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A Patient’s Pelvic Prolapse Story

Following is a video transcript of Peahen Gandhi, MD, FACOG, FPMRS talking to her patient, Theresa, about her hysterectomy, pelvic prolapse and bladder sling surgeries.

Dr. Gandhi with pelvic prolapse patient

Theresa shares, “The first procedure I had was a hysterectomy with a bladder lift and rectus repair. I had a sudden uterine prolapse. I felt like part of my uterus was hanging outside my body, which was uncomfortable and caused back, hip, and thigh pain.

It also led to bladder and bowel issues, including incontinence. These symptoms affected my daily life and made me uncomfortable.

When I saw Dr. Gandhi, we discussed the prolapse and the options for treatment. Prolapse is a common condition affecting about 30% of women, and the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. In my case, the prolapse was severe, and conservative therapy wasn’t enough to manage it, so we decided that surgery was necessary.

Treatment Options and Procedures

After the initial procedure, my incontinence worsened, and I had constant leakage. It was very uncomfortable and affected my daily activities. We explored different options for treatment, including using mesh for the sling. Initially, I was hesitant about the sling because of the negative feedback and concerns about complications. However, considering the severity of my symptoms, I was willing to try anything to feel better and regain control of my life.

The second procedure involved the sling, and I was initially relieved that we weren’t using mesh. The surgery went well, but I had to go home with a catheter, which was a little nerve-wracking for me. However, it provided some relief as I was sore and had packing from the surgery. The catheter was uncomfortable, but it was manageable.

After the catheter was removed, it took some time for my urination to feel normal again. It’s been four days since the surgery, and while I’m feeling good overall, my stream doesn’t feel normal yet. I understand that it takes time to recover fully, and I appreciate the realistic expectations Dr. Gandhi set for me. It would be interesting to have a follow-up in a few months to see how things progress.

Be Open With Your Physician

I want to emphasize the importance of open communication between patients and surgeons. It’s crucial to express any concerns or dissatisfaction with the outcomes. Dr. Gandhi listened to my feedback and made the necessary adjustments to improve my situation. I’m grateful for that.”