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!

[mommatotwo]

Thanks for the welcome :)
Footie, I was very nervous in the weeks leading up to the procedure, no need to go into it all here but you name it and I was worried about it. I even thought that I might pass out before and they wouldn't be able to do it.
Then, on the day of the surgery I kind of relaxed because I guess it was out of my hands then and I just had to leave it to the professionals at that point. I was surprised how I calmed down, so you may surprise yourself too.
Now I am just so relieved it is over and I am so glad I did it. Even if it isn't a perfect fix, I am glad I tried something because I didn't want to have to go on that way forever.
As for surgery, I opted for total anesthesia and it took only a couple of hours.
The catheter wasn't that bad, and honestly it was nice to not have to get up and use the bathroom in the hospital at first.
I know I am only two days out, but I really am so glad I did it.
I hope you can find some peace with your decision before the day of surgery and just know you are in good company. Have to admit though, sex is the last thing on my mind right now :)

[jackie62]

welcome, Mamma, and keep well!

[NeedaFanjob]

I've probably missed someone posting about baths... but after surgery how long before you had a bath as opposed to a shower? Hi to everyone too.... nice to meet all with similar problems...

[jewellerymum]

Hello Ladies - Hope you are all doing OK

Momma - welcome to the forum and congrats on being post-op!! Get healed soon (and please keep us updated about how you are!)

Footle - Can we be 'op buddies'??!! I am having my rectocele repair on the 12th!! I am trying not to think about it until this Tuesday when I have my pre-op appointment and can get my HUGE list of questions answered!! The letter they sent me was so vague (wasn't even filled in where it said - operation type- For all I know I'm in for a hip replacement!) and as I mentioned before, it has me down for day surgery and there is NO WAY I am going home straight afterwards!!! Can I demand to have a nights stay (in an NHS hospital)?!?!?!Sure;y they can force me ot go home!! I am hoping they will tell me on Tuesday that I will stay for three days or so!!! Footle - What are you having done!!!Are you UK? I am Dorset.

Well, ladies think thats it - off to eat some easter eggs (have not managed to lose any pre-op weight yet! Blast!)
xxxxxxxxxxxx

[mommatotwo]

Happy Easter to everyone! It is early in the am here, and the kids haven't woken yet to find their basket so I thought it would be a good time to post an update.

I am now 4 days post op, and feeling pretty good considering. I am still very swollen in the bottom, at least I feel swollen. I am amazed at those who are able to get by with just ibuprofen. I thought I was tough, but I am taking both vicodin (2 tabs every 6 hrs) and ibuprofen (3-4 tabs every six hours) in between the vico doses. I am feeling it before I am allowed to take the meds, so I wish I had asked for something stronger, like percocet. I remember the morphine in the hospital was instant relief. I do feel a little like the pain is getting worse, and the feeling of being swollen is a bit worse than right after. I wonder if that is normal?

The pressure is strange, it really feels like I have something in my bottom. My repair was pretty low down, so this may be unique to me. At first it felt like I should be pushing to get something out, but I have gotten used to it now.

My first BM was not too bad, although I did get nervous because it was pretty small, and I just knew there was more where that came from ;) Started to regret all of the food I had eaten and wished I was doing a liquid diet! I amped up my colace (one tab morning and eve) and started on citrucel with my meals (one to two tabs). I am easily constipated, and like I said before I want my pain meds so I have to find a good balance. I have now had a BM every day and I am surviving. On the second eve home I had a scare because I felt like I was filling up like a water balloon, and my stomach was distended like I was six months pregnant. MY husband went out at 10 pm to get me milk of magnesia and by the morning I felt better, and things were moving along again.

An aside...My son (7) just found his first easter egg, and is waking his sister(14- she will not appreciate that!) for the hunt for their baskets....so cute! Ahh, nice to remember why we are all here right?! ;)

I can't walk for long because of the pressure and even deep breathing can be hard. I was wondering why people get catheters for so long, and I do get the feeling that I am not emptying my bladder completely. Sitting on the toilet is uncomfortable.

I am doing my sitz bath two to three times a day but it is hard to sit for the full 15 minutes. I asked for a peri bottle int he hospital and I rinse with that after every trip to the bathroom.

So far I think I am healing fine, although I am surprised at the level of discomfort. I worry about getting deconditioned in the rest of my body since walking is difficult. I was on a pretty good exercise routine before the surgery and it was helpful, my legs felt strong (those squats paid off) getting in and out of bed, lifting myself up etc. I don't want to get weaker. But pain has a way of focusing your concerns and right now I am simply trying to avoid it! :)

Another surprise is that I don't really want to talk with anyone yet. My friends keep calling but thank goodness for email or texting because I just don't want to put on a happy face right now. I know that most of them don't really understand what I had done, and I don't really want to spell it out for them. My family is going to a park for a neighborhood brunch today and we were laughing about what he will say. I think everyone thinks I had plastic surgery because of the natural hesitancy that comes from talking about this procedure. LOL! Oh how I wish it was plastic surgery!

Anyhow, best to all of you and thanks for listening (reading) and sharing your stories too. It helps beyond measure.

[jewellerymum]

Hey all - just having a bit of an anxiety attack and thought this was the best place to vent as my poor husband has had it all!
As I mentioned the paperwork from the hospital was very patchy and I am worried that I am down as a day sugery case. Have just been looking at the hospital website and the day surgery area isn't even in the main hospital and closes at night so there is no way I am staying there over night!!!
I know I know - as soon as Tuesday comes I will be able to ask the question but as far as I'm concerned Tuesday cant come quick enough - I hate having doubt hanging over me! The earliest my op will be is 1.30pm - are they serioulsy thinking I will go home 5 or 6 hours later?!?! I'm hardly having a mole removed - I'm having stiches in my vagina!!! (sorry TMI!!)
Anyway, just need to vent, Tuesday will be here soon enough but I'm sure I'll burst into tears if they tell me I'm going home the same day!!!
I'll let you all know (and cry on your virtual shoulders) on Tuesday night!!!
Footle - here are my questions

• How long stay in hosopital (DUH!!!!)
  
• WIll I suffer from incontinence? DO they give enemas(sp?)
  
• What is the recovery time
  
• What are the chances of being sewed up too tightly!!!
  
• Are there any painkillers available thatdon't 'bung you up'
  
• Is pear juice good for constipation?
  
• Can they do anything about my hemmaroids/sking tags/fissures at the same time?
  
• How long for the stitched to disl=olves/be removed
  
• What to look out for incase you get an infection
  
• Can they give you antibiotics in case?
  
• How long will I have a catheter (if I DO have one)
  
• When can I have a bath?
  
• Will I need exterior stitches or just interior
  

Phew - They'll LOVE me by the time I leave - especially if I cry after the first question!

Speak to you all Tuesday - sorry for long post!!
x x x x
P.S. Thanks for sharing mommatotwo - and being honest about how you are feeling - I am sure in a couple of weeks you will forget how bad you fel now! and then in a couple of months if will be a blurry memory (unless you re-read your posts!) - Are you staying in bad or are you up and about - perhaps you should be horizontal for a bit longer to reduce the swelling? x

[Rectdownunder]

Hi Ladies,

I have been reading all your posts. There is so much going on out there, I like to hear about what you are all feeling and how you're doing. At this point there are so many posts to respond to, so I will be general.

For those out there thinking about having surgery, I felt very anxious and apprehensive, finally the dealing with leakage and bowel issues took its toll on me and I decided to go for it. I wish you all luck in finding the right doctor and doing the right thing for you.

For all who are booked for surgery, I am in the same position and I understand the anxiety and appreciate hearing how you feel and I feel less alone, so thank you.

For the ladies who are recovering, just take it easy. I was talking to a friend of mine last night, she used to be a nurse. She told me to be sure to take it easy for 6 weeks and to remember that our bodies do not heal any faster than they did back in 1950. The trouble is, hospitals kick you out so soon after surgery and expect you to manage on your own. Keep in mind that your job for the time being is to heal and do it to the best of your ability. Even though you are not in hospital, doesn't mean that you are well.

I wish you all healthy decisions and recoveies and I will continue to read your posts and add my occasional wisdom if I have any. I will be looking to you ladies for support very soon. Good luck all.

D xoxo

[LostMyIdentityAlongTheWay]

Jewellrymum... had this done on 11th March, posterior rectocele repair. My answers would be....

• How long stay in hosopital - I was in for three nights. In on Friday, last to be done at 4.30pm. They couldn't wait to get rid of me on the Monday am!!
  
• WIll I suffer from incontinence? - I had a catheter in for one night plus padding... it came out a treat and peeing was alright, but I found that a really hot facecloth against my ladybits helped to release the urination once I got home... after about 2 weeks it all settled down perfectly. You will NOT be incontinent but make sure you are close to a loo because your anal muscles aren't usually very good initially.
  
• What is the recovery time - well here we are after 11th March. I'm doing fine - not lifting or pushing trolleys - I drove after three weeks, have only JUST picked/dragged my 3yr old daughter out of her cot yesterday morning but am NOT picking her up - my dh is doing all of that. I am just not risking it yet. Scroll back to pages 33/34 for my postings on how I progressed - my posting name was pinskismummy
  
• What are the chances of being sewed up too tightly!!! - very slight. My dh is hung like a horse (sorry if TMI) and we had sex for the first time two nights ago. Can't say I enjoyed it a LOT because I was too nervous about pain - but it was perfectly fine and he certainly loved it! I'ts like being 17 again!! Absolutely no problems whatsoever.
  
• Are there any painkillers available thatdon't 'bung you up' DO NOT HAVE CODEINE. I was bunged up for 5 days and shat myself into the back of beyond when it all came out. My first bm was horrific - codeine constipates you. I made do with paracetamol and ibuprofen and it was completely adequate for me.
  
• Is pear juice good for constipation? I wouldn't bother - I would recommend Senolot and PRUNE JUICE.
  
• Can they do anything about my hemmaroids/sking tags/fissures at the same time? - Talk to the consultant before the operation - I have no idea on that one!
  
• How long for the stitched to disl=olves/be removed - my external ones on the perineum came out bang on 14/15 days... Internal ones... I don't know - but as all is going alright with me I am not particularly worried about it - presumably we won't know?
  
• What to look out for incase you get an infection. You'll know!! I got one about 7 days in - my pads didn't smell quite right - I didn't have a raised temperature though, but was itchy, felt 'wrong' and really pushed the 'smell' thing with the DR who gave me a script with no hesitation.
  
• Can they give you antibiotics in case? No. They won't!!!
  
• How long will I have a catheter (if I DO have one) Probably one night only. It's a godsend, personally.
  
• When can I have a bath? I had one the second I got home. And I didn't bother asking anybody I just had one!
  
• Will I need exterior stitches or just interior - no idea, probably both.
  

It's the best thing I had done! I have AMAZING wee control now - still don't like being 'too' far from a loo if I need a bm - my experience is if I'm starting to think I need to poo, I got do it, rather than hang on. You'll be fine - it IS unpleasant at first, just tiring and uncomfortable, but your energy REALLY comes back about week 3 - I had NONE of the weepiness etc that the consultant warns me about and found that my energy crept back almost on a daily level. I was having rests EVERY day for the first month or so, now, I don't stop from teh moment I get up. I'm 39, 11stone, 5'9" so no weight issues to slow me/recovery down... 3 kids, very active 2ndary school teacher - so my life is busy busy busy - there's context for you to map yours against. I had a 'large rectocele repair'.

HTH
Kate xx

[MegGriffin]

Hello all. I hope you are having a Happy Easter break and enjoying some chocolate and the good weather.
I am due in for my anterior repair two weeks today. I was told by my consultant I woul be in for 2-3 days. When I went for my pre-op assessment the nurse said they are trying to reduce this as patients do just as well at home as in hospital. I have mixed feelings about this so we will see.

jewelrymum I expect that they would move you on to another ward if you were not ready to come home. They will definately have a contingency as they have no idea if there would be any complications etc..(not that there will be of course ).

[LostMyIdentityAlongTheWay]

MegG, for my part, once the packing and catheter was gone, and I'd managed to wee on my own - frankly I was happy to get out of there. The food was utterly horrific and the sense of peace and comfort, lieing in my own bed (believe me, you'll be lieing down a LOT!) was better than being in hospital. But then, that's the kind of person I am - prefer being on my own and sorting it out on my own, rather than surrounded by others... each to their own, no doubt...

One piece of advice - you can always call the ward that you recover on, if you have any questions - they are very good and, of course, skilled at answering quetions much more pertinently than a GP might be able to?

Good luck to all!
x

[MegGriffin]

LMIATW, I am the same as you and have no desire to stay in longer than needed. What i'm scared of is coming home then finding I need stronger pain killers or something because I came home too soon. Do they send you home with pain killers?
When I had my stitches after giving birth they only let me have paracetamol and I was so sore. I think I am just scared of the unknown and being out of control of the situatiuon. To be honest, the closer it gets, the more frightened I become. .

[LostMyIdentityAlongTheWay]

Meg, don't worry -I refused any medication to come home with, simply because it would have delayed my departure whilst the pharmacy dispensed. I certainly was given teh option. Tbh, if you complain about pain and say that you want strong pain killers, I would be surprised if they DIDN'T give you any. But my heartfelt advice would be to avoid codeine - and in fact, any opiates, as they do really constipate. My dh is an ex-pharmacist and he stopped me taking them as soon as I got home. As posted above, I was bunged up for 5 days and my first bm was utterly dreadful. Just drink lots, ask to have Senokot prescribed and get prune juice down your neck - it shifts like nothing else!

Try not to be so scared, really... I have had three children, and this was no worse, it really wasn't.

Oh - but here's a giggle. ooooh my god the trapped wind. that was one of the worst things - the wind!!!!! I could have blown myself out of the top floor of the hospital, the day after the operation. How funny!!!

Really - I suppose I AM an advert for the operation. I am no longer turning into some kind of double incontinence Tena lady at the age of 39 - you should ahve seen me today, I've been RIGHT back on it in terms of energy (well, as much as you CAN have with three kids 9 and younger...) - just don't worry. It will be fine... it really will be!!
Chin up and lots of love and dont' forget - you're recuperating during the Spring/Summer, so lots of sunshine to lift the spirits!
x

[jewellerymum]

Kate - Thank you so much for such a fantastic reply to all my questions. I am off for the pre-op assesment tomorrow so I am hoping that by this time tomorrow I feel a lot better about what is going to happen!!

I was hoping to have a nights stay in hospital just to know I was OK from the general. I have only had one before (gall bladder removal) and the first night I suffered from a racing heart and felt really spacey for a couple of days which then caused anxiety attacks - I was physically fine but my poor husband had to deal with me getting panicky when I kept falling asleep for the odd second and waking immediately and i was missing bits of conversations but not knowing it - if that makes any sense at all (no!). I felt like I was going to lose conciousness (I'm a worrier can you tell!)

So I will speak to them tomorrow and find out what will ACTUALY happen! May push the problems with general last time (also had a rash when I came round) and see if they agree to a nights stay!!!

Lovely to hear from you - was the best thing I did joining this group - so great to hear how you are all doing and be able to moan and worry with no fear of judgement!!
Emily
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

P.S. Kate - Are you UK or US? Just wondered as I am sure there are some differences between the two (I'm South UK)

[Rectdownunder]

Jewel, Good luck at your pre-op. Make sure all your qs are answered and there are no surprises.
I had a total disaster at mine because I freaked out about stuff, started crying uncontrollably and wanted to talk to my husband about the surgery. You see I went there with the understanding that I was only having the TVT and when I was being explained the procedure, the nurse told me all about the rectocele repair. I said that I wasn't having that and she said, it says here that you are. I didn't think that I had agreed to it, so I was beside myself to say the least. They let me go home and calm down and then see my dr. if I wanted and then let them know what I decided. After a couple of days, I found this site and that totally helped me make my decision. Thanks all for giving me some peace of mind. I'm going in May 19th.

Bye for now.

[MissingMySleep]

Jackie you are right I think going private makes a difference. There are lots of redundancies happening at work so it's part of what made me get on with it, I figured get it all done while I still have health cover!! I can dig out the prices of everything if anyone is interested.

Rect you are so sweet that is very kind of you. You have hit the nail on the head, we are not accustomed to doing nothing. I was very good for the first two weeks at doing nothing but the last two weeks were the hols, kids there, and I know I have lifted and carried things I oughtn't. Still kids back to school today so I can try to be lazy again. I am trying to be good now - I am 4.5 weeks post op and getting very frustrated at not being as mobile/busy/just generally physical as usual. I have gotten used to the annoying stitches of the pelvic floor repair but the TVT tape is what scares the pants off me, I get stinging aches (like toothache) every now and then and they scare me.

Suzy are you any better now? Sonds grim. Can you arrange a phased return to work, ie part time for a week or tow or you amy end up off sick again.

Footle - I had a premed, its cos I am terrified of needles and as soon as the anesthatist starting talking about needles I started getting twitchy, he quickly wrote me up for a preop. Just tell them you are nervous, act like a nut, and they will give you one ;)

Mommatotwo - I was also surprised by the discomfort after, but it does ease off eventually - the first week is grim, but you will get through it. Then each week is easier. :)

Lost - thanks for details of life after - it is encouraging! I am older fatter and less healthy so I guess that is going to make me slower to get sorted, plus I have a sit on my arse all day job, so that's great for recovering but not great for getting my energy levels back. I can't believe I have to go back to work next week - I am scared of the thought of driving and am so tired I am sure I will fall asleep at my desk!!

Have a lovey day ladies, and Jewellerymum I hope today goes well for you, sending you lots of healthy happy wishes, hope they get there xx

[jewellerymum]

Just wrote a huge post and the page crashed!!! Grrrrr!
So in short, all is good, feel much hapier now been to see surgeon and nurses. WILL be staying in one night at least (phew) and they answered most of my questions!!!
Hope you are all well and taking it easy - sorry for short post but annoyed that the darn thing crashed and I cant remember what I wrote!
Big Hugs
Em
x

[LostMyIdentityAlongTheWay]

Incidentally, I'm in the UK. ORiginally from Reading (innit) but we made our escape to the country (well, Welsh borders, arsehole of nowhere...) a few years back.

I picked up my neary 3yr old DD today. Ooops! Just had enough, to be honest. It's been driving me nuts not doing that. But it was a one off and not intending to do it again in the near future. But all the same... naughty mummy

Good luck to all... glad you're feeling a little more reassured now, Jewellry...