Rectocele repair and rectal plication, 3 weeks post op

Women's health
1

Hi Ladies,

I'm three weeks post op from rectocele repair and rectal plication (not entirely sure what this means). Today I appear to have lost a stitch which I'm not sure whether it's come from back passage or vagina (sorry if TMI). I know stitches are dissolvable. Don't know whether it's all in the mind but it feels a bit achy down there. I had had a BM previously which wasn't too bad and hadn't overly strained (I tend to hold underneath when I'm doing it anyway). Just wondered if anyone else had had this. I know it's early days post op and I am trying to rest as much as possible and I'm still off work. Greatful for any advice, many thanks.

2

Yes had it after op full stitch came away on my perineum & I got an infection from a combination of stitches & bladder. My consultant recommended a bath each day containing saxa table salt to help stitches heal faster.

3

Thanks for your help. I keep feeling like I need a wee too but bladder not really full. Wondered if this was the after effects of having the catheter in place. I have had a few baths with salt but maybe I need more rather than showering. How long did it take for the achy and stinging feeling to go?

4

I had a catherer in for three weeks that made recovery slower & sorer. I felt like I had cytisis and felt like it stung to pee. I had a bladder infection & needed to take two anti biotics. I am 5 wks post op & still aware of stitches. I had my period the last few days so felt like stitches were inflammed so upped the salt in the bath. My consultant said take 1-3 salted baths a day.

5

Thanks. I only had catheter in for 24 hours, poor you that sounds awful. I will definately increase the salt baths, I had one last night so I wonder if that's why the stitch has come out today. I still have visible stitches inside the vagina. I'm going through menopause so not having periods but does still feel inflamed underneath. How long were you told to rest for? I'm resting as much as possible but getting a bit fed up as I'm usually so busy.

6

I was told to rest for 6 weeks but also finding it hard as I have three kids under 6. Especially finding it hard that I cant drive but outings are draining.

How are your bowel movement. I found the pains the worse they felt like contractions but I have pelvic floor repair with anterior, posterior & peranium so hopefully yours are not so bad

7

Gosh that must be so difficult with young children too.

I had posterior repair and rectal plication. BM have been much better, that was one of my main problems before. I am still taking Lactulose but a slightly lower dose and I am using a small step to put my feet on as suggested and it has worked wonders. I still tend to hold myself underneath so as not to strain too much. If you've not tried using a step for your feet it's definately worth a try, I was surprised at the huge difference.

8

it was harder than expected because I can't lift my baby. I use the kid's step & find putting my elbows on my knees & leaning forward helps. Still on lactulose too had to stop taking senokat as it was giving me bad cramps.

I am seeing my consultant next week for 6 wk check up so hoping I can drive & resume some activities & relations with hubby.

9

Aw yes that must be so difficult. I'm lucky with all my kids grown up, although my youngest who is 17 is autistic so a bit difficult to get him to understand I need rest. I'm not seeing my consultant until May so I'm hoping to be back to work before then. Hopefully you will get on ok, I'm terrified of relations with hubby, he's been brilliant though so hopefully with time it will be ok.

10

Hi rhona

I was told to drink plenty of water and take fybrogel and lactilose to avoid straining with bm's. I still use these four months on and intend to use them forever. I have checked with my doctor and this will be fine to do. I too lost a stitch.....keep drinking plenty of water and hopefully things will improve.

11

Hi,

Thanks so much for the advice. I think I too will carry on with the lactulose forever, I think I would be too scared not to. I wish I just understood more about exactly what has been done (where are all the stitches and how is it all put back together). My consultant didn't really explain in detail. I have watched some stuff on youtube as suggested on here but not really sure if it's the exact same. I think you just get so scared of it all coming undone and don't want to go through the procedure again. Hopefully with time I will feel more confident.