Anterior and/or posterior repair

[poohsticks13]

Hi,
I'm due to have the above op(s) in about 2 weeks and am massively nervous about everything really!

It's to repair damage done by childbirth which has caused incontinence and prolapse.

Was just wondering if anyone has had this operation or similar? If so, was it worth it? How much time did you have to take off work etc?

Thanks!

[picklemepopcorn]

I had a rear prolapse repair. It was worth it. It's is six weeks rest though, no lifting, no driving. It wasn't uncomfortable, but the muscles are used in everything so it takes a while to recover.

[poohsticks13]

Thanks pickle.
Did you have a general anaesthetic? Part of my fear is being put to sleep 😕.

I also just keep being given different information - my consultant said 2 weeks off work (which I have arranged) but the fact sheet I was given at my pre-op said 6-8 weeks.

[picklemepopcorn]

That isn't helpful for you, is it! Maybe two weeks doing pretty much nothing, then if you have a very sitting down job you,ll be ok. But you can't lift a full kettle etc.

I chose an epidural which was wonderful! It sorted out my sciatica which was an unexpected bonus!

[cravingcake]

I had both rectocele and cystocele repair 2 years ago (childbirth injuries and then prolapsed). I'm mid 30's and while I didn't work at the time I was a full time mum to a then 11month old and 3yo. I had my mum come to stay for 4 weeks (she lives in another country) so I wouldn't have to do any major lifting and housework.

Recovery did take a while and you really do need to be strict at not lifting - or pushing heavy buggies or shopping trolleys. By 2 weeks post op you may be able to return to work if it's a desk job but I would have thought unlikely as sitting will be uncomfortable. I was feeling ready to drive again by about 4-5weeks post op.

I had a general anaesthetic and was in hospital for 4 days, I had to have a wee & poo before they would let me go home, so take some fresh fruit or get someone to bring it in for you after.

I have found it was worth it as I can run around with my kids now, but just need to take things a little easier than before.

[poohsticks13]

Thanks guys, it's good to know that you've both had positive results.

Pickle- I've already had a few epidurals so maybe that's why they're opting for general. Fab that it sorted your problem out! 😁

Craving - apparently I'm going to be out the same day!

[PollyPerky]

I had both 25 years ago.

You MUST take care afterwards for at least 6 weeks and never lift anything heavy again. I was told no more than 14lbs ( about 6k in new money)

I was in hospital for about 5 days after a GA.

Stock the freezer, think about how you will manage- you can't lift anything heavy- not even a full kettle, pan of spuds, pan of pasta, for around 6 -8 weeks. No hoovering or bending over to change beds or lift mattresses, no lifting buggies in and out a car.....

[PollyPerky]

OP If this is a day case, I'd advise you to ask a few more questions. You may have just minor (ish) surgery if you're coming home that day. My op was mainly anterior, and uterine lift, with a bit of posterior wall. I couldn't wee for a week due to swelling so had a catheter in hospital for days then they let me home and I went back daily to have it removed to see if I could wee.(Had the op done privately.)
Some women I understand have the vagina 'packed' with a dressing.
You need to talk this through because if they send you home without you being able to wee, you'd end up back there anyway.

I agree with the others about getting help at home. DH took 2 weeks off work then my mum came to stay for 2 weeks. DCs were 2 and 4 at the time. No lifting of them- sit on the floor or sofa and make them climb up to you! No lifting in and out of car seats, buggies etc.

[poohsticks13]

Thanks for the advice Polly.
I've come to the conclusion that I will have to ask more questions when I go for the op. The info I've been given doesn't tally with my appt letter (info says hosp stay whilst letter says not).

It's useful to know how careful I will have to be. I'm going to have to have a rethink about practical issues.

[PollyPerky]

I think you should ask now not on the day because it sounds as if some forward planning is the best way!
Can you phone the consultant's secretary? Have you seen the consultant already? Maybe your GP could follow up for you?

You may be very tired afterwards so bear that in mind. Although all the work done is internal, your body is still healing, you need time to recover and put your feet up every day in the afternoon. Women who have the TVT procedure are day cases, but I've never known anyone have a full repair and come out same day. The main issues are infection (I had antibiotic injections afterwards at the hospital) and weeing. You might be able to wee once, then the swelling might change that so you need to be in hospital for it to be managed.

Not everyone has this issue but they are working with the bladder and bladder neck and sometimes it just happens that way!

[dollysocks]

Hi Poohsticks

I'm booked in for a posterior repair in February. I agree with PollyPerky that you need to get more information before the day. Could you write to your consultant with your questions?

My consultant referred me to the royal college of obstetricians and gynaecologists www.rcog.org.uk/ if you type prolapse into the search bar the most recent rcog leaflet on the subject comes up.

I think I might be having less surgery than you (at the moment anyway) but, if it makes you feel any better I'm scared too

[poohsticks13]

I think I will give my consultant's secretary a ring and see if they can just clarify a few things for me!

Dolly, good luck with your surgery xx

[dollysocks]

Hi poohsticks13
phoning sounds like a good idea
and thanks for the good luck wishes, good luck with yours too

[dollysocks]

xxx

[Fauxgina]

I've read a few people say to start taking stool softeners before you go in as first poo after surgery is a a bit difficult. I was coming to advise you then I totally laughed when I saw your nick name!

I'm due a hysterectomy and posterior repair in April, I'm just hovering here see if you get any better advice. A family member is a GP and he said it's 6 weeks off work if you have a keyhole appendix surgery so I'd try and get as long off as you can! Maybe some days lying down will feel better than sitting etc. If your bosses will let you do light duty or go home early if you're tired then you don't have to be so strict about getting a lot of time on your sick note but if you know they're going to take the mick and try and encourage you to do lifting or extra shifts then fight for more.

Good luck

[poohsticks13]

Thanks for the advice Fauxgina and yup! I guess my name is quite apt in this situ!

I'm a teacher (16+) with a fairly long commute so I'm going to play it by ear I think. Hoping that I can go back after 4 weeks maybe. Just worrying about my classes really (I know I shouldn't).

I'm still bricking it about having a GA....just makes me panic a bit. Anyway, it's next Friday so I'll post on here afterwards and let you know how it went (not straight away obv!). It might help others x

[PollyPerky]

I think you'd be unwise to go back to teaching after 4 weeks unless you spend the day sitting, not carrying books or folders, not walking long corridors, and not having a long drive.

The recovery time for repairs is the same as for a hysterectomy. Most people I know who had hysterecs were off work for half a term.

[poohsticks13]

Hi,
Thought I'd post an update.

Had the op on Friday and was given the option of a spinal after all but I opted for the GA (even though I was terrified). Had a mini panic attack when the time came but the anaesthetist held my hand until I was under.

Came round about 2 hrs later and was ok apart from shivering - they shoved a heater under my blankets.

Even though my letter said I'd be out the same day, they had planned to keep me in. I was on a drip and catheter for first night anyway. Stayed in hospital for 3 nights altogether.

It turned out that they only needed to do the anterior (bit dismayed at as I leak a bit posteriorly-TMI!). Anyway, first wee was fine - no stinging. First bm was fine too- lots of lactulose.

I actually feel ok. At home with a few painkillers but not sure I need them. Still bleeding but sanitary towels are coping.
The main thing is trying to do very little when you feel fine! (And boredom).

Not sure of the results yet but to anyone thinking of having the op, you will be ok x

[poohsticks13]

Oh, I am also on blood thinning injections for a few days and have to keep the lovely tight surgical stockings on for a while too!

[sadie9]

Great you got through it okay. I only had an anterior as well but it did alter (improve) my bottom issues, so that may happen in your case too. had incomplete emptying, difficult to clean up, and ribbon eel shaped poos (sorry TMI) which became normal shaped after my op. Because the bladder prolapse could have been squeezing your rectum and putting pressure on it.
You will be swollen inside for a good bit, so you will keep thinking 'it's back!' when it isn't. Rest as much as you can.

[picklemepopcorn]

Well done! Don't overdo it. If you get a cough/cold, get it treated. I undid mine with uncontrolled coughing.

[poohsticks13]

That's good to know Sadie. Mine is leaking and still having to wipe hrs afterwards 🙄. I shall wait and see- thanks for the heads up and glad yours was a success xx

[poohsticks13]

Thanks Pickle. I seem to have escaped the bad cough/cold that's going around (fingers crossed). It's just my toddler climbing all over me etc that is the risky bit....plus I keep finding myself bending over!

That sounds a nightmare though! Did you have to have yours re-done or did it work out ok anyway?

[poohsticks13]

Just read your previous messages Pickle and saw that it did work out 😊. Sorry-still a bit zombied at the moment xx