op in January worried

Im having rectocele and cystocele repair in about 6 weeks. My consultant is sending me for a scan to check my ovaries he said he may have to do a vaginal hysterectomy which i dont really think i want or need. The first doctor i saw said my womb was fairly stable and in place. Got a grade 3 rectocele and grade 2 cystocele. I been so depressed by how my vagina looks and feels since my last child kinda feel broken and its not nice. Has anybody had sucessful surgery im terrified of being worse after or unable to have sex heard some scary storiessad

Hi Gemma, I am 6 weeks postop after grade 2 cystocele. I haven't had intercourse yet. I was told to abstain for 6 weeks but have had a bladder infection for the past 3 weeks so don't want to until that is cleared up. However, I have had an internal examination and all I can say is that felt just the way it always did. My gynae told me there should not be any effect on sex and in fact I'm sure a post on here from someone that said they found sex better after the op because everything was just firmer and in the right place I guess. Re the hysterectomy - I had that too because I had an ovarian cyst, I also had several fibroids but didn't know that until after op. I'm 64 so the standard procedure with ovarian cysts in someone my age is removal to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. If you are premenopausal and have ovarian cysts you don't have the same risk because there's always the possibility the cysts will disappear with a period. Make sure you have all the info before you agree to a procedure you don't want. You can always get a second opinion too - I did and my second pick for a gynae was fantastic. Good luck. 

My mother had this surgery 4 years ago and has not been the same since. She's had chronic pain and she's also seen Dr many occasions.  She can no longer sweep, walk long distance or stand for long period of time. It's sad and heart breaking how they find nothing wrong with her. But yet, her pain is there and she's learn to live with it. 

Hi gemma

I have just had prolapse repair surgery 4 and  a half weeks  ago.  Like any surgery there is always a risk! Just be sure your specialist is the best!!  Are they going to suture or use mesh?  Mesh can  have alot of complications. I had tfs tape which is much less invasive and has far fewer complications associated with it. Sufficient time for recovery is the most important. I am still resting as much as possible. My job is a sitting one...but I can't sit comfortably for more than 2 hours yet! Its taking longer than I expected but I dont have kids at home  and I work from home so I can rest when I need to. Everything is working better though and i dont feel like my insides are going to fall out when i go to the toot!! Why does your doc want to do a hysterectomy?  Part of my problem stems from having a hysterectomy  years ago and cutting one of the major supports for the pelvic sling.  Just make sure you understand everything fully before you go in!

I know how you feel...

Thanks for your reply carolannfud i'm 42 had my last child 3 years ago. I dont know what to expect from the surgery read lots of bad outcomes which kinda scares me. I hate the way my lady bits feel since my last child its affecting me mentally. Strange thing its i only leak urine when my bladder isnt really full. I seem to hold on to urine better when my bladder is realyl full weird. I suspest if they decide on a hysterectomy they will hopefully leave my ovaries intact so i dont go in the menopause. will update on here after my op thanks again for replying to me biggrin.

sorry to hear that sad

not sure why milly he said i may or may not need hysterectomy. I thought it was best to leave womb in as the top of the vagina can prolapse with out it ? Maybe its incase i have a womb problem they are unaware of. So going for a scan. Im 42 and still having peroids regular. I've read about the mesh i dont want that procedure. Will keep you posted thanks for replying smile

Yep...you are right...just make sure you know everything before you proceed!

Will be thinking of you!

Good luck gemma😊

Hi Gemma  I am 3 weeks post op . I had a vaginal hysterectomy, posterior repair & perineal repair. My ovaries have been left behind as I still had periods even though I am perimenapausal , I am on HRT. At 58 I didn't need my uterus any more & I had a grade 2 prolapse in any case so it needed to go. For me it wan't  a difficult decision. As regards sex it's too early yet but I am optimistic. If you read all the blogs, I have found personally they describe a journey most of us will progress through. The difference between now & 3 weeks ago when I first went on line and was so worried is amazing. A second opinion wouldn't hurt but you haven't had the results of the scan yet. Read all the blogs I think you may find the answers there.Good luck

Sue

Thankyou sue i will have a read through them its made me realise i'm not alone and it seems quite a common problem its a sensitive subject and not talked about enough. Up until i first saw my gp in august i thought i was imagining it was driving me crazy, was crying and read some horrid stuff on a forum where men joined it saying nasty things like thier wifes have be ruined sexually after giving birth and it upset me so much. Anyhow thank god i plucked up the courage to seek help. The lady gynaegologist  i seen was so lovely and understanding. My consultant is a man and specializes in prolapse problems. Keep you all posted.

My mother is 56. Her surgery like I said was 4 years ago. Even though because of her previous pain prior to her surgery she no longer was able to be sexy ally active. I can tell you that after her surgery, it got worse. She was never again able to be sexy ally active with my father. 

It doesn't mean it's going to happen to you. But I advice you to get all your questions answered and research done. Ask to speak to patients that your Dr. Has perform this procedure on. Best of blessings to you. God will guide you. 

So sorry for your mum..I feel very sad for her ......just terrible to be in constant pain..I agree with what you suggested to gemma..talk to patients that have had surgery with your doctor if you possibly can. There are also some wonderful outcomes from this kind of surgery. Has she considered seeing someone again....or is she too frightened?

She's frightened. She's afraid of going through something that may not have a positive outcome. it's sad to see her adjust her life to her pain. 

This is why i say.. ASK, RESEARCH, INVESTIGATE, DONT BE EMBARRASSED TO ASK WHAT MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE.  Maybe if we would've asked more my mother could've had other options as far as choosing maybe a different Doctor.  

God bless  

Dont give up.......keep up the research......I am about the same age as your mum  and I cant imagine living like that!

X

Hi Gemma,

I am 8 weeks post op for a grade 3 rectocele, I'm 32, and was also told i had uterus prolapse and they may remove it while repairing my rectocele. Thankfully the uterus was only a grade 1 and was fairly secure so was left. Also diagnosed with a grade 1 cystocyele that they left.

I still have good days and bad days, and really feel it if I've done too much, but still trying not to lift things. Sometimes its unavoidable as i have a 3.5 year old and a 22 month old to look after.

We tried sex for the first time a few days ago..i was very worried! But it was ok, we took it very slowly.

The only pain was where my stiches were on the outside between my perinum and my vagina (i had infection so are taking a bit longer to heal) i can only think that with time things will continue to improve in that department.

My prolapse was too after my last child, it was really affecting my self esteem and confidence and i got little support because it wasn't something people could 'see'. Fortunately my husband and the ladies on here were great.

Just ask your consultant any questions you have, and remember the only stupid question is the one you don't ask, it's your body and you need to be fully aware of what they are planning to do.

Good luck

Xx

I am interested to know which procedure everyone had....I am sure it makes a difference to recovery time and outcome. Mine was tissue fixation system ...not as widely known as others.....

thanks im have been doing my home work so i will have lots of questionscheesygrin.

Thankyou cobra god bless you and yours too.

Thank you sundagger thats made me feel better. Hope you have a healthy speedy happy outcome .

can i ask what a perineal repair is ive just been told i'm having a pelvic floor repair which is back wall front wall. I was cut with my first child right down to my bottom and i dont think i was stitched very well because my periniem is shorter than it was and i think this hasnt helped with the bulging skin at the entrance sorry for the discriptionredface