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!!

I have used a machine similar to the Kegel8 for my pelvic floor and incontinence problems and it was some help but was told by pelvic floor physio that my problem was further up also.

Hi all, just found your site and have been frantically looking back to see if any of you had the same problems as I have. I have tried to read so much that I have got an headache now, so I thought I would just start again and ask you.
I had my ops cystocyle and rectocyle about 3 weeks ago. I was looking forward to time off work, but its not like I imagined.
The ops went ok, had a catheter overnight, catheter and vagina packing taken out the day after(how many rolls did they use!! he he), and used the toilet and had a bath. Because the ward was busy and I was 'being sensible' I was allowed home after 2 nights with my antibiotics and pain killers and stool softeners.
The pain hasn't been too bad although I have had shooting pains up my area- must have been nerves or the stiches. I was supprised at the stiching over my perinium. It was so bulky and swollen. I wondered if anyone else had this. The swelling seems to be going down, but this is where most of my pain comes from. It still looks different down there with extra skin and not flat how it used to be. I still have to position myself when I sit down.
I stopped the heavy bleeding after about 8 days and it gradually got less until now I just have a quite wet, pinkish discharge. Do you think this is normal, its not very offensive, but I do shower it away regularly.
After 2 weeks I had a check with the nurse and a bladder scan and she said if I was still having the discharge to go to the GP and ask for a swab. I still wonder if its normal and dont want to waste the GP's time if others had this.
As for being off work, and all my plans to 'do nice things', I carn't be bothered. I just potter around all day because the nurse told me off for hoovering - she said its the worst thing I could do and you cannot see what damage you are doing to the work the surgeon had done. By the way,I go back to see him at 6 week post op.
When I go to the shops or go for a walk with my husband I get backache and stomach ache, and have to stop - did others get this. Like someone else said - I feel like a fraud (although I have a lovely husband, I sometimes think he wonders why I dont get on with things like I used to)
Gosh I've done nothing but moan, sorry about that. I hope everyone else is getting on ok and feeling stronger soon.
Thanks for reading and letting me off load.

Hi Footle, Thanks for your quick reply. Im 52 so feel like an older one. I know what you mean about the pads, I ended up buying some from a very cheap shop(Aldi) and they were more cotten like. Like you though I have taken to wearing cotten knickers around the house and when I go to bed I now put a towel under me, just in case I leak.(and get some air to it!!!!! he he) Yeh the discharged is more a sweaty smell, and watery even though I shower down there regularly.

Even though I had the check with the nurse and will see the dr after 6 weeks, I feel that the before care was better than the after. I was given a really good appointment with a nurse before hand to tell me about going into hospital Then dischaged from hospital (without it being looked at) and then more or less on my own, wondering whats 'normal' and whats to much to do.

Thanks for the tip on the booklet, i'll have a look at that. I saw the video on the embarrising fat bodies program, where a lady had a repair. She didnt have her perineum repaired though, I dont think.

Hey! just signing up to this site has got me moving, I looked on the recipe part and have just put a banana cake in the oven.

Thank you again Footie and thanks for everyone elses help and suggestions and for being so frank with the descriptions.

Thanks for message Footle. Hope you are feeling better now. Not long for me, packed my bag today. Was out for a Toby's carvery 2nite for sons birthday, (on Thursday!) Last min shopping tomorrow then just work on wed for 4 hrs, (I help run a drop in group for mental health/learning difficulties.)
Its sort of ongoing, the testing and investigations, if Im not careful to eat regularly at least something every 2-3 hrs I hypo, not to passing out stage, well, I dont suppose Ive ever let it get that far, but do get the full shakes, panic, nausea, sweating, which I find is relieved best by always carrying with me a non-diet bottle pop/cola/lucozade, was referred and they thought Reactive Hypo. (diabetes test was negative,) now they are saying possible Insulinoma with my collection of symptoms, for which Im having ultrasound and tests for after recovery from op. Im also on pills for Hypertension and Hypothyroidism, am seeing Gastro. for the bowel probs and Im possibly pre-menopausal.
All the nurse said at pre-op was they would try and get me first on the list but will remind them, Im in at 10am for afternoon surgery, no food after 8am, or clear fluids after midday.
Im usually ok now with opiate-based pain relief, sort of 'take it or leave it,' it took a long time to get here and is a relief, a bit like an alcoholic who can have the odd drink now.
I did have to go back to Co-codomols anyway, OTC strength because of severe joint and muscle pain, only the odd 2 here and there, I have to be careful with Ibuprofen as it can irritate my stomach, Ive also never found it a very effective pain reliever.

Thanks to you and others for pad recommendations, Ive bought 24 Asda Nighttime pads which Ive always had for periods, plus some of those basic cheapie ones for about 20 or 30p! Try anything once, will check out those Boots ones too.
xx

Hi
Jannie, Good luck for tomorrow. Just though I tell you about my experience. Just over 3 weeks ago I had rectocyle and cystocyle repairs, using tape for the front repair. I know pads have been mentioned, but the first night day and night after my op a pad was just put under me and a thick sheet under that (no pants). I just wanted to let you know in case its the same with you. When I was helped out of bed, it was a bit of a mess, and I was embarrased but the nurse just thought nothing of it and stripped the bed. The hospital I was in must do this for easy access and it didnt bother them. I also had the hospital gown on the first day and night. It wasnt until I was ready to try walking to the bathroom that they bothered about me changing and I was allowed to bathe or shower.
Also, when I woke up on the ward I had a drip, catheter, vaginal pack and oxygen mask - so dont worry if you are the same, they quickly encouraged me to try eating and drinking. The oxygen was taken away when I had had blood pressure & temperature checked.
Overnight they constantly check blood pressure and messure the amount of urine in the catheter.
The vag. pack was removed the next day (not painful to have removed just worrying) I think they had put a full roll inside me (he he). Then when they think you will be able to try waking to the loo they take out the catheter.
The other ladies on the ward were all supportive of one another, so try not to worry too much, it will soon be over.

Footle, Hope you are well. I think things are changing down there for me. I dont look as swollen on the outside, and its not as painful to sit. I think I understand now what they have done to me after you told me about the anchorage - I think thats what they must have done to me and that why the perineum skin is not flat anymore. I still have a weeping type of discharge but not offensive. I had a read at the booklet that you told me about. Thanks for that, its very good. Do you know if we are supposed to do pelvic floor excersices. I have never seen a physio, so wondered whether to phone one of the nurses at the hospital.
By the way 12 weeks to wait, oh dear. When my husband told my sister we had to wait 6 weeks she said 'whats up with her mouth' - cheeky devil. He replied 'its always talking though' sorry! too much information.(he he)
Take care
x

Hi Footle, Thanks again for your help. After your last message I rang the hospital and spoke to a staff nurse, she said 'what were you told to do', anyway I said that I wasnt told anything and havnt seen a physio. Her answer was 'you could start doing them if you want and feel like it'. Anyway, next I phoned the nurse who I went to see about the tape (my 2 weeks after appointment) and she asked how long since my op, and when I told her nearly 4 weeks she said ' you can start and then build up, because after all you have had an operation to make that area better and doing pelvic floor excersises will stenghten it'.
Doh! I felt as though she thought I was daft and should know. I bet they see that many patients with the same problems that they had forgotten to tell me that bit. Anyway, I had better give it a go.
I've only joined this site a couple of days ago, and your info has been invaluable. Thank you so much.

I think communication is poor in a lot of cases, it's as though they assume we all know what to do! If it wasn't for reading pages like this I wouldn't know much at all. I did see a very pleasant physio following my TVT op who did tell me about doing pelvic floor stuff but all the other info about what sort of weights I can lift for how many weeks etc I have found out on the web.
I stupidly thought that by paying to go private this side of things would be better.
Some hospitals do seem to have PDF pages online with very good info on procedures following ops. This is one by my surgeon
www.philiptoozshobson.co.uk/Tension_free_vaginal_tape.pdf
But if you are someone who doesn't have a computer I don't know what you do!
And a quick whinge, I am still not sure my op has worked :(

Hope all of you are having a positive day.

I agree with you everglades bout pages like this, I realised that i've been reading some from 2009 - they was very good info on them though. There are some lovely women out there supporting each other. Thanks for the address for the tape. I had that done and still wonder how it actually stays where it should. Magic!
We must all worry about our surgeons work. I was supposed to be having a lady surgeon, from recomendations, but after having my op cancelled twice due to her being ill, the hospital suggested I go with a different surgeon. I've been so worried about if I did the right thing - would he know what he was doing etc etc. Dont us women have to put up with some things!
I'm 4 weeks post op today. Does anyone else get real bad back ache. I only have to walk up the garden and im holding my back. Stiches seem to be getting less painful though, but i've not lost any yet,I dont think.
x

Hello all,
Just wondering if any of you were given conflicting advice on the exact procedures you would be having in your repair op.One of the GP's in my practice has phoned to basically try to talk me out of having the vaginal hysterectomy when I have my recto and cystocele repairs.So,as it stands,I have 1 prof of urogynecology,1gyne and 1 GP for the hysterectomy and the same amount of different docs of same speciality against!!!
please tell me you understand that because I know its confusing!
Anyway,to re-cap;
Am 38,have 4 kids and dont want any more,have mild rectocele,mild uterine prolapse and moderate cystocele.Also pelvic adhesions and heavy,irregular periods.
I just want to have the right surgery.
advice please ladies.

Hi l4k,
How very upsetting for you having those different opinions :(

I have not had your surgery but my daughter who is a little older than you had a hysterectomy 6 months ago (we're having a Gynae Year!) although she did have to have an abdominal type hysterectomy due to the condition of her ovaries.
Can you tell us a bit more about the reasons for and against?

Hi. I am new to this post. I had a posterior repair op 12 days ago (this is the first time I can bear to sit down long enough to type!) Just wanted to say how great it is that everyone is so willing to share their experiences like this. I first looked at the posts a few weeks before my op and though it scared me senseless at the time, it as been so much help since. I had my op in day surgery, so went in to theatre at 2.30pm and was home by 6.30pm the same day. Felt up to walking around the next day, but progress slow since. Better over last couple of days though, am seeing light at end of the tunnel.
I have 2 children and noticed I had a recteole during my second pregnancy. It took my til my daughter was 3 to get it seen to. Am hoping for a better way of life post-op.
I wanted to ask a question of those who have had similar op: Did you/do you feel like your stomach muscles has disappeared? My stomach before wasn't flat, but in relatively good shape despite 2 kids, but now I look like I am about 5 months pregnant, and seem to have no way to pull it in?

Lovely to meet you all btw!

thanks everglades,reasons for are;all agree it will need doing eventually.
I wish I was had had tubes tied at l
last c section but now too difficult .
no more 10 day periods.
reasons against are;I could develop a vaginal vault prolapse
?it could un-mask incontinance ?
high chance of going into menopause within 5 years
pelvic adhesions reported at last c-section
what to do?

emmadee,re stomach muscles,can you still get your fingers between them,mid line?if so ask for physio.keep well.
I must find some time to go back and read this properly.Its just the reason I'm in this state(4 kids) keep calling me for more food.:)

Hi 14k
Well the meno thing is not exactly something you would want but my daughter (who did have to have two very messy ovaries removed) had an implant put in at the time of her op which gave her enough HRT for about 6 months. Have to admit she wasn't exactly thrilled about it as had hoped not to down the HRT route but so far it has been really good although she still has to decide how to go ahead now it is presumably dwindling in its effectiveness.
How about checking out this forum which I read a lot when my daughter first found out about her op as it was such a shock.
www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/forums/
There is a board called Alternatives to Hysterectomy on there, might be worth posting?

Hi everyone and welcome all the newcomers. I have been away awhile from posting. I was going through a bit of a depression and didn't feel I could post anything other than complaints, so I decided not to post.

I am now 5 and a half weeks post op from rectocele, cystocele and TYT. I am doing pretty good physically except for the anemia. I thought I was up to being a bit more physically active yesterday and then after it was done, I felt worn out and had pain in the area of my bowels of all places. I had to take pain killers, as it was similar to post op pain. I am ovulating right now and finding things uncomfortable down there because of it.

As far as kegel exercises go, I read some of you talking about them. My doctor told me when I was three weeks post op that I could start doing them again. Just to lay on my back, knees slightly bent and up and slowly squeeze until tight, hold for 10 seconds and slowly release, to do about 3 X/ day. He also told me I could be more active and lift up to 20 pounds at that point. He said to keep activity light, like not go jogging and things like that. He also suggested that I start to stretching exercises on the vaginal area as it will be easier if I start it now rather than later. I have been doing those. I am going back to my doctor for my 6 week post op appointment in July 6th. I am hoping to have to go ahead to do anything I like at that point. My stitches are still in though. I think on y 3 have dissolved that I can tell, so there is a lot more where they came from.

I am going to try and keep reading posts and stay caught up. I want to basically offer information to those who don't know what the final outcome is after all is healed and life is normal again, sex and all. I will keep you all posted.

Take care ladies and have a great weekend!

footle,yes it seems flowers did have a hysterectomy but I'm not sure why.I hope she's enjoying a lovely holiday with her girls and when she's back maybe she'll be able to fill me in.
They will leave my ovaries but still say I'll have increased risk of early meno.
not sure what the actual numbers are as in % chance of developing incontinance and ovaries failing.Reading back,flowers seems to be doing well.
Everglades-will check out that site,thanks.
Likeavirgin,you can't worry about not posting when you are feeling low,this is your recovery and we are all thankful you are sharing it honestly with us.Really hope things improve for you soon.
look after yourselves.

Hi everyone,
Likeavirgin, thanks for the excercise tips, will give them a try. I have been feeling a bit down as well. I didnt realise how little we would be allowed to do and how tired we'd get. I was looking forward to being off work, but found it quite different to what i expected. I went shopping yesterday evening to try and find a new suit for my husband, and something for me,for our sons graduation. I think I did too much again. What with standing holding things while he tried on the suits, and then I tried various trousers on. My stomach is aching this morning and for some reason I get an ache in my groin at one side. I keep wondering if its something to do with the tape i've had put in. Hope its not moved. (I joke with my husband that the aches I get in my legs are something to do with the surgeon putting them over his shoulders when he was trying to get in there, to do the op. he he)

14k, sorry i don't know anything about hysterectomy, hope you get sorted.The ladies on this site are so generous in sharing their advice and experiences.

Emmdee73, Hope you are well, the sitting got better for me after 3 weeks, I had bad swelling in that area. I look about 5 months preg. as well. Mine has come on gradually even though my legs & arms are quite slim. I was hoping that after the op it might flattern down, but with not being able to do so much(and all the chocolate treats I have to eat to get me through the day) I think I might be stuck with it for a while.

Footle, I've got to get one of those cushions, we are going to see my sister next weekend, shes about 130 miles away.ooohhhh!!

Take care everyone, I dont meant to exclude anyone by not talking directly to them.

Morning everyone,
Hope you are all having a good Sunday.
Sorry you have been feeling down LikeaVirgin, we haven't 'spoken' before but I have read all your posts with interest, thank you.
I know as I've only had a TVT I'm having a very easy time compared to most of you but wondered if any of you who have had this op could answer a couple of questions please.
Did you find you had to 'stand on your head' to empty out your bladder? I think it's a little easier than it was but still need to double up to get the urine out properly.
And question 2 - did either of the two small incisions in the pubic area look very indented? The swelling in that area has gone down considerably in the 2 weeks since my op but on the l/h side it really goes inwards, only a small black stitch showing there.
Thanks for reading :)