3 weeks post rectocele op

Thanks Donna.... when are you having yours?

I guess I just didn't expect to feel worse than I did before 😞 Like you say.... everyone is different. I've just asked my surgeon to call me... 🤞🏻 Xx

Not sure yet. I have been going back and forth with if I get my surgery and when. I made up my mind to have it. I start school this month so it just might be next January.

Best if luck to you. Please keep me informed. Are you on Facebook?? They have a forum just for our problem. It is a closed group so you must request to join on the site. Very helpful and private just for members only to read.

Wow.... a whole year to wait? Hope it's bearable for you 💖

Yes, I'm on fb..... can you tell me what the page is called please? 

I'm waiting for the surgeon to call me.... I'll let you know what she says 🍀 Xx

Thanks for your reply 😊 

Did you have similar feelings? I think I may have to put my return to work date back a bit more. I'm a hairdresser, I had hoped to return in a couple of weeks 😞 

Xx

This is my second prolapse op so I was better prepared this time. After my first (anterior repair & hysterectomy) I had lots of worries and went back to my doctor who arranged lots of tests to check things out. If I had known about this site I would have realised most of my "problems" were quite normal post op feelings! Make sure you have a post op check up with your surgeon who will advise about returning to work. I have an easy sit down part-time job I don't think I could stand all day yet (I had poster repair & SSF this time) Don't rush back to work, I know it's not easy but if you could wait a bit longer it might be better for you. Also ask about a phased return to work gradually increasing your hours/days. 

Hi, thanks for replying! Well done for your weight loss... that's amazing! 

It's been nothing but emotional 😢 My experience after the op was hideous...I won't go into detail..... ended up having a blood transfusion and a longer stay in hospital. 

So, did you have this pressure feeling down below.... sorry to sound vile... but it feels like weight has been placed inside of me 😳

Sounds like you've had a massive op! Glad you're on the other side of it all now tho 💐

Yep the pressure feeling is swelling and is all part of the healing process. I went back to work after 8 weeks prob a couple of weeks too early as I stand a lot in my job even though it’s not heavy or anything. I found after 3 months I was fine and could function just had to watch what I was doing. After 6 months I could do more and walk about a mile with ease. Emotionally I was a wreck and very tearful and ended up depressed for a long time but you get there eventually and it’s worth it. I’m 46 and when premenstral the heavy feeling returns for 2-3 days each month then just disappears again. Try to relax the chances of your op failing are minimal and the best bit of advice I can give you is take all the help that’s going don’t try to be a superhero. After the year I could walk 3-4 miles with ease and swim 20-30 lengths. Get a haircut and a new outfit you’ll feel great x

Dear MissLeanne

I hope you don't mind me chipping in - I'm in a similar position as you. I've read so many forum posts over the past couple of months, which kept me going when I was worried sick and crying all the time like you, but never posted anything myself. Your message prompted me to reply as you had a very similar experience to me.  I had hysterectomy anterior prolapse repair recently. You are the first person I have found who also had a blood transfusion - me too. It was horrendous and I've been told I have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the ordeal I experienced when hemorrhaging and in the run up to returning to theatre. I am about to start counselling for the trauma this week. I was crying all the time, having flash backs and every detail has rattled around in my head - it's as if I'm reliving it all sometimes, especially on the day of the week of my surgery. I've also been trying to put everything into place, like what happened when and what my family were doing or the doctors at the time and what happened in all the hours I lost, where was I exactly - even which recovery room afterwards. 

On top of all that I also have the same old 'lump/bulge' feeling down below and I'm worried sick the prolapse has returned and I will need to go through another operation to fix it.  I have read a LOT of posts on the recurring 'bulge' feeling and it seems it can be normal and related to swelling (down below) and it can occur on and off for months after the operation. As some one else said here and I've been told by many friends who had the same op that it can take around 12 months to get back to your old self. I'm hoping that's all it is as I can't bear the thought of going through this again.  On the other hand, I have read the failure rate for prolapse repair is pretty high, so it's something to follow up with your doctor.  I'm still trying to see mine but have had very poor (almost non-existent) support from my GP and consultant since being discharged from hospital, so still trying to get reassurance with that. 

Regarding the emotional aspect of this operation, that seems to be normal too and I have experienced it just like you - a real roller coaster, and given your transfusion you have had much more to deal with than most people. This is something you can get help with though. I've been referred to a counselling service for help dealing with the PTSD.  I was given the details by my GP (one of the few useful things they've done). I filled in an online form and someone from the service called me back to arrange a 40 min telephone assessment to check which service I would benefit from. They suggested face to face counselling with a therapist trained in trauma counselling. I'm sure you could get similar support and it might be good to have someone to talk to. Perhaps ask your GP or look online for services in your area - worth looking into at least.  

Take care and remember you are not alone.

Oh poor you...I do hope you get the help that you desperately need.

I don't know what I would have done without this forum. It's good to share your concerns & get some reassurance. Take care.

Thank you Liz for posting about your journey. I am finding recovery longer than I expected and at 11 weeks post op following repair to Cystocele, Rectocele and sacrospinous fixation and I am no where near able to pick up with my old life and enjoy walks etc. I am older than you at 57 but hope I can enjoy walking and exercise again if not soon then at least within 12 months as you did. I guess I just have to be patient!