Excercise after rectocele op.
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi everyone.... I'm just wondering what kind of excercise we can do now we've had this surgery! Obviously, I don't mean right now.... I'm only 4 weeks post op. I used to love kick boxing and Zumba and also a bit of running. I've got my head around the idea that I'm probably not going to be able to do that level of high impact fitness 😞 But I need to do something! Any ideas? 😊
Also, I've had my perineum repaired too.... it seems to be taking ages to heal properly. I don't feel any stitches there now... but on the left hand side and going into my vagina slightly.... it stings like a cut. No blood or anything... it's just uncomfy.
Thanks ladies xxx
0 likes, 20 replies
phyl_40063 MissLeanne
Posted
I still sting on the left hand side of vaginally opening at the back where perineum us; I had an A&P repair almost 2 years ago but not a perineum repair, but Matron use to always say that the back repair comes right down to that back edge on the left side.
I target scar tissue using my topical estriol cream as GP advised as the tissue around that opening is very tight and very thin. It's not thickening up at that bit but it doesn't nip as bad when using my cream. So I try to target this nit when I know I'm going to be on my feet or even sitting for long periods at work as it also hurts there when stretching and shifting things at work.
Some good books out there on post repair exersise; I'm sure their is some comments below emis moderator section on books and some of the ladies have mentioned 'sue croft' and 'Michelle Kenway'.
Have you been referred yet to pelvic floor specialist, they would be able to access how strong or weak your pelvic floor is and help you to build up appropriate exercise and advice on what to avoid.
Take care,
X
Imnotadoctor MissLeanne
Posted
I'm 9 weeks post op & also had perineum repaired. I still have stitches. I was told swimming was good but you should wait until you have your post op check up & ask then. No high impact I'm afraid.
bb300 MissLeanne
Posted
Hi, we spoke a couple of weeks ago - I was the one who had a blood transfusion like you. I have been told swimming, walking and cycling are all safe exercise for prolapse patients but all in due course... 4 weeks is very early. I think at this stage the guidance is pelvic floor exercises, providing your surgeon says that's OK, plus some core exercises recommended by the phisio at the hospital - did you get an exercise sheet? If not, take a look at Michelle Kenway's website. She is an Australian physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic exercise. She has loads of free youtube video's and advice online. I bought her book as well. I was told to slowly increase walking each week, but at 4 weeks that's only a short walk. I was in a wheelchair until 6 weeks, but then I had a lot of complications.
I'm glad you are feeling up to exercising though - that is a good sign! I had a check up with my GP as I thought the prolapse may be returning it is so swollen down there. She said it's very tender - I didn't really need to be told that as I squeeled when she looked inside, even though she was very gentle. She said there's some weakness high up but thinks it could just be swelling. I'll know more when I see the consultant in a couple of weeks. It's such a rollercoaster emotionally this!!!
Good luck with your recovery x
MissLeanne
Posted
Thank you ladies! I don't feel as though I can do excercise right now.... but it's something I want to do again in the future. I'll look that lady up on YouTube.
I'm not getting a follow up appointment.... I did see the physio after my op and she gave me a leaflet! I had started doing the excercises but stopped as someone said I shouldn't be doing them untill at least 7 weeks post op. Get so much conflicting advice.
I've had to walk the children to school this morning... prob 10-15 mins each way.... hope that's not too much 😞 Xx
phyl_40063 MissLeanne
Posted
Your body will tell you soon enough if that walks too much. I was 6 weeks post op before attempting 2× 20 min walks. I think I was doing about 2x10 min walks by 4 weeks and struggling with that.
Take care,
x
MissLeanne phyl_40063
Posted
Felt ok on the walk back tho. Xx
phyl_40063 MissLeanne
Posted
Best to take any progress slowly and rest when needed. We are all different and that's why they only give us general guidelines (if any at all) and they always say to listen to our body. It's really trial and error and just build up slowly.
Phyl x
MissLeanne phyl_40063
Posted
bb300 MissLeanne
Posted
Hi Leanne, yes all the conflicting information that's out there so confusing. I noticed in a book that I bought that it said to start pelvic floor exercises in week 6 but the staff at the hospital told me to start as soon as my catheter was out - how can the advice be so different?! Listen to your body and take comfort in knowing you are not alone with all of this.
If you can't get a follow up with your consultant can you visit your GP for a check up, say around 6 to 8 weeks? It seems a bit unusual not to get a check up. It would give you peace of mind at least.
Take care x
phyl_40063 bb300
Posted
x
Imnotadoctor phyl_40063
Posted
I agree with Phyl.
GPs generally aren't very well informed, always best to see your consultant & you can request an appointment if it's not automatically given.
MissLeanne phyl_40063
Posted
Unfortunately.... it would seem that getting a conversation with the consultant is as rare as hens teeth!!! I always end up having to speak to the RMO's... who annoyingly, go and talk to that very consultant 😩
I'll try an email tomorrow maybe? 🤔🤔
robyn94818 bb300
Posted
It's not actually conflicting advice. There's probably not 2 prolapses the same! Only the Surgeon who did each op knows the state of each pelvic floor having been in there. The extent of damage and surgery varies massively, hence there isn't one model to fit post-op. What's ok for one, could cause damage to another. This is why it's so important for girls to quiz their own Surgeon on what exactly they can't and can do, & when
phyl_40063 MissLeanne
Posted
Know exactly what you mean , I didn't see anyone until a year post-op after first repair and even then it wasn't the head consultant, my main contact was my physiotherapist who really looked after me I had been seeing her before and after surgery.
I made sure I got an appointment much sooner after 2nd lot of repairs at 13 weeks post op and again it was a registrar I saw and not the actual surgeon or consultant but was just same advice to be careful not to cause any down pressure as it will just fail again.
This site was a godsend as it kept me from overdoing things and when matron was on the forum she was a minefield of valuable information not only had she been through similar surgery but had worked in urogynocology herself having the most up to date info as she was involved in research too; and of course not forgetting all the lovely ladies on the forum who gladly offer insight through their own experiences, if really does help to know that we are not alone and can find a way forward, their us always someone who has had a similar experience.
Phyl x
MissLeanne
Posted
Evening ladies 🌺
Just looking into exercises suitable to do after prolapse repair! I've noted spinning, walking, swimming and the cross trainer! Dancing was mentioned... do you think zumba would be ok?
Has/is anyone tried/doing any of these since have a repair? Thank you