Newly Diagnosed with Rectocele...

Women's health
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Hello. I'm new to this forum. Age 56, very active, delivered 2 kids 25-30 yrs ago vaginally, no complications except for a fistula surgery a year after. I suffer from gastric reflux, IBS (usually diahrrea), and internal/external hemorrhoids which recently gave me a rough ride last month. So I went to a new colorectal specialist a few weeks ago due to a rare bout of constipation that was causing pain, bleeding and rectal prolapse. She dx'd hemorrhoids, prescriped cream & recommended surgery for them in the next few months after the inflammation recedes. In the meantime, I saw my gyn for annual exam and mentioned all this, because the perineum, episiotomy area was also inflamed and bulging all over. She dx'd me with a rectocele, said it was minimal, we could monitor it or it could be repaired but really didn't discuss exact details. Not even sure what grade the rectocele is.

So ... what next? Have the hemorrhoid surgery first, or can it all be corrected with one surgery by a specialist? I have followup with the colorectal early January and will mention the rectocele, which is clearly bothering me more.  

I think I'm going to schedule a full consult with my gyn to discuss this rectocele, as she is specialty trained in the Da Vinci robotics surgery.  I'm starting to research that. I think this has been developing for a long time but I've ignored the symptoms because I'm active - exercise nearly every day with kickboxing, gym, etc. Not much stops me!  But I have noticed occasional urinary retention, slackness in vaginal area, flatulence not able to control, some sexual issues I just chalked up to early menopause. But now I'm thinking it's all related. What a mess.

Geez, I'd like to get "fixed" in one fell swoop as I am impatient and know from past surgeries I was chomping at the bit to get back into action. I will be following this forum for your wonderful advice! Thanks.

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Hello collie. Reading your post I don't think you are in the Uk, am I right? I can only speak for the UK. Here I would not want or expect the same surgeon to deal with my haemorrhoids and rectocele. Only a urogynaecologist should repair a rectocele where as a general surgeon can remove haemorrhoids. A rectocele shouldn't cause urinary retention but can cause flatulance and other bowel problems.

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Please get a referral for an UROGYNECOGIST they are the experts in pelvic floor disorders

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Correct, I am in the northeast US. Thank you for that advice. Not causing pain or anything, just some discomfort and feeling a mix of emotions, overwhelmed by it, you know? I'll check and see if my dr is technically a "urogynecologist." I know she's specialized in Da Vinci, and has done rectocele repairs. The head gyn dr in her office specializes in pelvic floor disorders. More research to do. Thanks again!

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Thank you!

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I think the way consultant's work in the US is different to here in the UK and that not only urogynaecologists but urologists are specialists in prolapse repair. They undertake extra training similar to our urogynaecologists so please don't be put off if your surgeon doesn't have the urogynaecologist title. From what you say it sounds as though you have the specialist who can deal with prolapse repair. Prolapse tend not to cause pain but discomfort which over time becomes wearing and other secondary problems occur. I know exactly how you feel. On the Genitourinary home page is a section titled Useful Resource and there you will find some interesting and up to date information. The South Tees information which I was involved in will only be useful when you've had surgery but it will give you some idea as to what to expect. Good luck x