Is this a rectocele?

Jan999 cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T10:18+00:00

Hello cheryl it does sound like a rectocele. That's how I first noticed mine. I suppose the best thing is to see your doctor and get a firm diagnosis.

phyl_40063 cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T10:20+00:00

Hi Cheryl,

3 years ago before my hysterectomy and anterior repair, the advanced prolapse of front vag... wall was causing bladder problems sometimes having to sit with legs up in air then running for toilet, sometimes having to insert fingers to try push bladder wall forward to allow it to empty properly. Also doing lift and squeeze pelvic floor exersuses to empty properly. I

eventually had my hysterectomy along with an anterior repair.

When discharged not given anything to help BM, so was very worried first few days as muscle at end did not seem to work and felt I really needed yet pushing against back vag wall.

Had not been told what to expect or given any advise. However like you, discovered that if I inserted 2 fingers in vag and pushed the back lumpy wall that was protruding back in place then my muscle worked allowing BM. It did seem to sore itself over net few days so put it down to anesthetic.

3 years on and having difficulty wiping clean at back end, small pocket developed (same as above) prolapse of back vag... wall. Not emptying bowel properly ( you do a bit then seemed to be empty yet still felt full) , as soon as start moving around immediately need again, and so on rest of day.

Can be a real problem when st work out and about. GP agreed was a prolapse, but both front and back ( back only slight) ; amazed that only a slight prolapse can cause such a problem. Referred to consultant and (running late so only saw assistant consultant, she was really nervous and agitated being under pressure). She said prolapse at front causing pressure at the back, and only needed front repaired again.

In the end different consultant, done my op and said she would know once in there what she would need to do. So in the end had both front and back repair done this time.

Hope this helps you, if your are prolapsed and it is very mild they can send you for physiotherapy which can sort things, or if needed can offer pessary (a ring) to help hold wall up in place. They only usually offer surgery if prolapse advanced beyond this kind of help.

Phyl x💖

Gillian22766 cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T10:33+00:00

Hi chic, that was me some six month ago now had A&P to sort it out, go and see Gyni and they will confirm how or what the next steps are xxx

good luck and take care x

Imnotadoctor cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T10:58+00:00

Hi cheryl1970,

It sounds very much like a rectocele. See your GP & get referred to a specialist. I have one too and it seems to be getting worse even though I have been really careful about not getting constipated etc. Surgery does seem to be the answer for most women but we are all different so get it checked out. Good luck.

Kegel8Stephanie cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T11:10+00:00

Hi Cheryl

Yes it does sound like a rectocele, get a proper diagnosis so that you can decide what you want to do, and more importantly how to manage your prolapse. In the meantime a toilet stool might help take the pressure off your pelvic floor by raising your knees. There is also someting called a Femmeze Vagina Trainer which was developed by an NHS nurse. You use it vaginally instead of your fingers to lever the bowel back into position for defactaion.

Make sure you strengthen up your pelvic floor with targeted exercises - this will help to stop the prolpase from getting worse, and if you are exercising make sure you google 'safe exercises for prolpase'. There is an Aussie Physio called Michelle Kenway who has done a number of free films on You Tube to help you understand what is safe and whats not (applies for all women with prolpase not just rectocele). You need to avoing high impact exercise, but get strong as much as possible.

Hope this helps.

S

Hijadeonagro cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T16:49+00:00

Hi Cheryl! Yes it sounds like a rectocele. I have a mild rectocele and recognize some of your symptoms. It is not dangerous, but if it bothers you too much yo could have an app with your dr to have it diagnosed and offered a solution. Hugs!!!

DorryC cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T19:40+00:00

It sounds like a rectocele to me. -- needing to put your fingers inside and press on the back wall of your vagina (splinting) to defecate is the giveaway. Needing to splint is also how I figured out I had one. Fwiw, I bought a box of exam gloves and that made splinting less hassle.

If if you think yours is mild enough that you don't want surgery, I think you should still see a urogyn. Pessaries and pelvic floor physical therapy are both things that can help a a mild rectocele without surgery.

Good luck to you!

cheryl1970 · 2016-05-20T22:50+00:00

Thanks everyone - it's reassuring to find I'm not alone! It's something I can't discuss with hubby and a very personal problem!

pearl174 cheryl1970 · 2016-05-22T11:08+00:00

Hi, I had exactly the same as you Cheryl, I got a referral to the Gynae who performed my hysterctomy back in 2004 and he confirmed it was a rectocele, I had a ' posterior vaginal repair' on Friday. today is Sunday and I am at home recovering, in bed laid on my side as my 'undercarriage' is a bit tender! no Bowel movement yet, that is scarier than the operation! I am 54 with grown up children, I also have chronic asthma so I cough hard and a lot, which, along with the hysterectomy, has also contributed to the rectocele.

Is this a rectocele?

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