Mom has moderate dementia - slow progression. Very easy to have a conversation with her. However, quite forgetful but not about everything. Difficult to problem solve with her partly because hard to process multi step contingency planning. Can't remember what providers have told her in the past.
She gets the pessary out and then either back in that day or we wait a day or two for re-insert. It always hurts but then much of the time, once it's back in she isn't too aware of it and all is good till next time. Currently the Gyn has had open heart surgery and is out for 3 months. So, another (nice) doc from the practice without pessary experience is doing the process. She isn't quite as good and last time, Mom complained it was in too low, constant burning. Right now out longer than normal and complaining of constant burning and uterus fallen down. She's like a hysterectomy. I keep explaining that the Gyn and another specialist and this new doc have all confirmed that a simple hysterectomy won't do the trick. She would need a full lower repair - which at 92 is risky. Or a procedure where they more or less sew the vagina together so everything stays up. She doesn't like the last idea. She continues to believe that a hysterectomy would solve it all.
We have great relationship but it seems like she thinks in this case, I'm being mean by not believing her. She does have HTN not too well controlled on 3 medications - so whether she could even get cleared is a question.
BTW She's had 2 types of pessaries in 2 sizes/type. I'm a Nurse Practitioner - so somewhat versed in this but only basic and not too current GYN experience.
So, I guess I'm 1) venting and 2) wondering if anyone has had elderly parent get a procedure to stop prolapse and if so which one? How did it go? Recovery time?
