Hi, I had a rectocele repair only 16 days ago and wondered if people could share how I should feel by now. I have four kids and am on my feet a lot probably more than I should be. I am taking movicol and that works as well as pretending to blow bubbles to get my bowl moving - all works. I am worried my vagina is going to be really tight after this. Does this happen. I also have what feels like a row of scar tissue between my front and back passage. I guess where skin was somehow folded in...? I am feeling miserable but not in horrendous pain. I picked my one and a half year old up a couple of times by mistake recently and didn't feel too bad. I am mostly worried about whether my stitches have burst - no idea but no blood. Also how do you know if you have an infection. I have yellowish discharge but no real bleeding. Any ideas of what I should expect ...especially sex after this - is it going to hurt/be too tight?
Hi, the row of stitches freaked me out but I can assurr you 8wks on I am smooth no obvious scar tissue.
I have 3 kids and was on my feet quicker than I should have been I have been very carefull not to lift anything and been doing pelvic floors since week 2
I had a feel about wk 4 and thought they had ckosed me up! But it was still swollen,
I am tighter now but its still in working order 
I had a lot of orange dishcharge which was apparently my body reacting to the stitches inside dissolving
Hi Kathryn. I'm 10 days post this procedure. I'm feeling much better (although like you said, going to the toilet isn't great fun). I'm fully mobile and driving again.
I don't think you could burst your stitches as they are one continuous stitch inside your vagina (I work in gynae and obstetrics) so if you 'broke' one, it would all go and it's really unlikely, because they're sturdily set in there. However by this stage your perineal stitches - if you had any - should have dessolved because they are thinner.
In regards to the discharge, it's normal to have discharge, perhaps it is yellow because it is slightly blood tinged? If it smells offensive, or is more gloopy/sticky than your normal discharge, Id see your Gp. If you are very worried about the stitches, I'd go to the Gp about that too
The scar tissue you're feeling may actually be the stitches, which are - for want of a better way to describe - like a zipper, a strip, running the length of your vagina, and if you're not taking it easy, it's probably still swollen and that may be what you're feeling.
As with sex, I don't know! I haven't got there personally, but I'm nervous too. I've felt myself and it is a lot smaller, but obviously it's still swollen. We'll see. Hope your pain improves xx
The yellow discharge is normal. Try not to pick up the baby, sit down and have her or him climb on your lap. Sixteen days is still so early, really try not to stand for too long. Let some things go. It is really important for you to try to put yourself first now, so you do not have a problem with it later. I can not imagine having to have it done again to repair something! I am just past 7 weeks out and finally this last week, I am feeling back to normal.
At that time and for several weeks after I had swelling where the stitches were between the front and back. it has gone down now. I had sex for the first time since the surgery, and I could start singing a Madonna song... It was tight, but doable. My Partner was worried at first, but he liked the results.
Having a bowel movement was much easier after I read on one of these discussions to put your feet on a small stool. I also used miralax every other day. I still use it every now and then.
Good luck with your recovery and Take it easy! I am older and my kids are on their own, I cannot imagine taking care of small children during recovery.Really can't stress enough to put yourself first, get some help from your family. Leave things for your husband to take care of.
Hi,
thanks for the info. I was really worried as I pulled what I thought was a stuck pube perhaps in the area where the stitches were, then wondered if it was in fact a stitch! If it is like one long stitch then I feel better now as I can't see any more. I had a feel which perhaps I shouldn't and one finger seemed tight. Got me really freaked out but I imagine the surgeon knew what he was doing. I am driving and walking around like normal to be honest which is probably too much. if you work in gynae when can I get back to say long walks and running.
I had a total meltdown earlier, crying in front of the kids as I don't think they or my husband appreciate how I feel. I have tried to explain to the kids that I don't feel great, and perhaps could they like stop fighting etc, but i guess they are just kids...4 sons has done for me!! LOL feeling better now
6-8 weeks is the usual recovery time, but it depends on each person, of course, I'd maybe try and build it up bit by bit and see how you go?
Such a shame they don't understand, I'm sorry! It must be tough. You've made it 16 days, you're getting there!!!
the stitches are a bit thicker than your hairs, but you will only have a couple of knots (if you haven't had the perineal repair also, if you have, there will be more) and they will be inside the vagina.
I know it sounds strange, but why not look? But remember when you do that it's not the finished article yet! Then you might be able to see where the stitch knot(s) are?
The swelling and tightness again depends on each person. I'm even unsure about mine! I knew my consultant well and he said there was a 'big difference' before and after, but I can't be sure!
Hello Kathryn, OMG, only 16/17 days post op and you're doing far too much!!!! Have you got someone there to look after you? There is no way you should be doing what you are doing. Please, please, you have to take things easy otherwise all the things you are scared of happening, will happen. Gravity pushes everything south and all the time you are on your feet, doing chores, picking up anything heavier than a kettle of water is dangerous. You will still be very swollen and tender for a while, so your body has to be given time to heal and adjust to the changes. The way you look after yourself now is crucial and could affect you later. You should not be doing anything more than a short walk around the house for the first six weeks, increasing the distance a little at a time, then at say ten weeks you should be able to do light housework. Even then, don't get overtired and sit with feet up as soon as you ache down below, Sex can be resumed at around 8-10 weeks or even longer it depends how you feel. If you do as you are told and take things easy, have help with the house and children you will find you will heal better and the swelling reduce quicker. I had help for 8 weeks and after that I was able to do most things but in moderation. I felt really guilty but I rested an awful lot but it's paid off, as now, 14 months down the line life is blooming fantastic. I feel back to how I felt in my twenties even though I am 70 (a young and active one I should add) and sex is fantastic with no problems at all.
You will feel all those stitches underneath by the way and it is where the skin is folded. I had the same. Everything will reduce with time and rest. I had a yellowish discharge too which eventually cleared up when the stitches had gone. Try not to rely on laxatives for too long. Eat fruit such as clementines, oranges summer fruits with yoghurt, apples, pears, prunes etc and eat a high fibre diet. Drink lots of fluids too of course. As for your vagina ending up being too tight; well I doubt it. You can't tell yet anyway so stop worrying. If you take it easy when the time comes and you use plenty of lubricant in the beginning such as Sensilube or Sylk from Boots all will be well believe me. So Kathryn, look after yourself, take it easy and rest, rest, rest that's the best advice I can give. Enjoy your Christmas and try not to worry but should you want to ask any more questions, there's lots of friends on this Forum who can help. Best wishes, LadyPink
I had rectocele repair, laparascopic subtotal hysterectomy and cervical mesh surgery 17 days ago. I have found these forums so useful. The biggest shock for me was the level of pain I have experienced from the repair. This was not mentioned at all during any of my pre op appointments which concentrated on the hysterectomy, avoiding constipation and the need to avoid lifting and housework. They did not tell me to avoid bending. I too have some concerns about the swelling and scarring. I must admit that I have not thought too much about the aesthetics! I have had a peek using a mirror and to be honest the swelling makes it difficult to make a judgement on how it will eventually look. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery.
I am recovering from an anterior and posterior prolapse repair operation which I had on 17th December. Not a pleasant operation to say the least! No one prepared me for the discomfort i would suffer and how vulnerable you feel after the op.I think the most annoying thing about this condition is the fact that in a high percentage of cases we could prevent this condition from happening. Apparently 30% of women will need this operation.
On researching this topic, which I knew nothing about, I soon discovered that by constantly doing pelvic floor exercises throughout my life I could have helped to prevent this upsetting condition.The NHS could save millions of pounds and women would be happier and healthier as a result.
Why are we not constantly reminded about the importance of pelvic floor exercises throughout our life? When we go for smear tests nurses could remind us.There could be posters up at doctors surgeries and any other prominent public areas which would make women more aware of these vital exercises. Physiotherapists could hold women's pelvic floor exercise classes where this topic is discussed, thus putting it in the forefront of women's consciousness.
Women have a design fault in their anatomy. The bladder, bowel and womb are all held up by strong pelvic floor muscles. If you have had babies then your pelvic floor muscles will have become weaker and therefore need strengthening As soon as these muscles fail then BIG TROUBLE! When i had my children 30 years ago i was told to do pelvic floor exercises to get back into shape but was not given the knowledge of what could happen if i didn't keep doing them on a daily basis throughout life!
SO START THOSE DAILY PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES NOW
BECAUSE PREVENTION IS SO IMPORTANT
I know this thread is a year old it I wonder how those who just had surgeryvarevnow?
I had surgery for anterior prolapse 12 days ago. Prior to op my cervix was v low and at times
In the month protruded from the vagina. In am 39 with a nearly 5 yr
old who had a fast entrance on 2nd stage of labour.
I have done little on my core since birth, given the old incorrect advice
to do pelvic floor by stopping wee mid flow. Only when saw gynaecological
Physio few years ago did I realise, by then my floor was too week, had been
exacerbated by lifting when unfit. Pessaries didn't work for me
I didn't want a hysterectomy as Physio says that can compound prolapse
issues. However the consultant tried to persuade me and after op said
I should have had one as cervix so low. I am worried I have been through
this and a going to find it's the same. The other day it was low and I
felt stitches that seemed to be in cervix. Am hoping when swelling goes
it will improve.
I think recovery can depend on age. My doctor is happy for me to return
to work two and half weeks after op. I have a desk job and it's a 20
minute drive. Tbh I would be doing less up and down stair etc there
than at home. No exercise apart from walking ATM and seeing consultant
Wednesday as had smelly discharge. I don't have a temperature and
he says likely to be sutures dissolving
Hope you ladies are all recovered
I had the surgery 2 weeks ago. My discharge is a yellow green for about a week. Not sure how long it takes stitches to dissolve. I also started having cramping pain today. Don't k ow if that is normal either. I wish they would give you a list of what to expect during recovery so that we can ease our minds that all is normal. Really wish they would have told me about the crazy amount of pressure there is. Sometimes feel like it is going to drop right out.
Hi all,
I had this surgery and a hysterectomy at the same time both hurt, I forfot and picked up my one yr old grandson a few times I'm sore but don't think anything burst. Now I'm worried I'm only 7 days post op. I do a lot of weight lifting with excercise so prob. Didn't affect it too much. Thanks for your post very helpful
Shazama
Hi there, I had same procedure with a perionoscopy as well and it's now coming to 12 weeks ago. I had discharge pink, orange and yellow, I did not bath only showered until my 6 wk check, I rested a lot all was great, surgeon said I was two fingers width now in Virginia had sex for first time 2 weeks ago and all fine, hubby happy. Discharge has only ceased in last week and half so don't panic unless sore. I must say my recovery has gone great and I was dreading it after reading a lot of stories but only you know your body so listen to it. I am one happy lady now and have decided no more heavy lifting no matter what and do my keagles twice a day now should do at least 3 x but forget so do them when in bed at night and before I get up twice better than none. Oh I am back on exercise now but no core ones. Stitches are smooth now so do need at least 2/3 months for ALL things to settle. Stay well Lynn x
Hello Pink Lady,
Thank you sooo much for your post!!! It is very helpful. I have just had my rectocele this morning!!! I am very concerned about the first bowel movement. Can you remember when you had yours?? I love your suggestion of the fruita and yogurt!! I do plan on giving my body time to heal and heal correctly. Again thank you for being so open and sharing!!!
Sonya
Hi CoachSonya. I'm just 4 weeks post op for rectocele, and slight cycstocele. I have been doing a little more than LadyPink has suggested, but think everything is going ok. It's very difficult to stop doing things when you start to feel a bit better. My first BM was 3 days after the op. Make sure as stated you drink plenty of fluids, and light meals until you go! I've carried on with a balanced diet the majority of the time, fluids and one movicol a day. So far so good. Just remember no straining, gentle breathing and if you can raise your feet slightly so your knees are just above hip level, that is a better position for ease. Hope your pain isn't too bad. X
Iam two weeks pro op for vaginal rectocole
Seems to be only stitches inside ... I'm still swollen but the thing driving me mad is the prickly iratating itching all on out side of vagina ... I wonder if anyone else has got this or if have experienced anything like it ?
Hi there I had rectocole two weeks ago no stitches on the outside though ... my problem is is prickly itching feeling on outside of vagina I can't understand as if there is no stitches on the outside I keep wondering what is causing it .... hope you are getting better now ...
Hi Deny,
Could the itchy/iritating feeling be from being shaved? Or because it's healing? Just had posterior repair (with bladder sling for stress incontinence) 8 days ago. I was straining the next day during a BM, and it was hurting (and so sore too) so of course I'm paranoid that I did some damage. I do have the "donut" to sit on, and that does help especially on a firm chair.
Hi zu zu ... it's
Not from shaving the itching as eased a bit ... but now 22 days on still ache after standing long periods and I can feel a long stitch hanging out so they obviously have not dissolved yet .. hope you are doing ok ? X
Hi Jiggy,
Agree with all you have said very much and we also should be warned that going through the menopause also weakens our ligaments, and pelvic floor weakens therefor at older age we women should be extra careful not to overdo things at gym, in the garden and at work if in heavy duties.
You are so right that we should be more aware of what can go wrong if we do not keep up with pelvic floor exercises.
They need to be far more explicit.
Phyl x