awaiting ventral mesh rectopexy for rectocele and rectal intussusception

[mortifiedmum1]

I am waiting to get a date for surgery for a rectocele and rectal intussusception and have been reading what to expect after ventral mesh rectopexy surgery. The advice I have read is to refrain from intercourse for 4 weeks. Does this also mean that you cannot use tampons whilst menstruating? Does anyone know what would happen if I was menstruating at the time of surgery? - I suspect I would not be able to wear a tampon during surgery due to the location of the surgery and given that I would go to theatre in a theatre gown (no knickers) it doesn't enable me to use alternative sanitary protection. Probably a silly thing to be worrying about in the grand scheme of things but the idea of leaking blood onto the operating table/bed sheets in front of others while asleep is something I would find embarrassing.
Has anyone been in this situation that can offer advice?

I'd imagine they'll put an Inco-pad (absorbant mat) under you before and after if you're bleeding, that's what I made copious use of after bowel surgery last June (when I still had poo left in the remains of my back end which leaked for a week).

You might have a vaginal pack (if they consider it necessary in your type of surgery), or you'll have an absorbent towel put between your legs after surgery in case of any bleeding.
Either way, they would want to monitor any blood loss as a result of surgery - the fact that you're having a period is neither here nor there...
So, basically, stop worrying about it!
I hope your surgery goes well and you get fixed.

Hi. Just wondering if anyone has had a ventral mesh rectopexy? Really don't know whether to go for it or not. Trying everything first- Physio, nurse specialist etc. Really struggling with symptoms and just to accept it though.

Hunni I work in theatres and nobody is bothered at all about menstruation bleeding. You will be allowed to wear knickers and a pad to go down to theatre and they will be removed once your a sleep and none the wiser . Xx

Thanks for your reply DoIGivesAfuck. Think I've confused things. It was mortifiedmum1 that posted the issue re bleeding, but that was years ago 😂. I was asking if anyone has had the procedure (ventral mesh retrospect). Thanks for your reply though- much appreciated xx