HELP... My Bladder Is Falling Out!

Updated on January 29, 2012
A.O. asks from Fort Worth, TX
38 answers

Okay here's the deal...

About a week ago I was taking a shower... As I was washing down south, I felt a huge knot! I looked in the mirror and to my horror saw something coming out. It looked like a babies head. I called my OB but since it was after hours they told me to go to the ER. I did! The ER doctor diagnosed it as a Cystocele. In other words, my bladder is falling out my "heehaw".

The vaginal walls have weakened and my bladder has fallen down in there. It is sticking out and is so creepy. The ER doctor told me to go see my OB the next day and she needed to figure out how to repair it. Well, I called her and she wouldn't get me in for two weeks. I didn't like that so I went to a Urologist... he said my OB has to be the one to fix it! Uggggg... so frustrating. Well, I see her on June 4th so we'll see what happens. The Urologist said it will take surgery.... NOOOOOOO.

Has anyone ever experienced this problem???

Thanks,
Angie

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So What Happened?

Thank you, ladies, for all the wonderful comments and advice!

I FINALLY got in to see my OB on the 4th... she examined me and agreed with the diagnosis. She said I would need surgery to repair the problem and that it would take me 4 to 6 weeks to heal. I would need help with the baby, etc.

She told me that if I want to have more kids that I need to do that before I have the surgery. She said the damage is already done so it won't get any worse.

She said if it gets too uncomfortable she can fit me for a Pessery, which is a ring that they insert in there to help support the bladder and keep it in place.

She said I can do normal things... even run, jump, workout. She said to do it in moderation and make sure I am using my legs to lift, etc.

It's good and bad news... I am not looking forward to my bladder being out of place but at the same time I glad I can hold off on the surgery. I don't have anyone that can really help me with my 7 month old so I guess waiting is a good idea. Plus I do plan on having another baby before I get too old... LOL

In the meantime I am doing Kegel exercises to help strengthen the walls. Thanks again for all your great advice. I sure appreciate it!!!

Angie

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S.C.

answers from Dallas on

Dr. Bryan Feagan of the Women's Pelvic Center at Presby. Dallas can do the repair. A friend of mine just had a hysterectomy ,which her OB/GYN performed and a bladder repair which Dr. Feagan performed. She had a good experience with both Dr's performing the sugery that they are experts in. Hope this helps.

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A.J.

answers from Dallas on

I have not had this problem but I would seriously consider switching OB's if mine made me wait 2 weeks to see him/her in that condition...

Good luck and I wish you a quick recovery

Aj

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J.H.

answers from Dallas on

I am very familiar with this. My mom and my good friend had the same issue. My OB is an expert in this area, and I'm sure he could get you in ASAP. He tells me it is very rewarding rebuilding pelvic floors because it improves the quality of a woman's life so much. Call him. Ralph Turner, ###-###-####. Good luck. J.

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C.P.

answers from Dallas on

That is serious surgery and I wouldn't let just anyone do it. There is a Dr. in Temple (between Waco & Austin) who specializes in this and trains other doctors from around the world on his technique. His name is Bob Shull, here is a link
http://www.sw.org/web/SW/patientsAndVisitors/templatedata...

I'm sure there is someone in Dallas who does the same surgery but I would find someone who specializes in that kind of repair. Good luck!!

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C.S.

answers from St. Louis on

Look up the Kehalmaster 2000. It helps make you kegals more effective allowing you to make you vaginal muscles stronger and put things back where they belong. Like any other exercise it takes time to see the full results, but it will allow you an option other than surgery.

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M.H.

answers from Dallas on

my mother had this and had the surgery to correct it w/very little fanfare. not to discount how you're feeling, but she recovered very quickly and is doing 100% fine.

i know it's scary, though, when it's YOU having the issue and YOU needing surgery.

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N.L.

answers from Dallas on

A.:

This is the 1st time I have ever heardof such. I do not have any advice but I will definitely be praying for you. will call you name to the heavens and ask for a healing on your behalf.

Love and blessings,
N.

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V.B.

answers from Dallas on

Angie,

I have been there and it is a scary but surgery is the only way to correct this problem. I had to have 3 procedures at one time, the cystocele, a rectocele and bladder sling.Granted I am a bit older than you,50 at the time but it was the best thing that I have ever had done.The pain got so bad and sometimes felt like I was ready to deliver a baby. Please go ahead and do this as it will only get owrse, I put mine off way tooooo long. I wish you the best. V. B.

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C.E.

answers from Dallas on

It is usually a simple surgery. I have had a couple of friends have the same problem. The dr goes in vaginally and puts a sling in to hold up your bladder. My mom had the same problem with her rectum a couple of months ago and the went in and rebuilt the wall. She's out and about now feeling great. I know it's freaky and scary, but try not to worry too much. It really is more common than we think. Just no one is open enough to share. Good luck and speedy recovery!!

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T.O.

answers from Dallas on

Haven't had that problem but know someone who did... I think she called it a bladder sling. It was a good thing.. the surgery... she said. So don't be afraid, just get the info you need and hang in there! Get some help because I don't think you'll be able to lift for quite awhile.

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N.

answers from Dallas on

Hahaha! You are so funny! "Heehaw" ... ROTFLMAO :-)

I promise I'm not making light of your dilemma. I just wanted to let you know that your wording gave me a good chuckle. Now to your issue...

My mother-in-law had the same problem and it was an outpatient procedure I believe where they somehow re-suspended the bladder by "tacking" it back in place. I'm sorry I don't know all the details and my MIL is no longer with us so I can't ask her for specifics, but I can say she recovered quickly and I never remember her even talking about the surgery or any pain or problems that resulted. Hopefully it will be fairly quick and painless and not too much more traumatic than just finding out it needs to be done to begin with. I'll be watching your post to see if anyone else has had the procedure and knows more about what it entails exactly.

Good luck! I hope everything works out ok.
N. :-)

P.S. I just want to clarify that the fact that my MIL is no longer with us had nothing to do with her bladder surgery. She had that years ago and passed away from lung cancer years later. I just didn't want you to think she passed because of this problem. Heh. Sorry if that wasn't clear. :-D

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D.T.

answers from Dallas on

I used to work with a lady that this happened to. She had the "sling" put in and problem solved. It wasn't any big deal except hat she had to get her hubby to lift everything for a while. After she was all healed she said she had to pee more frequently than before, but no other side effects. Good luck and I think I agree about looking for a new OB. Even if your condition is not serious or life threatening, 2 weeks seems unreasonable!

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D.D.

answers from Dallas on

1st off, if my OB told me she could see me two weeks when a part of my body is obviously falling out I would never set foot in that office again. Hey, it's not a pap smear it is about a surgical proceedure! Not elective but required.

I have a cousin that had that proceedure done a few years ago. I do not remember all the details but she is doing just fine now.

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D.R.

answers from Dallas on

Hi there... you actually will end up needing to see a urogyn, its someone that is specialized in both fields. The reason I know this is because while i didn't see anything coming out I had trouble with peeing while coughing, sneezing, or laughing (sorry if tmi)

Anyways, while they are in there (at the dr's office) make sure they check to make sure your uterus isn't falling also. Mine was and I ended up have a hysto and a bladder lift. Of course, every case is different, you might only need a bladder lift. It really isn't a bad ordeal. Also, if they try to just stitch it up there is a chance it can start to fall again, that depends on if you are overweight also.

Good luck to you!

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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

My mother-in-law had that happen and fixed it with the surgery where they attach the bladder back into place with some sort of suture. Her recovery was easier than child birth recovery, and if you choose the same procedure (I don't know of any other option) your recovery will be even easier given your youth. Good luck and God bless.
J.

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

Hi A.,
Have you ever tried Kegel exercises? They strengthen the muscles in that area. When you are urinating try stopping the flow of urine. Those are the muscles that you need to use more and strengthen. You can do Kegel's anywhere anytime. Hold each one for at least 10 full seconds to get the proper benefit. Ask your OBGYN about them. They really help a lot of things.
Best Regards,
A.

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B.D.

answers from Dallas on

Did your urologist tell you what kind of surgery you will have? You can get a bladder suspension, or they sometimes do TVT sling. I have the sling but for urinary incontinence. A friend of mine had the suspension and the hysterectomy and was very happy with the results. You'll be fine - just get the details of what it is and the recovery and be sure to follow the recovery instructions. I couldn't lift or exercise for 6 weeks following my TVT surgery. Good luck!

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K.O.

answers from Dallas on

Hi A. -

I have no experience with this, but you DEFINITELY need a NEW Gyn. Something this scary is happening to one of their patients and they can't fit you in for two weeks? Even to check you to make sure that it's not serious? Find another doctor immediately who shows more care for their patients.

Good luck!

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C.B.

answers from Abilene on

One of DH's cousins had to have surgery to raise hers after her second child. She hasn't had any problems since. Good luck. Can't belive your OB is making you wait so long.

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

My situation was not as bad as yours, but in 2001 I did require bladder suspension surgery and although it was quite painful (I have had 2 c-sections and gullbadder surgery since then and they were NOTHING comparativley!) I have NO regrets about doing it. There are two types of bladder suspension surgery - one has a very quick recovery time, but may need to be repeated in 4 or 5 years and the other is a much more long time fix and is therefore more invasive. I chose the long term invasive route. I came home from the hospital with a catheter and I had to re-learn how to pee! It was interesting. But even after 3 abdominal surgeries and 1 one more coming in October, I have had no problems to speak of. You will absolutely have to have a LOT of help with your little one as the lifting restrictions are very strict and keep yuou healthy down the road. I was able to have a urologist do mine and I LOVE HIM! His name is Dr. John Johnson in Fort Worth. I have a friend who had the same issue as you after the birth of her 6th child and she had both an OB/GYN and Urologist doing the surgery. Just prepare yourself for an extensive recovery, but it is well worth it! Good luck and keep us posted!

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L.D.

answers from Dallas on

I will be interested in what information you get as I am going through almost the same thing.

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G.W.

answers from Dallas on

I have not experienced this but my mom did. She told me it was really no big deal, the OB just put a few stitches in to keep the bladder in place, and later (many years) she even told me that the stitches had come loose or maybe fallen out and she went in to get it repaired again. My mom doesn't overreact to anything, so maybe she was really playing it down but it sounded like a very simple procedure. Don't worry - I think it's not very serious.

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R.H.

answers from Dallas on

I am not sure about the surgery, but I agree with changing OB/GYN doctor. I see Dr. Gupta in Lewisville, I have always gotten in within 24 hrs with an issue other than my yearly pap. Good Luck!

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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

You probably will have to have surgery, but in the meantime try lying facedown with your rear-end up in the air. Do this as often as you can and hold postition as long as you can. This should shift it back up where it belongs and give you some relief until you can schedule surgery.

You also need to heed you body's core. Kegals are only a part of strengthening your core. It involves abs, back mucles as well as internal mucles to get all these powerful and important parts lined up so they can do their job. Just recently learned this myself in physical therapy for a bad back. Amazing. Not only did I avoid back surgery, but I quit wetting my pants! Look it up and maybe you will find some pictures.

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C.M.

answers from Dallas on

my friend had it and now it is gone without surgery. She did those excuses keygul with her butt in the air. so maybe it is not has bad has they think start doing them now and maybe when you get there it will be alot better

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

Hey, so sorry to hear about that. :(

My mom had a very similar recovery experience to Alexis who posted earlier. She had incontinence issues and had to have her bladder put in a sling and her rectum was falling so they tacked it up. (Make sure they check everything down there when you go in.) She had a pretty difficult recovery, also going home with a catheter, and had to go to the ER twice because she couldn't empty her bladder once the catheter was out. She had to relearn how to pee. Now, she is much better, but still has urgency when her bladder gets full and will wet her pants if she doesn't get to bathroom quick (and she's only 56). She had 3 kids, and her dr said it was from the deliveries. Poor mommy! We love her so!! ;)

I'm not trying to scare you, but please just be aware that this could be a difficult recovery and make sure to have help when you come home from the hospital.

I hope your recovery is painless and quick. Don't skimp on the painkillers. Make yourself comfortable! :)

Good luck, good luck, good luck!!!

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

Isn't isn't aging fun! I have had a similar situation, but to a lesser degree. You could visit my obgyn...Dr. Micheal McCullough ###-###-#### in Grand Prairie. From what I have read about this. Surgery would be the only thing that could fix it when it is to this degree. I am sorry!

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L.R.

answers from Dallas on

I feel for you. My OB/GYN told me that the same can happen to me since I had a hysterectomy and also haven't been on hormones. My vaginal walls are real thin and she is concerned. I go to Dr. Jennifer Hinkle at Harris Downtown. She is an awesome OB/GYN. I like her alot. I've heard that having a bladder sling put in will help. You will need alot of help though with lifting your children for awhile.

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G.W.

answers from Dallas on

Wow, that is so crazy. I just experienced the first part of your story about a week ago. I had my 2nd child 7 weeks ago after a complicated pregnancy. I was on bed rest for 10 1/2 weeks and delvered almost 6 weeks early. I had already sceduled my 6 week postnatal OB appt when I discovered something falling out (also while showering). My husband & I also thought it looked like a babies head crowning during childbirth,yikes. I talked to my OB about it first and he assured me that it was probably not prolapse because I'm only 35 and should have good strong tissue. He checked me and said I was absolutely right. He told me that I needed to do 100 kegels a day (broken up into 3 sets) to strengten my pelvic muscles back up or I'd be back in to have surgery sooner than later. So start doing your kegels quickly. Hope you get in to see your OB soon to ease your mind. I am so not thrilled with the idea of surgery to correct this. My mom had the surgery years ago as well so I'm sure some of it could be heredity. Good luck. Keep us posted on how things go at the OB.

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

There's a book called Lose Your Mommy Tummy by Julie Tupler that addresses all those issues you can get when your pelvic floor muscles have been weakened by pregnancy. There are exercises that can help strengthen them, including the kegel. The surgery isn't major, so get it to fix the immediate problem, if you want, but look into the exercise route to prevent it happening again or any other problems of that nature. The same thing can happen with your uterus. Those yoga lessons sound like a great idea to me. Good luck and I would dump any OB that wouldn't see me same-day for a problem like this.

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J.O.

answers from Abilene on

This happened to my sister. She said it was fall out her whoo hoo. She had surgery, stayed over night and was limited in lifting for a while. I has been 2 years this month and she did doing great.

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K.K.

answers from Dallas on

My aunt had that happen when I was a little girl. I never really heard anything after the initial occurrence and she's still living life to the fullest, so even though it's creepy now to you, it must not have been much more than a blip on the radar in the entire scheme of life. I'm sorry that such a thing is happening to you.

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E.C.

answers from Dallas on

My Aunt had this problem. The doctor gave her this "thing" (tube? I don't know for sure, she never wanted to talk about it.) to put up her crotch.

My thinking is that if your vaginal walls have something to grip onto (the tube), it will not allow anything else to "fall out".

She used this for years. I think she finally got surgery to fix it.

I know, not a lot of information, but surgery is not necessary - at least not at first.

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L.S.

answers from Dallas on

You can do alot of KEGEL's but that will only strengthen the muschles. You can also use what is called a pessiary (sp?) that is an egg shaped device that you put in to the vagina to hold up the bladder. Again this is not a cure just a way to put the bladder back up with out surgery. But if the vaginal and pelvic floor muscles are to flabby the bladder will continue to prolapse or protrude. You can also do crunches to strengthen abdominal wall muscles and lower back muscles, that should help, also pelvic lifts from the floor. There is also something called vaginal weights that help you to do the kegel's but you would have to google that. You put them in when doing the kegels and they are in increasing increments of weight, so it works those "heehaw" muscles more. I wouldn't worry to much about it, it happens more than you think. With a 6 month old I can see why everything would be stretched down there. Also, you can use KY to put it back in. The vaginal wall that is showing is used to being moist.
I would also drink lots of extra fluids, since a common side effect of the prolapsed bladder is the increased chance of not emptying the bladder completely and that can lead to a urinary tract infection.
Don't panic although scary this is not an emergency.
Good luck,
L.

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi A.,

How scary! With your son 6 months old, you probably thought you were done with all the weird afterbirth stuff. I am a yoga teacher and have a friend who is a yoga teacher who specializes in pelvic floor control. She can give you private yoga instruction in Fort Worth. I don't want to post her phone number on here, but feel free to contact me and I can pass it on. If you really want to avoid surgery, I strongly recommend meeting with her. Her expertise goes well beyond "do Kegel exercises": she is incredibly gifted and trained. Please email me if you are interested.

Peace and Joy,
M. Sheehan
____@____.com

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L.P.

answers from Atlanta on

My husband is a Urologist and he will fix a cystocele. I wouldnt let a gyn Dr. do my surgery for anything. Go to a larger city and find a Urologist that will do it. It is a "turf" battle between professions and the Urologist should have helped you. Good Luck!

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R.E.

answers from Dallas on

Hi,
I know exactly hoe you feel. I have went thru this same thing. One and 1/2 months ago, the same thing happened. I freaked out too. I had to wait for 3 weeks to get a appointment but I found out to that I have to have surgery to fix this. She had to send me also to a Urogist because it was necessary for them to do this together because of the procedure. I have to do this hour and 1/2 test on the 9th of March to help determine how's the best way to do the surgery. I'll pray for you to get your answers and take a moment to just breath. They have to give me a total hysterectomy too. This whole things sucks. I am a young grandma that is a caregiver for my grandkids full time. My daughter is a single mom with no other support system. I hope the recovery time will be fast. Let me know if you need to talk. R.

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J.L.

answers from Little Rock on

I had a partial Hystorectomy in 1998 and unfortunatly it did not correct my bladder falling. Six months later I went back to my OB and she said that I will need to have a full Hystorectomy. I have put it off for this long now because I have heard of so many women having their bladders clipped during surgery and now all the law suits filed against the mesh that is being used for the suspension surgery, but it is going to be enevitable that I have this surgery soon, my sex life has been effected greatly because of the psycological trama of my bladder sticking out.

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