The next step for me is having a gellhorn fitted and I am feeling a little bit anxious. Has anyone had one and did it work when have had a hysterectomy.
Was it painful? So many questions.
I hope someone can answer for me..
Putting it in - not painful. Taking it out - ouch!! At least, that was what I felt. I had two attempts at getting used to a gellhorn. They were both removed. And yes, I have had a hysterectomy. Apparently it is common for women who have had a hysterectomy not to be able to use the standard hard plastic pessaries. As I said earlier, I now use sea sponges, they seem to work and I can put them in and take em out myself - a big plus!
Pam
I'm not convinced that it will work for me as couldn't bear the rings I had put in. But have to do something as in so much discomfort.
My GP told me that ring pessaries were not useful for women who have had a hysterectomy, so I am surprised you had them fitted. Maybe the gellhorn will be better? I don't know but would suggest you give it a try.
I was told that too, but was suggested to try the ring ones as sometimes work. I tried 4 different ones and none did the job...
I'm sorry, I have never heard of a gellhorn or a sea sponge. Could someone explain?
A gellhorn is another type of hard plastic pessary. It has a spike sticking out from the centre which is used to help insert and remove it. I had two of these fitted (at different times, of course!). After the gellhorn, I had a shelf pessary fitted (twice again!). A sea sponge is a natural sponge, harvested from the sea. You cut it to size (takes a bit of experimentation to see which size is best) and insert and remove it yourself. Seems to work pretty well once you find the right size, though it can be a so and so at times, slipping out and having to be re inserted. I use either olive oil or Estriol cream to make insertion easier. The sponge has to be removed after 8-10 hours max. and must be cleaned daily by soaking it briefly in a mixture of water, tea tree oil and a little bicarbonate of soda. Needs dedication but worth it if the hard pessaries can't be tolerated.
Pam
p.s. The sea sponges are a large size specially for prolapse and can be ordered on line. Let me know if you need the name of the company I use!
Thanks for the suggestion will keep it in mind in case the gellhorn doesn't work for me.