Rectocele repair

Women's health
1

Hi all. I'm new to this so please be patient with me. I'm a 39 year old with 2 boys, 18 & 16.

I'm 7 weeks post op of a rectocele repair. Had my op on the Sunday which went well and was discharged from hospital the following day (Monday) but unfortunately for me I had to be re-admitted on the Tuesday due to complications, I could not open my Bowles which left me with fecal impaction. It was to say the least extremely painful. I was pumped full of laxatives & given 2 enimas & finally I was able to go.

My trouble is I can't be sure this complication didn't damage the surgery which was a couple of days old, and now I'm panicking 😢 I don't think my symptoms are like before the surgery but I still have some problems.

Please, if anyone out there can give me some personal advice, I would appreciate it very much.

Thank you in advance

2

Hello stacey. There's absolutely no reason why this would cause any damage. You won't have been the first patient in this situation and definitely not the last. I used to come across it often. The bowel is a large muscular organ that is really strong, it can take a lot of pressure so please don't worry because nobody in the hospital would do anything to cause further harm and you did the right thing getting readmitted than trying to deal with it yourself x

3

Thank you x

I'm a born worryier and have been worried for some weeks & still in some discomfort too. But reading this has helped x

4

You will still have some discomfort stacey because it can take up to 16 weeks for the internal sutures to dissolve. If you look on the Genitourinary Prolapse home page there's a section called Useful Resources and there is a lot of information you may find helpful particularly the South Tees Information. Just keep resting when you can, don't push yourself but rest as soon as you feel tired. This operation is classed as major surgery so look after yourself. 

5

I didn't know it was major surgery. I think I've been doing everything right? I've been off work since the op & im hoping to return next Monday 🤞But being a cleaner, my doctor is still a little concerned.

Thank you once again, I will post with an update after I've had my follow up appointment next week x

6

A lot of people don't realise it's classed as major surgery and that is why there's a lack of understanding as to just how important it is to take things slowly. I think your GP is right to be concerned but sometimes it's not convenient to take so much time off work. Rest as much as possible when you finish work and have some early nights even if you don't go to sleep being in bed will ensure you rest. If possible take a few more weeks off work but if you can't be careful and don't lift. 

7

Thank you for the advise, I will be resting as much as possible & wont be over doing it.

Thank you again

8

Good and I hope everything goes well at your post op appointment and keep in touch x

9

Hi Stacey! The gyns do the repair very strongly sewn, so don't worry, they foresee situations like yours. Ive recently had rectocele repair and I can say you will feel weird some days, sometimes I have felt like the repair has failed but after checking of my doc it was everything fine. I know saying is easy but try not to worry. Hugs!

10

Thank you, I think my worries are just worries, as I say, I'm a born worryer. I too have felt at certain points that the repair has failed, but then I can have better days. Don't think I could go through this op again. I have my post op next week, so fingers crossed, all is good 😊 I will post the outcome.

Thank you for the words of encouragement, it's very much appreciated x