Coping With Vaginal Prolapse

On May 28, 2008, I had an extra-peritoneal, vaginal colpopexy. I am 51 yrs. old and had a hysterectomy 7 yrs. ago. My complaints had been pelvic pain when walking, standing, lifting, and bending. I also had vaginal pain standing up or sitting down, while bearing down for a bowel movement or while urinating.

My dr. first tried a few things to see if the pain was bladder related. Lastly, he tried a pessary. It was the first time in 2 years that I had no pain, it was wonderful. But soon after leaving his office, the pessary had already fallen down. I went back in the next day. He told me that the problem was with the vaginal vault since the pessary wouldn’t stay where it was supposed to.

I had surgery and went home within 24 hrs. with little pain. That was only a teaser. No one had prepared me for the painful recovery. I was very good about resting and not lifting. The problem is, two and a half months later my previous symptoms were returning. Taking a walk for exercise in the morning will cause me to have pain the rest of the day. Even when I’ve rested all day, lightly dusting the house can cause the vaginal pain to return.

I haven’t even finished paying for the first surgery not to mention not being able to take time off of work again. I work in healthcare and was careful about choosing my surgeon I see him for my last postop visit this month. I am so disappointed in the outcome of this painful surgery. Does anyone have a similar story or suggestions?