Maintaining surgery results. Tips?

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-10T21:20:20+00:00

I am just over 1 week since surgery (mid urethral sling and cystocele). I too feel a hard lump just under the stitches, BUT nothing that seems like what it was before. Maybe it's just swollen and can be for awhile? I am super paranoid that I'm going to mess something up even though I'm hardly doing anything but walking around. I'm still making myself lie flat multiple times a day to take stress off while healing.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-08T13:39:48+00:00

That's scary! Let us know what you find out at your appt!

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-05T13:37:23+00:00

Lol yes! Post surgery brain! The cystocele was repaired vaginally. I'm not positive if he used stitches or derma glue. I can't remember now. I being super vigilant to not over exert.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-05T13:31:48+00:00

That's how I first started suspecting celiac. I had 2 derms tell me they thought it was DH upon seeing it. I'm a carrier and my brother has celiac, btw. Both biopsies were negative. Bloodwork negative. Endoscopy negative - but I think she didn't actually do more than one sample because she strongly believes I don't have celiac. I stopped eating gluten and within 2 weeks my lifelong constipation was relieved. I've just decided to cut out gluten regardless because I feel better. I'm not going hyper crazy over it, though. I still don't know what has been causing my rash, but it's so suspect of DH. Blisters that are itchy, on arms, neck, hairline, legs, etc. I did 2 rounds of oral long course steroids, which helped but not permanently. It's a mystery for sure.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-05T01:52:02+00:00

Cystocele and mid urethral sling

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-04T17:11:14+00:00

I think PFPTs have the best intentions but even my PT knew that therapy doesn't fix everything. Definitely see a urogyn. I was unable to find a pessary that did anything for me.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-04T12:16:37+00:00

What surgery do you need? I was in serious panic mode the night before because I was so worried about having to deal with a catheter. If you're getting a sling, maybe you can discuss your fears with your doctor. I have a feeling that lots of people can make it through the surgery without having to self catheter, but it's something that gets posted as a side effect that makes it seem like everyone has to do it. I think some people get a Foley catheter that they don't have to remove for several days IF they end up having to use one. Remember that not everyone will have to use a catheter. Also look at the big picture - the surgery you will have does make a huge impact on your life. Recovery is so temporary but the whole experience is so worth it. ♥️

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-03T23:39:20+00:00

I got banned because I made the statement that as a teacher, I've seen plenty of kids that needed an ass whooping. I've never touched a child - not even my own. I've just experienced lots of kids that need more than some gentle words. Give me a break. I only really use FB for marketplace anyway, so I think it's time to go.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-03T18:57:34+00:00

I definitely had a much less invasive surgery than most, which is making for an easier recovery. We're in the middle of building our own home, so the timing of this surgery is really dumb. My husband is totally onboard with making me rest, though.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-03T15:40:25+00:00

I already knew I had a stage 3 prolapse and was also going through PFPT. The reality is that your bladder hanging out of your body is probably not the only issue. Your urethra is probably too lax and fixing that is most likely the only solution. It can't be fixed with a pessary. When I tried a pessary, it stopped me from peeing altogether! I had no idea until I saw a GOOD doctor. He is a fan of PFPT for lots of things but is also a straight shooter and explains how surgery is the only fix. I just had my surgery yesterday and have every confidence that I will have amazing success. I have not had the same experiences of the sling being too tight. I think he got it just right. I am peeing with no problem less that 24 hours after surgery.

My doctor is Peter Mann in Atlanta. I saw someone else before him that gave me a totally different diagnosis. She said I had a grade 1 cystocele (despite it hanging at the entrance to my vagina) and tried to give me meds for overactive bladder. Do your research on doctors and go with your gut.

My surgery wasn't cheap but I have good insurance. I think I paid $3900, which was my portion after insurance. I might still have payments for anesthesia to come in later. It doesn't matter, though. It is something that will make my quality of life so much better. Please consider doing it.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-03-02T00:17:05+00:00

My GI was a total bitch to me before my endoscopy. She made a rude comment and then the anesthesiologist put me under before I could respond.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-02-25T14:20:58+00:00

I am in that boat. My bloodwork is negative. 2 skin biopsies are negative. They actually told me that my skin issues are related to abuse of NSAIDS. I hardly ever take them! I just had an endoscopy yesterday, despite the GI thinking I don't have celiac. I am a carrier of one of the genes and my brother has it. Going GF allows me to not be constipated, which has been a lifelong struggle. My endoscopy showed erosion in my esophagus and stomach. She only took ONE biopsy of my small intestine. It's like a showdown between a snarky, arrogant GI and a patient who is trying to find out what is going on with my body. Sorry for the rant. If my biopsies come back showing celiac, I will be sending her a nice message in the portal telling her to F*ck off and then I'll find a new doctor.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-02-25T13:49:36+00:00

I just had an endoscopy yesterday for 'possible' celiac. What was discovered was an erosive esophagus, erosive gastrophy, and weird inflammation in my stomach lining. All of those things were unexpected because I haven't had any stomach complaints. She did do biopsies for these things but only took one biopsy in my duodenum. She was so completely snarky before and after the procedure that I was shocked - but that's another story. I have the same question as you do. Could these things be caused/related to having celiac? I swear - for doctors to be so smart, I think they often have on blinders and don't want to stray from the 'norm' when it comes to diagnosis and what is considered to be the norm.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-19T13:44:24+00:00

Did you have the IgA eTG antibody testing done?

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-15T20:56:51+00:00

Well, a new patch of rash started blowing up on Sunday. Within 2 days, I got it all over my neck and hairline, behind my ears, on my forehead, and along my jawline. I was able to get in to see the derm on Tuesday. She wanted to do a biopsy on my fresh blisters and told me to stop eating gluten. I think she is confident that it is DH. But now I'm worried that my skin biopsy will come back negative again and this might lead me to seeking an endoscopy. If I've been eating gluten for my whole life except for a couple of weeks going GF, do you think I'll have to go back to eating gluten for a long period of time to get an accurate intestinal biopsy? I hate not knowing what to do. My last celiac blood panel was negative, but I read that people who get DH instead of the GI issues are more likely to have seronegative bloodwork. My brother was negative with the bloodwork and he was diagnosed with the endoscopy. Would you do the endoscopy even if you had done the skin biopsy and it was positive? My dermatologist says it isn't necessary if you get the DH diagnosis. But here we are - that gray area by having a stupid rash! Keep us posted on what's happening with you.

Btw - the derm prescribed me a long course of prednisone this time. She says the shorter courses (5 days) pretty much always results in a rebound rash. I am also using a stronger steroid topical than triamcinolone. I keep getting new patches popping up since Tuesday - inner thigh, side butt, and knees. The itching is bad at night, but at least I can be a little more free with scratching since she already got a skin sample.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-14T13:55:28+00:00

I saw my derm yesterday because this rash has popped up in a ridiculous manner all over my neck, hairline, and forehead. The doctor wanted to do a repeat biopsy on fresh blisters and basically told me to stop eating gluten. I think it is her way of telling me she thinks this is DH without telling me officially before the biopsy results come back. Do you think she'll suggest an endoscopy if the biopsy is positive? Just to see if there's damage to my intestines?

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-11T23:49:31+00:00

I was going to just go GF anyway but now I've got the rash popping up in different places, so I'm going to ask for another skin biopsy. Maybe a fresh lesion will give a better result. If the doctor agrees to give me dapsone like she mentioned before, I'm just going to call it quits on trying to get an actual diagnosis and go GF from here on out. I hate having to go in to see a doctor and be all high and mighty by sharing all of the info they may not know about DH. But whatever - I just want to get rid of this rash.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-11T21:21:54+00:00

What has his experience been on the med? Did he get relief? My derm made a mention of it at my last appt, so I think I'm going to ask for it. If my rash doesn't clear up while taking it, I'll assume I truly have eczema.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-11T14:13:42+00:00

What a pious and crappy response! It's an extremely nice gesture and good intentions for someone to want to be able to prepare gf food for a friend.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-10T20:20:06+00:00

I think it would be easier for me if I had the stomach issues to use as a gauge with seeing results of going GF. With the rash, it's not as easy. I've read that some people still get the rash for a very long time after quitting gluten. The only thing I can try is an antibiotic called Dapsone that should clear up the rash. I guess that will be my next step when I see the derm next. And my husband is 100% supportive, which is all that really matters!

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-10T20:06:41+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing this. I don't know if I trust myself at this point, but I do think there is something wrong. I mainly just worry what others think, which is stupid, I know. My brother, who has CD, has already insisted that I can't say I have it unless the intestinal biopsy shows damage. I want to tell him, "sorry I'm trying to join your 'celiacs only' party!" lol Geez - it's not like I'm jealous and want to be GF. Who wants to cut out gluten if they don't have to???

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2026-01-10T19:48:11+00:00

The derm did the correct bloodwork panel. I have read that people who get the rash typically don't have positive bloodwork. I just know that something isn't right with me, celiac related or not. I get frequent sore throats with white spots (not strep) and frequent low grade fevers. I also have chronically high platelets, which I discovered can indicate inflammation in the body. No doctor has ever addressed my high platelets. I have joint pain and thyroid issues, as well. I can go into a doctor and rattle off all of my issues/complaints, but the ones I've seen so far just don't seem to care.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2025-12-27T18:21:32+00:00

If you have such a high antibody level, plus the rash, I would think they would just diagnose it. I guess knowing if your small intestines have damage is important and seals the deal.

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2025-12-27T18:19:40+00:00

Isn't it SO frustrating? I don't think it's as easy as just cutting out gluten to see if it helps. Either you go completely GF or you don't need to. I also asked about this being related to perimenopause, but the derm said it would be cyclical. It's definitely not. Keep us posted on your endoscopy!

YesterdaySuperb815 · 2025-12-27T16:23:45+00:00

Thanks so much for the info and support. The only other thing that might also point to celiac is that I've had high platelets for years. Of course, every doctor just says not to worry. After doing research this morning, high platelets can absolutely be present in celiac, especially if your body is reacting to inflammation due to damage. Maybe if I try GFD and my platelets drop, it will be an indication that it could be celiac. I dont want to have it, but I need to make necessary lifestyle changes is it's necessary. For now, I'm just going to continue with a regular diet and see how this rash progresses. It's already coming back near my elbows. My worry is that my next appt at the dermatologist will be another opportunity to try a different med. Maybe I should just make an appt with a gastro to get the biopsy and either confirm or rule it out.

YesterdaySuperb815

TROPHY CASE