Blending after intercourse 15 weeks post op

Hi. I'm just 6 weeks post op and kind of freaking out after seeing your concerns at 13 weeks.  My doctor says sex is fine after 6 weeks.  I go in for my 6 week checkup this Thursday.  I also thought I could go back to work, possibly at 2 weeks.  I did go back at 2 1/2 weeks part time.  I'm still just working part time.  Sorry you are having these problems.  It sounds like the healing process takes way longer than we think.  

The healing process takes longer than patients think but not professionals like myself. Unfortunately ladies appear not to get the information before discharge from hospital but if you go on the Genitourinary home page and look at the Useful Resources post there's some excellent advice there. The South Tees information which I know all patients receive, is worth reading. Sex is recommended at around 6 weeks but only if you feel comfortable with that. Most Urogynaecologists prefer ladies to have had sex before their post op check. I have not heard of patients being allowed to return to work as early as you did, even if it is part time because your wound won't have healed so there's a risk of the prolapse recurring.

Sorry Hallie I forgot to ask what surgery you had?

I had pelvic floor, three hernias (one being the rectocele).

Cervix removed.  Dr. said the bladder wasn't prolapsed much at all, but he still placed mesh to support it.  I actually had some prolapse for several years but never anything to interfere with my life until this spring.  I lost 10 pounds and was exercising each day trying to get ready for a big competition I have in Las Vegas this October.  It all the sudden seemed to get much worse and I finally decided I better go to my Gynecologist and he said I needed surgery prior to going to Vegas or it could get much worse.  I had two more opinions and ended up with a UroGynecologist performing the surgery.  They all agreed that I needed the surgery, soon.  The UroGyn said because I was in such good shape to start with, I might be able to go back to work in 2 weeks.  I've done okay, but am still just working from 7:00 am to about 3:00 pm and then have to go home and lay down.  Thank you for replying to me!

I go for my 6 week post op tomorrow, so we'll see how I'm healing.  The only pain I have is from the rectocele.  Because he told me I could get back to rehearsals, just not my A game, yet, I thought I would be much better by now.  BTW....I haven't been able to rehearse, yet.  Good news is, the repairs have made my life so much better as far as functioning goes!

Well good on you Hallie you've done remarkably well. Just take care though. I'm pleased a Urogynaecologist performed your surgery. In the UK it's almost always a Urogynaecologist who performs prolapse repairs and I've been informed that from the end of the year only Urogynaecologists will be doing the operation. These consultants are so well skilled at this surgery I wouldn't let a gynaecologist operate on me or any of my family. Good luck in Las Vegas x

Thank you.  I actually am not planning to go to the competition in Vegas, since I can't rehearse right now and I can't stand the thought of sitting on a plane for very long and just all the wear and tear on my body, so after a year and a half of rehearsals (it's OK City Chorus of Sweet Adelines International) for this International compeition, I don't think it's worth subjecting myself to possible injury.  My Dr. thought I would be fine to go.  We'll see what he says tomorrow, but I'm beginning to think he is WAY TOO OPTIMISTIC!

I forgot to ask you what kind of professional you are?

If you click on Matron it will take you to my account and you'll be able to read a bit about me.

Thank you.  I read about you and you are definitely qualified to give advice on this subject.  I really appreciate your taking the time to do that!

In your experience, how long does it normally take for the pain due to the rectocele to dissipate?

Thank you for you lovely comments Hallie. The main reason I joined the forum was because I had a rectocele and cystocele repair 6 years ago and it's just coincidental that I've got experience in that area. Pain following a repair differs from one lady to another but it can take up to about 8-10 weeks to get to the stage where you can cope without pain relief. Having said that some patients say they don't have pain, others (and I include myself) found it very painful. Sitting for long periods can be uncomfortable until all the stitches have dissolved which is anything up to 16 weeks. Post operatively a rectocele  repair is usually more painful than a cystocele repair.

Thank you.  It sure helps to have a realistic time frame from someone who really knows and has been through it.  I'm thinking I really don't need to be going to Vegas in mid October.  There will be lots of rehearsals and walking.  Do you agree?  I might just be getting over the pain by then.

I think you have to be very careful and remember you've had major surgery. Your pelvic floor takes time to heal and I think 16 weeks of taking things slowly will give your tissues time to hold everything in place as your sutures have dissolve. Then it's getting back to normal gradually. I've heard ladies say it's around 6 months when you start to realise you are feeling more like your normal self and I would agree with that. Don't undo that great work your Urogynaecologist has done, so October is very early for rehearsals. Just look after yourself, there'll be more opportunities.

Thanks.  You just helped me to make up my mind !

My Dr. is a bit too optimistic, I think.  He, obviously, has never had this surgery.

There is something I always say on this forum and that is "listen to your body". Don't push yourself, if you feel tired rest and don't push yourself because it can leave you feeling physically drained later. Ladies report feeling very emotional following surgery and it's important you rest if that's the case, again I think it's Mother Nature telling us something isn't quite right.

Well that is good to hear for sure!  I was feeling like something or someone was putting a spell over me.  Would be going along just fine and then zap I'd be weak and crying....but that quit once I got off the antibiotics I was on.  I was on those for a bladder infection right after having the surgery.