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Bulge 12 weeks post op vaginal hysterectomy and anterior repair

Posted , 4 users are following.

anne57195
anne57195

Hi all, 

Had above op and at 6 week check my surgeon said I was where I should be in my recovery.  At this stage the inside was hard and lumpy all the way up like criss cross stitching   But, 12 weeks post op I felt some fullness when walking and bending that wasn't there before.  I checked inside and felt just at the vaginal entrance a small hard lumpy area of stitching with a tight pulling top edge, then above that a smooth soft bulge spread out across the full width of the vagina, this bit has a slight ridge up the centre where the cut was made I presume, then, above the bulge I can feel another small bit that feels like a couple of tight stitches.   So, stitches, smooth soft bulge then more stitches.

 

To me this feels like maybe the stitches in the middle have come out first and the area has just bulged out again as it feels very like it did before the op. (like a water filled balloon)   My bladder also feels full more often than in the previous weeks of recovery.

I went to my doctor and even although I explained to her exactly what I can feel inside, she says she can't see it and thinks everything is OK.  I can't believe she can't see these three distinct areas.   The stitches next to the bulge are really tight and pull when I walk and sit.

Has anyone else had this sort of thing happen several months into their recovery?  I am thinking this section has failed.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • lindsaycj
    lindsaycj anne57195

    Posted

    Hi there I’m 11 weeks post op from anterior prolapse repair. with similar feelings. At my 6 week check the consultant said I was lumpy in the way it had healed but otherwise had healed well. However the lumpiness is protruding outside my vagina and feels achey and uncomfortable. It feels worse than before the op. I have been referred back to physio to see if that can help and will be reviewed by consultant in 4 months. I also think my anterior repair has failed and don’t know why this would be. It felt lumpy and protruding straight after the op but I was told it needed time to settle. 

    This probably doesn’t help much but thought you might like to know you’re not the only one feeling like this. Lindsay 

    • anne57195
      anne57195 lindsaycj

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Lindsay.   There is just not enough info given out by the hospitals on the different stages of recovery, what might go wrong and when you should seek advice, it is so annoying.   Hope physio works for you.
  • caroline789
    caroline789 anne57195

    Posted

    Hi 5 years post op tah bowel dropped and bladder. Had ant repair and adhesions on bowel. Prolapsed again after 8 wks. Cons said all ok but knew it was not.went back to general surgeon and explained what was happening. He examined me and said the same. I said it is definitely prolapsed again. Luckily he then examined me standing up and the prolapse was visible. Sent me tvs scan and was done lying and standing confirmed re prolapse. Was referred back to gyn cons with results this took 1.5 yrs in total. He then said was sorry and referred me to another hospital for re do. Waited another 6mths to see and nearly another yr for op.had 5 wks ago. Was sure didn't work at two wks post op but have had review and even though vaginal wall is low am being told is ok. If does not work this time will have pessary inserted to not want any more surgery. Have learnt through forums only light exercise forever. The cons has also recommended eostregeon tablets to insert on to vagina to strengthen wall don't know why didn't get this 5 years ago as decided not to go down hrt root. Also pelvic floor exercises for ever hope this helps

    • anne57195
      anne57195 caroline789

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Caroline, hope your repair works this time.   I have made an appointment with my surgeon so will get an answer soon.
    • brenda69492
      brenda69492 anne57195

      Posted

      Hi Anne,

      I am 6 months post op posterior and anterior repair plus vagina hernia repair. I am doing so well now but do remember that bulge that came few weeks after surgery. I was absolutely positive I had damaged my repairs in some way and the prolapse had returned. However, since several people few weeks ahead of me had experienced the "fear of the bulge" but it turned out to be ok, I chose to ignore my bulge and it turned out to be internal swelling that just pushed the stitches downward. Hang in there it will get better but if it does not definitely have it rechecked. It did take several weeks but I just ignored and used NO mirrorssmile

       

    • anne57195
      anne57195 brenda69492

      Posted

      Hi Brenda, thanks for your reply. After reading lots on various forums about bulges appearing I had decided to wait and see but after 3 weeks of worry and feeling my repair had definitely failed, I made an appointment and went to see my surgeon today. He cannot see any bulge, couldn't see what I was describing and says everything looks fine. He couldn't explain why it feels like it did before the op just said keep doing the exercises. So I should be feeling relieved but I'm not. Will just have to wait and see now.

  • lindsaycj
    lindsaycj anne57195

    Posted

    Hi there following my initial reply as I was worried about a bulge also I was referred to and have now seen a physio who stated that my anterior repair hasn’t worked, another area  lower down now seems to have just prolapsed. Advised to keep on with the pelvic floors and then another review in a couple of months with consultant- may need more surgery. Has this happened to anyone else? 

    Thanks 

    Lindsay 

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