Mid urethral sling and full pelvic floor reconstruction

Hi Geraldinej, welcome to our forum, I had repairs to front and rear and perineum​, which were all done in the one op, There is no way I was able to return to work 2 weeks after the op. I returned at 7 weeks and am still on light duties. Before my op and finding this site I?thought that I would be fine to?return to work within a few weeks. umm nope?there wasn't a chance. We experience pain but we can control it with painkillers.?We experience great tiredness for weeks but by resting that passes as well. This is major surgery?and from what I have now learnt it takes 12 months to 18 months to come right and even after that we still need to be mindful of the repairs.?Am I pleased that Ive had my operation? yes totally as its so nice to be?able to go to the toilet and?be able to pooh normally as well as not wetting?when I wasnt on the loo. I believe that?most ladies stay for one or two nights in hospital. My journey was a little different as I experienced a heart attack?after the operation but that is definately not the?norm and I was lucky to be in hospital at the time.

​I found this site?when I was about 3 weeks post op?since then I have learnt what to expect and its reduced the worry that we now and again may experience. Good luck regards Kath??

Hi Geraldine

I'm 39 years old and was very fit prior to surgery. I had anterior & posterior repair, TVT (sling), uterine lift and my fallopian tubes removed. Recovery time is different for everyone but considering you've asked and we're similar in age, I thought I'd share my experience:

Hospital stay: 3 nights (realistically I could have stayed for only 2 nights, but decided to take the extra rest and stay another night)

Pain: the first night was the worst and I had trouble finding a pain medication that didn't make me nauseous. Once that was under control, it was just a matter of keeping on top of the pain and taking medication regularly.

At home: the first two weeks were mostly spent at home. The first week I sat on the couch and rested. I still cooked dinner every night for the family, but I did it gradually during the day. After standing for more than 5-10mins, I had abdominal discomfort so that was my cue to sit down and rest.

The second week, I was able to get out and about a bit more. It was just before Christmas time so I had shopping that needed to get done etc. I still just sat and rested whenever I felt the pain returning.

Third week, I was back at work. I have a desk job and only work 3 days per week. I only took pain killers at night time, I was fine during the day.

Fourth week, a big turning point! Finally started to feel more like myself.

Fifth week, appointment with my specialist. He checked everything and said that healing is going well. He cleared me to return to any activity I like, as long as I dind't get pain. I returned to the gym and started cycling classes again. (I'm an instructor)

Sixth, Seventh, continuing to improve, barely notice any pain whatsoever. Haven't taken pain killers. Exercise increasing.

Eight week, back to full gym load (4 cycling classes and two weights classes) per week.

Incontinence is completely gone - yeehaaa!!!

Good luck, every recovery is different and I'm sure it depends on the amount of repair that's required. Rest well for the first couple of weeks and then gradually start doing things when you feel ready.

I have only had posterior repair so I'm opposite to you. I still need cystocele repair. 

I was advised not to bend too much while healing those first few weeks as to not put intraabdominal pressure on my pelvic floor. 

I lay in bed most of the first 2 weeks with the odd walk round the house. 

Im uk too and 34 this was 12 months ago. 

I prepped as many meals and the house as much as I could prior to my op. 

Hubby had 4 weeks off to help with the kids as my youngest was 2 at the time.  I bought a cheaper grabber stick for picking bits up lol and was a god send . 

Make sure you manage the pain keeping on top of your painkillers and antinflamatory to keep swelling down. 

rest as much as possible and not lift more than a gallon of milk for first 6 weeks.

best advice I was given wax to rest rest rest as only one shot at healing .  

I got plenty magazines too as it gets boring doing nothing.

Best of luck and keep us posted x