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 clopper. Thanks for saying hello! Yes - it is quite a bit of work, isn't it. From my perspective it was a horrendous birth - extremely painful and very distressing. But from the hospital's point of view it was completely unproblematic - went into labour spontaneously, no interventions, a second degree tear only, had an epidural - I am sure they felt it was perfect. I have seen three urogynaes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd opinions and they have said that I am hypermobile and that these sorts of birth injuries often go along with hypermobility - the pelvic floor can be "too tight" and during labour it goes into spasm, and won't release enough to let the baby through properly. So you get what I had - damage to the pelvic bones, and a prolonged and very forceful pushing stage that results in pelvic organ prolapse. I was probably quite lucky to have got away with only a 2nd degree tear and it seems that the reason why my puborectalis is still torn is because the hospital I delivered at does not normally stitch this muscle if it gets ripped (their words!).
I see you are pretty recently out of surgery - hope you're doing ok X

Hi footle! Yes - serious help in place! Childcare for 8 weeks post surgery!

Interesting that the hospital viewed it as a normal birth ! Did you know about the hypermobility before labour started, sorry for ignorance but have never heard of that, or did you find out after once the problems started. I also had an epidural and episiotomy with the forceps, but of course being numb like that I couldn't feel how bad it was really... until after. The other two births were normal but each time I felt I was stitched up carelessly. With the second one a midwife and doctor were discussing it as if I wasn't there: 'What do you think that is, a bit of muscle? well tuck it in there'. I kid you not! I was too exhausted by that point and I think too young and not confident of speaking out, if that would have happened now I would have had more to say about it!
Footle, I was just wondering about cardomgingers delivery as at the time of mine with the forceps I didn't feel it was too bad (mainly as I was numb) it was only after when I had to visit the continence nurse that I realised it had been such a problem, if you know what I mean.
Good luck with your operation and I'm glad you have some childcare lined up, it must be much more difficult to have this sort of operation when you have a little one to care for.

I'd always known I was ridiculously bendy in certain respects, but had thought nothing of it. Just thought it was an interesting quirk. And still thought nothing of it until I turned up at the uro-gyanes after I'd given birth and they'd asked me questions like whether I could over-rotate my arms and stick my leg behind my ear and had then nodded sagely and said that this type of over mobility could go along with these sorts of problems. One uro-gyane Prof said that if she had seen my antenatally she would have recommended that I have ELCS!

I thought about waiting until DD is older before having the surgery, but psychologically that's not an option for me. I passed breaking point quite some time ago and just need to get this fixed. And physically the prolapse and the symptoms are worsening, so we feel I need to have a repair sooner rather than later. DD is a big girl (98th centile) and is very strong and active, so even after the 8 weeks recovery is up I think it's going to be a struggle to look after her without hurting myself. I'm off to the physio this morning to have my shoulder and neck sorted, having wrenched them from trying not to put too much strain on my abdominals.

clopper - that sounds awful! What a horrible thing to hear them say. How are you doing now?

well I have had my posterior repair, perineum sorted out and a TVT about 4 weeks ago. Still a few niggles but I'm so glad I had it done as it was starting to interfere with work and restrict plans for travelling, socialising etc. I just wish I'd gone and seen about it much earlier. In fact, the TV series embarrassing bodies gave me the idea when I saw someone with a similar condition. I had put of having a smear for 5 years as I felt so self conscious. I think you are right to press on with this, and yours sounds so much worse than mine. Do you think you will have any more DC? I guess they will have to give you caesarian if you do. My youngest daughter is very 'bendy' and flexible compared to my other DC so interesting to hear about hypermobility- I have very flexible (weak!) ankles but that's about it! Wishing you all the best for your op.

hello cardaman so glad you've joined us.
You are absolutely right to go ahead with surgery. Your delivery sounds like something out of the Third World-how can this be allowed to happen.
I'm not sure how much the extent of work done affects recovery. reading the posts here I get the impression that TVT tends to add extra time to recovery and maybe more likelehood of pain. I had quite a lot done 12 days ago and I've been really very well indeed. I think it has helped having no dependents-I'm in my sixties and kids all well launched in the world. DH has been available 24/7 and has done everything. Also I was quite fit beforehand;walked 3-4 miles most days and have no underlying health problems;not overweight. So I've been incredibly lucky and it really wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined Of course it is hugely tiring and there's no way round that but I can walk a mile now. So be optimistic and you have a right to have a great life again x

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I'm also pretty fit (was a runner before pregnancy) and have tried to keep up my fitness and strength as far as I am able to since giving birth. We considered TVT, but felt that colposuspension would give a better outcome in my case. This involves an open incision and the other procedure will be done through the same incision. The next lot involving the vaginal and perineal repairs, although less invasive, I;m actually feeling more anxious about. I feel happier having an incision low down on my abdomen, than incisions 'down there' especially as I had such poor healing (opened up, infections, scar tissue) after I gave birth. I know that this time round it will be different - my surgeon is excellent and I will get very good aftercare, so the healing should be much better. Just don't really want to be cut there again!
Thanks ladies - it's so good to hear positive stories about surgery. xx

I think the reality is most doctors, midwives and nurses don't have the first clue how to do repairs properly and botch it more often than not. My gynae said had I been stitched properly after VB No 1 I would not have had the problems I did.

I will make sure my DD gives birth in water and sees a gynae in the postpartum phase, knowing what I do now.

Hi Boffin! I think you are absolutely right. And the difference between what my uro-gynaes have said constitutes appropriate care and risk of poor outcome from VB and what the obstetricians at the hospital where I delivered have said constitutes appropriate care and risk of poor outcome is staggering. Frankly I trust the people who specialise in sorting out the postnatal mess that we're left with. I've made this point before on other threads, but I just don't see how labour wards can appropriately assess the success or otherwise of the births that take place there, the interventions administered and the repairs undertaken. Labour wards only assess outcome in the very short term as in most cases women are discharged from the community MWs soon after birth and that is the end of things as far as the labour ward is concerned. Even if I had chosen to go through the NHS to get myself sorted out, I would have been sent to a different hospital. It's only because I wrote a letter of complaint that they know that things went wrong.

Hello,
have been here before but has taken months to get a surgery date.
I will be having a posterior and anterior repair and vaginal hysterectomy with some degree of perenium repair on the 22nd of nov.

have been putting this off for at least 2 years and having just had a breast scare,thought I might need to cancel again.But needs doing so I sshould get on with it.
going to kings college in south london under linda cardozo,any experiences anyone?
p.s.have probably read this entire thread I've lurked that long!!

Hello Ladies...
I am new on here but feel like I know some of you as I have been reading your posts so much. Saw my Consultant on Thurs 3/11 who said that a retocele repair + poss hysterectomy + pelvic floor reconstruction was needed.
Op should be beg Jan (tbc)
I am scared.....like everyone, of course but I joined here so that I would have some-one to share this with as my although my Hubbie is great he will only talk about the practical stuff.
Did anyone else have chronic low back pain & aches in there calves & ankes ??? I am fine-ish laying down but as soon as I stand it just comes on. Sometimes I can barely walk at the end of the day after work. XXX

hi caz,I have lower lack pain too.Not long to go for me now.How long have they said you will be in hospital ?

Hiya 14k...so lovely to get a reply XXX
I got my appt confirmed yesterday, 14th Dec....OMG. They have said that I should be in 2/3 days according to how I am after. You are having loads done as well.....hopefully you will have your appt on 22/11. What have they said to you ??? I am fretting about Christmas as well but I will get as much done as poss beforehand & fingers crossed by the 11th day post-op I will be able to enjoy the festivities a bit, especially with being looked after. I can imagine the arguments now. How are you managing on a daily basis at the moment ??? XXX

welcome caz and 14k

I'm 22 days post op and feeling fine.I was hugely anxious before surgery but it wasn't half as bad as I thought. Also told I'd be in for 2/3 days but home after 24 hours. Have a Spinal if you can-there's nothing to it and you recover so much more quickly.
First week I was pretty slow but no pain. 2nd week I could drive, bake a cake and go to the pub for lunch. By day 11 could walk a mile and go to a lunch do with 4 grandchildren under 6. So you can look forward to a lazy Christmas-and I drank plenty after 3 days!
It IS worth it
x

Hello cantbelieveimnotbetter

Pleased to hear from you..........WOW about your recovery !!! There is no way that I could face a spinal...mega respect for you. You are so right about being anxious before surgery, its all I can think about & Christmas of course. I am working so that takes my mind off things a bit. Hubbie has got the week off after my op & then then the xmas/new year so I shouldn't have to worry about daily things at first. Well, apart from a teenager & Dad trying to get on together !!! I have read about not having codeine afterwards (Num 2 probs) & taking all painkillers offered. Did you take anything to stay soft (if you get my drift) or ate fibre/liquiourise etc pre-op ??? That idea frightens the pants off me for afterwards. Did you find it OK....hope you don't mind me asking ???
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hi Ladies,
Glad to see this thread is still going. Haven't been on here for about a month, have been away.

It's now 5 months (nearly) since my TVT operation and I am now a lot better than the first 3 months. Still have some problems with urge incontinence (have to really rush!) but generally the frequency is now much more normal. I'm still hoping it will improve some more but nobody knows. Saw surgeon again this week and am basically signed off now.

Footle, you've done a sterling job at keeping up with this thread. Do hope you are doing ok. And all you other ladies of course :)

CAZ - for num 2 help get Movicol. It is a laxative which is quite strong but I found it really useful for at least 6 weeks after my op. You can buy it from the chemist (they will ask if you really need it but just explain and no probs). May be worth asking GP for a larger amount on prescription as it is expensive (£8 for 20 sachets).

Hello Caz Don't write off a spinal You can be fully sedated which is not the same as being knocked out. It's a lovely floaty feeling and you're completely unaware of what's going on I promise The injection is not at all painful-they use a bit of local first And your pelvic area is numb ffor about 8 hours so you have no post op pain. I just took parac for a few days
As far as bms- well I was warned that this would be a problem even though I've never ever had a problem. Was routinely given a laxative and fybogel stuff. following day I went every two hours! Most unpleasant.Haven't taken anything since and I've been fine. I bought loads of prune juice and figs beforehand. Other things I found usefel were cotton big knickers like sloggis and organic pads-they sell them in Waitrose and health shops. I was paranoid about getting an infection thrush or uti but have been fine. No bath for 14 days cos you'll be sitting in bacteria. i planned all sorts of nice little things for myself but have been quite content just pottering around. It's such a great feeling to have it over.DH who was a bit hopeless beforehand -too practical- has been great ane is sweeping up as I write this. But noone knows how they'll be after...we're all different.
x

Hello again everyone..Well I got my date, in on 13th December they want me in early because of the stroke, op on the 14th (stroke doc finally agreed I could have it done)
I lost my job though :( was due to go back on 31st October but got a letter 2 days before with my P45 telling me my contract expired on 31st October and they wouldn't be renewing it, talk about kick a person when there down...
I am first on the list due to being diabetic and have been told I will be in for 3-5 days but if I can escape any quicker I will :)
Caz I see that your having your op the same day will be thinking about you..
Trying to get christmas shopping organised now I usually leave things till the last minute but will have to be very organised this year!
Take care everyone...

Firstly.........
Dear 14k...wishing you good luck for the 22/11.

EMMDEE73..thankyou for the tip, I am gonna try to get it from the docs ready, did you do anything before hand ??? For after..if you know what I mean ??? Hope that you don't mind me asking. XXX

cantbeleiveimnotbetter...thankyou for the help, I did forget about big knickers, etc !!! Hope that all is still going well.

Lolly55...OMG, we are in the same boat !!! So sorry about your job, that really sucks. Mine are Ok at the mo, fingers crossed !!! I like to do Christmas early but never works out like that....this year, I have got too !!! What are you having done ??? Please keep in touch....how are you feeling ???
Have you had probs before the op.......I am struggling every single day. Back pain, seriously un-comfortable underneath etc but try to keep going.
Keep smiling
XXXX

Hi caz and everyone, on a countdown now.Go in on monday for op tues.
how are you feeling,caz about the possibility of a hyster? I won't be sorry to lose the 8-13 day heavy periods but I really hope it all works afterwards.My dh wouldn't be happy if we can never get our sex life back.To be honest,I'm really hoping for some improvement in that department,I can't really feel much at all now and thats pretty sad for a 38 year old

hi lolly,I see you have other health problems too.Its an extra worry isn't it? I take steroids daily as a replacement dose(and thyroid meds)for a pituitary condition and I'm scared they won't manage it all properly while i'm in.

how old are you ladies?(hope you don't mind me asking)

Hi Everyone - just joined & love this thread! So much info & smiles - wish I'd found it before my op. Am now 15 days post TVT, Posterior Repair and unexpected rebuild of Perineum! Nowhere near as painful/scary as I had imagined, although I've had moments of worry. Still have dull ache on RH Side from TVT & occasional stabbing pain in groin - hoping it's just a matter of healing. Does anyone know if the bulge of prolapse can come back soon after surgery if you bend/lift v. light objects .. today is the first time I feel anything vaginally & I'm worried I may have done too much? I'm hoping that if anything went wrong I'd know it because of pain and what I'm feeling is just stitches?

I'm single so sex isn't a problem, but I def. feel like I'd be more interested - even now, so that must be a good sign of success??

Only advice for this post is that anyone considering this type of surgery with young children should try to hold off until the kids are 4yr or over ... recovery is longer than docs originally let me believe. I was meant to have this 2 yrs ago & am very thankful I was too scared to go through with it at that time :-)

Hello ladies x

Caz, as far as I am aware I am having Rectocele, Enterocele and possible Cystocele, think thats more than likely as I am on and off the loo every 10 mins doing a thimble full, been checked for infection and came back all clear, so GP reckons definately bladder as well but we shall see.. I had a hysterectomy when I was 29 (55 now) and as I have gone through my menopause all my bits have gone south lol..I get terrible backache, achy underneath, and the feeling my inside bits will end up outside one day!! Sex with my lovely hubby has been a definate no no for well over a year now, He has middle of February circled on next years calender, I wonder why lol.. I just want it sorted now..

Emmdee, I hope you don't mind but I have taken a note of Movicol as well I am going to ask my doctor for some before I go in, thankyou for the tip..

14k, best of luck for Tuesday will be thinking about you. I am worried about my other health problems, I take 14 tablets a day for various problems and on the whole have everything under control. When I was hospital in September after the stroke, they totally messed up my diabetic meds, I know they are the 'trained' ones, but believe me you know your body and the way it works far better than they do, I dont care what it says in the med books, I have had brilliant control of my diabetes in the last 10 years with no problems, 3 days in hospital and I was bouncing off the walls. This time I WILL have control even if I have to hide my meds when given them to take when I know I need them..

Jensiob, Can't be of much help at the minute, but hope things are ok, keep resting as much as possible.

Take care everyone xx

I agree,Lolly.I will give them my meds but I will keep some steroid at my bedside because I need it when my body feels like it not when they decide to give it to me.I have had a few very scary experiences with adrenal crisis and I know I can deteriorate very quickly,I really don't want to repeat it.

Hi jens,hope you are recovering well. I do wonder if I'm getting a perineum rebuild too.Someone did mention it at some point but I'm really not sure.I'll find out on monday I hope.

take care ladies.

Hello All

Dear 14k....been thinking of you a lot, wishing you really good luck for Tues, I just cannot imagine how you feel at the mo. Keep smiling & please keep in touch. Good idea about your meds, I am on a few as well but as you say you understand your body better. As for me possibly having a hyster, I am not bothered as I am 53yrs old & past my baby days. They say recovering from a Hyster is the same as our op's, so my view is get it all sorted at once !!! PS How do you use the smiley's ??? Take care XXX

Hiya Jens...hope that you are more comfortable today. Please keep resting as it is early days yet...also what is a TVT ??? Really interested in your progress as this is how me & Lolly will be at Christmas roughly.

Dear Lolly..bless your heart, you are having a right old time of it !!! What is this "sex" business ??? I remember the word from somewhere....agreed, bring on Feb-ish, fingers crossed !!! How is your Chgristmas planning going....we have only got about 3 weeks to go now for op, the times seems to be speeding by. I have got to go to the hosp 2/12 to have my bloods checked pre-op, how about you ???

Take care everyone & once again, huge hugs to 14k for Tues XXX