swelling or prolapse 4weeks PO

Women's health
1

Hi all 

Wondering if anyone can help, I’m having a bit of a rubbish time so positivity is not on my side sad 

I am 4 weeks post A&P repairs, peranium repair and laparoscopic removal of Granulation tissue following hysterectomy in September 17 

The hysterectomy was done by mistake I should have had repairs done hence surgery so close together 

My question is I still see a a bulge where my cystocele was, it’s smaller but my vaginal opening still looks full of tissues, if I walk around for too long feel heavy as I did prior too surgery 

Have I reprolapsed already or is this swelling? The thought of more surgery makes me feel sick 😔 xx

2

At 4 weeks this is most certainly swelling I'm pretty sure. 4 weeks is really early and the heaviness you feel is your body telling you to rest, it will get better but complete rest is the key. I'm sorry to say but it will be some time yet before you feel anything like your old self, but you will get there.

3

Hi Chloe

I am nearly 5 weeks post op for cysto recto entero urethral repair for the 3rd time.  At 4 weeks there is still definitely swelling. The best you can do is be horizontal as often as you can for the next 4 weeks if possible as gravity is not your friend.  The surgery is done , you control how much pressure you put on your slowly healing tissue don't rush being in you feet. I don't even sit as yet. 

Like you I feel as if the cysto is still bulging  but have lost faith in the outcome of a possible no 4. 

Keep your spirits up girl!

Peta

4

I really believe that Surgeons staff should check in on their patients every week for the  first 6 weeks to allay all the concerns that appear on these forums. 

Some women are given so little information about expectations and realistic limitations  as I was at the time of my first and second pelvic reconstruction. 

I am not a feminist but we need more great female  uro gynae s who understand what a woman's life is all about. 

Peta

5

Oh gosh it's way too early to be trying to look! Leave it all alone. Your stitches probably aren't even out yet. They only start tightening between 3-5wks. Don't even try & look till around 3mths! How do you mean the hysterectomy was done by mistake?

6

Thankyou 

I know I shouldn’t look but I’m so over run with anxiety I just couldnt help it

The consultant looked at wrong notes so done wrong procedure 😢 

I wish I had known that this swelling would mimic prolapse I am so anxious about it all xx

7

Hi. I will be 4 weeks post TVH with anterior and posterior repairs in Wednesday . I too have the same worries and fears. Feeling guilty every time I do anything in case it is too much, whatever that is. No pain which means I  feel better than I probably am. Walking I feel less pressure than before the op so hopefully that is a good sign. Pottered in the house yesterday, sat up for most of the day and had my longest walk so far. Taking it easy today as feeling a bit heavy. Think it’s just swelling. Feeling anxious about what is normal at this stage. Don’t have my check up till 10 weeks. 

8

I completely agree, I feel like I’m winging my way through this recovery relying on lovely ladies who share their experiences on here and similar sites 

Thankyou for your encouraging words I really need too try and relax xx

9

It’s horrible isn’t it? 

I honestly think the worry is worse than the op, I hope your ok 

Prominsing that it sounds as though it’s pretty common for women too feel like this in early days 

I done the exact same as you yesterday and now suffering feeling very swollen and tight plus had a little spotting of blood followed by a few stitches 

I was supposed too be 10 weeks but called he’s secutary and changed it too 7 weeks po can’t wait too know exactly what’s going on xx

10

Not lost any stitches yet and bleeding stopped about a week ago. Just funny coloured discharge now. Get really bloated every evening. Wake up fine. I am trying to find a specialist physio for advice on what exactly I can and shouldn’t do as you read so many different things. As you say, feel like you are winging it. Also going to try to get a gp appointment before I drive. Planning to try that after easter. Trying hard not to panic. Surgeon did say not to worry too much as stitches are very strong. Would be so upset if I had gone through all this just to be same as before. 

11

Hi Chloe 

so sorry to hear this but it is early days. I am now ten weeks post op and the swelling is at last reducing but I felt exactly  the same and rest rest and more rest is definitely the answer ! It is very frustrating but worth it X take care and don't over do it !

 

12

Thankyou 💖

13

Yes you need a letter for insure purposes if you drive before 6 weeks, 

I agree about specialist PT but not easy too find 😫 

I’m sure in 6 months this will be a distant memory for us all but the current is not easy too deal with xx

14

Hi Chloe

Hope you are resting!

I am 5 weeks today yay but everyday I am grateful that I have honoured myself with another healing day. If the surgery that has been done was on the outside you would probably be more keen to rest it. 

Be up and about throughout the day for very short periods but being horizontal  defys gravity so that needs to take up most of your day. My pelvic physio said 5 min walk is enough at 4 weeks. I am having trouble occupying myself now but know rushing this healing phase is only going to be detrimental.  

I suggest if you have any concerns call your surgeons rooms the squeaky wheel gets the oil and don't worry what they might think of you.,,,,...   then you lay back and relax and know you are giving yourself the best chance for the future. 

I do understand your concerns and feelings but once you have tapped into the resources you need ......positive thinking promotes healing ... 

Take good care,  Peta 

15

Chloe,

I’m so grateful for you having posted this question as I’ve been having the exact same issue!!  I’m 7 week’s post A&P repair and perineum repair.  I have a bulge where the rectocele was.  The most frustrating part is that I had a stage 1 rectocele and it looks more like a stage 2 or 3 bulge (right at the entrance of my vagina)...sorry if that’s too much info!!  I also have other lumps and bumps I can see at the entrance of my vagina.  I went back to work (office job) at 4 weeks and I really hope I didn’t go back too soon!!  I started physical therapy last week, but I only see my doctor in another 4 weeks so I’m feeling a lot of anxiety.  I just hope this is all part of the process.  

16

Hi Petrice

I am 5 weeks what advice would you give looking back. 

Thanks

Peta

17

Wow that's the least by a million miles, I've ever read her heard for walking activity. I was doing more than that on day 2! That's seriously limiting in every way. Not really achievable to many I'm sure. Walking is very important for loads of reasons - preventing DVT's; keeping gut healthy & active; preventing weight gain from doing nothing; for blood flow;  etc. etc. I know I would never be able to lay around that much that far out from op. I really don't believe plenty of walking, starting after 1wk, & steadily increasing that, is going to do any damage. I'm a registered nurse and we have always got all ops up and actively walking around no matter how big the op. I have to disagree with a 5min walk at 4wks!!!!! Seriously!!!!

18

Have you read the South Tees info on here? Go to Useful Resources and scroll down to South Tees info. 

19

Hi Robyn,  thanks for your reply. I can’t find it on this site but have found info on google. Have you had this procedure?  Do you have any advice?

 

20

Robyn I think it is best that i  take the advice of my pelvic physio.  This is my third. Pelvic recon and I believe  comments you have made line up with why my surgery failed twice before.