Hi, finding so much reassurance from this site, it is so good to know that we are all going through the same or similar things.
I was wondering if anyone has may ideas of the time for recovery. I was told by my consultant it would be 3-6 months to fully recover due to the extent of the weakness in the posteria vagina wall
I had the op 4 weeks ago, but am still in pain if I do too much, and am feeling so frustrated at being so limited I what I can and can't do.
Any advice would be very welcome
jo
Hi Jo, I'd say your consultant is about right. It took me about 4 months to begin to feel more normal. Then as each month went by I felt more back to my usual self. Now 10 months on I feel brilliant and like a teenager again. Shame I couldn't get a face lift done at the same time - I did jokingly ask! (I'm nearly 70) EVERYTHING is back to how it was years ago - and I mean 'everything' - wink, wink. My husband is delighted.
Listen to your body. If you are still in discomfort take paracetamol or similar and please REST. That is the secret. It's a bit frustrating I know, having to ask someone to lift and carry but believe me it pays dividends in the end. None of us is the same and so recovery is different for everyone. It's like having your first baby or going to the dentist, you will hear all sorts of horror stories but remember, it's NOT going to happen to you. Take it all with a pinch of salt. Rest is the most important thing. You will probably have read my postings before on this subject, but it's so important if you want a good result and not have to have the operation done again. So don't put ANY strain on that area at all. Exercise each day by walking, but not too far and no lifting anything heavier than say, a full kettle, no pulling or carrying heavy shopping bags. Don't stand too long - say ironing - that's not good either. Until you feel better, do everything in moderation. When beginning bedroom activity it can be a bit scary to begin with, but the same advice here - be careful. Eventually you won't even think about it.
I had both my posterior and anterior (rectal wall and bladder wall) repaired and never ever thought things would heal so well, but they have. It's blooming fantastic what modern surgery can do these days. Good luck Jo and take it easy, you'll be fine. LadyPink
Thank you Ladypink, that is really reassuring. I am trying my best to rest as much as possible.
I do feel that these things need to be discussed more, it seemed such an embarrassing thing when I first went to the doctor after about a year of suffering in silence. I so wish I had been more active earlier. But I am on the mend now. It's just another woman's health issue that simply isn't mentioned enough.
i had first assumed I had hemeroids, and that went on for a long while, then I was told it was a rectal tear, but I always knew there was more to it, I just didn't speak up! It was a relief when it was all properly diagnosed after the first op for the repair to the rectal tear. One problem is that the rectal surgeons and gynochological surgeons are two separate fields.
Well thanks again for your very positive and helpful input.
jo
Hi Jo,
Like you I thought I had haemorrhoids and been told years ago I'd got a tiny anal tear anal too. Then I saw someone on tv's Embarrassing Bodies with exactly the same kind of vaginal 'bulge' as mine and was amazed when I heard it was caused by a rectocele prolapse. It prompted me to visit my doctor who examined me and confirmed what I suspected. I had got prolapses of both the bladder wall and the rectal wall. After another three years on and it had become a little worse and I began to research the condition online. I finally went to see a new GP after I'd moved to another house and discussed an operation with her. She wrote to our local hospital requesting an appointment. The rest is as they say, history.
I too was surprised when my surgeon told me that Gynae surgeons and rectal surgeons deal with those two areas separately.
I think I have been really lucky as I dealt with females from beginning to end so never any embarrassment to ask intimate questions or to be examined. I had a female GP, a female gynaecologist/surgeon and of course all the nurses were females. I found with being with only ladies made the whole thing far more relaxed and you could always share a joke and have a bit of fun.
This forum has got to be a big help too. It's really nice to swap experiences with others and offer advice if we can. I wish I had found this website BEFORE I'd had my operation then I wouldn't have been so worried before it was done.
Hi Jo,
something went wrong with my reply - so will try and condense what I was saying....
Like you I had mild haemorrhoids and an anal tear but it wasn't until I saw a TV programme dealing with 'embarrassing things' that I saw a lady with the same 'bulge' as I had down below. I heard that she'd got a rectocele prolapse. I then went to see my GP who confirmed I had in fact one from the bladder wall and one from the rectal wall too. Three or four years later I'd moved house and I'd decided to get some treatment. I saw my new GP and after an examination she explained what the operation would entail. She wrote to the local hospital requesting an appointment.
I have been really lucky because all the medical professionals I have seen from beginning to end have been females. This has made it far easier to ask questions and feel no embarrassment ever. You could always feel relaxed with them all and even share a joke most times.
I too was surprised to discover that there are two separate surgeons dealing with vaginas and rextums. You'd think they would be dealt with in the one department wouldn't you? Very odd!
This website and forum page is a godsend. I just wish I had found it BEFORE I had my operation done as I was terrified prior to the op. Now it's great being able to help others and set their minds at rest. LadyPink
It seems we have had fairly similar experiences, I too only got in touch with this site once I had had the op, but better late than never. I am a teacher and work on my feet, so am concerned about my return to work, I eventually got an appointment (luckily a cancellation moved me up the list) at the start of the summer holiday and I hoped I would be able to return I september. Realistically I feel it will be more likely. October,
Hi Jo I had the same as u plus anterior repair also I am 7 weeks in and still getting aches pains ..swollen belly pulling pains. Aches. Cramps. Fatigue. Aches in my vagina. Hurts after bowel movements. Still constipated . Weight gain. ..... I take heart from this forum to know that this is quite normal. Just time and rest xx take care and im happy to chat anytime cheers Ally.☺
Thanks Ali. I was thinking of trying to compile a list of things I wish I had known before the op. It has been so helpful and reassuring dead in about other people's experiences.
Jo
That should have read 'read' not dead...auto correct ..
Hi, it would be very helpful if you did write a list. I am 57 yrs old and have a rectocele and stress incontinece. I have been advised I will have surgery in the next few months but I am very confused. The Doctor gave me two leaflets, one for TVT and the other for Colposuspension. I asked what would be done about the rectocele as this is as much a problem as not getting to the loo to wee on occassions. She answered that they would 'sort that out at the same time'. I know I can ask questions when I go back in two months but I am at a loss as to what to ask! I am worried about how they do the op, I don't really want my abdomen cutting again, I had an ectopic pregnancy years ago & my muscles never did recover.
Hi Jennie
i don't know much about TVT surgery, but I am sure both the surgeries would be done internally through the vagina. the op I had for the rectocele was done to strengthen the posteria (back) wall of my vagina. This was done internally, and involved stitching - using dissolvable stitches and mesh to hold me together and get the prolapsed rectum back into place. There is a. Wealth of knowledge and support on this forum and I suggest you post a question here. The conditions are all related and it seems strange to me that rectal surgeons and gynochological surgeons often seem worlds apart even though the conditions they treat aren't. I have had rectal surgery to repair tears and gynochological surgery for the rectocele. I may also need another op if the rectum is not held in place - this sounds like the colon suspension op you mentioned. In my experience they did these procedures seperately.
In terms of alist of things I would have liked to have known before the op I was hoping that people might contribute with practical advice and suggestions of how we can help ourselves. For instance my belly and 'under carriage' were so sore I found wearing knickers to keep sanitary pads in place after the op was so terribly uncomfortable. I ended up buying some cotton ones that were 2 sizes larger thank normal. This made so much difference.
Constipation is a huge fear, and the opiate based painkillers fo tend yo block things up so it is vital to keep regular by eating plenty of fruit and fiber. I also use lactolose syrup as advised by my consultant. The squatting position when pooing is a great help, keeping your knees above your hips makes so much difference.
I hope that your op goes well, don't be afraid to ask questions and be assertive in getting the details you need. I know I was far too shy at the start and kept quiet about all sorts of my symptoms as I was not wanting to make a fuss and mostly through embarrassment.
good luck Jennie.
Hi Jennie
I agree with a lot of JoGardner has said and it seems that Jo and I had the same type of operation. A good idea I found, was to read on various websites via Google as much as I could about Rectocele and Cystocele Repairs. Also YouTube can be helpful with videos of actual procedures. All this can be helpful in as much as it gives you ideas for questions to ask.
This forum is also one of the best I've come across so any questions, post them here and I'm sure you'll get straight forward, honest answers.
Hi Jo, thank you for your reply and information. My Specialist gave me two lots of leaflet, one for Colposupsension which involves a bikin-line cut and the other leaflet for TVT which involves a small cut in the vagina and two small cuts low down on the tummy for the ends of the tape. I have to decide which I prefer and as I mentioned she said they would 'sort out' the rectocele at the same time. Thanks for the good wishes and I will post a question on here. Ladypink has also been very helpful. : )
Thanks for your reply Ladypink. I will search the web as you suggest. Everyone is so helpful on here.
All the very best Jennie. Good to know about the other procedures.
jo
Thanks Jo, much appreciated. Jennie.
Yes this forum is godsend. I am about 3weeks post surgery now and still so sore
Below, it actually feels like nappy rash ( the only way I can describe it) I have had
anti bioticcs and thrush treatments but nothing seems to help. The surgeon says
the stitches are not infected. I expect the dragging pain when I overdo it and the
exhaustion but can't seem to stop the stinging soreness. Anyone experience this?
Hi Lesley.
I still seem to be very sensitive below, and in the hot weather it does get worse. I don't have the nappy rash symptoms but have taken to having coolish baths to ease the discomfort once or twice a day.
Jo
Hi Jo, I have been showering but this morning I had a salt water bath and have just bought some dettol for wounds to pop in the bath. Will keep doung that and using the anaesthetic steroid cream and oestrogen cream. If still no better then ilm go back to my GP.
Salt water sound like a good idea, I will try that myself. I'd be careful with the detox on your sensitive bits though.
I hope it clears up soon. Take care.
Jo