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!

Just as a matter of interest or nosiness! What were peoples initial symptoms regarding a posterior repair and how long did you wait to go to your GP?

My symptoms were a heaviness/dragging sensation in my nether regions. I waited about 2 weeks to go to my GP, just because I was a bit embarressed as to what to say! Also I was hoping it would all magically go away! My GP said it was a slight prolapse and if I was an older lady say in my 70's she would just leave it but because I am in my 30's she referred me back to the maternity hospital. This was back in April, got seen by hospital in July and operated late September. Also my 2ds are 6 and 3, so it wasn't like it happened straight after my ds2 birth.

I would love to hear and compare other people's pre-op stories.

it had been 1 week since my repair andI am feeling good , only had 2 bm since though even with the lactulose but i think it is all in my mind as im afraid im going to split the stitches, i have had a little feel and it seems to be shrinking back which i think is good?. the only thing i have noticed is a smell a bit like sour milk(TMI I know)I dont know if this means its getting infected? but i havent got any pain,i stayed in for 3 days the first day i wasnt even allowed out of bed they said we had to rest so i dont know about day surgery, but even though its not nice to stay in hospital it was good for the rest and reassurance.

kildare 34- i am 38 and my childre are 15 and 13 i have been suffering with back ache for years and the doctors didnt really pin down what it was i had problems having bm and had to push with my finger on my perimeum( i think that is how you spell it) to go , my cyctocele was picked up by a the practice nurse during a smear test and the rectocele by the hospital i had a grade 2 cystocele and a grade 3 rectocele the physio said it could be causing my back ache. it has been 1 week since my op and so far havent had any back ache fingers crossed it has sorted that out too

Hi, I had my surgery on a Weds and had my pack and cathetar removed on the Saturday morning. My surgeon said they needed to stay in at least 48 hours.
Rosie12- I had a terrible odour last week, went to doctor Tues who said there was no infection showing in my water so spoke to the hospital who said it sounded like I definitely had or was getting one so I contacted GP again who prescribed me with some antibiotics last thurs. The smell has now gone but I still have quite a bit of blood in my urine along with some slight discharge.
Kildare34- I had the dragging sensation and could now go to the loo without assistance as my prolapse was pushing through my vagina. Mine was a severe grade 2. My Ds are 23 and 13. My consultant said they are normally caused with childbirth and with myself being tall I had more pressure on my muscles. Personally I am not convinced as I had never heard of this prior to mine but had a car accident in 2007 where I received a severe back injury and I think this injury caused the onset of mine. I didnt realise how long it had taken me to visit my GP but would advise anyone having problems to go immediately as surgery is avoidable if diagnosed early enough. I was advised 6 weeks no lifting or driving and a further 6 weeks of something else but cant remember what - does anyone know?

I am new here. I was wondering if anyone had any experience like mine and if anyone had advice.

I had my DD on 4th May after being induced at 39 weeks. She got in distress and was eventually born after failed vacuum with forceps. I then suffered an infection in my tear (was told 2nd degree initially) and episiotomy and was readmitted after 5 days for IV antibiotics. I went to theatre 1 week after DD was born and had all stitches removed to clear infection (wound left open). Had 10 days antibiotics IV and suffered temps of 40 degrees before getting home. Since then in Aug dispite physio for bowel problem (only occured after going back to theatre)have suffered a cytsocele and now last week rectocele. Also went for rectal scan and found have bad 3rd degree tear needing eventual surgery there. Although symptoms there better (now just jet propelled).

I am fed up as seem to be getting worse and wondered if anyone had similar time and also if another baby would be mad. To see private consultant who delivered DD tomorrow. Do not know what best thing is re treatment but will be standing all day when go back to work causes problems at the moment.

Advice??

Hi Oxob,

No, it definitely was not my choice to have day surgery. op originally arranged for july but was cancelled cos my blood pressure too high (stress maybe???) have had lots of trouble getting a new date and when they finally contacted me it was to offer me day surgery-with the option of paying for a "private" room if i wanted to stay. i have been assured that if i am not well afterwards then they will keep me in, so we will see. part of me thinks it will be nicer to be home again that night.

Hello LH04 - I am very sorry to hear you are having such a bad time of it. You have been through the mill. Regarding having another baby, no your not mad! I imagine the hospital would suggest a c-section as if you go ahead with the repair surgery they won't want to mess up the good work. Glad to hear you are seeing your consultant tomorrow. Write down all your questions and concerns beforehand, and ask him does he think your labour was managed properly? And he will probably try to wriggle out of that question and say to him would he want his wife/daughter to have these injuries. Absolutely disgraceful. No woman should have the injuries that you had after childbirth. Unfortunately since coming on to this thread it seems to be more common place than we would want.

Now its not all doom and gloom I am post op 3 weeks (posterior repair)and I feel I really have turned a corner. Just look after yourself first and be kind to yourself. We are all here for each other but its better to this sorted sooner rather than later.

Hi Jan,Jan,Jan & Rosie12 - Thanks for posting your pre-op stories. Its very interesting to hear about other peoples experiences. Jan- I was told I would drive 4 weeks post op. Its very annoying that we are all told different times regarding certain activites!

Right off to make cup of tea before I combust (I am a bit pmt at the moment) You would never have guessed

Morning Ladies,

LHO4 you have had a traumatic time...Hope it gets resolved. I would be concerned if offered day case surgery. I had a posterior repair pack and catheter initially and was an in patient for 5 days. Not too painful post op, managed with IV paracetamol. Make sure you insist on stool softeners, I'm not sure from reading the threads if the nurses appreciate how important they are. As they are prescribed on the ad hoc page, they aren't given unless you ask in my experience.

Kildare, My symptoms :

10lb baby 11 years ago resulted in urgency, when needing to move bowels and an inability to keep tampons in place for about a year. I discussed these symptoms with my GP, and was told that lots of women can't hang on to tampons after child birth !!!

Resigned, I started yoga , pelvic floor exercises and brought some pelvic floor cones.

My symptoms, gradually improved. Except for chronic constipation. I was able to hang on to super plus tampons and eventually subscribed to the benefits of a Moon cup.
(Environmentally friendly menstrual cup)
I found that my internal anatomy differed greatly from the moon cup suggested, route for insertion and I had to post it an awful lot further up , in order to hang on to it at all.

I'm 43 now, hormones are diminishing and I began to notice that during sex I was taking in more air and having more difficulty, maintaining the vaginal tension required to get the best out of the experience (if you get my drift)

Incidentally I have had 3 lovers over the past 10 years ( with my husbands consent and knowledge) He went off sex and I felt damaged and useless. He assured me there was nothing wrong with me and that the problem was him, not me, he is still asexual. I however have had the benefit of my self esteem , being restored pre- op, by lovers who didn't notice a thing and this made me feel less of a freak.

I did towards the end have difficulty evacuating my bowels, as the stool would sit in my rectum, bulge into my vagina and I wasn't able to expel it without pressing on the vaginal wall against the lump.

I'm 5 weeks post op today,had a small infection, that responded to antibiotics and I'm feeling great.
Stitches still all in place (bit disconcerting as my long term lover and I have a weekend away booked soon to christen the repairs )

I have a really physical job, was signed off work for 6 weeks by the hospital, but told my the nurses and physio I would need 12 weeks off as unable to lift before this time. My GP won't sign another certificate until, my Surgeon confirms that I need this time off. Don't even know if he remembers what I do for a living, Occy Health say I need a doctors note. I'm quite disgusted really, I've worked for 25 years for the NHS and now I'm having to beg for sufficient recovery time off, when I'm entitled to it !

Sorry, rant over.
Also sorry for being rather graphic, I think we've all got over the stigma now though surely?

Good luck everyone

loujay44..yes, they will keep you in if needed but make sure you insist to if you do not feel ready to go home. At least there are others on this link who have gone home the same day and all seems ok.
I've had prolapse problems for 11 years, since a difficult back to back delivery and have put up with symptoms for a long time now(lower backache,heavy dragging feelings and assisted bowel movements) I did have another child in between but was advised to have caesarian so as not to make problems worse. I had put off having repair surgery for years, but so glad i finally had rectocele repair, as it just got bigger over the years and i started to realise that once i go through the menopause it could possibly get worse. I have not solved my womb prolapse but have been told i might well need a hysterectomy in about 10 years time. For now i am just relieved to have normal bowel movements!
LH04 ... I hope your appointment went ok today, sounds like you are having a tough time but i hope they offer some reassuring advice/surgery. Good Luck

Hi Loujay 44 and ladies. Not sure where to begin, my problems started age 35 had to have a hysteroctomy, yes very young I know. Asked my surgeon was this the reason I had got a prolapse, he said no, possibly the delivery of my son did for me. I had anterior repair 3 years ago, I though something was trying to get out of me via the vagina, gave me a fright. This op was again day surgery and lucky for me I had no problems was working at that time and went back to work after 3 weeks. This time the bulge was back bigger and was told this time it was the posterior wall ie, bowel bulging out. After my op I was told he had done a small repair again to the front, but more was done to the back. I am now 10 days post op doing well, BMs fine using the magic liquid and blowing my nose. Good luck to all those who are waiting to have their ops. Personally I was glad to get back to my own home and all home comforts provided by caring husband.

am 19days post op..had both posterior and rectocele repair.....had packing and catheter for 24 hours.stayed 3 nights .
was uncomfortable but not painful. could see stitches externally about five ..
have rested and today managed two dog walks ..also had a d and c and have just finished the worst period i have had in years ,,unexpected. BM ok eating bran flakes prunes and apricots and walnuts .immediately BM were easier and backache has gone.Have rather odd discharge but told normal.I can drive after 3 weeks but no heavy lifting for 3 months.
I am not completely comfy yet but am pleased with the results so far ....... i can toilet eith ease, pee with out showering everywhere and look so tidy again (even with the stitchwork), my back ache has gone and as i had some muscle repair too i can feel my pelvic floor excercises again!! only regret i waited 17 years to brave sorting it out!!!!! i am 46!!!!!

I'm a week post repair of rectocele, perineal rebuild and sacrohysteropexy. Most of the pain I have is related to my bowels: I get a severe bruised sort of pain felt deep in my buttocks if i feel like a BM (which are very sluggish despite lactulose and fybogel). The Gp thinks its related to the sacral bit of the op.Has anyone else had this and if so, how long does it last. I ususally have BM daily (but before it was with 'help' from pushing on vaginal wall etc): does all this improve?

Hello Jo1958

I had a posterior repair just over 3 weeks ago. I had the exact same type of pain that you describe. It feels like your bum cheek has been used as a punching bag by Mike Tyson! Sorry, thats the only way I can describe it According to my consultant and my mil who is a retired nurse its all to do with the bowel/muscles being very bruised after the op. My consultant said it takes that type of pain about 2 weeks to go(which was about right). So don't worry all normal. Keep taking your pain killers regularly. Drink prune juice/water. Eat plenty of fibre/fruit and veg. The BMs will come(pardon the pun) Be good to yourself and well done, you are week post op!

hi to all , i am now 9 days post op stil stuggling with bm, i am on lactulose, prune juice, activia yoghurt, and now glycerine suppositories, only been 3 times since the op , i still think it is me being afraid of undoing all the work that has been done but i dont have any pain and havent throughout, i am managing to walk about a mile with the dog ( although my dog is very old and slow)a day but i am not doing any lifting,

Well ladies,
It's official, my consultant was finally tracked down by my GP, who said I'm OK to go back to work after my 6 weeks is up!
So I'm following my leaflet religiously in week 6 , not lifting anything heavier than a half full kettle of water etc, blah blah. And in week 7 I'll be officially OK to push patients around on trolleys, lift 12 stone men's limbs during examinations and plastering, bending and crouching to examine ankle injuries and carrying buckets of water around for plaster of paris application.!!!

I'm a little anxious that I may pop something, has anyone survived this level of activity so soon?

Help I feel that I'm being a whuss !

ballsintheair..how crazy....if they insist you go back and you cant avoid some of these lifts then just try your 1st week and if you are still worried see a different DR and turn on the tears,worries + pain to explain the situation...someone else might be more sympathetic, and at least you can say you've tried. I also go back in a couple of weeks(then will be 6 weeks) but i am hoping to take it easy to start with. I worry about just being on my feet a lot...lots of early nights in bed i think!
jo1958...I also felt that bruised throbbing after BM but that has gone now(4 weeks )
Hope other recoveries are going ok

Hi, I am 3 weeks post op.....taking 10m lactulose daily, eating quite sensibly and having 1-2 BM each morning. Cant walk far without being shattered. Still leaking quite a bit with blood through my uretha although the odour has now disappeared with taking the anti biotics. Have a dragging sensation below and feel so much more comfortable sitting/lying. My job is desk based but wouldnt like to imagine having to sit in the same position constantly in the next few weeks.

Ballsintheair, i cant imagine how you would go back to nursing so soon: could you see another GP? otherwise you'll have to think about going back then signing yourself off if its too much. I have colleagues who had 8 weeks off (also NHS). My consultant initially said I MUST take off 3 months but in hospital he said 2-3: he gave me a certificate for 3 months so i only need to see GP if i want to go back earlier. Thanks,ladies, for reassurance about pain and BMs.On the up side, I could now do a mid stream urine without doubling up: so the prolapse repair working!!

i am an NHS dental nurse and i have been given 8 weeks off by my consultant due to being on my feet alot through the day and i am doing any heavy lifting, i was told the normal time is 6 weeks but i would of thought if you are involved in lifting patients it should be longer, if you go back too soon you could end up back at the beginning needing even more time off.

Hi. I am nearly 3 weeks post op but am still really sore and very tired. I wondered if any of you are still bleeding as I am - not just a discharge but bright fresh red blood. Is this right after 3 weeks? Or should I call the doc? I was told to be off work 10 weeks - 6 weeks no driving and I only have a check up scheduled in 5 weeks time from now. Really appreciate your comments if this is normal. Thanks!

Hello Ladies,

Thanks for all your advice. I'm trying to increase my activity levels now, (6 weeks tomorrow) I can do most things Vaccuming and mopping OK but lifting buckets, shopping and ironing, still make for a dragging soreness in my lower abdomen. I'm going to make an appointment with GP to explain that I need a little more time.

Have now had nookie, a little bit of a squeeze, but managed to relax and everything was very enjoyable. I actually feel a lot less tight and uncomfortable down there now, I think the stretch may have snapped the remaining sutures into submission, I can't seem to feel them now, Think the ends may have retracted into the wound to dissolve.

Patches, I don't think fresh blood is normal this far on, though you didn't say what your surgery was. I think it's best to get checked out today, rather than wait for appointment.

Have a good week Ladies

Hi all. I went to the consultant last week and he said taht I should do nothing until I have another baby. (or not have more kids and have the surgery when DD not needing lifted so much) Says that rectocele and cystocele not too bad but I am confused as by afternoon rectocele will hang out. Not sure if this is because I never had my tear restitched after perineal infection.

He said no reason not to have another with the prolapses but worried that they will get worse. Hard to make my mind up.

Has anyone carried a child with a rectocele and cystocele and how was it? If they both totally start to hang out does this do any harm?

Would appreciate advice as do not know what to do surgery or baby (but long for another).

Thanks ballsintheair - I will go get it checked out!
I had a rectocele with mesh op 29/09(through back wall of vagina) - when the packing came out out I bled an awful lot and had huge clots. The gynae said that it might not work as my pelvic floor was very high. I am battling with BM as even though soft(TMI?)they still bulge and are extremely sore. I hope this works as I really don't want to do this again!!!
It is encouraging to hear that many are getting back to normality. Well done!!

hi to all , it has been 2 weeks now and everything seems to be getting back to normal i have noticed the stitches coming away but i hope that is just the disolving process. i have had a little feel and everything seems to be holding, still only managing a bm every other day or so but that is better than i had before, and so far i havent had any back ache so thats a bonus too , hoping to start driving next week. or the kids will drive me mad in half term not being able to go anywhere. have a good day to all

Hi all, i am 4 weeks post op tomorrow. I wonder if anyone has had a lump to the side of the perenial wall. I noticed more soreness and when touching felt a hard lump beneath the skin - its not like a spot or anything though. I dont know if it could be the mesh that was used. Has anyone any suggestions? I feel uncomfortable with it. If I put little pressure at all it absolutele kills. Other than that, I feel quite normal down below, still unable to feel inside as there are still stiches there. Thanks. Hope everyone else is recovering fine.