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!

[Rectdownunder]

Missing, I feel so bad for you to have to return to work next week. I know how a person can get so tired and going to work and driving, etc. what a nightmare. Any chance you can postpone this? I am wondering about your TVT? You are having troubles with pain or are there other things? Did the TVt stop the leak? I thought that the TVT would be easier, but maybe not. I am afriad that it won't work and then what? I am getting very anxious about going in. I feel finally that I am at peace with my decision, but I just want to get on with it. It won't be that long to wait though, that day will be here before I know it and then I will be freaking out!!
Where do you live and what kind of work do you do? Just for the record, I live in Alberta, Canada and I am a photogapher/homemaker. Used to paint houses and do renovations, but my lifting days are over, my husband does all that now.

Jewel, glad ot hear you are feeling better about things. Do you have a date you're booked for surgery yet?

Question for everyone? How was the drive home from the hospital? I live 50 miles from the hospital and am afraid of a very uncomfortable ride home, any suggestions.

[LostMyIdentityAlongTheWay]

Rect, Footle, sorry to say - I found it quite exhausting. I did brace my feet in the footwell to relieve the pressure on my butt, even though I had a cushion there as well. If you have a 'ring' cushion (gosh, that's so funny on two levels... HAHAHAH! I'm such a childish eejit, sorry...) it might really help?

You'll just have to roll with it. I was met with my mother's wheelchair and went upstairs to bed immediately... you'll appreciate the bliss of your own bed!!

Just try to keep some pain killers on hand for half an hour before the journey if you can - no more you can do. But you'll be fine - it is what it is, and bleieve me, the payback is wonderful. I held a REALLY full bladder for a long time today because I was surrounded by small kids at a party - go me, go me (go cystitis, if I'm not bloody careful!!)

Love to you all - DON'T worry too much - it is SO worth it, believe me. Have a super good book to read (I recommend Lonesome Dove, awesome....) and a radio with headphones - lots of tea to drink in hospital and let them do their stuff.

Kate xxxx

[Rectdownunder]

Why thanks Kate for all your advice. I am really looking forward to fixing my troubles, especially the leaky faucet down below. I was tap dancing tonight and it will be nice to concentrate more on the dancing than the holding my urine in. I can hardly wait to be be free again. (pad free).

One thing I am struggling with is, the fact that I have arthritis and some very strange fibromyalgia type issues. I take Arthrotec (a strong anti-inflammatory) and Tramadol ( mild synthetic type opiate).Of course Tramadol can cause constipation, but it is difficult to get through some days because of pain and stiffness, especially when I am pre-menstrual. My surgey is booked two days before my expected period and at that time i will be at my pain peek. I really shouldn't take them before or after surgery because of constipation. The Arthrotec is something I am not to take until after surgery, they told me no more because of blood thinning dangers. I am so concerned about pain control before and after surgery. I can manage the constipation now with lots of fibre wise suppliment, but after surgery, I have my doubts. Any suggestions out there?


Good luck [Jewel and Footle] with your surgeries. It is only a couple of weeks away.

[jewellerymum]

I now have no Internet so apologies if my posts are short and infrequent but am having to tap it out on my iPhone so also apologies for spelling!
I think with the transport thing (i am also an hour away from hospital) that we just have to grit our teeth. I wondered about investing in a memory foam ring pillow but not sure how much use it will get. And i need to get it ASAP if I am going to get one!
Have stopped worrying about it for a while. Have too much jewellery to make before then and a craft fair a week on Saturday to prepare for so I shan't have time to think about it until a couple of days before and them I'll be cleaning the house from bottom to top (I like to be unconventional)!!!
Keep your chins up ladies and thanks for all the support.

A reminder - age 33 - 2 children - rectocele repair 12th may - Dorset uk

[jackie62]

Hi everyone. I am back at work after my strange 'do', and coping okay so far.Three night shifts and then a break because of the Royal Wedding so a good time to ease my way back in whilst waiting for the medical profession to make up their minds about what to do with me and how to do it! I carry 1 stone of equipment from the start of my shift to the end which is putting a bit of pressure down below, just irritating at the moment, but may prove to be a problem in the longer term. Not sure if I can carry on in my current role, may have to consider a more desk bound role if it becomes an issue.
I do feel a bit frustrated, honestly. I can't believe that I have waited 7 months since my last operation and had two sets of tests only to be faced with a surgeon who is only interested in his 'bit' and not the whole picture.
I am hoping that the new one will be more interested, more holistic and a bit more caring. a lot to ask, I know, but it is easy to get nervous when the medical profession don't seem to listen and are not even sure what the problem is. I am following everyone's journey with great interest. The general concensus seems to be that the outcome is successful, if not pretty painful, and the recovery times seem longer than anyone would initally expect.
Keep well everyone!
Suzy 75, hope you are feeling better. Weeing blood doesn't sound right?
My reminder: Age 49, 3 children. Large rectocele, weakened and damaged vaginal wall. Op in September 2010, removal of polyp in bowel, and discovery by that surgeon that things were much more complicated than originally thought. Hence the wait for surgery again!

[LostMyIdentityAlongTheWay]

you'll love this.... my PP mentioned holding a full bladder for a long time.
Probably not connected... but two nights ago my papa had to drive me to teh local hospital for an 11pm appt. with an out of hours Dr for cystitis and a kidney infection.
Bollocks.

(one of the few things that CAN'T malfunction with me now!!)
x

[MissingMySleep]

argh long post, hit the wrong button and lost it argh

dear All, hope every one is well

Rect - thank you for you kind words. Here is a funny thing, I have arthritis and fibromyalgia too. Did wonder if it would make a difference, but he said it might just make me more achy and tired than the next person, but hey I am used to that. I don't take anything for either, but have changed my work patterns etc to take the stress off and have found that keeps it under control better than meds. Re pain relief in hospital, everytime I felt uncomfortable I asked for painrelief and they brought some, I was very pain free in hosp.

Re the job, I work 6 hours a day for just 4 days/week and can work from home, so I think I will aim to work from home for the first few weeks back. I am not driving yet (5 wks post op) and am a little concerned about that as I think most people are driving by now.

Re the TVT - well I can go 4 hours without a pee, and also can drink in the evening so its fab as far as I am concerned. I used to go every half hour and had to stop drinking about 5/6pm in order to get a decent night's sleep. I couldn't have tap danced, as I would have had a tiny pee with every tap - I don't know yet if that bit is fixed as I haven't done any real exercise, so haven't fully tested out my new toy.

I am 5 weeks post op and fed up with things hurting. My posterier stitches are quite painful wiping my bum is like razor blades, the stitches are horrid and I am hoping that the doc will snip them when I go for my 6wk check next week. I had hoped they would have dissolved by now. The TVT ones dropped out at 2 weeks. The TVT aches and stings, a little more than a bruised feeling - I was wondering how long that normally lasts? I can't lie on my side cos it starts to hurt so I put pillows either side of me so I can't turn over. Is this what everyone experiences or just me?

I am sure some of it is my fault - doing too much...argh. DH 40th birthday on thursday - he put his back out and I ended up calling an ambulance for him, they gave him gas and air to get him moving and stayed an our and a half cos of the pain he was in. So now we are both mincing about like a pair of 80 year olds (hang on my 82 year old grandma doesn't look this feeble!! make that 100 year olds) and I am doing my share of stuff as he is in more pain than me. But he is recovering quickly so I wont carry on.

Age 42, 2 fat headed DCs, stress incontinence and small rectocele, completely torn pelvic muscles found inside (TVT and massive posterier repair). UK south coast

[Flowers40]

HI Everyone

I am new and would like to say thanks to everyone for this thread, it has kept me sane the last week going thru' this.. I am day 6 post op, went in for an anterior repair and woke up to find I'd had anterior, posterior repairs & vaginal hysterectomy. My cervix is also gone apparently. I had the op tues pm and came home thurs. What a rollecoaser ride it has been, tho not too bad, the pain has all but gone now. If anyone has time to reply I would be soooo grateful, I had a BM on fri and it wasnt too bad, but yesterday and today when I went I am bleeding from the front after BM, did anyone else get this? Its not a lot of blood but not spotting either... the actual bm itslf was painless and felt much better/easier than pre-op.. is it anything to be concerned about?? Im so worried! Also I lost a big blue piece of thread yesterday (day 5), again no pain or anything else, it was just there when I went to the loo and wiped with loo roll, is this ok?? My ward I got 'done' on is closed for the bank holiday and so is my gp.. is it ok to leave things till tues?? Would sooo appreciate any advice you can give me. Apart from that, I am ok I guess, bit shell shocked and been bit emo for few days but glad its over at last after a long wait to get it done. I so want it to be a success so I can get on with my life, hate feeling laid up and inactive esp as I lost my job end March in the 'cuts' and sorting my benefits has been he!!. Thanks again for all the advice here and thanks in advance to anyone who can help xxx

[LostMyIdentityAlongTheWay]

HI FLowers.. that's exactly how the threads come away. Mine did the same... and after 5 minutes of waiting for my butt to fall into the toilet, all seemed to be functioning normally. Don't worry. In fact, my stitches were SO ITCHY each time pre coming out.. you were lucky!!
Sounds like it's all going exactly as it should... I was done on 11Mar and going back to work on Wed - Assistant HT in a 2ndary school - can't WAIT. Life is good again!!!!
Jeez. DId you expect all that work to be done whilst you were under?? Wowsers...
x

[Flowers40]

HI Lost, thanks for responding so fast, and thanks for the reassurance!! It seems too good to be true how well I feel, no pain anymore except twinges and no bleeding (except when doing BM as stated above).. and best of all, last night I read my book until 2am and then slept right thru' till 9 this morning!! Thats UNHEARD OF for me to sleep so long without needing to use the loo, feel great today! Even if that is all I get out of this I will be soooo happy after years of insomnia caused by this problem, not to mention the constipation and no sex life for 2 years cos I feel like a freak show with my 'bulge' lol (I am single but this has put me off dating)

I first discovered my 'problem' 12 years ago.. spent 5 years worrying my lump was some kind of cancer, then plucked up courage to mention it during routine smear at a clinic. At first they said nothing there (I knew there was), then finally prolapse diagnosed by my own nurse when I kept going back about 5 years ago. They initially said they would not do anything as I was too young (!?), then I got a referral in 2009 to gynae consultant. She examined me and said vag. hysterectomy but she wanted me to be sure I had completed my family. Nothing happened for ages and when I called them to find out what was going on they said I had been discharged! Her initial letter to my GP which she had cced me into was so unclear and did not set out next steps etc. Gah - had to start whole process again starting with GP referral and ended up next time with male consultant who said there was no need to do anything for 5years. I said ok as I was scared and busy time at work etc. He said to go back in 6 months tho which I did and I knew by then I couldnt wait that long to get fixed, scared or not, and asked him to reconsider. He took a look and agreed it had gotten worse and that he would do anterior repair.

That op should have been end march but I was losing my job and had an interview for another post which my employer would not reschedule 2 days after op date, meaning I had to postpone one month. Didnt even get the damn job so that was a depressing set back... Finally went in last tues and when the consultant came round pre-op I asked if they would need to do anything else and they were adamant 'No'

Next thing I came around and they told me all they had done, they said when they 'went in' to do the surgery it was much worse than they had thought so they went ahead. (I had told them to do whatever they had to) So I am glad really.

It seems to be too good to be true that it has gone so well and that I can be 'normal' again... I really do hope it is the case that all is well, I am still scared of bm's a bit but overall it feels encouraging and positive.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the lovely weather etc.. thanks again for posting your stories, it has helped me soooo much after hardly speaking about this to anyone, much less anyone who understands, you girls ROCK!

Love and best wishes to you all and Lost I hope you enjoy getting your life back!! xx

[Flowers40]

Thanks Footle, btw you girls are soo funny I think I might bust my stitches!!

[Rectdownunder]

Missing, You sure have had a rough go of things lately. Hopefully your husband can get back up and running, so you don't stress out your body too much.

That is interesting that you have fibromyalgia and athritis too. I try not to take pain killers for it, but around the time of my period and ovualtion time, my body hurts so much all over that I cant' even think properly. I get a premenstral migraine that makes me want to vomit.

When I tap dance I do wee myself little bits at a time and when class is over, I have a soaked pad. I really hope the TVT works for that. Besides stress incontinence I do get up a lot in the middle of the night to go and I do lose a lot of sleep at times over this condition. As horrified as I am about surgery, I am looking forward to fixing this.

Just a reminder, I'm 45, had six children all good sized, all vaginal births, rectocele and cystocele getting TVT and surgery is booked for May 19th. Live in Albereta, Canada.

[Flowers40]

HI
Footle, I have been told recovery time is 6 weeks, seems standard regardless of which procedure

I am ok today, thought had infection last night cos was freezing even with two blankets and cardigan on, plus achey all over feeling.. thanfully today better..

I have rheumatics in my knees and due to being so inactive they have swelled like balloons and are killing me, stock up on medication in advance for conditions like this, usually I know I have to exercise to keep it at bay

Did other people feel totally fugly post-op? I do and no matter how much I condition my hair it looks like a haystack, dry and frizzy

Ashamed to admit but I havent even showered yet today, whats the point just to go and sit on the sofa? Suppose I should just to keep myself clean tho

Sorry to rant on and on yesterday btw

Rectdownunder, the last few weeks before I went in I was like a maniac... running around trying to shop, clean, garden, sort finances etc, keeps your mind off it tho

PS I am 40... with 3 girls aged 22, 18 and 15 who are my world.. eldest one has left home.. My biggest fear is ending up the lonely old bag lady with cats who smells of wee ( i have 1) .. lets hope that wont happen now ;)

have a great day all x

[MissingMySleep]

Flowers - that was my fear too, I was getting paranoid about smelling of wee and was convinced I could smell it all the time, but I do think it was pretty much in my head. also yes I felt 100% fugly after the op...sitting around doing nothing, with a sore fanny, stitches etc, it does not make you feel fab!

re the recovery I was told 6 weeks for the recovery, but advised that the posterier repair can be uncomfortable for sex for up to 3 or 4 months - that was a worst case that he felt I ought to be aware of. I am 5.5 weeks and it's still uncomfortable, but I think a lot of that is my fault for not resting as much as one ought to. Flowers, even if you feel ok, please do make sure you take it so slowly and don't lift or overdo it, because you have had so much done, you need to be careful with yourself.

The preop madness getting everything done, I did too, and I started feeling weird about it, as my husband was away the week of the op, it was a bit depressing, but I wanted to get everything done so that when he started his Mrs Doubtfire routine he didn't have too much to do. It's worth doing as you won't want to do ANYTHING for the first few weeks post op.

Rect re the night time getting up an down, the TVT has completely fixed that. I haven't done anything tap dancy so don't know if the impact pee'ing is fixed, but being able to hold wee for ages, in the day and night, is great even if the other bit doesn't work. Being able to sleep through the night is fabulous!! The fibro doesn't bother me at different times of the month, it's just when I overdo it (I overdo everything, I am a twat like that) then it's like having bad flu, and my hands (where the arthritis is) go nuts and I don't know what to do with them, but on the plus side, when my fingers start singing and swelling it makes me calm down, and keeps the fibro at bay. I am scared to take painkillers for it cos I figure once I start I will never stop!!

Hope everyone is having a good day - I have to start the school run and kid duties tomorrow as DH is back to work, a little thing like a bad back won't keep him home (dick) so am scared!! And tomorrow the dentist can decide whether my broken tooth can be fixed or if it's had it, argh scary.

[Rectdownunder]

Hey Flowers,
Funny you would mention acting like a maniac, that's what I am doing. When I really stop to think about the surgery, I get anxiety and extreme butterflies in my stomach. I have been keeping super busy and trying to get our house in order so there is less for my hubby to worry about. I will have to miss planting the garden as out here in Alberta, you wouldn't want to plant too early or it may freeze after the plants come up. Usually May long weekend you plant and by the looks of this cold spring, still snow on the ground, it will have to wait till end of May. I love gardening, so I feel guilty to leave it all to hubby. He's fine with it though.

What a fear lonely old lady with cats and urine smell. I know what you are saying, but the fact that you recognize this, it won't happen. Are you divorced? Single? I am just wondering your situation , I may have missed it in previous posts, so forgive me if I have. I hate the fact that now, when I have been active, I go to the bathroom and my pad is soaked and it smells like a baby diaper. [embarrassed] I though I was through with diapers after my youngest was potty trained. Lol....

Well take care all xoxo

[Flowers40]

Footle you made me laugh again... if my stiches bust Im blaming you... I have 1 pesky cat (and worryingly, I DO talk to it..)

Thanks Missing, I am being good, too much is at stake not to and I scared myself the day after I got out by nipping to asda stupidly. when the checkout girl couldnt find the code on my stupid pineapple to scan it I practically rammed it down her throat after saying thru clenched teeth 'just leave it' and her trying to buzz her friend over for the code thingy

But I learned my lesson and have been on computer all day today, cant believe how quick the day actually goes when doing Nothing All Day

Tummy feels like its protuding more than ever today and so tight, like a braxton hicks contraction feels, dunno whats going on but trying to keep mind off it

Rect- I got divorced a long time ago, so class myself as single

And who knows.. maybe sometime soon ready to mingle ;)

xx

[jewellerymum]

Putting my P.S. First - this post is very long and me rambling on, I wont be offended if you dont read it all, I go on a bit, but it made me feel better being able to get it off my chest!!!

Flowers, welcome to the forum, it's amazing, full of useful info and women who don't judge! I am Emily, the one oges on a bit!! (waiting for repair on the 12th)x x

Oh Ladies - it really sucks being a woman sometimes! The things that happen to our bodies! I feel lucky that I don't (really) have bladder problems (except, strangely when I went for a sneaky bounce on the kids trampoline last weekend!) Some of you sound like you are having a nightmare!
Both my boys (though large 9lbs 4oz and 10lb 9oz) were born by C Section (after long labours) and so I am fortunate not to have any delivery damage. I think a lot of my trouble is due to prolonged IBS which results in irregular BMs (that's my nice way of putting it) where I am never 'normal', either one end of the scale or the other, so going all the time or not able to go!!!
I guess at 33 I'm quite young for it but I had gall stones at 18 and the average age is late 30s/40s so I guess I'm jst unusual! TBH I have also been wondering whether am Peri-menopausal and I am strugling with worsening PMS symptoms, hot flushes and terrible night sweats (where I wake up literally drenched (sorry TMI)

Anyway, enough jabbering about me!

Rect - I would like to join the 'manic' about the house club please! My hubbie and I even had a little 'tiff' about it earlier! I suffer a little bit from anxiety attacks and if I have an event coming up I struggle to keep on top of it sometimes and end up like a crazed maniac staring at page after page of lists of jobs that I need to do, gently rocking backing and forth and moaning (ok perhaps a little exagerated!)
This Saturday I have a craft fair which I am currently getting prepared for (pricing jewellery/labels etc etc) then after Saturday I have until Thursday morning to get more stock to the shops that I sell in, clean the house, do the washing, ironing, food shop, wax my bits(!!!!!) and so I am feeling like I am maybe on a 6/10 on the panic scale! Of course when I mentioned this to my 'so relax I'm horizontal' hubbie he said - just leave the cleaning, as long as we have clean underwear it'll all be fine...........Well, I just can't! I will be up all Wednesday night next week like a nutter cleaning skirting boards and making sure every item of clothing in the house in in wardrobes ready!#

I know my husband will manage but I am not sure how I will keep myself from doing stuff! I have 2 speeds, Full speed craziness or asleep! I can't find a happy middle! I dont know how I will not be up hoovering etc, especially as I know that my hubbie wont do it as much as I would and I dont want to end up asking him to do it so much as I will already be feeling guilty for doing so little - I hate asking for help!!!

I've done it again and prattled on - TBH this forum is more like writing a diary - being given the opportunity to vent and get it all off my chest.
I know we are all in the same boat and fortunately I also know that despite my ramblings, it will all be fine in the end!!!

Thanks for skimming!
Hugs to all
Em

[jewellerymum]

Sorry, never spell checked so not only is it long but half ois spelt incorrectly and doesnt make sense!
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[jewellerymum]

I think this is the 1000th post! I guess I should have done something special? Oh well! No fanfares! No prize? Oh? A designer vagina! Let's hope so!!! LOL
Night lovely ladies
X

[MissingMySleep]

New thread so we don't lose touch -

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/1205782-New-thread-for-those-having-had-posterior-or-anterior-repairs-TVT-rectocele-and-all-the-other-down-below-stitchups

not sure how to make that more pretty