How do you know if you have overdone it?

Yes you've had major surgery and a posterior repair (rectocele) is the most painful. The important thing to remember is that very often the pain and discomfort can get worse. This is due to the sutures knitting together the repair and is perfectly normal. Unfortunately it appears this information isn't given when ladies are discharged and causes them to worry. If you're in pain don't be a martyr, take analgesics because pain hinders recovery, that's been proved. If you get tired stop what you're doing and don't push yourself, if you do you'll probably regret it later and you'll take a step back. You need lots of patience recovering from this operation, I know personally and professionally so get some box sets, good books and invite friends round for a catch up 

Thank you Matron, you are wonderful! I have already got loads of books which I am working my way through, box sets next; and I am not going near a steering wheel or work for at least 6 weeks. I am reassured that what I am experiencing is 'normal' and that my body is letting me know when it needs a rest. By and large, I think I am listening to my body, but there is more I can do to get help when I need it. I live on my own pretty much, with shared care of my 9 year old son. Planning the surgery for the summer holidays has helped to an extent as he spent the first 2 weeks post op with his dad.

I have been really impressed with this forum and you in particular Matron. Thank you for your time and your speedy responses.

Helen

Xx

Hi Helen

I agree with all the advice others have given you, about resting and listening to your body etc. As for doing damage, unfortunately if we do too much we might not know til it's too late. I know of lots of ladies who have had to have repeat surgery and I think we all agree none of us want that.

One thing that is different is that I was told to start pelvic floor exercises the day after my surgery, rather than wait 6 weeks, as has been suggested on here. To me that makes sense as we need to strengthen them up and also the exercise of the pelvic floor actually encourages healing. I have been given this advice from 4 gynae doctors and a physio as well as seeing it online so I'm happy to take it. I have the Squeezy app on my phone. It alarms when its time to do them. If you just do 3 sets a day to start with, that isn't too taxing. The first few days I really couldn't feel a lot, but now I can.

Good luck with your recovery. Box sets are the way to go! I've got into House of Cards!!

Regards

Sue x

sue just to respond to your comment about pelvic floor exercises. Some Urogynaecologists advise to wait until 6 weeks before doing pelvic floor exercises for a very good reason.....the type of suture that is commonly used in this surgery. Over the 3 years or so I've been on this forum many ladies have been told to wait and that is why I always say speak to your consultant and if you don't know wait until 6 weeks. The consultants I've worked with all use that suture so doing them early can delay the healing process.

Yes I understand that. I'm happy that my surgeon encouraged me to do them so of course we all need to listen to the individual advice we've been given. I can definitely tell an improvement in the strength of my pelvic floor.

Let's hope I can get back to running eventually!

Regards

Sue

There's no reason why you won't be able to run, I did Zumba 18 months after my repairs. I know some ladies are told they will never be able to do exercises of this sort ever again I don't think that is the case and neither do the doctors I've worked with. They are quite clear that life has to go on and a repair shouldn't be a barrier. Xx

Yes I agree. I have looked at that DVD by the physio who does pelvic floor safe exercise. I just worry that not running will make me gain weight.. I can't do that!

I was glad to read your comment about posterior repair being the most painful....I thought I was being a wimp! Haha.

You're definitely not a wimp believe me. I couldn't believe how much pain I was in which is why I never want to have to go through it again.

Kind regards

Sue

I like the sound of an app. Those sort of things work for me quite well, but I am going to drop my surgeon an email to check when I can start PFE as although I was given a leaflet when I was in hospital by a lovely young physio, I think only about 20% of what she said actually registered! 

I am loving watching the olympics and reading loads, but will add House of Cards to the box set list.

Helen

xx

Hi Helen

I also had a posterior repair, 4 weeks ago this Friday. I had no choice but to do nothing for those first 2 weeks as I was in so much pain. Now my body definitely tells me when I need to rest. This morning I got up, washed up and showered. I then cleaned the bathroom. Not the bath of course as there's no way I could lean in it to clean it...my lovely husband can do that bit! But now I'm shattered! It's frustrating how much it takes it out of you but I give in to it and rest. I had such a bad day a few weeks ago, I watched EIGHT episodes of House of Cards in one day! Omg. It was a good distraction.

I also have an appt with my works Occupational Health next week as I do not feel I can go back to my normal job at 6 weeks so I'm hoping for light duties. I'll also go to see my gp to see if I need to be signed off for longer. I'm putting my health first, as we said before, I do not want to have this done again!

Hope you're resting

Kind regards

Sue x

Hi Sue

It is so comforting to hear from people in exactly the same boat. The sympathy of others only goes so far doesn't it, but we are the ones who know.

I have showered and dried my hair today in addition to doing breakfast for my son and I. He is now out for the day with his mate so I can rest.

I am currently watching the Olympics women's cycling road race on TV. It is with mixed feelings as I am a keen cyclist and really missing the other benefits it gives me mentally.

However, as you say, it's important to get the recovery right to continue and to potentially be stronger too.

Lovely to chat.

Helen

xx

I feel your pain Helen! (Literally! ) my husband is currently training for a marathon and every time he goes out for a run, im so envious that I'm not able to run for ages.

But you know how quickly time flies, so all being well,we'll both be cycling/running before we know it.

Chin up lovely

Love Sue x

Ps. Im watching the ping pong...those Japanese are demons at it!!! ????

Hi, Sue...I had my surgery, cystacele and rectacele three weeks ago.  I was so sore the first week that I couldn't sit on my behind at all.  The second week, I got so tired that I could hardly walk to the kitchen from my bedroom.  It is now three weeks and I managed to go to the grocery store by myself, but when I get home I can only carry one small bag at a time into the house.  After that, my lower back hurts and I'm exhausted.  I hope how soon this exhaustion goes away...I'm 68 yrs. old, though, so some of it, or most of it is probably age...LOL.....hugs.

I don't know how heavy your bags are carole but you need to be cautious because the advice we give us not to lift shopping as soon as 3 weeks post op.

Sorry carole I somehow lost internet connection. The general advice is that for the first 6 weeks you shouldn't lift anything heavier than about half a kettle full of water. This is mentioned in the Useful Resources article from South Tees and it is the general urogynaecology advice. 

Oh dear Carole, I think you need to be careful my lovely. Is it possible someone else can help you with your shopping? I agree that it's too soon to be carrying shopping. You need to be so careful or you won't recover properly and risk doing damage.

Please try to rest,

Best wishes

Sue x

Hi, Sue and everyone:  I am divorced and live alone.  I am trying so hard not to carry anything heavy, but when you are alone with no real neighbors or friends to help, one has to do what one has to do.  I have an appt. with my doctor on Sept. 1..Praying that I didn't do or won't do anything to upset that 4and a half hour surgery.  My prolapse was as big as Texas...LOL....xxoo

Can you not have your shopping delivered, that's what I advise ladies in the UK who are on their own? The companies who deliver here will take the shopping into the kitchen and then you can slowly unpack.

Very good suggestion and I have used online shop for grocery deliveries. It's a different way to ship and I did forget a couple of things, but I loaded up the freezer with yummy ready meals to keep me going for a bit. It's a little bit more expensive, but if you 'shop around' lots of retailers offer incentives like free delivery to hook you.

Xx