URGENT.....devastated!!

Hi all. Just as things were going well..........

I am devastated & need some urgent advice please.

OK, first bit is a bit embarrasing! This morning in the shower I discovered what I think is a prolapse in a female region (bit embarrased, you'll have to use your imagination!). It was a huge shock!!

I've spoken to my GP surgery & as my GP is a male & I feel really embarrased, they said I could phone in the morning & see a female Dr there. I really like my own GP & he has been brilliant with all my heart problems, but this is just a bit too much to discuss with him (although I'm sure he is used to these things).

My mum & 2 sisters have also had prolapses in the past & all required surgery.

So my urgent question is.....when I see the Dr tomorrow she will probably refer me to a gynae Dr. As I am now technically PM dependent (had AV node ablation), should I ask to be referred to a gynae Dr at the same hospital where I go for my PM & cardiac care? It is a big London teaching hospital so they cover all areas of the body! If I do need an op, would it be best to be in the hospital where my EP & PM Dept are, so they can sort out the PM for the op? Our local hospital, where they often refer you to, has no Cardiac Dept so I'd have no back-up there for my PM.

I'm not assuming I will definately need an op, but if I need to see a gynae Dr & may end up with an op if the prolapse gets
worse over time......would it be better to just ask to be referred to a gynae Dr at my cardiac hospital from the start. I'm in the UK so you get one referral, I need to make the right decision.

I've had ops in the past for wisdom teeth & sinuses, but none with my PM. Would there be risks being PM dependent?

Goodness, I can't believe it. Mind you, I am 50 so getting that bit older & these things do tend to happen as you get older.
Personally I think I'd rather have another ablation than go through what I think I'm about to go through! Despite having 2 children (& you do lose all your dignity having a baby!), this still feels really embarrasing.

Hope you can help with my questions. I like to be prepared in advance so that when Dr's talk to me about things, I understand what it is all about etc. And being PM dependent, in my view, is something they really need to take into account.

By the way, I did e-mail the local hospital on Monday about the job & working 3 days. They still haven't let me know if 3 days is ok.

P.S. I'm seeing the Dr in the morning (UK) so if anyone can advise on going to the same hospital as my cardiac care, please can you let me know ASAP. Many thanks!

Best wishes
Janey

5 Comments

Hi Janey

by IAN MC - 2013-04-24 01:04:58

No comment on showers, female prolapses, and gynae girly things ... way outside of my experience !

.... but my understanding is that it would be the Consultant Anaesthetist who would take care of your PM and cardio stuff so the hospital doesn't matter. It is part of the training of anaesthetists to have a clear understanding of cardio issues

I don't think that , every time a cardio PM patient has an op, they pull people out of the PM clinic to look after you ... but I may be wrong.

To put your mind at rest, why not ring up one of your PM contacts and ask them.

Best of luck

Ian

Need To See Dr.

by SMITTY - 2013-04-24 03:04:25

Hi Janey,

My wife (who is a nurse) read your message and her suggestion is for you to see a gynecologist, if possible.

As for your reluctance to describe your problem using the word prolapse I thought I would list the various problems we can have with our bodies where prolapse is the appropriate to use. As you will see it is a word for several ailments and there is no reason for any of us to ever be reluctant to use it and the part of the body it is connected with when necessary.

Prolapse literally means "to fall out of place‚" from the Latin prolabi meaning "to fall out." In medicine, prolapse is a condition where organs, such as the uterus, fall down or slip out of place. It is used for organs protruding through the vagina or the rectum or for the misalignment of the valves of the heart. A spinal disc herniation is also sometimes called "disc prolapse."

Relating to the uterus, prolapse condition results in an inferior extension of the organ into the vagina, causing weakened muscles.

Heart valve (mitral valve) prolapse. The main type of prolapse of heart valves in humans is mitral valve prolapse (MVP), which is a valvular heart disease characterized by the displacement of an abnormally thickened mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole.

Tricuspid valve prolapse can cause tricuspid regurgitation.

Rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is a condition in which part of the wall or the entire wall of the rectum falls out of place. In some cases, the rectum may protrude.
As for where you should go for care, pick the best facility for your current problem, Let the dr know you have a pacemaker and it will just be along for the ride on this one.

Good luck,
Smitty



Janey..................

by Tattoo Man - 2013-04-24 04:04:35


...............................would NHS Direct be of any use ?......they get mixed press, but I know people who have had very good advice and guidance.

How about just getting down to A&E ( Emergency Room for our Colonial Cousins ) with a good book. If you call A&E they may send an ambulance or you could get a cab if you cannot get someone to drive.

In my experience the NHS never lets you down.

Keep cool.

Tattoo Man

Best DR

by Blue - 2013-04-24 06:04:53

I am shortly to go through very serious major surgery. I have chosen the best person for my problem. In any surgery your life is in the hands of he aneashetist. who will be aware of your PM and able to cope with the situaion. In any hospital they can always make a call for assistance if necessary.

Have a chat with gynae person you see and express your fears. I am sure they will be able to explain .

I can understand how you feel. Having been born in England and brought up there until l961 I now look back and realise what a maze the NHS system is. Although I know a lot has changed since then from my experience when I returned to live a few years ago.

I wish you all the best.

your operation

by Bevof NC - 2013-04-24 08:04:41

I am probably no help at all, but I will tell you of an experience of my own. I needed a surgery for a female problem years ago. I went to the surgeon and he would not do a fairly minor (usually office procedure) He was on staff at the same hospital where my ICD Dr. was. First the Icd doc had to O.K. the surgery and then the surgeon did the surgery at that same hospital...To me, it was worth the peace of mind to know that "back-up" was there should the anesthetist needed it. Best of luck to you and keep us informed. Bev of NC

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!