How would I know if my posterior repair has 'failed'

Women's health
1

I'm 2 weeks post op for rectocele repair - feel as if I'm doing nothing. Still have a dot or two of pink watery spots on my liner every day.

2

Ruth. Two weeks is so very early to assess the success of such major surgery. You will still be very swollen and have many internal stitches plus months of internal healing ahead of you. 

The recovery is long and slow and the hardest thing is being patient. 

Good luck. 😃

3

Hi Sheila,

Thanks, yup, I know all that. I'm barely moving! Trying to be patient...I just wondered what the signs of a failed op would be...i am keen for my spotting to stop. R

4

Hi Ruth

Again two weeks is still very early for the spotting to stop. 

I was hopelessly impatient, on a positive note my rectocele surgery has been very successful. 

5

Hi Sheila,

I am day 16 post A&P with TOT bladder sling repair.  My uro/gyn told me that it is normal for me to have blood tinged discharge for the first 2-3 weeks, then it would likely go to yellow creamy colored for another few weeks as stitches dissolved.  Any new blood tinged discharge typically means we are doing too much.  If there is bright red bleeding, especially if it saturates one pad/hour - that is an emergency and you should call your MD  immediately. 

I was also told laying around for the first 2-3 weeks - with intermittent periods up for brief walks around the house/garden are also normal and allow for healing to occur.  We aren’t supposed to lift more than 10#s and should limit bending to almost nil.  Like others have said - scar tissue isn’t formed very strongly until at least 12 weeks.

I think failures are when the Rectocele/Cystocele recur...and from what I hear about the swelling at our stage and for many weeks to come - there is no way we can tell anything from our “point of view” at this point.  Your MD should be able to visualize the internal healing at your post op visit...which from what I have read on these boards can occur anywhere from 2 weeks for the first brief check to as much as 12 weeks for some.  Mine is scheduled for 4 weeks from date of sgy.

I hope this helps. Wish you all the best!

6

Hi ED. 

My surgery was almost a year ago, my follow up wasn’t for 12 weeks, my consultant said before that is simply too early to judge. I laughed at the time, but she was so right! 

It’s a long journey but our bodies are amazing. 

All the best with your recovery. 😃

7

Hi Ruth,

I replied to your queries but accidentally sent to one to one of your other responders - hope you see all of our comments.  Wishing all of you the best!

ED2018

8

Hi Ruth

Why do you want to know if it's failed? You will soon feel a bulge just like before op.You have at least another 8 wks to go of healing yet. Be positive.x

9

Hi Ruth

I am 7 weeks post rectocele repair. I am still cautious of bending and lifting. Do some things round the kitchen, go walks to shops but husband carries shopping.

Went to doctor at week 5 worried about swelling a some spotting. She said things still looked little raw but she was happy. I had just overdone things.

Yesterday and today feel an ache right to pelvic area as if I have been hit along with some swelling so have had a lazy day as I have overdone things again.

As hard as it is rest and time is what we need.

Take care

10

Because I want to be informed; its not thst I'm not be patient. I am lying round and doing nothing. 'Soon see a bulge just like before op' - are you meaning thats what one would see if it had failed? 😑 - not that I can see up there myself....

11

Yes you would see a bulge at entrance but to be honest it's such early days for you if be very surprised. You would also feel that sensation we all know to well. You may also have pains and bleed more.

Any concerns please get checked hun,to have piece of mind.xx

12

You still have lots of swelling too which can look like a bulge.. I'd give yourself another month before swelling subsides hun.

13

You do not have to lay around and do nothing. My doc said I could take a walk at 9 days post op. These people saying you have to lay around for 12 weeks are misinformed or have compounded issues. I am going back to work on Week 5 and my job is strenuous. Listen to your body. 

14

I don't have any problems,I'm slim very fit and healthy and will take it very easy till 12 wks. Nothing wrong with being cautious but still walking each day.

I would not be returning to work till 12" weeks even though I'm capable to do so.

Everyone is different i suppose. Rest easy ladies and do what your gut tells youxx