New thread for those having/had posterior or anterior repairs, TVT, rectocele and all the other down below stitchups

[MissingMySleep]

Hello ladies, I hope you find this, I don't want to lose my pre-op and post-op buddies!!

Hi Ladies,
May I join in please? Been reading your collective wisdom for a few weeks now as I had a vested interest. I haven't gone through some of the more complicated ops you have all had but did have a TVT last Monday (20th) and wondered if I could pick your brains please?
I'm one of the grannies on here, been reading Mumsnet since I became a Gran 7 years ago.

Been putting off having TVT for about that long too. Finally plucked up courage but am currently wondering if it's not worked or even if I have made it worse :(
Still getting some leaking as I am about to go and now I seem to have an overactive bladder as well. Keep telling myself it's early days but after waiting so long to make up my mind about this op and using savings to go privately as the surgeon was recommended, I'm feeling very low.
Sorry to join in with such a whinge, as some of you seem to have much bigger things to contend with.

Thanks Footle, appreciate the sympathy. I'm being a bit pathetic today as I had been so uncertain about having this op, hence the wait and now feel maybe I made the wrong decision.

I think I just need to wait it out and see what happens but that's often the hardest thing to do, isn't it?
Honestly womens' 'bit's are not well designed, are they? :o

Hi there everglades, welcome and yes I know how you feel. Some times I think the TVT has worked well sometimes I think it hasn't worked at all, I am 12 weeks post op. I do believe its a long recovery and you go through stages, so you just cannot tell for sure till everything is properly healed up. If you scroll back up there is a post by LikeAVirgin that gives the stats on TVTs effectiveness. It may be a case of retraining ourselves as to knowing when to go etc.

Also I have had some weeks of overactive bladder and then it goes, I think its just the body messing about, getting used to the TVT, recovering from the op and so on, and refuse to believe that any ineffectiveness that I have at the moment is permanent :)

Hi Ladies,
Have rectocele. I was on the old thread, where I decided not to go down the surgery route as my LO is less than a year and no way I could rest for the recovery time. So leaving it a few years.

I'm almost too embarrassed to ask this, even on here....TMI warning!
When I try to have a bowel movement, I have to 'splint' by putting my finger into my vagina and pushing. Its now getting to the stage where (I can't believe I'm typing this!) I can't get my fingers up high enough to push everything out. So, I'm left with the heavy not empty feeling.
Most of the month I'm okay with this, but when I'm on, I feel like someone has kicked me up the bum! - a dull heavy ache.

Any ideas???

Thanks Missing for your welcome. 12 weeks post op and you're still not sure! Guess I have to be patient for quite a while yet then. I read LikeAvirgin's percentages but we all want to be in the successful bit of the numbers, don't we? My surgeon has been doing TVTs for 12 years and has a documented success rate of 93 percent. But not totally sure what he counts as success.
Know of about 4 people who have had it done in the last two years and one is now on permanent abs and the other 3 are doing well and reckoned they felt totally dry immediately and of course I was hoping to be in their gang :)
Anyway, will shut up now and keep hoping. many thanks for all the info to all on here.

Welcome everglades
Well I did have the tvt, but I am younger 45. Had 6 children and have had leakage and bowel troubles for seven years. I am in the percentage of success for sure. I have had absolutely no problems since my op. I have been more active and not one thing has caused a leak. I am sorry to hear that you are not sure about yours yet. Okay here is what I can say. How many weeks post op are you? I am now 5 weeks post op and in the beginning, I felt like it was harder to wee, like really slow. I also used to think that I would leak because I had the sensation, but it never happened, still have it at times. My bladder has definitely settled down as I can make it through the night without peeing. One thing to clarify here is, I had a procedure using the monarc sling. It is performed differently than regular tvt as far as I know. The monarc sling has better control over how tight it will fit against the urethra. Is is put in by pulling it in from both sides of the groin where there are small incisions and they adjust it accordingly from there, so it pulls against the urethra. The other TVTs are done by just placing the mesh tape in at the site of the urethra through the vagina and it is tucked up at that point. If mine was to have been too tight, the dr could have froze me down there right after surgery and fixed it that day.
Do you know what kind of TVT you had? Age is a big factor in how well these ops go as well. I hate to tell you thins as you are likely older than me. I was told by my dr, not to wait too long. If you are already menopausal, than your tissues are not as elastic as they used to be, that alone affects recovery and success. I would be good to go after just a tvt in two weeks time, but for you, it may be 4 - 6 weeks. You know there is another surgery that you can have done to fix it with better success. It is just that doctors do try all the less invasive methods first. Bladder leakage is caused by the ligaments holding the control of the urethra either stretching or breaking from where they are attached. They can perform this through the abdominal wall and actually sew the ligaments back to where they belong or use other forms of mesh material to support whatever needs supporting. That is all I know. Sorry you are feeling down about this, I would be too. Let me know some more about your situation in regards to leakage etc.

MrsBonkers don't worry about saying anything on here, we have all lived or seen it or worse really. I too had the issue of having to splint for 6 years before op. I had to go so far up the vagina that it was ridiculous really. Nothing would help me because diarrhea would not come out without splinting. Hard to believe, but it all got trapped right at the end in a pocket at the perineum. Anyways, I did go on like that for probably 3 years where it was that bad. If you are young, which I think you are, I would go in as soon as possible though. Don't let it get any worse and besides recovery is not as touchy as you think. I can't remember how old your children are, but you can certainly have them sitting on your lap. My doctor upgraded me to lifting up to 20 pounds after the second week. I am just fine. I guess it depends how you are after the post op healing. I had the cystocele, rectocele and tvt all at once, I am not sure if you were having more or not, can't remember. That is all for now, must get supper going.

Yes Everglades is only 5 days post op and feeling an idiot for posting already, sorry, yesterday was a panic day :(
thank you so much for all the details LikeAVirgin, it is very kind of you to bother. Have read about the Monarc but somehow have got the impression it is not so common in the UK so don't think that's what I had. Although could be wrong as think my brain is still suffering from anesthetic !:) My tape has gone in through one incision in the vagina and out through two incisions in the pubic area where I currently have dressings.
Peeing is definitely slower and I have to practically stand on my head to feel empty but not worried about that as assuming it will ease when the bruising eases.
And I am very post meno :) Started all that the minute I was 40 and then had 9 years on HRt.

And Footle, I know quite a bit about Vagifem as i have used it for just over a year now following horrible problems with years of UTIs and then kidney infections and it is brilliant! There is a very useful website which can tell you more called Menopause Matters.My gp was useless on the problems I was having and I found out about Vagifem and other similar preparations on that website. Sorry just tried to do the link and failed but you will find it if you google it.
thanks everyone again for responding to a very panicky lady when you all have your own problems.

I am UK and I had the Monarc as well

your stitches sound like you had monarc too, ie the stitches in pubic area :)

dont apologise, the week or so post op is when most of us needed most reassurance

I will definitely ask if it is a Monarc, think I've been reading HysterSisters recently (my daughter had to have a hysterectomy a few months back) and got the idea tney were more North American but then I've got plenty of other odd ideas too :)
One of the things that looks most peculiar at the moment is that I have a big dent in one side of my pubic area where the tape is obviously attached. Didn't notice initially as doesn't show laying down but when you look in the mirror when upright it looks most odd, really goes inward.

No one should ever feel the need to appoogise on this forum! We have all had our moments, whether it be due to pain, panic or senior moments! That is what the forum is here for so that we can blabbering on without fear of judgement!!!

Well ladies, I hope you are all well.
I feel that I am now ready to be moved to the veteran pile please and put in a research position!
I am 6 weeks post rectocele repair op and all in all consider myself healed! The only thing I haven't done yet is have sex and it's not because I don't think I could, it's just that it's that one last thing to do before I can decide if the op worked! and I'm nervous about it! Plus after 6 weeks I want it to be right so am waiting for a night when I'm not tired etc etc!!!
For anyone waiting to have the op I would say definately go for it. The op & recovery is not as bad as you would imagine and the majority of us have had it plain sailing. Yes, we have had moments where we are depressed or the pain gets worse for a day or two or we feel guilty for lying on the sofa without any easy to see reason, but it is all worth it in the end.
Again, the majority of ladies in the last two months who had major bladder problems have no leakage whatsoever. The majority of rectocele ladies are no longer having to splint (and even though I haven't tried nookie yet I can feel myself that the wall of my vagina is now very solid and so I am presuming will be a lot tighter for hubbie)
Not everyone has sailed through - there have been a couple of infections, sore stitches, hideous period pain (yes that was me), anaemia, and lots of tears but I think as a group we have had a huge success.

I shall keep checking on the forum but will just be here if you need me!
Thank you for all the support ladies, mentally I wouldn't have managed without you all! Good luck to all the ladies waiting and quick healing for all the new post-op girls.

Much love
Emily and her new designer vagina
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Sorry Everglades for missing how long post op you are. Yes try not to panic just yet. Right after surgery I looked at the area and I thought that I would never see my vagina open again. I had so much swelling there it was unreal. The dent you talk about on the one side, don't worry about it now, swelling does strange things. Missing's right, sounds like you had the monarc too. I asked my dr 2nd day post op about how the monarc sling attaches to you. I was worried because the incision on one side of my groin came open and I thought that meant that the sling would come loose and mot work. He told me that the mesh becomes part of you and just stays in against the tissues. I think the monarc just gives more control for the surgeon to give proper placement. And yes, NO APOLOGIES PLEASE, not necessary. I was so grateful to have this site to go to and get support and say what ever I needed to say, and you shall have the same luxury.

Jewel so glad to hear you are making out just fine with life. I hope your time in the bedroom really pays off for you. Don't be scared of it, it will be wonderful. I did another stretching moment with hubby just today before he left for work and it is getting easier and easier all the time. I had both anterior and posterior repaired which makes it tighter and it is going so well. I even got pleasured a bit today without pain. I am sooooooo excited to do this when things are totally stretched and healed and stitch free!!! Here's my advice for your first time, you don't have to take it, but I think it will help. Buy a silicone based lubricant, they are more money, but so worth it, you won't believe it. Astroglide or K-Y Intrigue. When you are first receiving penetration, try to just drop your legs slightly bent beside you and take a deep breath and relax. Relax is the key to it all going smoothly I think. My hubby has been so wonderful with all of this and so gentle, I really just love and respect him more than I did pre-op.

When I was deciding to get this op, I was worried my sex life could be ruined. My husband told me that it was more important to him that I live a better quality life, than for him to have sex all the time. He loved me and married me for who I am and not for sex. Sex is a great bonus for sure, but he really loves me. I knew when he said those words that he meant them, even though I know how much my hubby loves sex. He has been so awesome through all this and I hope all your men out there are just as understanding.

Good luck Emily and let us know your progress over the months to come when you get a chance to post. It has been great having you on here. Good luck with the next period. Glad you had a successful surgery, you have been an inspiration to me.
I have been relatively good these days except for the Hg, but in time. I am felling like resting to day, having company for dinner, so I will talk to you all Monday. Have a great weekend everyone! Cheers

Evening. Blimey, wish I'd been on MN three years ago and found this tyoe of thread. Hope no-one minds if I share my story.

Traumatic birth, ventouse delivery. 4th degree tear, doctor who delivered baby wasn't confident enough to do the repair so called out the head consultant who, at 3am in the morning, made it very clear he was unhappy about being called in for surgery.

Few days later at home I am in pain. Midwives first check reported "wound healing nicely". I'm none the wiser (first baby) and think the pain I am experiencing is normal. Second MW visit, I was in the depths of baby blues, hadn't showered, felt grubby, said I didn't want to be examined. In hindsight, had i knew what was coming I would have BUT also feel the MW should have stressed the importance but anyway...

Next MW contact was by phone as a "do you need a visit? (It was bank holiday weekend), again as I'm a bit of a "don't want to cause a fuss" person I mumble a "errr no I suppose not?"

Couple of days later MW visit at home, examination, after which she sends me straight to hospital as all the stitches had broken down and the wound was severly infected. A doctoe examines me and says in a disbelieveing voice "Who DID this repair??". When I mention head consultants (HC) name he immediately clams up, gives me some antibiotics and tells me I have to speak to HC next week.

Next week- see HC. He examines me, takes off gloves. Says, in the same manner as previous doctor "Who did this repair?". When I say it was him he puts a freash pair of gloves on and re-examines pulling some stitches out as well. More antibiotics. See him again in two weeks.

Visit to GP, examines repair says "This will need re-doing.

Visit to HC- he agrees to do re-repair.

Re-repair. Under local anaesthetic. The pain afterwards is IMMENSE. I couldn;t sit down for two weeks :(

Re-repair still no good. Return to HC. My nethers look like a car crash and I am extremely distraught. This is now 3 months after giving birth. HC agrees to do another repair under general anaesthetic.

After this op I buried my head in the sand for about 9 months. No sexual realtions since birth. Faecal incontinence. I tried to ignore. Why oh why I agreed to him doing all the repairs I really don't know. After about a year (still no sexual relations) I went to GP and explained all. Said I wanted to be referred to a different consultant. Saw new consultant and agreed to try gels, excersises, dilators. Inside of vagina is incredibly sore, as if there is an open cut but consultant reports he can't see anything. It's agreed that a 4th op will take place to remove excess scar tissue.

4th op a sucess. As in the pain is gone, sexual relations possible. Not great but as good as it's ever going to be.

I decided to take legal action and after a LOT of to-ing and fro-ing an independent medical bod decides that HC was not negligent as such. he pointed out that whilst his choice of thread used in the stitching was unusual, it wasn't negligent and couldn;t be attributed to the breakdown of the stitches and subsequent infection. Having read my medical notes during this process it was evident that some documents were "re-written" insinuating that the wound was healing very well and it was just "me" that felt this discomfort. If that was the case then why was further surgery agreed etc? And scar tissue removed?? The medical bod DID say it may be possible to prove the MW's as being negligent but by that time I had had enough and dropped the whole thing.

Three years on, it still looks a mess, I can't wear tampons and still have the ocassional faecal accident. BUT otherwise I am healthy, my son is healthy etc.

Thanks for reading.

Hi all, Im 49 with 2 adult children and one cat based in UK. I did a google search about 2 months ago as soon as I came back from my gynae appointment and came across this thread, (and the previous original.) Its been SO much help in answering some of my questions. I was put on the waiting list for a posterior repair and that is taking place this thurs, the 30th.
Anyway, Ive been having this problem for a few years now, the pain, trapped wind and stools, having to 'help it out' as others have stated every time i go. Then GP diagnosed a Rectocele, I also have mild uterine and bladder prolapse and stress incontinence.
This morning for the first time i actually felt the rectocele at the entrance of my vagina while i was on the loo, its def getting worse, thought Id left a tampon in!
Anyway, my main questions were length of recovery, average stay, (my info sheet says about 3 days if no complications,) pain and pain relief, (Im careful with codeine and other opiate-based drugs as Ive had addiction probs in the past but now pretty controlled for urgent pain relief, needs must as they say.)
Ive had my pre-op, another 3 hours of fun, lol.
I think Im worrying more about not being able to eat for hours, I have hypoglycemia and other health probs, did state it at pre-op but best remind them on Thurs, wont be able to have the usual emergency sugary drink!
Anyway, thank you for this invaluable thread, I'll post with any further questions or anything Ive forgotten. Will certainly update as to how I get on.
No more pain in the a..e!! Hurrah!!
PS: Does anyone know what they do for anyone diabetic/hypoglycemic when 'Nil by Mouth?' Is there something you CAN have or even something they can give you like Glucagon?

I have been reading this thread for a while. I am in my 40s and had my kids late in life, the last just nearly a year ago. I had a tear which healed but was diagnosed with a 'mild prolapse'. GP didn't think he needed to refer me, instead suggested things might improve and that it wasn't serious. I had an internal and I think it said it was bladder but cervix etc in right place as I had freaked when looked down there and thought it was poking out! Biology not my strong point!

I have learned to live with it and tbh I don't have any severe problems. There is a slight bulge that feels like it is just in the entrance to my vagina and sometimes it feels as if there is a tampon stuck there - more uncomfortable than painful. Feels like my vagina is permanently open and I have a regular discharge which I am sure didn't have before but it doesn't seem infected or anything. I do pelvic floor exercises and try not to think about it.

Can't even face the thought of sex.

Wondering if it is worth a referral to a gynae? Would surgery be worthwhile and is there any chance my prolapse could improve or is it likely to get worse?

Any advice/info welcome/ Thanks.

Having suffered a mild to medium prolapse and nearly resorting to surgery I discovered the Kegel 8 pelvic floor exercise machine, it has a programme for prolapses front and back (rectocele). What puzzles me is that no GP or consultant has ever mentioned this device to me, can't understand this when it is very effective and avoids the need for drastic surgery.