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 would describe the pain as being rogered up the backside with a hard bristle brush!On talking to the pelvic floor lady she said other women had described it as having a pineapple shoved up there and then trying to get it out again? This is going to sound mad, but have you tried lying on the floor with your legs up the wall? I find this stops the pulsating and sort of settles things a bit? Hope this helps?!

The pain does ease when I lie down but not completely. I suppose I could explain my pain like that but perhaps its more like I was kicked really really hard an hour ago down there and it hurts in both places. Can this be eased by surgery? Some doctors are telling me that because I have pain they are nervous to carry out surgery and possibly make the pain worse. I'm curious about the balloon test as well.

changed2. If you have a proctogram they fill you top and bottom with barium and sit you on a loo. Then you have to poo for the camera. Sounds horrendous doesn't it? Thank goodness I had found the HGTG site before the procedure and he had made me smile. He was basically saying that the people do it every day for their job and don't think anything of you sitting there pooing in front of them, if you've got to do it then you've just got to do it and not worry.The lovely guy who did mine assured me he wouldn't recognise me again, and then when I met him a couple of weeks later, he really didn't! There is no use smiling for the camera, it's pointing at your bottom. The other tests are anal physiology and anal ultrasound. They stick a balloon up there and inflate it. You have to hold on for dear life and they take measurements. Again no use asking what colour the balloon is and I've got no idea how they inflate it (other than I don't think they blow it up like normal!)Try the wall position and maybe a bit of yoga, that is very soothing when you are in pain.
The pain thing is difficult, but try not to take paracetomaol for it all the time as someone on this site had strange liver results because of taking too much.

Hello all,
I have decided to ask if I can go on the cancellaton list so with this in mind I wondered if all you ladies that have been in hospital could recommend items to take that they don't necessarily reccomend. For exmple could I take my own pillow?

Sanitary towels? Do I buy the sort you buy when you have a baby or will normal ones do? Any other ideas and suggestions would be so greatfully received, thanks

Hi all,
Meg Griffin-Ordinary sanitary towels will be fine. Some people swear by arnica tablets to help with bruising. Not sure about the pilow as could be a risk of cross infection, sometimes a rubber ring if really sore and lots of juice to drink, lactulose afterwards is a must but they usually give it anyway, ask them if they don't.

I have a question. I'm not sure if I still have an infection but I'm 4 weeks post op for rectocele, mirena coil fitted and ablation and still have abdomen pain . It's like bad period pain, crampy but there all the time and low down, sort of where ovaries are. Is it usual to still need painkillers, is abdo pain usual, could it be to do with ligaments or maybe remnants of infection ?

Update-had a look down below, looked OK, couldn't see bulge from rectocele but grade 1 cystocele seemed much more pronounced and covered entrance to vagina, hope it'll be ok .

I think I need reassurance, thank god for you guys

Thanks kazimodo.

I hope someone comes along soon to help you with your question

Hello everybody,

Has anyone been operated by consultant Abdul Sultan, Croydon University hospital/Shirley Oaks hospital, London? Is he a good surgeon? Are you satisfied with the operation by him? Thank you for sharing with us.

Changed2. Regarding your pain, I was at an appointment the other day and read a notice board about a local pain study (in Oxford). it suggested that if you wake up from an op with pain you are more likely to continue experiencing pain for a while afterwards.The idea is that adequate pain relief at the time is important for your long term recovery.It may be on the John Radcliffe Hospital website?
Kazimodo. Considering you are only 4 weeks in I would imagine your body is still recovering. You had a lot done! Are you feeling better after the infection? I'm going to sound like a bit of a geek now, but have you tried Echinacea? It's said to boost the immune system and you probably need a bit a of a boost after all you've been through.(tastes like hay, but I swear by it!)

Hi Jackie 62,
Thanks for the reply. I suppose I don't think of it as having a lot done compared to most people on this site . I went back to GP today and another swab taken but put me back on the antibiotics as thinks I still have slight infection . I feel reasonably ok considering, just persistent sore tummy makes me walk slow . Loads of people have mentioned herbal remedies, echinacea and citrilia (something like that- its grapefruit seed extract) mainly. Think I need a boost. How are you feeling more to the point?
I know what you mean re paracetamol as I have funny liver results too but GP has said it won't be due to the tablets. Waiting until better then have to have it checked again. Can't wait to drive again

kazimodo. You sound a bit brighter! It's very difficult to see the situation from the outside when you are experiencing it but I really feel that a bit of TLC would have you up and running again. I was saying to a colleague that it is so important to look after yourself and get properly fit, she replied with a a highly raised eyebrow and the comment 'If only you practised what you preach?'!!
so easy to forget to look after yourself!
I am pootling along, taking every day as it comes and waiting for the appt to discuss the test results with the consultant. Every four days or so I have a crisis; pain, trouble going, which leads to more pain and bleeding. Then the 'rogered with a bristle brush' pain appears and stays with me for hours.
Not looking forward to surgery but there is a limit how long I can continue like this for. I've been struggling for 20 years, but much worse in the last 2 years.

Hi all,
MegGriffin- I agree with the comment re non-maternity sanitary towels being ok- just take some super absorbent ones to begin with ( once the pack is taken out). I bought Arnica but was told not to take it before the op as my a anaesthetist said it can affect the anaesthetic? I also took in a ring (my kids rubber ring) but my surgeon saw me sitting on it and said to stop as it actually causes the site to swell and he said although it's more uncomfortable, that I should maybe put a pillow on the chair and just sit on that- I found myself sitting leaning to one side post op. DEFINATELY take Lactulose or Sennacot or something to prevent bowel blockage. I wasn't given any and wasn't told to take any- really suffered post surgery when on day 5 post op I still hadn't been to loo- ended up back in hospital :( drink lots post surgery- I had low blood pressure and headaches- realised i wasn't drinking enough and felt better when I upped my intake.
Am now 3 and a bit weeks post surgery for Rectocele and Perineum repair. Seem to have some 'hard' scar tissue down there and a small lump- hope I didn't rupture any stitches when straining for the loo in the early days. Surgeon doesn't want to see me till 6 wks post op so not much I can do.
I agree re the rest and taking it easy- although mentally you feel ok so I do find myself over doing it and then feeling achy- like period pains down below ( or maybe it's just my period returning- haven't had one since Christmas?)
Kazimodo you said you'd had a mirena coil fitted- I didn't realise we could have a coil post surgery- how have you found it? Still not sure what to go for as I keep forgetting my daily pill then miss the 3 hr 'safe' time ( progesterone only) was looking into the implant, but might read up on coil too if that's an option ( previoulsy I could never hold a tampon in so assumed a coil would shift out of place too).
People post surgery- have you been told you will never be able to jog/ run again? Also how soon after surgery can you swim? I'm going to wait to try sex until after my 6 wk check.
MegGriffin-I just thought of something else- take a nightie/ big t-shirt rather than pjs- hospital give you a gown but it's much nicer to wear your own.
I luckily had no pain Pre op- just a bit of discomfort and a very hard lump when my bowels were full which dropped down- that pineapple, hard bristle pain you describe sounds horrendous. I do hope surgery relieves it!
Good luck to all having surgery soon.
(apologies for any typos/ odd words- this I touch has an automatic word finding setting which I can't turn off)

How long did you have to wait for your surgery?.

I first saw my GP at the end of October 2010 she diagnosed rectocele/cystocele and uterine prolapse then waited 8 weeks before i saw the continence nurse who examined me and told me my pelvic floor was quite good but to do pelvic floor exercises and see her again in 6 weeks, at which time i had no improvement, she then referred me back to my GP(1 WEEK). My GP then sent a referral to the hospital i waited a further 3 weeks before i received an appointment which is for the 4th May. So in total i will have had to wait 26 weeks just to get to see a consultant.I think the waiting time once i see the consultant is about 12 weeks that is if i don't have to have anymore tests. So how long did you all have to wait? If anyone in Buckinghamshire has had this surgery would you please share your experience with me?

How long did you have to wait for your surgery?.

I first saw my GP at the end of October 2010 she diagnosed rectocele/cystocele and uterine prolapse then waited 8 weeks before i saw the continence nurse who examined me and told me my pelvic floor was quite good but to do pelvic floor exercises and see her again in 6 weeks, at which time i had no improvement, she then referred me back to my GP(1 WEEK). My GP then sent a referral to the hospital i waited a further 3 weeks before i received an appointment which is for the 4th May. So in total i will have had to wait 26 weeks just to get to see a consultant.I think the waiting time once i see the consultant is about 12 weeks that is if i don't have to have anymore tests. So how long did you all have to wait? If anyone in Buckinghamshire has had this surgery would you please share your experience with me?

Hi catchmeifyoucan. I have not had my op yet but so far I saw consultant 3 years ago and it was decided at that time to do pelvic floor exersises.

I went back to GP beginning of Jan as it was getting worse, saw consultant 3rd Feb and I am now on waiting list for grade 2 cystocele repair. I have been told it will be 2-3 months and no later that 17th May. I am in Sussex

Hi MegGriffin,Have you had to have any further tests since seeing your consultant? Right now i wish i could afford to go private, it took alot of courage to finally see my GP after suffering with this condition for over 8 years and now i feel so demoralised knowing that i have 6 months or possibly more to wait before surgery. Good luck with your surgery.

Hi all - just joined, I had a posterior repair on 3rd Feb. Think I'm recovering well but keep getting sharp twinges up inside the vagina. Is this normal??

I also am getting a lot of pressure and sometimes discomfort in my rectum before during and after going to the loo - again is this normal??

Also was planning to go back to work after 6-8 weeks, but have read on this forum that 3 months could be needed for a busy or heavy job. My job isn't heavy but very busy and pressurised with a lot of responsibility. I also have 3 kids aged 2years then 14 & 16 yrs. Can anyone who has had the same op advise me please?

Also if anyone who is planning to have this op has any questions that I could answer I'd be more than happy to help :)

Hi everyone,
Jackie 62- I'm feeling more upbeat, finally got out of the house and had a walk round Leeds today, bit sore but fine. I'm on more antibiotics for infection but they've also said that I have thrush after swab. Wierd as I have absolutely no thrush type symptoms .
Bondboys007-Yeh Mirena can be fitted. Had to be careful taking the packing out. I had ablation too and Yippee my montrously heavy periods are now non existent. It's AMAZING .
Catchmeifucan-once the comsultant agrred my surgery I waited 4 months. Stay positive, it comes round really quick.
TheMomma- I don't get twinges in vagina but the odd prickle from the stitches. Still feel lumpybut better than before. I also get funny ache/pressure near rectum just before and after going to the loo so think it's normal as they've had to push everything back in the right place. I'm coming up 5 weeks post surgery and had a couple of infections but feel i'll need maybe 2-3 more weeks before work as job very physical. If you lots of standing or walking you might need a bit longer but listen to your body and don't be tempted to overdue it. Consultant reckons it can take from 6 weeks to 3 months to fully heal.

General question- GP has given me cream for my non symptomatic thrush. Should I use it and if so, hoe as we are not meant to put anything into the vagina until after 6 week check up?

Sorry if any typos, off to bed now

Thanks kazimodo

glad to know the rectal feeling seems to be normal! Am wondering if the vaginal twinges are because I've been doing too much. I haven't been lifting but have been cooking and loading unloading dishwasher and washing machine a bit more the last few days. Its hard not to when you physically can do it, I don't want to be lazy and also think my partner and kids are thinking Im recovered as I can move around easier now. Maybe I'm putting a strain on the stitches inside - am going to take it easier and visit GP next week as well.

I also have a lot of itching down below,without TMI has anyone else has this and what was the cause?

Hi TheMomma, I am experiencing exactly what you describe- sharp twinges up my vagina- I too have noticed that it tends to be if i've done a bit too much standing- cooking, unloading dishwasher, filling washing machine etc- in my head i feel fine, but guess it must be our bodies telling us not to over do it- easier said than done when you gave young children. So reassuring to know that others are experiencing the same- was beginning to wonder if I should contact my consultant.
Re questions about waiting times, I can't help you as I was lucky enough to have private health cover through work.
Kazimodo- mmm yes I too had been told not to put anything up there for 6 wks so seems strange re being prescribed the cream for internal use- i'd double check poss with your consultant if you can contact them before you start using it?

Hi The Momma,
You're definately doing too much , unloading washer and dishwasher in particular. Hope you're not hoovering too. If you're not squeamish, the operation is on Youtube. I think if you and partner saw that you'd be more careful. After all it's still major surgery. Wierd being careful when outwardly at least feeling ok, isn't it. Please put your feet up

Hi catchmefyoucan. I have had no other tests except a thorough examination on my visit to consultant and vaginal ultrasound to check for fibrods/cysts as I also get right side abdo pain. That said, I also have a history of endometriosis. When this is all done and I am recovered he wants to do a laparoscopy.
I did ask if he could do this at the same tme but he said the gas they use to inflate me would push the organs down and hinder the repair.
As far as he can see I only have a cystocele and do not suffer from incontinince (amazingly) so no need for other tests apparently.
My symptoms are of a dragging/heavy feeling and discomfort and I quite ofter have to push it back up .
I too hate waitng. A week here and there adds up when it's your life being effected.
Waiting till May is a long time just for the consultant! Could you afford to pay to see the consultant privately then have the op on the NHS?

Bondboys007 & Kazimodo - thanks so much for your replies. Its really helpful to chat to others who know exactly how you are feeling. I have stopped doing so much and told my partner what you've said. To be fair he is guided by me so has been treating me more as if I am ok because thats how I've been behaving. Us women are our own worstenemies aren't we. Even though they quite clearly say take it easy and don't do anything for at least 6 weeks we think we know best....then we suffer. I am now back to resting more, saw the Youtube clip....ouch!! Good to see what was done though makes it easier to understand the pain etc.

Re the waiting times on NHS - I saw the consultant first in March 10, had physio then went back in Sept. Told needed surgery but had to have a few tests. Final one done on 13th Jan then surgery 3rd Feb. Although waited a number of months tht was mostly due to essential tests to confirm exactly what needed to be done so I don't think it was an unreasonable wait - different maybe if you have had all the tests etc and have to wait mionths just for your op date. Then it might be worth going private - I would always check first that nothing can be done to speed it up on the NHS so you don't waste your money unneccesarily. PALS can sometimes help with this.

Hi, wondering if anyone could offer me any advice...
I'm 9 days post op of a recotcele. Pain was dreadful as I expected but the last few days i have been managing well. been taking movacol laxatives and bm have been quite loose and normal. I've just been to loo 3 times in the past 40 minutes and all thats came is big blood clots and blood (sorry if its tmi but just trying to explain it properly) sort of like the large jelly like clots you get after after a baby only these are coming from my back passage. I'm not sure what to do as i don't have a great deal of pain that i would expect after losing so much blood and don't want to be a drama queen and go to a+e so late at night?

elauns. Not being a medical person I'm thinking it could be something that needs to be addressed quickly.I don't think anyone else has said anything like this on this site and it has been running for 2 years. If I were you I'd call an ambulance and go to A and E. At least then if it is something wrong you are in the right place at the right time. If it is nothing to worry about then there's nothing lost. I work for the emergency services and we would never criticise anybody for calling if they genuinely believed they needed us. You wouldn't believed the things people call 999 for! But that is a different story and can wait for later.
Hoping you are fine and it was a delayed result of healing. please keep us posted...

elauns I lost clots but out of the front not the back and it turned out I had a Heamatoma and when went i went to A&E they admitted me again so I suggest you go get it checked out ASAP.... i was wondering why i wasnt feeling as chipper as others on here.

I am now 4 weeks post op and still have a brown discharge, no nasty smell (sorry TMI ) I just wondered if this was normal or is it linked to the heamatoma?