My Anteria and Posteria Repair

Women's health
1

Hi Ladies,

Prior to having my Anteria and Posteria Repair, mainly due to problems going for a poo, when to be frank it felt like I was trying to push the poo sideways out of my bottom, resulting in lots of pain and blood - making me very unhappy. After reading this and other forums, which I found very helpful (which is why I'm contributing now in the hopes that this helps others) I decided that although some people had not had a good experience it was worth the risk rather than putting up with the pain for the rest of my life (47 at the time).

On examining me the Dr found that I had significant bladder weakness too and he suggested that he could improve both - he did seem to focus on the bladder a little when I kept telling him it was my bum that was more of an issue - I digress a little as you know how dismissive doctors can be and how hard it is to stick up for yourself, especially in this area which not only affects you physically but psycologically as it impacts your sexuallity and self confidence too.

So I had the op in May 2013 and I recognise a lot of the other post-op entries on this forum but the main instructions were - 3 Golden Rules, number 1 - don't lift more than half a kettle for 6 weeks. Number 2 do pelvic floor exercises or it will all come back and need doing again. Number 3 make sure you stick to rule one and two.

I took 8 weeks off work (I have a desk job and a supportive employer) and followed the rules I, 2 and 3. Yes it was difficult and very frustrating also for the family to remember when you look fit and able but you can't bend to pick stuff up as it would pressure where you shouldn't have it.

It wasn't all plain sailing with pain and concern about stitches not disolving as quick as I hoped but I wanted to let you know that now (9 months on) I feel more confident, sexy and in control of my bodily functions. The Rectocele hasn't made things perfect but things are still improving even after so long so perhaps it will get even better but if not, its much much better than before.

Regarding the sex, thats better too and one thing I wanted to share - I noticed significant dryness for around 6 months, around the scar tissue but I', happy to say that this is also is improving.

Basically well worth having done and I would advise anyone to go for it. Prolaps issues should be taken much more seriously by GPs as it is embarassing to discuss and we deserve to feel 'Right' and everything that entails!!

2

Thank-you Happylady I am waiting to have a Prolapse Operation and have heard some horrendous stories about results so I am so grateful to read of your successful operation. and I feel much more confident about it now. Pollydoddle

3

Hi ladies

I am 12 days post op from mild prolapse and tvt bladder repair. I am doing okay but not as good as I hoped. I am probably just hoping for too much too soon. I would agree with the 3 golden rules which I strictly haven't adhered to although not by too much. Firstly my bladder wasnt functioning properly so got sent home from the hospital with the catheter for an extra couple of days which was tough. I got the catheter out last Monday and it had been doing well but still did get an infection which isn't unusual. I do still have pains in my tummy but I am assuming that's just everything knitting together..........fingers crossed. I can sneeze and cough without leakage which is the main things. I am hoping it is just rest now.

4

Hiya, as you say its very early days for you and you really have to remember that although you cant actually see the scar, you have had a big operation and that you should take things very carefully. I followed the rules and as frustrating as it may have been I am still improving 10 months on. it takes time, but I hope you get similar results. It really was worth it.

5

Very encouraging to read mostly positive experiences. I had a posterior repair and TVT 2 weeks ago, and things seem to be progressing. But I wonder how much bleeding is normal? Last week the discharge was so slight I had started using panty liners, but then had sudden bright red bleeding, and was given antibiotics for a bladder infection. Now the bleeding has eased off quite a lot, though still needing pads, and have had some small clots. What should I expect?

Also not sure what's meant by building up daily walks. Just to the end of the garden so far!

Any thoughts welcome, thank you

6

Hi, I am now 7 weeks post op and things still haven't settled but it is still early days I suppose. I feel as though I am worse now than say 2 weeks ago with niggling pains and a lot of it seeming to be underneath like an achy/trailing feeling. I have recently started driving again and I am not sure whether that has something to do with it. How do you feel your tvt open has gone. Have you had any problems?

7

Hi Debi, I am very hopeful re the tvt. I had been worried about coming home/living with a catheter, but it was taken out the morning after the op, and I managed to pee a few hours later. The flow is different - a little gush, then dribbles for a min or so. Don't know if this will settle, but it's ok. Usually 3-4 hrs between visits, and I coughed yesterday without leaking - miracle.

8

Hi Happy Lady

It's encouraging to read your story. Can I ask when you started the pelvic floor exercises? 4 weeks post tvt and posterior repair I still have discomfort when I walk or do the exercises. I worry that I may be causing damage.

9

Hi HappyLady

i have a question I hope you (or others) maybe able to help with. 

I'm 3.5 weeks post op for same op as you. I have found that internally (within my vagina) I am really swollen. Did you have the same? I literally can't fine a divide between front and rear. I can't image that this swelling will reduce enough in 2.5 weeks to even think about sex!! 

Thanks

kirsty

10

See my post re PelviTone...

11

Hi there

i am not sure what the pelvitone machine does.  Before my surgery was agreed I used a little electronic machine to try and help with my pelvic floors but it didn't work as I think I was probably beyond anything other than surgery.  I am now 12 weeks post surgery and things down below are great tho I will start to use the electronic machine now that I am 12 weeks post op to improve my pelvic floors and make sure that there are no prolapses of any kind in future so it was worth the money.

12

thanks for your post it was very uplifting to read.  I had my surgery for prolapse bladder on june 23rd (6 and half weeks ago) and am wondering if some of my symptoms are similar to what you experienced.  I go back to work next week on Wednesday.  I constantly get swollen stomach, and cramp like aches in my lower belly as if I have had period pain (but I have had hysterectomy 20 years ago).  I get very tired and I also have anterior/posterier vaginal repair and up about 2 inches into my vagina I have a very sharp piece of nylon or plastic (stiches?) - is this similar to what you experienced?

thanks Ally

13

Hi

i obviously didn't have the same operation as you but similar but nearly 6 months on and I am still very tired.  I don't think we realise how much it takes out of us.

Every pain I had I thought that something had gone wrong.  It's a very personal operation and I think we just want everything to be perfect ASAP but unfortunately it is a long healing process.  The stitches can take up to 12 weeks to fully dissolve.  I had all the aches that you are having but I promise you they do settle down so please try and not worry too much.

even know I am still paranoid that something has gone wrong which is just silly.

good luck with your recovery.  Take it easy as much as you can.  I too went back to work after 6 weeks but wasn't back full time until 12 weeks so just look after yourself and rest when you can and let me know how your doing.

debi

14

Hi Debi thx so much for ur support ..yes like u I keep thinking ive done damage cos everything I do causes some sort of pain.... its the weight gain I hate and at same time find that just a few easy daily tasks causes more pain and tiredness ... how long before ur bladder started to work normally .. I still feel like I have to pee a lot and can feel the pressure on my bladder to go and moving my bowels causes a whole different set of aches... I try not to say too much to family cos it feels like im complaining all the time .. I see my specialist in 3 days.. r there any thing u have heard me say that was not normal for u that I should ask him about? Thx again Ally 

15

Hi ally,

I would definitely mention the sharp piece of plastic /stitches altho they will do an internal anyway.  I was so worried that I ended up with an apt to see consultant after only four weeks and I had been worrying over nothing.  I thought I had prolapsed again but hadn't.

my bladder took a while to settle down.  It didn't work at all to begin with and I was discharged with a catheter and even still the flow isn't great and it does take much longer.  I also have to watch that I don't overfill if I am out having a few drinks as it then takes ages to empty and it is very uncomfortable.  It has all been worth it though as I don't have any leakage at all now.

16

Hi Debi thx for that and for sharing its so great to have someone who understands and has been thru it as I dont know anyone personally who has had procedure and I as such im not sure what questions to ask and what to expect  so thx again cheers Ally ps its time for me to go to bed its past my bedtime in Adelaide south Australia ☺

17

hi debbie hope things are still getting better for you. I had my posterior vaginal repair 4 days ago and I feel so exhausted all the time. I just about managed a short walk round a lake. I know I'm 70 but before was doing 8 mile hikes. How soon did you get to feel more like your normal self energy wise. Also did you find you were crying a lot more?

18

Hi Elsae

wow you are a fit lady.  I just had a checkup tonight 7 1/2 weeks in and only just starting to feel ok.  my specialist said still no vacuuming, or pelvic floor exercises.  walking only.  and i start back at work on monday.

I am still not convinced that the op has worked for me yet as i still have pressure on my bladder as if i have not emptied properly so need to go on antibiotics and need to have vaginal eostrogen as my skin is very thin which is why my stich poked through the skin.

dont feel bad after 4 days....it took me 4 weeks to start to not be sleeping all the time and im 48 years old.

I wasnt crying all the time but it does take a lot out of you.

just rest and dont try to do anything before you are ready

thanks

Ally

19

Short walk round a lake! Please be careful. You do sound very fit, but any dragging sensation is a warning to stop. The more you put your feet up (literally, not just sitting in a chair) the better, at this stage.

20

I knew it! The guides and pamphlets all say to start pelvic floor exercises straight away. Some even say as soon as the packing comes out. I just found it painful, so stopped. I now use the kegel app, which talks you through it, and takes you through graded exercises. Please be careful back at work. This operation really does take it out of you. Be kind to yourself.