1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Genitourinary Prolapse

Choosing between surgery or physio, what should I do?

Posted , 9 users are following.

Hijadeonagro
Hijadeonagro

Dear ladies, I have some news about my rectocele and I need your advice, hope you can help me to decide.

I had cystocele and hysterocele surgery 5 months ago and after surgery I have developed a rectocele. It is mild but I have problems in the bathroom and feel like a ball in my rectum constantly. 

I went to my check last week and my gyn confirmed that I have a rectocele. He saw also some stitches inside my vagina. He told me to have surgery for the rectocele and he would remove the stitches in the op also. He told me not to worry, he would use stitches for the rectocele repair (not mesh).  He scheduled the op for June.

Well... the following day I had an app with my physio who said "DO NOT OPERATE THE RECTOCELE!!!". He explained that my rectocele is mild, he is sure that I can fix it with rehabilitation. Rectocele surgery has bad results, he said, and many problems afterwords with sex. Is that true?

It is the same situation I lived two years ago, when I began to feel the cysto and hysterocele, the physio said not to operate, but after 1 year physio treatment, finally I had to operate. 

What do I do? . I do believe in physiotherpy, but as a complement of surgery. For my experience, I don't believe in it as a substitute of surgery. Should I postpone the op, do the physio treatment and see what it happens? Or should I operate now? It would be very stressful for me to have like a year of treatment just to have the surgery finally. What do you think? Hugssss!

0 likes, 61 replies

61 Replies

Prev Next
  • Alybee
    Alybee Hijadeonagro

    Posted

    Hi  again,

     of course you are in Spain  and all different.  It is great your husband will support you that's the main thing. It's interesting you're seeing a very good specialist, probably then what he says is correct, that's what I would think anyway ..you will know which decision to make in time and as someone else said if you start the physio you can tell if any change at all  but perhaps not best to cancel the  op yet.  That is so awful that something else  should develop so soon and so suddenly after all you've been through. I guess I was lucky mine was so bad to start with in all areas! 

     let us know how you get on. All the best.

    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro Alybee

      Posted

      Yes Alybee in fact I went to the anesthetist already...

      😘

  • Imnotadoctor
    Imnotadoctor Hijadeonagro

    Posted

    Hi,

    I'm in much the same situation except my anterior repair & hysterectomy was 3 years ago. My mild rectocele is worse probably because the bladder was supporting it before. I was told they do not operate on small rectoceles because "you would not feel the difference" and would not do it at same time as other surgery as it would "make you too tight down there". Well I'm sure once there is more room the rectocele is quite likely to get bigger. I have done everything I was told:-

    1. Don't get constipated

    2. Don't strain

    3. Do pelvic floor exercises (I bought one of those Kegel things). This won't make your prolapse go away just stop it from getting worse.

    I don't know if I should go for the surgery or not? I feel as though I've only just recovered from the previous one. Personally I think if it's really causing you regular bathroom problems then maybe it's time to have it done. It's just the thought of it making things worse isn't it? My pelvic floor doesn't seem very strong at all so I'm keeping going with the exercises for now. I get so worried about bowel control after the op!!!

    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      Imnotadoctor I remember you, I've been doing the same, avoid straining and constipation, I am still taking stool softener because the colosurgeon recommended to continue on it. And you're right, after hysterectomy the rectum looks for the room that the uterus left.

      Your statement in point 3 is interesting...

      I encourage you to continue with exercises, they are good either you are going to surgery or not as the other girls said.

      I'm fed up of this rectocele 😁😁😁😁

      Hugssssss ☺️❤️

    • Imnotadoctor
      Imnotadoctor Hijadeonagro

      Posted

      Me too - some days it's all I seem to think about! It takes over your life & drives you slightly mad 😕

      We are all different, I cannot deal with stool softener, my consultant suggested Fybogel (don't know if you get that in Spain) which suits me better. It's all trial and error. I would love to eat lots of fruit but unfortunately it always upsets my stomach. IBS & rectocele are not a great combination. Wishing you well. X

    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      I understand you very well, I also think a lot about this rectocele... Fortunately I feel better of the anterior repair ☺️
    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      As for the stool softener I take Carbonatum of Magnesium, it's good but when I take too much, I have to run to the toilet the next day and it irritates my anus. What's IBS by the way? 

      Im worried about bowel control after the op as you are. And about sex... 

    • Imnotadoctor
      Imnotadoctor Hijadeonagro

      Posted

      Irritable Bowel Syndrome (if they do lots of tests & can't find anything specifically wrong with your bowel they call it IBS). It's not much fun! 😕

      I worry about it all. It's such a personal, private part of your body. So glad I found this forum at least there are others who understand. X

    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      ok IBS I understand, yes when they don't know what you have they call it IBS...

      IBS and constipation is worse than constipation only I think...

      I'm glad also to have you girls... ❤️

  • dorothy03601
    dorothy03601 Hijadeonagro

    Posted

    Just saying...I am having a repeat cystocele/ rectocele 6 months after the first surgery failed! But this time I chose a different surgeon.  I pray you make the right decision.  Please pray for me on May 10th.!
    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063 dorothy03601

      Posted

      I have empathy for you Dorothy, I sincerely hope all goes well this time.

      Phyl 💖💖💖

    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 welshgirl67

      Posted

      It was falling out.  Started with s bulge at 6 weeks post op. Now it is a stage 3.  New Doc says it was not my fault.  I did nothing wrong.  Thank you for your concern. Dot xx
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 dorothy03601

      Posted

      Ahh bless yuou love.I'm 12 days anterior repair op and doing well.I didn't realise what it would look like after lol.but the bulge by the opening is normal swelling.matron has put my mind to rest on that one lol.just wish the consultant would yell us what's normal healing so we don't worry.hugs to yuou lovely.xx
    • Imnotadoctor
      Imnotadoctor dorothy03601

      Posted

      I'm so sorry this has happened to you. I hope all goes well on May 10, I'll be thinking of you. X
    • Gillian22766
      Gillian22766 dorothy03601

      Posted

      Hi Dorothy' i hope you are ok Lv, so sad you have to go through this again.

      I had a hystorectomy and after a very large lump, that the surgeon saw when doing the surgery but said she didn't think it was bad enough to correct, I have had a A&P 11 days ago and worry about it not working, when did you find out the first operation hadn't worked and was it the front or back that hadn't worked.?

    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro dorothy03601

      Posted

      I remember you Dorothy, your first dr had not enough experience but this time is different, everything is going to be fine, we will be praying for you honey 😊 And this time you will have our virtual support in hospital 😉
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 dorothy03601

      Posted

      Did you notice bulges then hun..did the stitches split or just don't know?

      My heart really does break for you. No woman should go through this😘😘😘

    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 Gillian22766

      Posted

      It was the back.  I can't tell you how much you girls have helped me.  Your support is so appreciated!, xx
    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 Hijadeonagro

      Posted

      Thank you so much.  I don't know what I'd do without your comments and concern.  You made the journey a little easier.  I will be thanking The Good Lord for you all when I'm going into surgery, and counting on your prayers.  Bless you. Xx
    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro dorothy03601

      Posted

      God bless you too Dorothy. Just remember us your operation a couple of days before because there are some girls here that have op or important consultant appointments in May and I don't have good memory 💕💕💕💕😉
    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 welshgirl67

      Posted

      According to the first doctor, she said that my case was unusually difficult and there was a lot of blood, which interferred.  According to the second doctor, he said "she only did half the job".   Thank you for understanding how I'm feeling Welshgirl.  Hugs
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 dorothy03601

      Posted

      That disgusting Dorothy,how dare any doctor do half a job.this is your life and your body.you will come through this a stronger lady.

      I pray for that all Weill go well and yuou get yuiur body back to tip top health. I'm thinking of you.😘😘😘

    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67

      Posted

      Apologize for typo.dam predicted texts.xx
    • Gillian22766
      Gillian22766 dorothy03601

      Posted

      Dorothy, sharing your own exsperiance is very brave love and I am just 12 days pist op A&P and I could not think of anything worse than having to do it all again.

      have you got a lot of support at home and are you mobile at the moment or is it stopping you doing things xx

    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro dorothy03601

      Posted

      Hi Dorothy how you doing? I hope you read this message, just to send you relaxing thoughts for your surgery this week, by the way did you discuss the op with your gyn as you wanted to ask many doubts you had last time you posted. We'll be praying for you darling! ❤️
    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 Hijadeonagro

      Posted

      Thank you for thinking of me, Hijadeonagro.  I did get to talk to the docs.  I am glad the time is almost here.  I can't turn off my brain.  This anxiety is with me 24/7.  I thank the Lord for good peoplr, such as you.  You have no idea how much your concern and encouragement means to me.  God bless you.  Thank you especially for your prayers. I will let you know by this forum how I'm doing.  Dorothy xx
    • welshgirl67
      welshgirl67 dorothy03601

      Posted

      Love and healing hugs to Dorothy... I'm praying for you all is well and healthy for the weeks ahead. Xx
    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro dorothy03601

      Posted

      Great Dorothy! We will be thinking of you, just write us and tell us after the op! Hugsssss!!!!! 😘❤️
    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 welshgirl67

      Posted

      Welshgirl,  thank you so much. You girls are helping me more than you know.  Xx
Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.