My surgery was done laproscopically with 5 small holes in my stomach. A mesh has been inserted in the rectocele repair. I have been told I must not strain or get constipated and have been given some laxatives. I am doing all I can to eat the correct diet and drinking plenty of water but I'm still worried I might do some damage. I have managed to pass motions from the4 th post op day. But it's still a worry.
Please don't worry Mary, as long as you follow the advice given, you will be fine. It is very important not to lift anything heavier than a kettle containing a cup of water until you have been given the go ahead from your urologist. I took lactulose for several weeks to help with bms, others have suggested using a footstool to raise the legs and ease the passage of bms, drink plenty of water, don't try to walk too far or do too much. I had the same op for recto/entero and cystocele, am now 6 months post op and feel fine, but I still take care and don't lift anything too heavy or try to move heavy furniture etc. It's a major op and your body needs time to heal. Good luck with your recovery.
Thank you Frances, it's a comfort to hear from someone who has gone through the same thing. You have reassured me that I am doing things correctly. Thanks again.
I was worried about it too but everything was ok. I used a stool softener (not the same as a laxative) regularly to keep things easy to pass. I also found glycerin suppositories to be very helpful.
Just keep in mind that opiates are constipating so it's normal to need extra help while you are taking them.
Hi Mary, I was the same but lactalose is great, I never had to strain I am coming up to 4 weeks post op and have had very easy bm. Also as said no lifting bending and stretching, I am doing some cooking now but hubby still doing hoovering shopping washing and bed making. I have my follow up first week in April and will see what I am told by surgeon before I attempt to do any of the above. You will be fine, rest rest rest, I tended to walk in the dining room and kitchen every 30 mins, it helps circulation and bowels xx