To ignore my rectocele

[iamasquare]

I developed a rectocele - well according to my self diagnosis- and as long as I don’t strain too hard manage ok. I needs a bit of splinting but that can be achieved via some tissue or even a tool of Amazon. My shopping and research habits used to be more exciting.

So people who have experienced similar can I just keep ignoring it. Surgery sounds horrific and I would worry it would make things worse. Or is there worse ahead? I feel inclined to keep ignoring it but AIBU?

I've had one for 20+ years. I have a history of chronic constipation and straining. As long as I keep my stools soft using diet, Movicol in the past, and now magnesium citrate supplements I managed fine. I struggle if I get constipated and use glycerin suppositories.

I had pelvic mesh surgery for stress incontinence and was offered surgery to fix the rectocele. Luckily I chickened out at the last minute. I've subsequently had to have my pelvic mesh removed due to erosion and so relieved I didn't have surgery for the rectocele. It hasn't got worse over the last decade, in fact it's much improved with diet, and stool softeners. I rarely need to splint.

I also do a pelvic floor and core strength program.

I may regret asking, but what is "splinting" in this context? And what's the tool of Amazon?

I had surgery back in July for a triple prolapse (bowel, bladder and uterus). I had a hysterectomy plus a rectocele and cystocele repair. Operation was fairly easy and the recovery was good but after 5 weeks the rectocele was back and at 12 weeks post op the consultant confirmed that the repair had failed, I have gone from stage 4 to stage 1-2 though. She said I can have further surgery after a year as a day case but I’m just going to ignore it for now and carry on as normal, I try to keep everything moving but do have to splint occasionally. My consultant has said that there isn’t any issues with doing nothing as long as it isn’t causing me any problems.

@Elsvieta Splinting - in this context- is using something solid to be the muscular wall that should stop your bowel bulging into your vagina.

@RectoceleSurvivor am sorry to hear that you had those mesh issues - thank goodness you chickened out of more surgery. I am happy to hear that it has been a better choice to leave it alone. I think hearing stories about the mesh issues has put me off and the thought of making something manageable worse is a worry.

@frecklejuice that sounds like serious surgery - glad your recovery has been good and it has helped if not entirely in all areas. I think the leave it alone unless it all gets worse and do it as a job lot is a sound approach.

I appreciate your thought and shared stories.

I've had a recotcele for over 20 years also... (triple prolapse but they only did the hysterectomy ). I take movicol and use glycerine suppositories, and it's a bit inconvenient at times but ok.

I developed a rectocele following an instrumental delivery 32 years ago. Subsequent childbirths didn't make it any worse and it has never caused me any problems

@Sonolanona and @NotMyRealAccount I am heartened to hear similar stories that they have stayed the same and not worsened over time.