“I didn’t even know what bladder prolapse was. I was in the shower and unexpectedly felt a protrusion between my legs. It felt like a balloon,” Linda recalls.

Linda, 65, immediately called her daughter and shared what she’d discovered. She knew something was seriously wrong and was very worried, but her daughter helped calm her down and urged her to call her doctor.

Linda called her doctor on Friday night and left a message with the 24/7 on-call service. The on-call nurse returned her call shortly after, and upon hearing Linda’s symptoms, suggested that she may have uterine prolapse or bladder prolapse. The nurse assured her that she didn’t need to go to the emergency room and that there was no need to panic. She did, however, recommend that Linda see her doctor as soon as possible. Linda scheduled an appointment for the following Monday.

The doctor examined Linda and confirmed what the on-call nurse had suspected. She had a prolapsed bladder.  He explained that while her prolapse wasn’t life threatening or in need of a surgical emergency, would eventually need to consider surgery, since symptoms typically get more severe over time. And because Linda’s job required that she lift heavy items, she was deemed high risk.

Linda took this into consideration but continued to live with her symptoms for another year. However, her doctor was right, and her symptoms continued to worsen.

The following Monday, Linda called her doctor and made an appointment. The doctor examined her and confirmed what the on-call nurse had suspected. She had a prolapsed bladder.  He explained that while her prolapse wasn’t life threatening or in need of a surgical emergency, would eventually need to consider surgery, since symptoms typically get more severe over time. And because Linda’s job required that she lift heavy items, she was deemed high risk.

Linda took this into consideration but continued to live with her symptoms for another year. However, her doctor was right, and her symptoms continued to worsen.

Dr. James Haley, a double board-certified urogynecologist, came highly recommended so Linda scheduled an annual exam with him.

Dr. Haley listened to Linda as she described her symptoms of constant pressure and how her symptoms were interfering with her everyday life. Dr. Haley examined Linda and he determined that yes, she did have bladder prolapse, as well as a prolapsed uterus. Upon evaluation, he determined that along with bladder prolapse. Additionally, Linda had also lost support for other areas within her vagina.

“I knew the minute I met with Dr. Haley that I was in good hands. I trusted his experience and expertise and appreciated his kind and patient demeanor.”

Dr. Haley suggested Linda consider surgery to repair her uterine and prolapsed bladder. Given the severity of her issues, he also suggested a total hysterectomy and an anterior, posterior and enterocele repair. Linda agreed that it was time for treatment and followed Dr. Haley’s recommendations to have surgery.

After surgery, Linda returned back to work just eight weeks later, and best of all, she felt normal again. Four months later and Linda reported that she still felt great. Her symptoms were completely gone and she no longer felt pain, pressure or discomfort.

“I’m so happy I had the surgery and am so thankful for Dr. Haley. I recommend him to everyone I know.”

A prolapsed bladder, also known as a cystocele, occurs when the supportive tissue between a woman’s bladder and vaginal wall weakens and stretches, which allows the bladder to bulge into the vagina. Prolapse can vary in its severity but is very common. Many women suffer from incontinence and constant pressure and/or discomfort. Prolapse can also interfere with daily activities, such as exercise or intercourse.

If you are experiencing discomfort, incontinence or any other gynecological issues, make an appointment with our highly skilled vaginal health specialists. Call us at 770.721.6060 or book a consultation online.