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!

thanks pinski. I will brave a bath, it will be nice but I had an idea I couldnt. No idea why. It is 6 days since op, and the shatterdness is surprising. I had not anticipated being this knocked out.

Hello all,
I'm just trying to work out where to have my posterior,anterior and possible enterocele repairs with maybe a TVT thrown in for good measure.
I was wondering if any one has any experience of Linda Cardozo at Kings college hospital?
Hope you all continue to heal well.
I'll be reading with interest as I expect you all did before me.Have got to say,am very worried/bit scared about it all.

Hi there - poor you 14K - you sound like you need a lot fixing! I would recommend having things repaired. Problems such as these tend to get worse over time and become a bigger issue the more you think about it. It look me 6 yrs to see my dr for a rectocele - and things just kept on getting worse. I was constantly worrying about it and it really affected my self esteem and confidence in the bedroom! I would go ahead and get it done.

I am 3 weeks post surgery and things are starting to get better and I feel more able to get on with life.

Meg - I would probably postpone your opp - I can only just tolerate sitting in a car for short journeys - but I've had a posterior repair - so perhaps it is different. I am also off work for 6 weeks - so I would seriously think about it before you go ahead with opp. You want to enjoy your hols - and not be in discomfort.

I have a question - I had a mirena coil fitted at the same time as my opp, they said to have it checked 4wks after insertion but I am dreading the use of a speculum against my stitches! Should I wait longer? Seems too soon.

and finally to Missing - I hope you enjoyed your bath!

Hi, based on my experiences, I'm three weeks on Friday - I would not want to leave it too late. Don't underestimate the discomfort of just sitting on your tailbone - it didn't do a lot for me until at least 2 weeks in. And you may also get extremely tired - what resting does 'rest' entail? I wouldn't leave it longer than the end of the first week May.

Thankyou pinski,suzy and missing. I appreciate and value your opinions. I will see what the admissions lady says tomorrow and try and make a decision based on your experience and I will let you know

Had a very nice and tidy repair done in November. Very happy with it. It was explained to me that there are four different layers of stitches that all dissolve at different times over the course of a year, so some patience with stitches is required, although if they are uncomfortable they can be removed after a few weeks.

thanks-I have accepted that it's time to get on with it now.My youngest of 4 has just turned 4!Everything has got so much worse in the last year,I've been putting it off for too long.
I did have an op date in jan 2010 but was cancelled because I had a sinus infection and I decided to get a second and then third opinion before going ahead.What i discovered was that I would have had an un-nesessary vag hysterectomy which would be dangerous because of addhesions.(sp)
I lost all faith in my local hospital after that.Also,there are no uro-gynes in my area so think I'll be better going to London.Prof Cardozo at kings has been highly recommended to me by another gyne who thinks I need some expert surgical skills.
Just to complicate things further,I also have a pituitary condition which means
I'm more unstable /at risk during an operation.
Sorry to go on
keep well
L4k

Gerald Hackett at Addenbrookes is also a leader in the field.

Thanks boffinmum,I'll have a look at him.
Good to hear your op was a success.

Hi All,
Had my op on Mon night around 7/8pm. Was discharged weds morning. having a bit of an unexpected problem and wonder if anyone can advise. I went in for a rectocele repair. After surgery my consultant told me he had repaired a huge rectocele which involved stitches from the top to the bottom of my rear vaginal wall. he also said he did a smaller repair on the front wall involving some stitches at the top of the front wall.
Before surgery i had NO wee problems, only BM problems. since the surgery im finding it hard to pee. Its as though the pee wont flow out. It takes a while for me to get the flow going and when it stops I dont feel empty, im then having to lean in varying directions, and push on my abdomen to get the remaining wee out. Then my urethra feels sore. im now dreading going to the wee. My consultant did ask about my wee before discharging me. I told him my flow was now weak and not consistant and he said that does not cause concern at this early stage. Any help ladies? Anyone else have this and did it go back to normal?

The nurse did a Dip test begrudgingly in the hospital, but said it was fine.

Sorry to go on.

Thank you

Hi - you're posting this on Thursday after surgery on Monday? Jeez, give yourself time... I had a very similar problem (see page 33) and found that putting a REALLY hot facecloth against my vagina helped so much in letting go. Don't ask me why, but it was like flicking a switch. I think it must have taken about 10 days for urinary function to approach coming back to normal - don't worry just yet, really, don't - I had EXACTLY the same symptoms - if I hand't known better I'd have thought i had a dose of cystitis. It is just needing time to calm down, love, @m sure of it. I'm now 3 weeks post op today precisely, and think it's the best thing I have EVER had done - I love it!

Just give yourself until AT LEAST Monday before you start thinking the worst.
Mail back if you're still worried.

Good luck and stay chilled and REST
x

just thought - did you have a catheter in - that really makes everything sore as well - you're way too early to start worrying about it - swelling is still bonkers internally and you have got to give it all time to settle a bit. Please - I could have written that original post from you and am now rocking and rolling with it.
x

Just to update. I have had a bad bad day! My condition got a lot worse about 3 weeks ago and I have struggled along hoping it will all go away I suppose. Trouble is these things don't just 'go away' do they! Something had dropped further and the heaviness and pain has become worse. I also had a sharp pain from the anus upwards about 15 cm. I went to see a GP who has prescribed stronger, more appropriate painkillers and gel. She asked how I was getting on with the Rectogel (for the anal fissure that I was left with after the operation in September, you stick a small bit up the back passage and it encourages healing) I said that it was like being shot with a gun, 'You know when it hits you and sends shock waves up your body, then the pain starts at both sides of your head and goes across your forehead and stays there for a few hours?' She looked totally shocked and said that we needed to discontinue that immediately. Apparentely you are not supposed to have those severe symptoms!
I was at work today (mad, what did I think I was doing?) and suddenly felt very weak and wobbly, and had a raging temperature, red rash up the side of my neck and fast heartbeat. It felt like I was going to need an ambulance. I went to the Dr for an emergency appointment, he did a really thorough check but doesn't know what happened, apart from a very fast heartbeat. I have had septicaemia twice and it felt just like the start of that. Came home and had a bath, and apart from feeling fragile, so far so good. So at the moment I have no idea what is going on... watch this space. I have now signed off work until 12th April when I see the consultant and hopefully he will tell me what he is planning to do.
It feels very out of control at the moment but there is light at the end of the tunnel, difficult to keep positive

Oh Jackie, I hope you are ok, and that you have someone there at home to look after you.

Alexandra, my op was thurs 24th so I am 1 week 2 days now, re the wee thing, I was fine for the first few days then about day 5 or 6 it was all irritable, cystitis-y which worried me, but today wee'ing is back to normal, so its like pinski says, the ops mess all your bits about, there is swelling, there are stitches, the poor old fanjos have taken a battering (man the bruising has been spectacular!!!) and they are bound to react a bit in these first few weeks.

Myself I had expected to feel more lively by now. Its 10.30am and I am knackered. Went downstairs yesterday and had visitors, first day I have been dressed since the op. Going downstairs was ok, but coming back upstairs hurt, and I suffered for it for hours afterwards. Will stay up here like some mad old lady locked in the attic for a few more days I think.

Also it hurts. A lot. I am glad I have been on here to read everyone's stories, otherwise I would be more worried.

Got a copy of the letter from the consultant to the gp today. It says that he did "reconstruction of deficient perineal body damaged by childbirth". I guess that was the bit he didnt expect to do till he got in there. Anyone able to tell me what that means? I am googling through hands over my eyes, ie I know it might just show me traumatic horrible things that dont apply to me. Any info would be much appreciated.

missing my sleep. Thank you...I am feeling a bit sorry for myself at the moment. I do feel better today so no idea what happened yesterday but the result is that I realised that I had to stop working. When I had made that decision the feeling of relief was tremendous. I didn't expect that, but I suppose having struggled on for so long there was bound to be a time when I couldn't do it anymore. I have a very physical stressy job which I love, but I have admitted defeat for now!
I am now planning some lovely peaceful things to do until I see the consultant so that I don't worry. I have various painting projects that will keep me busy and a local exhibition coming up that I am hoping to hijack with a few paintings, a tiny bit of non physical gardening, the new Nikki French book...
Mothers Day tomorrow with all the family colliding together here. My hubby seems to be in control of food, my daughter is on the case with hoovering, and my youngest is about the clean the table and chairs in the garden so I think I can just go back to bed?!
Regarding the 'reconstruction...' it sounds very similar to my situation, apart from the rectocele I have damage to the vaginal wall all the way up, and the perineum due to childbirth X3 so I would imagine he is talking about that area. He has probably cut and restitched the whole area under controlled conditions (rather than just after a traumatic birth with the mother writhing around in agony) and the result should be fantastic after all the swelling has gone down. Like Pinski says it has all taken a battering and time will heal. Hopefully you will feel much better soon.

Meg griffin. Are you feeling better and what was your decision regarding travelling? I am hoping you decided to go on holiday and have the op later? After my last operation I was in a lot of pain for several weeks and didn't know what to do with myself! not sure a holiday would have been a good thing at the time!

Good luck to you all. I am now about to embark on 'off sick, lady of leisure' activities. Feeling better for talking to you all.

Dear Jacki, so pleased you are feeling better today and great result to pack in work for now. Sounds like mothers day will be fab. Its lovely that the family are taking care of you. I hope you enjoy your lady of leisure activities.

My DH is doing a good job of doing everything, but he has put his back out, so perhaps we will have to teach DC to use the hoover, they are 5 and 8, I think they would probably love it. Neither he or I can bend down properly so if something needs picking up from the floor we have to call them to do it, and I have them helping me get these attractive anti-embolism stockings on and off - its hilarious. I am however enjoying not being in charge of everything, its a lovely relief, as I am a complete control freak and do everything myself normally.

Dear Meg, did you come to a decision?

OK sorry for yet another question, but something rally odd has happened. My front teeth are going black...!!??

I have always been told by dentist that my teeth are great, nice and clean, and I don't smoke etc. The bottom front teeth look like black marks all over them but it wont scrub off.

Could it be the op, the painkillers, the lactulose, or the great quantity of prunes I am eating to counteract the codeine (found I couldnt give it up yet)...?

Just when I thought I was though all the trauma...boo hoo

Missing, probably the prunes, you daft ha-porth. Go and have the dental hygienist give them the once over!

If opiates made your teeth black I would look like a witch by now.

Thanks for your help Pinkski and missing,
Jackie i really feel for u as Im not feeling that brilliant myself:( Really hope things improve for you.

Can anyone advise on cleaning. Im showering every morning but am worried i should be doing more to clean myself to prevent infection... All I was told was "Dont bath"

Any help would be great
thank you.
x

@ALexandra, they said 'don't bathe' How helpful. I had NO advice on post-op care when I was discharged, it was a frigging joke. If you're showering all the time, then that's fine. I wouldn't worry about it at all. If you're that worried about it, are you up to 'straddling' a bath and using a jug to rinse yourself down after you use the toilet? Otherwise, I would recommend a large pile of facecloths and use them once after each visit? I wouldn't worry excessively - a shower a day (maybe one at night as well if you can manage it) is fine. And don't go upsetting the natural balance of flora/fauna too much either with too much bathing or soaps - a dose of thrush on top would be just peachy, LMAO!

How is it going with the peeing?

I've given myself a bit of a fright. 3 weeks + 1 day yesterday... was on my feet most of the day, drove the three children to the play park and at one point was pushing a swing. I felt a bit 'swollen' last night and am frankly sh*tting myself that I've bust a stitch or something. It has really quite freaked me out. So I'm in bed, doing nowt just now. Please please please don't let me have stuffed this up.

Hi Pinski,

Was also told "dont use soap", so no thrush for me! god the thought of having that right now! eeerrrrgggg!!!!

Peeing getting easier. Still not as it used to be but not as bad.

Seem to have opposite problem with my bowels that others have. Im going too much, feel like i have a nervous tummy all the time which is making me keep wanting to do bms. One side of me says thats good, the other side says please stop. Still dont think its emptying completely, think im so conscious of not pushing/straining. Not quite sure what amount of pushing is normal anymore. Am pressing tissue paper against my bits whilst doing Bms still, otherwise i feel as though the stitches will get stretched and pop!

Havnt really laid up. Still pottering around just not doing anything. Stitches feel sore though.

Dont think you should be pushing a swing!!!!!! Not just yet any way. Hopefully all is still in tact though. Its so hard when you have kids to tend to.

x

phew will have to cut down on the prunes....I am eating them like mad to counteract the codeine but it isnt really working. Its one thing having Frankensteins fanny, no one (much) gets to see that, but black teeth, oh man that was freaking me out. We have the dentist in a weeks time so that is handy.

Alexandra I am doing the same thing, holding my bits in place cos it feels like I am going to bust the lot when I do a poo, its terrifying. More prunes anyone...?

I had no post op guidance, well aside from being told not to walk for one week, then build up to one mile over the course of the next 4 weeks. Nothing re bathing etc. I have been having the odd bath and its lovely to feel cleaner than I feel after a shower. All I know I have learned from this thread - hooray for mumsnet!! Why did they say don't bathe....is it to do with stitches I wonder?

Pinksi with any luck the fright you got will mean you take it easier and that yo haven't bust anything now, and by taking it easier wont bust anything ever at all. Every day I do something then it hurts after (particularly the TVT tape) and I am nearly in tears with the fear I have broken/ruined something. I dont want all this to be for nothing.

Spoke to my friend who is a nurse yesterday, she gave me a top tip that is probably useful for everyone. She said what with the painkillers plus the stitches hurt anyway, I probably wouldn't realise if I had an infection until it was severe. She advised taking temperature regularly, then if it goes up you know an infection has started, and quick call to gp would probably be enough to get antibiotics quick and stop infection quick. I have a digital thermometer and am going to let DD (age 5) take my temp, she will love that.

Missing, i noticed a few posts up that you asked about whats a normal length of time between wees.

Well just dug out a pamplet my mum gave me that she got from a pelvic floor clinic. It states....

BLADDER CARE

Try to drink 6-8 mugs of fluid a day
A normal bladder should pass just over half a pint each time you wee
If 2 mugs of fluid has been drunk, then you should empty your bladder
Ideally hold for 3 hours between wees.
If under 65 you should not have to visit the toilet more than once a night unless you have drunk a large amount that evening. ie a party

Avoid:-
Caffeinated drinks - coffee, tea, coke

Also avoid diet drinks as they contain aspartame which annoys the bladder.

hope this helps, its given me more of an idea what my bladder should be doing.

x

Also found this www.rcog.org.uk/files/rcog-corp/PelvicFloorRecoveringWell0710.pdf

x

ah alexandra, this is really helpful, thanks very mcuh