Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Question for you about prolapse and pregnancy...

Wow. Thank you SO much for taking the time to make such a thoughtful response! I've felt so isolated because I've had no other women my age to talk to that have gone through anything remotely like this, so it means a lot to me. You captured a lot of my thoughts and fears perfectly. While yes, our prolapses are quite different, it's at least comforting to know other women have done it (women's bodies are amazing things, aren't they??). My OB has been fairly sympathetic; she said she's actually had a similar prolapse for 20 years, but it doesn't bother her enough to have surgery for it. And she has definitely given me the "we do it because we want that baby" line. Yes, it's true, but that doesn't make it easier. I do agree with you that we forget the really awful parts of pregnancy after it's all over with. If we didn't, we wouldn't do it over and over again, would we?

What you said at the end really hit me: the part about accepting that this is the hand I've been dealt and I can't let it keep me from doing what I want in life. This is so true. I know damn well I'm going to have that second baby, I think it's just a matter of making sure I'm totally informed about all the risks and options before going into it.

That said, I'm going to see a urogynecologist (surgeon) in May. He's THE expert where I live, so I'm anxious to hear what he has to say. The post-baby surgical options don't sound terribly fantastic, and they all have their various risks, and I want to talk to him about the best way to go forward. I've also decided to get fitted for a pessary, which is a firm plastic "device" that's used to hold up the cervix and uterus. My OB originally had me try a diaphragm (they're more flexible and comfortable, she thought), but I was constantly having to push it and my prolapse back up every time I went to the bathroom. So that became too much of a pain. I hope the pessary will help, especially during my next pregnancy.

You're an amazing woman, Ulrika, and I'm just so happy for you that you've made it to this point!!!! You give me hope and confidence that I, too, can make it through a pregnancy with all this going on. I still can't believe all that you have to go through.

I hope you enjoy these last two months of your pregnancy!! it's such an amazing time. I'll let you know how my appointment goes next month, and keep me posted on how things progress for you.

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Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)

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