people were saying they didn’t understand why my healing took so much longer that people who had hysterectomies because they bounced right back in two weeks. Ummmm no. Multiple prolapse repairs are a hysterectomy with almost total pelvic reconstruction. I wouldn’t wish this in my worst enemy.

[@superm0m0f03]

Thank you for being real, honest, open and true. You make a difference and give hope.

[@PatriciaSilva-jx7hy]

Thank you so much for your feedback 🙏🏻

[@mikiahaywood2186]

Your story gives me hope thanks for sharing

[@michellepernula872]

No nerves don't die off in older women. The estrogen is gone at menopause and post menopaustal. Estrogen keeps the ligaments and tissues tight. So with it reduced orngone, everything sags inside because a uterus is no longer needed for producing a baby.

[@hulethasmith7301]

Thanks. So helpful and encouraging.

[@dperry2768]

They say I will be out of work 12weeks . When were you able to be up and working again. My work is very physical. I work 12 to 14 hours a day on the road sheriffs sept. Thank you for your help and advice .

[@personalprolapsestory]

I went back to work after three weeks, but I don’t recommend that. I don’t have a very active job, but I walk and stand a lot. I was so sore every night. I think it set my recovery back. If you’ve got the time to take, STAY HOME as long as you can.

[@kathykups7962]

Thank you I am going to do this soon ❤

[@dperry2768]

Thank you for your videos. I’m so scared of this surgery I had a partial hysterectomy 2019. Now I have a vaginal prolapse rectocele and bladder. I’m terrified.

[@personalprolapsestory]

It won’t be as bad as you think, and after watching my videos, you’ll be way more prepared than many women are! You’ve got this! The biggest thing is choosing a good surgeon who does the repairs the right way!

[@michellepernula872]

Did you have or need a rectocele repair? If it was bulging it can be from herniated rectal area.

[@mandyrobbins2160]

When I get sharp pudendal neuralgia pain, I call it a zinger.😬

[@personalprolapsestory]

So accurate!

[@Hecatesroom]

I was always told testing for hormone imbalance is near impossible because there is a constant fluctuation…

[@personalprolapsestory]

Yes. That’s basically what I’ve even told… and found through experience.

[@eden8033]

Did you get the “phantom tampon” feeling? If so, how long does it last. Monday is 3 months for me, and I feel it when I walk.

[@personalprolapsestory]

I’ve never heard it called that, but yes, for months I was convinced that I had a new prolapse bc it felt like I had pressure (like a full tampon) in there. It did resolve!!

[@100anti]

Hi were you able to swim in the swimming pool or ocean? If so, how long did it take before swimming?

[@personalprolapsestory]

They say no swimming, and potentially dirty/contaminated water for six weeks. But after that, yes, you can swim or do anything else you normally would in water.

[@kalkidangobezie4078]

I want surgery if the doctor accept

[@hannahd9071]

How does intimacy feel? I worry about that. 😢

[@personalprolapsestory]

Intimacy is definitely different, but it is certainly still enjoyable. The biggest issue I struggle with concerning intimacy is the fact that I still have pelvic floor tension and tightness. I also have several pelvic floor knots that cause nerve pain. So I continue to work on those areas with a pelvic floor physical therapist. In my experience, at least, I’ve had to be more cautious with positioning, and ensure that I have more control over what is going on so that we don’t hit spots that hurt. I truly believe, however, that this is my experience because of the extensive pelvic floor repair I had done. I don’t think most women face this.

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

Who did your surgery?

[@soniacrod17]

Did you try physical therapy

[@personalprolapsestory]

Yes. If you watch later videos, I discuss this. I was originally told I didn’t need it. But I did, due to spastic/too tight pelvic floor.

[@annaliabresolin7179]

I'm 18 month of histerectomy total for prolaps how are you? Have you got some pain ?some times I'v got some pain on the right

[@coloradochicmeeee]

I still have lower pain right above my pelvic bone. Any time I try to exercise even at the smallest of levels. It's frustrating

[@bieglas]

Might had been summer it you were lacking vitamin D?

[@RPJ696]

How are you doing since this video update I'm suppose to get a partial hysterectomy and fix my prolapse my bladder I'm so scared nervous I read pros and cons but it's very uncomfortable to sit and stand I feel pressure I like I need to push a baby out do you regret the surgery or do you feel the surgery has made you better

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi Jennifer! I do not regret my surgery! At 18 mos post surgery, I have no issues, and have no prolapse related pain or issues, as I once had. The prolapse was causing pressure and pain, and even hip and back aches. Once it was gone, it was such a relief! Be sure to watch my “how to choose a surgeon” video for tips on what to look for to ensure that a doctor/surgeon takes care of you the right way. You WON’T Regret this surgery!

[@shwetaj7359]

Anyone suffering from urine incontinency/leak post op? If yes for how many weeks you suffer? I am 3 weeks post op. Had urine catheter for 15 days.

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi Shweta, I did have urge incontinence for several months. I would get VERY strong urges, especially near water, even when I shouldn’t have to go, and sometimes not make it to the bathroom in time. It did subside, but I remember it being very frustrating and taking a few months to improve. Even now, 2+ years later, I have a harder time than before with sudden urges. I try not to let my bladder get to too full, and go regularly, as that’s when it’s the worst. I hope this helps. Pelvic floor therapy helps keep mine at bay as well, as tight PF muscles can cause sudden spasms that cause leakage.

[@shwetaj7359]

@@personalprolapsestory thank you so much for replying. Phew! That put my mind at rest. Noone shared this part in any of the videos that i have watched so far. Thought i was the odd one out and will suffer this lifelong. You put my mind at ease. Thanks again.

[@Leeshi80]

I am 15 months out and have urge issues sometimes still and bladder pain or trouble empting if I wait to long to go.

[@personalprolapsestory]

@@Leeshi80 I too still have lots or urges. Ugh. 😣 Especially when I hear water running or am sweaty. I didn’t have this issue before. My surgeon hasn’t offered much advice or options for fixing it. He just says it’s a common complication/issue after surgery.

[@mariatanguma4266]

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