Anyone know about prolapse?

Hello Pamela and Mary

I had raised this question twice on this site and you were the only 2 that responded. I figure, as was the case for me, that many people may be suffering from prolapse, but think they are dealing with hemorhoids.

I just had a visual exam done, and it was confirmed that I have prolaspe on almost 1/2 of my rectum and hemorhoids on about 1/4. It sounds terrible, and it is something that must be addressed, but I have had the condition for about 12 years-plus, so I am not overly concerned for the short term. At its worse I can have a protrusion the size of 1 to 1 1/2 golf balls. Not pretty or comfortable.

If you Google "rectal prolaspe" as I did, you'll discover plenty of info. The basics are that hemorhoids are a swelling of tissue, while prolapse is tissue that holds the rectal wall (and the lower part or the colon) to the surrounding muscle tears away, so what should be inside comes outside.

Some of the biggest concerns with this are incontinence due to decreasing ability to "close things up" (especially if you struggle with lots of diarhea). For those with constipation, a prolapsed rectum (even if at the time it is not prolapsed) can interfere with the "urge" sensation to move your bowel (speaking from experience here). This can increase difficulty for those suffering with chronic constipation.

Inconvenient discomfort is probably the worst initial effect. Times when you may have a full colon, or urinay bladder can cause the rectum to prolapse at inconvenient times, like a nice stroll in the park or during yoga class (again, experience).

Another concern is increasing the prolapse through too much pressure during BM. Aside from dietary changes to minimize constipation, Yoga has helped me to find better ways  to assist elimination with less pressure. I try to minimize how long I sit, with the prolapse. Also very dry stool has caused fissures on a couple occasions over the dozen years I have had it.

You can manage it until you decide what approach to take to remedy it. I lubricate with a Calendula cream before and after BM. The after is to assist putting the prolapse back (if this is difficult you may need to be on your knees with head down to let gravity assist). Taking time to rest, lying on your stomach helps to settle the swelling and under real bad conditions, use an ice pack to help shrink thing. Walking or working immediately after doesn't help.

There are surgical repairs, which ultimately I may need to use, but my first concern is remedying my constipation so I don't destroy any benefit gained by surgery.

I have made tremendous progress with this, even reviving my "urge" which has been pretty non-existant for years. Also in the short run I am using some natural remedys to see what I can do for the prolapse without surgery. This will be a lengthy process, but since I know now what I am dealing with and manage it without increasing it, I am comfortable with taking the time.

Hope this helps abit.