Diana, New Zealand

Before Treatment
Six months after the birth of my first baby, when I was 31 years old, I noticed a bulge coming out of my vagina and was diagnosed with a posterior prolapse. I was advised to see a physio and then have a surgical repair but to wait 2 years after I had finished having children due to the recovery from surgery.

Treatment
Fast forward 7 years, and after the birth of my third child my prolapse was much worse and very debilitating. I struggled to walk for any length of time. Even a trip to the supermarket was uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Thankfully I never had any incontinence but the dragging feeling and protruding bulge that got worse throughout the day was horrible. I saw my surgeon again when my baby was 6 months old and she agreed that as long as I had lots of family support I shouldn’t wait for surgery. Her words were “that’s no way to live.” By this stage I now had a prolapsed bladder, bowel and uterus. I had surgery when my youngest child was 8 months old. I had an anterior and posterior repair as well as a sacrospinous fixation. The first few weeks of recovery were tough, and family support with young children is an absolute must. I am now 6 weeks post op and can’t believe how much better I feel already.

After Treatment
To be able to do everyday tasks without a second thought or any discomfort is amazing. I am looking forward to getting back into exercise and being able to run around with my kids again. I am so grateful to my amazing surgeon and so pleased I had surgery when I did. I urge any women with any symptoms to seek treatment, and if surgery is recommended, focus on the long-term benefits. Yes, surgery can be scary but the outcome for me is better than I ever imagined, and I feel like I can live my life to the fullest again.