“You’re too young for this,” said the ER doctor, the nurse practitioner, and my OB. Thanks. Regardless, I am dealing with a prolapsed bladder. Squeamish, look aside. Curious, read on.
Often in typically a) older women or b) women who’ve had many a baby (I’ve had ONE, dammit!), the ligaments in the pelvic region loosen. Sometimes, a little too much. When “too much” happens, the vaginal wall that normally supports a variety of internal organs can collapse. An anterior collapse can result in the supported organs–the bladder and/or urethra–literally falling into, and out of, the vaginal canal. Thankfully, my prolapse is just my bladder, and I’m not dealing with the major PITA symptoms that come with such a prolapse (like, oh, incontinence). It’s a bit uncomfortable, and more than a little disconcerting.
The ER doc and nurse practitioner both said I needed surgery, but my OB said it might respond to Kegels. Yup, good ole Kegels. I was stunned. Can Kegels seriously, erm, push my bladder back where it belongs?? We’ll see. My doctor is monitoring it and said it might end up requiring surgical repair.
I have been stunned by everyone’s nonchalance, too, btw. Apparently an internal organ falling out of the body is no big deal. Forgive me for getting just a little freaked out about it and going to ER initially. (The ER doctor actually said to me, “Why are you here?” UMMM…BECAUSE I CAN SEE MY BLADDER?!) Anyway, I’m relieved that it’s not a prolapsed uterus, which could have resulted in a hysterectomy. Apparently a prolapsed bladder is very common and women walk around with them for years. (YEARS? What the fuck, people??)
Considering I just had back surgery, I am in NO hurry to have ANY surgery any time soon, and it devastated me to hear that I might need it. I’m posting here fishing for others who’ve suffered similarly, or know someone who has–and specifically, if Kegels did anything. (I also fear what surgery might do to my ability to deliver any future children vaginally, nonetheless my ability to enjoy their conception.)