At 43, Mira faced something she never saw coming: pelvic prolapse. As a mom of two and a busy professional, her life was always active and full-on. But then the symptoms of prolapse started to creep in, causing discomfort and messing with her daily life. Here’s Mira’s story of why she needed pelvic prolapse surgery and how she felt before and after the procedure.
The First Signs
Mira first noticed something wasn’t right when she felt a constant pressure and fullness in her pelvic area. At first, she thought it was just because of her hectic lifestyle, but things got worse. She felt a bulge in her vaginal area, especially after standing for long periods or lifting heavy stuff. This came with urinary incontinence and trouble with bowel movements, which only added to her stress.
These symptoms took a toll on her emotionally as well as physically. Mira felt embarrassed and anxious about her condition, which affected her self-esteem and social life. Talking about these personal issues was hard, even with close friends and family. As the discomfort increased, she decided it was time to see someone who could help her.
Diagnosis and the Big Decision
After seeing her urogynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health, Mira was diagnosed with pelvic prolapse, where the pelvic organs drop into or outside of the vaginal canal due to weak support structures. Her physician explained that this is pretty common among women, especially those who’ve had multiple pregnancies, gone through menopause, or done heavy lifting.
Mira found out that her prolapse was moderate to severe, and that conservative treatments like pelvic floor exercises and pessaries probably wouldn’t help much. The best solution, according to her physician, was pelvic prolapse surgery to fix and support the affected organs.
Deciding to have surgery wasn’t easy. Mira worried about the procedure, the recovery, and how it would affect her personal and professional life. But the chance to get her quality of life back and get rid of the constant discomfort pushed her to go ahead with the surgery.
The Surgery Experience
Mira’s pelvic organ prolapse surgery was set for early summer, a time when work was less busy and her kids were out of school. She had a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure, which involved small cuts and using a camera to guide the surgeon. The goal was to reposition and support the prolapsed organs with synthetic mesh.
The day of the surgery was a mix of nerves and hope. Mira felt nervous but hopeful, trusting her medical team and her family’s support. The surgery went smoothly, and she woke up in the recovery room feeling relieved. The hospital staff were great, making sure she was comfortable and knew what to do post-surgery.
Recovery and Feeling Like Herself Again
The first few days after surgery were tough, with some pain and limited movement. But Mira was determined to follow her surgeon’s advice for a smooth recovery. She slowly increased her activity level, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous tasks. Her family’s support was crucial, helping her with daily chores.
As the weeks went by, she noticed big improvements. The pressure and bulging were gone, and her urinary and bowel functions were better. She felt more comfortable and confident in her body, which also boosted her mental and emotional well-being.
Six weeks after surgery, Mira had a follow-up appointment. Her physician was happy with her progress and said she could slowly get back to her normal activities. She felt a renewed sense of freedom and empowerment. She could join in physical activities, social events, and work without constantly worrying about her prolapse symptoms.
Grateful For Cherokee Women’s Health
Looking back, Mira felt incredibly grateful for her urogynecologist. The decision to have pelvic prolapse surgery had been scary, but it changed her life for the better. She learned the importance of prioritising her health and seeking help when needed.
Mira’s story shows the resilience and strength many women have when facing health challenges. By sharing her experience, she hopes to encourage others to get the care they need and to know they’re not alone. Today, she embraces her new chapter with confidence, ready to enjoy life to the fullest.
