I had prolapse surgery for anterior and rectocele four weeks ago. I still feel swollen and am so so tired but can't sleep in the day and takes ages at night to drop off. Haven't left the house as too exhausted. Feeling very emotional last few days and now also like I may have thrush. Is this normal? Am seeing consultant in two weeks. I've phoned a couple of times but been told it's fine.
I always say on this forum that the swelling increases around the 4th week and it's perfectly normal. It will settle but slowly and continuing rest is important. Any surgery can have an emotional affect on any patient and again it's quite normal. You don't say how old you are but if the exhaustion continues into around the 8th week see your GP because you may need a blood test. You could be anaemic for instance which could account for your insomnia as well. It's more than likely unrelated to your surgery because most ladies do sleep reasonably well after surgery particularly when the pain is controlled.
Hello Matron
If you have the time could you explain to me why the swelling increases around the 4th week, your information is always so helpful and interesting.
Hello tam no problem. As you heal white blood cells and fluids move gradually into the area and release chemicals. It's a natural part of healing from any surgery or an injury. The fluid is retained in a very sensitive area and because of where the pelvic and vulval region is situated it's difficult to prevent or stop the swelling. For instance if you had an injury to your leg you would elevate it and the fluid would disperse quicker but it's difficult to elevate your pubic area so the fluid stays there and increases. Hope that explains it.
Hi matron, thank you so much for your advice. I'm so relieved I found this page! Your advice is very reassuring. You asked my age I'm 45 and usually very active. Probably makes it harder. I sleep ok at night but sometimes takes a while for me to drop off, but however tired I am just can't sleep in the day. I am resting all the time though. Would walking aid my recovery? Thanks x
Going for short walks (not on your own to begin with) is a good idea and will hopefully help you sleep and your strength. Just build up the walking gradually but don't overdo it so if you feel tired don't push yourself but rest. Tiring yourself out won't help. I asked your age because unable to sleep is common in menopausal and peri menopausal women, in fact it can be a big problem.
Thanks so much it really helps when you understand things, xx
Perhaps I should explain things a bit better. I've made that comment so many times but didn't think to explain why the swelling gets worse before it gets better.
Your comments are all so helpful and very clear, not everything needs to be explained in detail but the swelling was something that I was really curious about.
Went out for walk today. Felt fine at the time tho soon tired and now shattered and swollen feeling. Feel bloated too is that all part of it? The gift that keeps on giving!
Yesterday I walked more than usual and was out for most of the day, by the time I was back home everything was feeling really uncomfortable and I still had supper to make. I fell asleep watching TV, just couldn't keep my eyes open. Today I'm taking things really easy and going to rest most of the time. I also feel like I'm bloated.Take care xx
It's usually a sign you have overdone things a bit jobobo so take things easy.
Thanks Matron. Always great advice. Tam sounds like we are much the same. Am still in bed now nice lazy day. Can't wait to see the specialist to know it's all ok and worthwhile feeling all of this!
I'm also 4 weeks post op and am exhausted I feel like I've gone backwards the pain is back and I just want to sleep,
I hope you can get some rest
How you feel is typical at 4 weeks post op Miss30. My motto is "listen to your body" and at the moment your body is telling you to rest.
I'm sure it will be worthwhile jobobo. Just keep resting.