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!

[georgiegirl2]

Hey Cape

Well done - you are out the other side. As I said before, the projections you were given for recovery, returning to work etc, seemed wildly optimistic. Don't worry that you feel worse than expected, what you describes sounds normal compared with my own experience, and others on here.

This is a major procedure. I buried my head in the sand about it a bit, focused on the result I wanted and tried not to think too much about what it would be like. I thought the recovery would be similar to after the birth of my children (two rough experiences with big episiotomies, hence the need for repair now). But it is tougher than postpartum healing, no doubt about it. But easier having no screaming baby to feed!

For the first few days I felt very shaky, very sore, very worried about how it would all heal and a lot of trepidation re BMs. I'm glad I was in hospital, it must be tough at home. I hope you have lots of help.

I am now three weeks to the day post-op, and feel good. Not taking pain relief any more at all, bit itchy with the healing, especially when I wake up. Stitches all still in place, but seems less swollen/tight inside, and looks neater/drier on outside. Redness gone. I had my period from Saturday morning until Weds, which was unnerving, as I don't really monitor my cycle and couldn't remember for the life of me when the last one was. So I wasn't certain it was my period rather than a sudden alarming bleed. Also because I normally use tampons on the heavier days I have no idea really how much bleeding I have when I've got my period. It was quite unsettling and upsetting to see so much blood dripping out and I couldn't help freaking out a bit and wondering if something had gone wrong! But it's completely stopped on cue.

Yesterday I drove again for the first time, 20 days post-op. It was absolutely fine. But I got carried away and did too much - was out and about most of the day, then had to take DDs swimming five miles from home. I was shattered and got really teary in the evening. This has happened a few times, I've overestimated what I can do and completely wiped myself out. Sitting on the sofa becomes incredibly boring, no matter how nice it was initially to be able to sit and read books I'd never get round to reading normally. I've been dropping off during the day for an hour or two quite a bit. The healing uses up a lot of energy.

If you are having problems with pain, I would be inclined to call the hospital on the number they've hopefully given you, and ask them to write you up for something else (something stronger). Failing this, get a 'phone consultation with your GP and ask for some better pain relief on prescription. Get someone to go and pick it up for you. You shouldn't have to suffer in this day and age. Psychologically you will feel so much better about what you've had done if you are not struggling with pain.

Another thing - I don't normally go for anything alternative, but one of my friends brought me arnica round. I took it religiously every three hours and it really seemed to accelerate the healing process.

maturestudentlikegoodwine, I am so sorry you are so fearful but I would urge you to go ahead with the procedure and get it out of the way. What you are having done is exactly the same as me - posterior repair and perineal rebuild. It's really not that bad. I'm so glad I took the plunge. It's only been three weeks and I'm getting my life back and so glad I've had it done, got it out of the way. I already feel more like the woman I was, which is quite exciting really. The state of 'down there' was always in the back of my mind and it made me feel rubbish about myself. Plus the daily issue with BMs. I feel that in doing this now, I might spare myself a more serious procedure later on too, when I'm older and and less quick to recover.

Good luck and best wishes to you both.

[georgiegirl2]

Oh Cape, forgot to mention, despite the length of my last post, I didn't have a decent night's sleep for about ten days after the op. I woke up a lot in the night, maybe it was the after effects of the anaesthetic. Completely normal sleep pattern now. Plus I am having BATHS now, which is great. I didn't for the first 2 and a half weeks, I was too scared about stitches/infection. But it's lovely to have a bath now. Give it a fortnight and you will feel a load better than you do now.

[27yorkshiregirl]

Im 27 years old with 2 children and im due to have a rectocele on wednesday. I am hoping someone can give me some idea of what to expect afterwards. I havent have much info from the hospital. I just want to know how im going to feel afterwards. Am i going to be able to walk/sit/lay down etc, or am i just going to be layed in bed for the first few days. I know everyones experience will be different but im getting quite nervous now and think i might feel better if i know whats coming!

[bubblerock]

The experiences on here are really varied yorkshiregirl, I can only say what mine was like - same procedure as you + D&C, Mirena Coil and hysteroscopy. I'm almost 7 weeks post op and it has been so much better than I thought it would be!

Immediately after the op I had no pain at all - guess it was the painkillers, but I was feeling sick with the stronger pain killers and ended up just taking paracetamol and voltorol whilst in hospital and just paracetamol when I came home. My coccyx was the most painful for some reason but I had no pain where the stitches were, they are high enough up that it doesn't hurt to wee!

When I came home I just felt pretty tired, some period type cramps - but probably due to my other procedures. I'd sit on the sofa and get up and about, then sit back down again, have a nap in the afternoon and just chill really, I wasn't bedridden. As time has gone on I've had to remind myself not to do too much as I felt normal (ish) fairly quickly!

You will be absolutely fine - you're 5 years younger than me too

[27yorkshiregirl]

Thanks that helps alot, especially hearing the stitches are high up as i expected them to be low down and was quite worried about it stinging! Could you walk around straight away unaided?

[bubblerock]

Yep, once I'd recovered from the anaesthetic I was up and about - pretty wobbly but that's normal. We found it quite funny in our bay that we were told not to carry anything heavy for weeks, yet we had to lug our huge catheter bags around for the first 24 hours!!

[27yorkshiregirl]

Thats good, was panicking at the thought of being bed ridden!! One more question ( until i think of something else anyway lol), what happens if im menstruating? will the op still go ahead? Something i forgot to ask the doc but nothing has been mentioned.

[bubblerock]

Yes it will still go ahead, I was bleeding slightly after having nothing for 3 months - sods law!! I think they are used to it, lots of people on gynae are in for ops because of persistant bleeding. I'll keep an eye on the thread so if you think of any questions before Wednesday just give me a shout.

[kentmumtj]

good luck yorkshiregirl im sure will all go well and remeber to get plenty of rest and accept any offer of help

[27yorkshiregirl]

Thanks very much for your advice, feeling far less anxious about the whole thing now!!

[maturestudentlikegoodwine]

Hello well I am two days post op and at the moment things are not as bad as I thought they would be, Infact had I not had the skin tags on my butt removed, I dont think I would be in any pain at all!!
I ended up with bladder and rectal repair and skin tags removed.The packing they use in your vagina is mighty uncomfortable and makes you feel like you want a BM but once that comes out everything eases off. The pain in my bottom can only be likened to the crowning sensation and pressure when giving birth, but like I say If i hadnt had those tags off, I dont think I would be in any pain at all x

[georgiegirl2]

That's great, bet you are glad you went for it now, you were so apprehensive weren't you? So glad to hear all has gone well x

[stayc]

Hi,

I am now three weeks post Op, had an anterior and posterior repair. Im 33 and have one daughter and would still like more children. I had the surgery to improve my quality of life as BM had become virtually impossible.

I am getting over the surgery very slowly, I have had an infection and got Swine Flu last week. I have been very tearful and tired and am getting really fed up with the constant need to wear pads . Every time i think i can do a bit more walk for a bit longer I feel like I overdo it.

Am quite emotional at the moment and worried that I have caused myself more problems by having the Surgery.

[kentmumtj]

stayc i too felt very much like you my recovery was not as quick and as smooth as some peoples i had 2 infections and couldnt sit down properly or drive for at leaast 6 weeks.
stay with it and rest as much as you can. I had my op on 24th feb so it was a while ago now but sadly i do have a complication which will hopefully be sorted out soon. They think i have been sewn to tight as sex with my dh is impossible and very painful as the area is still so very sore although since being left well alone it is feeling heaps better.

stick with it and you will be fine. its the infections that wera you down as the stop the healing process.

[maturestudentlikegoodwine]

hello all, hope everyone post op is still progressing well.
I am feeling pretty much fine, I have found that when I wake in the morning its fantastic but as the day goes on I start to get a little uncomfortable. Also ( and sorry if tmi )when my rectum becomes fuller the pressure hurts and so I try to have a BM as often as I possibly can!!! ( lactulose at night and a fybogel in the day!!)I think the volterol anti inflammatory has helped heaps.
I have noticed that I do get breathless after walking but this is a more an over breathing thing really like hyperventillating, not actual breathlessness.Am sooooo glad I had it done, but obviously cant comment yet on sex after the op

[27yorkshiregirl]

I am 4 days post op after posterior repair, and on waking from surgery, was surprised at how well i felt. I was also surprised to find i didnt have a pack inserted. I needed oxygen for 3 hours post op but unsure why. After catheter was removed a doctor (not my consultant) came and asked if i could pass urine and wind ok then said i could go home, less than 24hrs after surgery!! I was quite surprised but glad i could go home. When i arrived home i examinined myself only to find id only been cut from my perinium into the entrance of my vagina! No cut or stitching inside my vagina and posterior bulge was still there!! Very upset i went back to the hospital to question why theyd not done what id expected, the consultant who'd done it wasnt there but another doctor who said she was present during surgery said theyd done it! when i questioned further she said theyd discussed during surgery about them not going far enough because my prolapse was not a prolapse it was due to nerve damage which cant be fixed with surgery and said i was going to be given a scan and physio!!! I responded by asking why they didnt tell me this before i was discharged. She couldnt answer my question and said it would be best for me tospeak to the person who did it but as she wasnt there today they would call me tomorrow to go and see her. I got a call from a nurse the next day who said the consultant who did it will see me on the 3rd of august!! so i now have to wait almost 2 weeks post op to find out what they have and havent done to me!! Sorry this is so long but im feeling hugely let down and sorry for myself. Does anyone have any advice? How far inside me should they have gone to fix a rectocele?

[georgiegirl2]

Hi yorkshire girl

I don't know what to say because I'm not medically qualified, but I can understand why you are upset if you thought that you were having a certain procedure and it has not been done as you had expected it would.

I had a posterior repair and perineorrhaphy at the end of June. I had my perineum rebuilt and was cut up the back wall. My surgeon said he had removed an elliptical section of my back wall and restitched the fascia underneath and then stitched up the back wall again. I had a pack/catheter etc and was in 5 days, and it was pretty grim. I'd say the stitches inside go up a couple of inches at least. But that's me, and was based on my anatomy; I imagine it's a bit different for everyone based on how things are. I think rectoceles vary a lot in severity so there probably isn't one answer to how to fix them.

If you don't mind me asking, what were your symptoms and diagnosis initially, and what were you told the procedure would involve before you went in?

I am assuming you went to an NHS hospital? In your position I wouldn't have been too happy to have been discharged without seeing the consultant who did the op, I can understand why you feel upset. I wanted to speak to my surgeon asap to find out exactly what had been done, and how he thought things had gone. I dare say according to their standards 3rd August is soon, but not yours, you are naturally preoccupied and want some answers asap.

I'm so sorry you are so fed up. I think in your position I would ask if the consultant could call me on the telephone before then.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes. xx

[maturestudentlikegoodwine]

hello. Sorry to trivialise things... but did anyone put on any weight? I have put on nearly 3/4 stone in ten days just through sitting around and resting. Have stopped smoking too which doesn't help.
just wondered if it does come off again once we are able to resume normal activity

[georgiegirl2]

Yeah I put on a few pounds, but I probably needed to. It's dropping off again now I'm active again.

[pam10]

I would share my experience of having a posterior repair (with mesh). I had my op on 9th July (Thursday). I opened my bowels on the Friday evening (it was very loose). I was discharged from hospital on Saturday morning; the doctor said that my consultant liked to keep his patients in for at least 5 days but, because of shortage of beds and I was feeling fine I cold go home.
I expected to be a bit sore, but I did not expect the pain I was feeling ? I could not sit down, the pain was agony (even on the toilet) in addition to this I had not had any bowel movement since Friday, so on Sunday evening I took 1 Dulcolax tablet, ate prunes and sipped water all day ? result: from nothing to diarrhoea.
On the Tuesday my GP came to visit and prescribed tablets for inflammation (by this time I could only lay on my side) and told me to phone him in the morning if I was not feeling better.
The next day I phoned GP who advised me to go to A&E at same hospital who performed surgery. By the time I got there I was very tacky cardiac, had x-rays taken (which showed nothing), bloods taken (again nothing), had internal examination (agony), but gynaecologist said she could not see anything amiss, but that she had phoned a senior doctor and he wanted me to see a member of the surgical team to rule out a fissure. Gynaecologist said she felt that he pain I was in was due the fact that I had a short bout of diarrhoea/constipation, but I was adamant that the pain I was feeling was not to do with this.
I waited 10 hours to see a member of the surgical team who asked me that same questions as gynaecologist (but did not examine me) and then said that he tended to agree with gynaecologist and prescribed me Lactulose & Fibregel ? again I told him that I disagreed with this as I was in a considerable amount of pain; he told me that this operation is painful and that I shold expect pain.
The pain continued for a further week, during which time I could not sit in ANY postion, so I went once again to see my GP, he told me that some of his paitents were of work for 3 months!! He precribed anti-inflammatory tablets and more Lactulose & Fibregel. He also told me that there was a danger of nerve damage after this operation and this could be why I was in pain. I told him that whilst I respected the medical profession, I knew my own body and I did ot feel right, but once again I was reminded that his is a painful proceedure.
2 days later (Friday evening, 15 days after op) I was lying on sofa and went to get up when there was a gush from between my legs and there was blood pouring from me. I was rushed to hospital where it was confirmed that I had a large haematoma. The releif from the pain was immediate as the clot dispersed. I asked why this was not picked up on before, but I was told that a haematoma is immpossible to detect until it ?comes away?. I?m just glad that the pain has gone, but mad that no one listened to me before.

[georgiegirl2]

pam10, I am so sorry to hear about your experience, which sounds absolutely awful. Thank goodness you have some relief from the pain now. I know how you feel about not being listened to, when I was in hospital a couple of days after my op I was in a lot of pain both near the repair and abdominal pain, because I was constipated but a very bossy nurse kept insisting I didn't need a bowel movement. I didn't dare try too hard to 'go' because of the proximity of the repair. I was on all the painkillers they could give me and all they could offer was peppermint tea.

It became unbearable and using suppositories didn't help. In the end they gave me an enema which was a horrible, painful, humiliating experience but a huge relief. TMI I know - sorry everyone - but it transpired that my lower bowel was totally congested. I felt so much better afterwards. It's irritating - I think patients should be given more credit for knowing what's going on with their own bodies sometimes.

Hope your recovery from here on in goes smoothly, that there are no further complications and you get well soon I am doing OK myself now, 4.5 weeks post-op, but am amazed at how low my energy levels are. I'm fed up with feeling so tired all the time, it's a bit depressing really. The only other thing I'm worried about is sex - I don't feel quite the same. Physically I think the op went well, but I have completely lost interest in sex. It's not on the agenda until after six weeks anyway, but what I am talking about is not fear of pain, it's more that I'm worried my sexual response will have been affected. It just feels like everything 'down there' is a bit numb, it's as if something is missing. It's hard to describe, but it's as if I can't get aroused any more, if that makes sense...thinking erotic thoughts doesn't seem to produce any physical sensations. Maybe that's because it's all still healing up. Sorry to be so graphic.

Has anyone else got any experience of this?

[CAPE]

Hello ladies, it's CAPE checking in; today is 14 days after surgery and I am back at work!! Do I feel terrific? No, but I am managing. When I went to see doc for 10 day checkup, he told me not to mess up "his good work". I have stitches protruding from the vagina and inquired about this. He made light of it and said it would eventually "flatten out" and it was a skin tag or a small hemmorhoid. Also said he would remove it later if it didn't disappear.

I am very sore in my lower abdomen, but really haven't had very many problems. Certainly sorry to hear about some of your experiences! This message is coming from Dallas, Texas so I can certainly see a difference in length of hospital stay, etc. depending on your location. I spent one night only in hosital and was told I could drive in one week, but did not do so.

My rectocele repair was "much larger" than anticipated and I also had a bladder suspension. Am just glad it is behind me that I am on the mend. Just hope I can continue working.

My best to all! Hang in there!

[kentmumtj]

hi guys
cape back to work wow you take it easy i was off for 6 weeks and could have possibly doen with longer. There was no way i was even able to sit down 14 days after op. Take it easy.

pam i know exactly how you feel i too was in terrible pain and bled about 6 days post op. it also turned out i had an infection, then got another one a few weeks later. Keep going and you will get to a place where the pain is gone.

geordiegirl sex lol what is that???? im 5 months post op and penetration is impossible. Ive been told the problem is most likley the entrance sewn a bit to tight as the vaginal canal is quite normal apparently. Im sure i will get there soon. As for havin any sex drive again i find im getting it back but certainly didnt have it for many weeks.

[27yorkshiregirl]

Everything everyone is saying adds fuel to the fact that i think the doctors have made a mistake with me. I came home from hospital the day after my op and continued as if nothing had happened, bleeding but no pain really, driving, shopping, sorting the kids out, housework all as normal!!
My rectocele was diagnosed in feb, my main problems were having to push back into place to do BM, tampons not staying in, and the general hatred of the bulge that was constantly there. I only have a few stitches in the entrance of my vagina and feel very little has been done to me!! The bulge is still there if not worse, i have no idea what they did to me. I didnt get and explanation of the procedure before or afterwards. I am seriously confused now. Maybe i never needed it in the first place? I feel so let down by the NHS right now.
My recovery was far to quick for them to have done what they were supposed to do, i had more pain when i had teeth out!! Also, did anyone else have oxygen when they woke up from anesthetic? I was kept on oxygen for 3 hours as instructed by my surgeon, i find this strange as ive been put to sleep before and never had oxygen

[vickysue]

Hi
I came home last night following surgery on Tuesday. Self diagnosed a rectocele (as GP couldn't) but discovered from Consultant that in fact I had 3 types of treatable prolapses, and this would also sort out incontinence problems - hallelujah! I ended up having a rectocele repair, bladder sling fitted and a hysterectomy. I also had oxygen for many hours, which is now common practice. I am also pleased at how little pain I am experiencing despite how much I have had done. The main pain is due to gurgling wind as I can't go to the loo yet, but am on Lactulose, and I'm not worried. After the first night (which was unbearable, as I was in agony the whole night due to only being given paracetamol just hours after surgery) I am quite comfortable. I think that these days, surgery is so less invasive than it used to be. There is so much less tissue damage, and new techniques are more efficient, that recovery is a lot quicker and less troublesome. I do know that there are many options for treatments, so please bear with your Consultant and give it a go. I am still to go on long term medication regarding incontinence and pelvic floor exercises. You may well find that the combination of treatments you have been given will be just right for you, and it sounds like your pain levels are right too. Let me know how you get on.