Prolapsed vent - am I getting it right?

[Yorkshire Pudding]

That sounds like a normal week in my house!

 

Don't tell OH or I'll have a zoo open a fortnight after the op

[jess]

I'm not as badly affected as loads of you seem to be and don't suffer from PMS but this is a very timely thread about lady stuff .

 

I've been using a mooncup for a few months (thanks to another forum thread!) and am pretty happy with it apart from a bit of downward slippage at times (how do you phrase these things without being too graphic ) and, for 2 days, having to get up a couple of times in the night to empty it.

 

The slippage is caused by some *ahem* shall we say, lack of muscle tone (should've done those pelvic floors ) and can be fixed by what sounds like a solution for coastal erosion (the word mesh was used ). She's referring me for that.

 

She also suggested a non-hormonal tablet to help with the heavy flow so I've just picked that up. Am hoping it works as being anywhere far from a loo during those two days is a real cause for concern .

 

That's a TVT a trans vaginal tape (just wanted to show off since I work in gynae theatres at the moment!!!)

[bluekarin]

My goodness, I thought I was having a bad time with mine! They've always been heavy, but about 2 years ago they got really heavy with lots of clots and gradually over time they were lasting longer and I was having spotting in between. I went to the doc and she told me to keep a diary, which is a bit of a stretch for me as I never had any idea of when I was actually due on But, I kept the diary and it showed I was having about a week every month where everything was fine (no spotting, period or any related pains). For the first few days of my period I would flood a night time towel in an hour. I would wake up in the middle of the night as I'd flooded. I dreaded being anywhere at this time, just in case my period started or I had heavy spotting suddenly start. I had an internal and external ultrasound scan to make sure there was nothing abnormal, which there wasn't. I took tranxemic acid which I think helped the flow lessen. But it all changed one day when I sneezed had a huge clot and then all was okay But what has got worse since is my PMS. I keep trying to remember to take evening primrose which does help me a lot when I do remember to take it. I have thought about having the mirena coil fitted but I really don't like the idea of it. Plus, my friend had one and she had no end of problems, having to have it fitted under a general so thats put me off too. But as with all things, everyone is different, so please don't let me put you off if it's what you want to do.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I took tranxemic acid which I think helped the flow lessen.

That's the stuff I've got.

[bluekarin]

I took tranxemic acid which I think helped the flow lessen.

That's the stuff I've got.

 

I really hope it helps you. Its amazing what we women go through. Having said that, I'd rather be a woman than a man any day, if I had the choice.

[tiggerlady]

I have read all your helpful posts with great interest.For the past 5 years i have been really bad..120 super tampons and 2 packets of nighttime pads at 3 or more a night per month I tried a mirena coil after they refused to fit it 'cos i had a huge polyp external and one internal..got that sorted then had mirena done. It fell out within 2 months!lol NOT! They didnt believe me so more faffing went on while i had a scan then a d and c to make 'quite sure' I wasnt telling porkies After about another year while this went on it was getting beyond a joke..I am self employed as a cab driver..I could only stay out for an hour before |i had to come back home to sort myself out! I then had a thermal ablation which was billed as the greatest solution to womens problems since..well..you know!..The op went fine..but 5 months later Im almost back to square one Next step is a hysterectomy but Ive heard it can make bladder problems later on in life worse..which way do I jump?? I cant really afford to have months off work but they will do it 'non invasive' or as my SIL calls it 'eggwhisk and suck'!..I dont want to spend the rest of my good years suffering but Im gonna be 51 this year which is why theyve been putting it off for so long I think..

[Tessa the Duchess]

Tiggerlady your situation sounds awful, poor you. I have no idea if you would be a candidate for a 'non invasive' hysterectomy, you would have to discuss with your consultant. After a hysterectomy you are advised to do pelvic floor exercises to prevent bladder problems later on, I had mine 20 years ago and I am now quite old lol and am not suffering from bladder problems yet

 

Tessa

[Willow]

Poor you, it's so awful isn't it.

 

You can get a menopause test which sees whether your homone levels are changing. I don't know how far in advance it can predict it but it may be worth finding out whether it is likely in the near future before you make a decision. At early 40's when I went for a hysterectomy I didn't think it worth checking but I would have from 50.

 

I'm really happy with having had a hysterectomy . But you will not be able to work for a while - time depends on job and how quickly you recover. I returned to work just before 3 mths and managed although I still got tired and sitting at a screen all day hurt my tummy. Your hormone levels go all over the place for a while and if you have anything else complicating (underactive thyroid for me - period probs often go along with this it can make you more tired) Bladder problems are not inevitable though so don't let that put you off

 

Edited to say my recovery time was for invasive variety but some women take longer to recover even for the non-invasive.

[jlo]

I'm not as badly affected as loads of you seem to be and don't suffer from PMS but this is a very timely thread about lady stuff .

 

I've been using a mooncup for a few months (thanks to another forum thread!) and am pretty happy with it apart from a bit of downward slippage at times (how do you phrase these things without being too graphic ) and, for 2 days, having to get up a couple of times in the night to empty it.

 

The slippage is caused by some *ahem* shall we say, lack of muscle tone (should've done those pelvic floors ) and can be fixed by what sounds like a solution for coastal erosion (the word mesh was used ). She's referring me for that.

 

She also suggested a non-hormonal tablet to help with the heavy flow so I've just picked that up. Am hoping it works as being anywhere far from a loo during those two days is a real cause for concern .

 

That's a TVT a trans vaginal tape (just wanted to show off since I work in gynae theatres at the moment!!!)

 

 

Vicki - I had this done last year and thoroughly recommend it. I can now do jumping jacks and skipping without having to wear Tena pads!

 

I don't want to hijack the thread but I think that it is great to air things like this and the heavy periods. So many women suffer in silence. When I was open about my "embarrassing little problem" I found out that about 70+% of my friends had the same thing!

[jess]

I agree I think there are so many things like this that people dont realise how common they are

[The Dogmother]

I had my hysterectomy in July - they left my ovaries in and went in through my old C section scar, so it was pretty neat in the end. The recovery is much like a section really, and being pretty fit really helped, so getting fit beforehand might be a good idea.

I was back at the gym and taking it gently after 3 weeks and could have gone back to work earlier if truth be known, but they;d signed me off for 6 weeeks ....so.... Gentle exercise and walking really are the best therapy, as is knowing when to lie down and take it easy. I went into the whole thing thinking that it would be brilliant and it has; people ask me whether I feel 'less of of a woman' now (what a stoopid thing to ask ) and I can honestly say that I don't.

 

'Everything' is back to normal and as good as before without the worries of horrendous bleeding. I don't have any weeing problems either, but then I have cast iron pelvic floor muscles to the extent that I couldn't use a mooncup The general lower tummy area was sore or tender for a while afterwards and I was careful about lifting or standing for a long time, but nothing that I couldn't handle... in fact the enforced resting was driving me mad!

[jess]

people ask me whether I feel 'less of of a woman' now

 

what a rude thing to say!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Vicki - I had this done last year and thoroughly recommend it. I can now do jumping jacks and skipping without having to wear Tena pads!

 

Ooh, I might just PM you to get the details that may just be too gory for the general viewing public .

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I took tranxemic acid which I think helped the flow lessen.

That's the stuff I've got.

 

So far so good . I took the tablets for 3 days and what a difference . I could almost forget I had my period - no getting up in the night or leaking during the day . I no longer have to be within 40 feet of a toilet for the two worst days .

[chili pepper]

I too have the same problems. I was given Tranexamic acid but it made my varicose vein on one of my legs very painful and bruised so was advised to come off it. I have just gone back onto the pill for the first time in 10 years and am about to come to the end of my first packet, so its fingers crossed here at the mo. My friend just had a hysterectomy for all the same reasons and she said its the best thing shes ever done. I am quite surprised at how common all this is!

[KimmyCustard]

At last, a thread that I can thoroughly comment on and know all about!

 

I had Endometriosis and wasnt diagnosed until about 6 years ago. I had heavy REALLY painful periods every month, despite being on the pill from aged 18 till 32. I also had awful PMS, all the wailing and moodiness going, nightmare. I have Benenden health care (thoroughly recommend it) and sought their help. Saw a private Gyno man within 2 weeks and was diagnosed that day.

 

From then on, I had an operation once a year to treat the Endo, which was called Diathermy and Ablation, basically lasering all the Endo away through keyhole surgery. Had time off work every time, I couldnt drive, garden, push trollies etc. However, it kept coming back, each time seemingly worse than before! I finally got to the end of my tether in Jan last year and told the Gyno man that he had to do something final or I would ring him every day and moan, until he did. He said I was too young for a full hysterectomy (I'm 39) but they had run out of cures and that was the last hope, although it wasnt guaranteed the Hysto would cure it. In July 08 I had a full laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy, (both ovaries and tubes, plus cervix) which means they cut the pipes through the keyholes and whipped it out through the lady garden. I'm now on HRT forever but its the best thing ever. No pain, no moods, no tampons, pads, no having to plan holidays around periods, completely recommend it. I've never had any children and the Gyno man thought I probably wouldnt have been able to get pregnant anyway cos of the spread of the Endo.

 

There were also loads of ladies there having the TVT and mesh thing done, weak muscles in the weeing department, mostly caused by having children apparently!

 

People have also said to me: Dont you feel half a woman not having a womb?!

Dont you feel half a woman not having any children?!

You'll be all wrinkly much earlier as you havent got a womb.

Do I think I'll need psychotherapy as I'm childless and too old to adopt!?

 

None of you know me well enough to know what my response was to the above, but be assured none of it was pleasant.

 

All you ladies that have troubles in the Lady Garden area, please see your Doc and get it sorted, they have such great ways of dealing with our parts these days, you dont need to suffer in silence any more.

 

Kimmy

x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Lady Garden

 

Glad you got sorted in the end, Kimmy, that sounds like a total nightmare .

 

I've had a letter from the hospital saying it'll be 18 weeks max before I get an appointment to discuss the mesh thingy.

 

I'm just happy to have discovered these tablets that reduce bleeding so can wait that long if need be .

[TAJ]

I too have the same problems. I was given Tranexamic acid but it made my varicose vein on one of my legs very painful and bruised so was advised to come off it. I have just gone back onto the pill for the first time in 10 years and am about to come to the end of my first packet, so its fingers crossed here at the mo. My friend just had a hysterectomy for all the same reasons and she said its the best thing shes ever done. I am quite surprised at how common all this is!

 

I went through similar - 6 months on tranexamic acid, then consultant and suggestion of hysterectomy. Then I saw one of our GPs that also works in womens health at the hospital and she suggested a 'Mirena Coil' - at that time it wasn't licensed as a treatment for heavy periods, though this had been identified that when used as a contraceptive device it greatly reduced or stopped periods. It is now approved in the UK as a treatment for heavy periods.

 

Absolutely fantastic - I went from really painful & heavy periods to no periods - all bad symptoms gone. Its just a 20 minute job at the GPs and a 5mins annual check and replaced every 3-5 yrs (depends on age) - GP thinks this may go up to 10 yrs before my 2nd one comes up for replacement.

 

It works by slowly releasing the hormone levonorgestral into the womb, as it is localised very small amounts are needed to have an effect (1/7th of pills). See this link http://www.womens-health.co.uk/mirena.asp - if you scroll down for heavy period info - some copied below:

 

Mirena for Heavy Periods

 

Although the IUS was originally developed as a contraceptive, the discovery that it leads to much lighter periods was a great bonus. Many gynaecologists now suggest the Mirena as a treatment for heavy periods if tablet treatment doesn't work.

 

 

 

After 3 months use, the average blood loss is 85% less, and by 12 months the flow is reduced by 97% every cycle [2]. About one third of women using the IUS will not have any periods at all. Although women initially find it a bit unusual not having periods, it doesn't cause any problems. There is no 'build up' of blood, because the hormone in the IUS prevents the lining of the womb from building up at all. Often it is the excessive thickening of this lining that is the cause of the problems in the first place.

 

One study looked at 54 women who had heavy periods and were awaiting hysterectomy [3]. They all used the Mirena, and just under 70% were taken off the waiting list because they were happy with the treatment. In another study of 50 similar women, 82% avoided major surgery [4].

 

The Mirena is now licensed for treating heavy periods, and although this official licensing is relatively new, it has been used 'off-license' for some time in this way.

 

Painful Periods

 

Although the IUS isn't primarily used for painful periods, two studies [4,5] have found that it does help in many cases (as often as 80% of the time). If painful periods persist, it is usual to rule out any other problems with a laparoscopy.

 

I am 100% cured after many many years of suffering - I would certanily recommend it prior to opting for surgery.

 

Tracy

[chili pepper]

Thanks Tracy, will definitely mention it to the doctor if the pill doesn't work. My experience of the doctor also leaves alot to be desired, I havent been to the doctors for 6 years previously, so I really dont go unless I really need to. I saw a male doctor, explained my symptoms which had got gradually worse over the previous 8/9 years. I was in there for about 3 minutes top and came out with the tranexamic acid, this didn't work so decided to make an appointment to see my lady GP. I rang late October 2008 and got the next appointment to see her which was on Christmas Eve!!!!!! I accepted this and waited thinking that I would finally get some real help. How wrong I was, I was asked to leave the office twice during my 10 minute consultation as she had to take an important phonecall (OK, unavoidable, but not condusive to a satisfactory consultation) and it was my suggestion to go on the pill as I was at my wits end and she agreed immediately within a minute of me arriving in the office. She didnt suggest any alternatives (this thread is the first time Ive heard of the coil you mention) and also never asked any questions or offered any explanations as to why I suffer with this pain and heaviness. I didnt feel as though I could 'chat' at all as she was so obviously busy. A real let down.

[chickencam]

I too have a mirena coil for similar reasons, plus it has the added benefit of being about the most reliable cotraceptive about I have 2 of them and I hope they will replace it again in september by which time I will have been using this for 10 years

 

I had little or no bleeding with the first one and fairly normal periods for the last year or so with this one.

[Cooks]

I wont bore you with all my gory's but I am on second mirena here.

My mum had a hysterectomy at 33 so I am older now than she was, thanks to the mirena. It wasn't available back then.

 

edited to add I only use for Menstrual problems not cotraception as I had my tubes sorted back when I was 25! Sooooooo many pregnancy problems

having said that!, in my operation recently they told me my sterilsation clips were no longer in place!... lovely!

[chooklady]

This has been very interesting reading. I don't suffer with endometriosis but have something called hyperprolactinaemia which has given me no end of problems over the years.

I had irratic periods, severe headaches all the time, continuiously. This was at the age of 20, I had seen the doctor many times usually male and different ones, 'you'll grow out of it' was the usual comment! Having put up with it I saw a female doctor and a young one at that who had done a lot of her training at the Middlesex hospital, she referred me to a specialist there. I even got involved in a drug trial at one point.

At the age of about 22 they said without treatment of some kind I would never get pregnant and if I did I would more than likely miscarry.

Still to this day I have to take tablets to keep the condition in order and I have 3 kids thanks to medication.

 

But at the moment I am going through a rough patch and I think it's more to do with my age, I will be 46 this year and getting a bit menopausal I think. I get terrible headaches 3 days before my period starts properly. I get spotting for 2 days and then days 3 and 4 are terrible, so heavy, I feel like death warmed up. Last Thursday I was planning on leaving home, I felt that desperate and talk about cry, that's all I did all day, life seems like too much to cope with. I think I might give the Evening Primrose and St. John's Wort a go first but if that doesn't improve I think the doctors will be soon to follow. This has been like this for a while now and the black mood that goes with it I find hard to deal with.

 

Why do we have to suffer? I hope everyone gets their problems sorted out soon.

 

Best wishes

Nicola

Edited January 22, 2009 by Guest

[Blackrocksrock]

Letteer to-day saying I will have an appt in due course with the gynae in Elgin. Was at GP last week and got a real row after bleeding in November after 21 months break - of course not had any probs before and after until to-day when spotting for 1st time! oops.

[Blackrocksrock]

Letteer to-day saying I will have an appt in due course with the gynae in Elgin. Was at GP last week and got a real row after bleeding in November after 21 months break - of course not had any probs before and after until to-day when spotting for 1st time! oops.

 

 

My appt came in quickly - it was to-day so did not have to wait and I have to go into hospital on 17th Feb to have a large polyp removed and will go in the night before to be crossmatched for bloods in case it bleeds loads. He did a biopsy to-day and it did bleed loads so I am glad it is being removed. Teach me to go to the doctor earlier!

[Egluntyne]

Best of luck.