anyone had posterior repair/ rectocele repair

[flourybaps]

Hi, got to have surgery at the end of the month, rectocele repair and posterior repair. Have done a search in the archives but found very little about this prob.......

surely I cant be the only person with this problem? Anyone out there? Just wanted to know a little about the recovery. I have an 8 month old dd to look after so im a bit concerened as my Dr said avoid lifting, well thats easier said than done!

I had urethra tape repair (epidural and sedation) in June 2006. Felt fine afterwards although couldn't wee had catheter for five days. My life is now transformed, can go for hours without looking for loos or wearing pads. Then, rectocele repair with mesh in February 2007. Had general anaesthetic and was so sick afterwards (combination of anaesthetic and morphine self administration pump). Requested to go home on evening of second day, granted. Rather feel ill at home, more comfort. Still, both ops worthwhile. Why did I suffer for so many years before seeking medical help (I'm now 65). Went for smear last week. Nurse couldn't put in speculum as too painful so need to see doctor. I know the surgeon said there may be problems in this area but didn't think it would be this bad. Anyone else have a similar problem?

I am now 7 weeks post op and have had my check up.Could anyone please tell me how long it was before they had intercourse again. We tried today but couldn't manage it despite lots of lubrication. It was also very sore and I have had pain since.

Hi Laurensgran - we waited six months, and I still found it very painful - the surgeon has stitched me up so very small, also my urethra seems to get in the way now - this is a common problem with the type of operation we have all had - I dont know if it gets worse with age or what, but I cant see it getting any better for me - sorry to be so negative, but that is my experience.

I feel quite scared to try again, if I went back to the consultant I don't suppose he would be able to do anything. He has given me some oestrogen suppositories to help the healing so perhaps I may be better after those.

Hi laurensgran, I had this op and like you also had oestrogen suppositories - to strengthen the op site apparently.At my 6 week check, the surgeon told me to wait another 2 weeks as the site wasn t full healed so maybe you should wait a bit longer. Anyway, 18 months down the line and as I said on the other thread -sex after posterior repair - I am concerned as my vagina now feels shorter and dh cannot fully penetrate me without it hurting. I am reluctant to go back as I really don t want another operation. I think it depends on the skill of the surgeon as to how well he gauges the size the opening should be. Hopefully you'll be one of the lucky ones. Good luck and let us know how you get on !

I have recently had an MRI scan, the result is I have a severe posterior deaecating compartmental..... and a possible defect with my external anal spinchter- this is a rectocele. Am awaiting appointment to discuss treatment- has any one been diagnosed with these symptoms?

Hi All,

Can anyone tell me how much is 'overdoing it' following a rectocele repair?

I am just entering 3rd week following op. No more pain, but a sort of bruised dull ache in vagina. I spent first week in bed, second week up pottering around the house but resting too and for the last two days up with no rest. I am starting to cook (preparation done sitting down) and did some ironing (also sitting) but now I'm worried that I'm feeling a bit 'loose' again around the entrance and that the stitches may have come loose? I'm back resting today and have a dr's appt. tomorrow to check up.

Hi, I'm sure you will have looked back over previous messages but in case you haven't it's a relatively simple operation but the recovery time is quite lengthy.

I had it done two weeks ago. I spent one night in hospital and after the general anaesthetic wore off, it was a throbbing ache, like after childbirth. I had a vaginal pack inserted afterwards to stem bleeding (not everyone needs this) and a catheter for the night. They both were removed the next morning without much pain and it was a relief.

They give you morphine if you ask, codeine, paracetamol and a painkiller called Diclofenac which is also an anti-infammatory. When you go home they give you enough medication to see you through a couple of weeks and a good breakdown of what you need to take. I found after a week I only took the diclofenac, vagifem and the fibogel which is essential.

The most important thing is to drink loads of water, fruit juice (prune is best) eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg and keep up with the fibogel (also lactulose for first week). The first bowel movement is terrifying and painful but after that it becomes so much easier.

Go for it though. It's worth it. The only thing is you really will need a lot of help for the first couple of weeks. You should rest as much as possible. No making tea (kettle too heavy), no cooking, no ironing, no hoovering. What a shame!

If you need any other information I'll try to help!

Had rectocele surgery 10 days ago , consultant said it went well although she did a much larger repair than I was expecting.Once the catheter and pack were out the next day it took a few hours to urinate but I was very faint so I stayed in another night.I was discharged without having opened my bowels and despite my worries 6 days later was still struggling.The doc prescribed a muscle relaxant as I was scared of having an enema after nearly 2 days of humiliating efforts to go by myself.Anyone having this take lactulose quickly to help.
I am tired but feel quite different down below already and am getting cabin fever but am still tired.I have no regrets about this op and hopefully it will mean I won't have to have a hysterectomy in the near future...it was causing so many probs...todays excitement is a very heavy period so out with the pain killers again!!!My saving grace is 2 kids at school and amazing family and friends so am able to relax and rest .

Hi all, due to have a posterior repair on monday 27th sept. I am booked in for day surgery....has anyone been in and out in a day? If so how was it? All the paperwork the doc gave me says I could be in for up to 3 days with vag pack and catheter!! Thanks for any info.

purplehaze - I had perineal revision/rectocele repair on August 20th. Surgery was at 8am, I was discharged at 7.15pm. Had pack and catheter removed by consultant at 5pm. Have had 5 post op checkups with the consultant in the 5weeks that have gone and consultants phone number. All helps with the reassurance!

I was in from fri to sunday as kept fainting on the sat as I said in previous post...probably due to anaesthetic...have had no check ups amd am now 3 1/2 weeks post op and still tired and it can be very uncomfortable sitting. Have just booked a docs appt to check all is ok but only really for reassurance as don't have a follow up appt till Dec. Am finding kneeling hardest,is that usual?That and going crazy being so housebound with the no driving!!just want to feel 100% again and don't dare look at what has been done!!Nice to be able to ask advice from others..just telling friends the NHS have given me a designer v***..or so my Dh hopes!!!

Hi everyone new to hear

I am waiting for an op at the J.R in oxford for prolapse of uterus and rectocele and prenium repair ..they are going to use mesh to support uterus like a hammock and attatch it to the spine this will be done through key hole (tummy) then they will check down below and see what needs to be done..has anyone else had this operation??

confused not sure my messsages working ??

No they are not .. as confused comes up with word rather than face!! good luck everyone xx

It is acually a majour operation everyone heals differentley glad yours was quick hope mine is as well ...

hi im 4 days post op, i had posterior wall repair and tot sling, im so sore where they cut the perinium its really pink and raw, and when i go for a wee it stings this bit for ages after i tried rubbing some sudocream on this bit but hasnt helped anyone else have this, and any ideas what will help xxx

hi there, am now 5 weeks post op and suddenly feeling very comfortable....re the pain ...drinking loads helped me as the more diluted your urine is the less it stings...maybe using a jug(small of course) of warm water like they suggest after childbirth may help!!!Rest loads!!!

PS I have also discovered something called Oxy powder which was great for keeping me from getting constipated and therefore much more comfortable for the first weeks...not cheap but worth the money

thanks caro72 i will try this also could u tell me how long before u could sit down properly and do you now feel it was worth it, because ive read a lot of bad stories on here and am thinking what have i done x

Didn't have the sling, they have put me on medication to deal with the incontinence .. I also bought myself a donut cushion online from physiosupplies.com.about 1 week ago as sitting will be sore and any pressure hurts the cushion takes the pressure and therefore the pain away I was worried it still hurts but most of my stitches were there still a week ago I am more comfy now so maybe they have come out...Have you got help? I stayed in bed for first few weeks as much as I could as my mum came over .I think this op has to be worth it. I am now attempting to wean myself off huge pads and be brave this is the beginning of week 6 I am still avoiding lifting as much as poss as I really don't want to have this op again and on the plus side it wonderful to be able to hold a full bladder again and not leak every time I sneeze,relax or move suddenly.Dollbowl stick with it it is such early days and go to the doc if it doesn't improve.Take care

I thought I'd add to this discussion having had a rectocele repair op on 28th Sept.

I guess I have been extremely lucky. I had a vaginal pack for 24 hours and catheter for 36. Although it was uncomfortable when the pack was removed I couldn't describe it as painful. I still feel tired but have not experienced any real pain or had problems urinating. Still having to take laxatives and this is my biggest worry. I am pretty much carrying on with life as normal but not driving, mowing the grass or vacuuming yet!

So far it has definitely been worth it.

So pleased to find this thread.

I am having a rectocele repair tomorrow. 1st had symptoms 2 years ago- saw gynaecologist who said minor prolapse- that most women had it and just live with it. It has got worse but not that much- decided to get 2nd opinion- told it's very severe and 6 days later booked in for the op. I am just sooooooo happy that something is actually wrong with me as in was starting to think that I was stuck with this for life and just had to live with it.

Early 40s. 2 natural births- both big children.

It is interesting about time off work etc. I have been told cant drive for 2 weeks but can get back to work as soon as i feel able ( I am actually on holiday 2nd week and so intend to have 2 weeks off after hospital but work from home for 1st week, 2nd week as holiday and then back)

Thankyou caro72 im on day 10 now and feeling better still sore but not stinging so much, i have been resting, my husband and kids have been doing everything for me, but husband is back to work today so im just beeing really careful but its so hard you just automatically go to do things.I booked 6 weeks off work as advised because ive had the 2 ops done so im just hoping i will be ok to go back then as looking at these 4 walls is driving me mad already lol.Im glad you are feeling good take care xxx

good luck for tomorrow Simbacat.....I was told 6 weeks no driving or picking up anything heavier than 1/2 kettle.....I was whacked by it all , asleep by 8 and you will be able to feel what you can/cant lift ....Take care..