Menopause, constipation and prolapse.

As this is a zombie thread perhaps it would be better if you started your own active thread. You would get more responses.

Colpocleisis operation for prolapse. Has any gransnet member had this operation? How successful has it been, and how long was recovery time?
The 'op' has been recommended by my gynaecologist because pessaries are no longer a viable option.

Married with kids. Vaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence and prolapse are caused by lack of oestrogen, some of the massively debilitating results of the menopause which don’t kick in for years usually and are rarely talked about. The simplest solution is to replace the missing oestrogen.
Clearly you need to get help for the damage already caused but you could also ask your doctor if you could go onto HRT.

Thanks for all your replies. My doctor prescribed Vagifem as she said I had virginal atrophy. I found this to be really effective and I have also been doing lots of pelvic floor exercises as she said my pelvic floor is 'weak'. She said to my surprise and relief that I didn't have a prolapse. {grin} She has also given me the name of a physiotherapist, but apparently she has long waiting lists, so this must be a common problem!

I developed an anterior prolapse and saw a gynaecologist really quite quickly. On the day of the operation, I asked him to check for posterior prolapse as had had major problems with constipation. After I came round after the op, he said that I was right and he had had to do anterior and posterior prolapse repair. I haven't looked back since. Don't delay in seeing gynaecologist. If you are in such severe pain, go to A and E. Or get urgent referral to a gynaecologist via your gp. If you do not get any joy ASAP, can you go private. Good luck x

This is so difficult. I agree that you should not delay in getting help, and in principle go to your GP. This will not be the worst they have seen!

However, in these strange times, with long waiting lists, I am going to suggest a slightly different route, if you can afford it. Use the Society of Chartered Physiotherapists to find one specialising in pelvic floor / gynae:
www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/find-physiotherapist/physio2u

She will assess you, and on that basis, may suggest some exercises if appropriate. She will do a referral to your GP explaining the problem, and if you need to see a gynaecologist, the referral may be done more easily.

I would also consider getting an appointment with your practice nurse, who could talk with the doctor, and give you some specific advice about constipation. You may think that after a lifetime, you are used to managing it, but this is a slightly different situation.

However you handle it, please don't wait. I bless my mother who taught me that my health was more important than temporary embarrassment. Good luck

I have found HRT to be generally good for my wellbeing
The only down-side has been vaginal thrush (which is a side effect of oestrogen ) I have been treating with cannesten and natural yoghurt (a bit messy but effective )

I know this is a common problem so I'm sure someone here will have experienced something similar. When do you see your doctor? I hope soon. Since you can hardly walk, is the emergency room an option if you have told your doctor this and can't get in sooner? It sounds like you are suffering a lot because of this. Please don't delay getting in to see someone because you are embarrassed. They will have seen this many times before. Sometimes they can put something in to support the prolapse which could help quickly. There is help for this so you won't feel this way forever. I know it's hard in the meanwhile though.