Jennifer,
Hello, I am a 38 year old female that suffers from rectal prolapse. I've had it for over a year if not longer. I myself have been trying to find information via the internet on this subject, but find that most of the information is for children with CF. I found it coincidental that you posted the question and applaud your courage. My story is complicated because of a late diagnosis, but I started taking enzymes only a few years back mostly due to denial for lack of a better word. Even, then I wasn't regular with taking them. I drank coffee and boom that made me go to the bathrom. However, strangely after I started on the enzymes, the coffee no longer worked. This is where my problems started. In addition, I'd been on antidepressants for six years, they cause constipation. Last year after haviing difficulties with constipation, I realized that it was sticking out, this is so embarrasing to write. It freaked me, scared me, grossed me out everything. Well, I have no idea how long my body had been like that. Because of the BS of 1) My CF clinic had me seeing a new pulmonologist with no experience with CF, 2) It was hard for me to even talk about, and 3) I kept having problems getting referrals with being on GHPP for California, and just getting medi-cal coverage. I finally got a referral this last March for a Gastro specialist. The gastro guy did a colonoscopy and discovered that I did have a hemorroid also inside right at the edge. Then he said, well, if you have any more problems with constipation, you need to contact your doctor so you can get scheduled with a surgeon. I don't think he had any clue about CF. Just today we went for CF clinic visit. The new pulmonologist was out and I finally found the courage to ask for a referral to USC, because I know they have a Gastro guy there who would have experience. I was confused because I thought from reading on the internet, that people get surgeries, but noone seemed to concerned with me. I think alot of that has to do with the confusing and frustration situation at my clinic. I should of had more courage earlier to take care of it. I think I was really afraid of if I have to get surgery. The Director is a great man and doctor, but he only sees the children I guess. Noone said this persay, and they kept giving me these different doctors. This other doctor has been there a year now, but I feel pawned off on him, and really wanted to see the older doctor with all of the experience. However, the older doctor will come in a see my brother, who saw him for probably 3 or 4 years before I did, which leaves me feeling that he doesn't like me or something. I have slipped through the cracks for the last year and have learned from this site that I can be more assertive. Anyways, I am awaiting a referral to see if I can find a caring medical professional that wants to help me up at USC.
Best of luck to you,
Michelle