My Anteria and Posteria Repair
Posted , 126 users are following.
Hi Ladies,
Prior to having my Anteria and Posteria Repair, mainly due to problems going for a poo, when to be frank it felt like I was trying to push the poo sideways out of my bottom, resulting in lots of pain and blood - making me very unhappy. After reading this and other forums, which I found very helpful (which is why I'm contributing now in the hopes that this helps others) I decided that although some people had not had a good experience it was worth the risk rather than putting up with the pain for the rest of my life (47 at the time).
On examining me the Dr found that I had significant bladder weakness too and he suggested that he could improve both - he did seem to focus on the bladder a little when I kept telling him it was my bum that was more of an issue - I digress a little as you know how dismissive doctors can be and how hard it is to stick up for yourself, especially in this area which not only affects you physically but psycologically as it impacts your sexuallity and self confidence too.
So I had the op in May 2013 and I recognise a lot of the other post-op entries on this forum but the main instructions were - 3 Golden Rules, number 1 - don't lift more than half a kettle for 6 weeks. Number 2 do pelvic floor exercises or it will all come back and need doing again. Number 3 make sure you stick to rule one and two.
I took 8 weeks off work (I have a desk job and a supportive employer) and followed the rules I, 2 and 3. Yes it was difficult and very frustrating also for the family to remember when you look fit and able but you can't bend to pick stuff up as it would pressure where you shouldn't have it.
It wasn't all plain sailing with pain and concern about stitches not disolving as quick as I hoped but I wanted to let you know that now (9 months on) I feel more confident, sexy and in control of my bodily functions. The Rectocele hasn't made things perfect but things are still improving even after so long so perhaps it will get even better but if not, its much much better than before.
Regarding the sex, thats better too and one thing I wanted to share - I noticed significant dryness for around 6 months, around the scar tissue but I', happy to say that this is also is improving.
Basically well worth having done and I would advise anyone to go for it. Prolaps issues should be taken much more seriously by GPs as it is embarassing to discuss and we deserve to feel 'Right' and everything that entails!!
27 likes, 278 replies
Tweezel HappyLady
Posted
I am now pain free but when I stand too long I get a dragging feeling down below !
also I am still bleeding ( eggcup full per day) and just wondered how long this bleeding should last for or has anyone else have the bleeding still 3 weeks post op ?
My main concern,however,(which my consultant failed to inform me off pre op) is that I have had an episiotomy!!! Not only that ,it has broken down,and I have an early appointment to see him @4weeks . There is a hole in my perineum about the size of a finger tip and it looks gross!
This has followed after returning to the hospital on the day I was discharged, with a haematoma,which I think has now resolved.
I also have completed a cours of antibiotics for an infection also.
Did anyone have anything similar? I'm 48 and have an active job but don't plan on returning to work until after Christmas.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
carole20067 Tweezel
Posted
This is my second repair operation as the one I had last year did not work.
I too am 48 years old.
I am six weeks post op from having an anterior and posterior repair, and have had problems very similar to you.
I still have slight bleeding and because of a heamatoma the stitches on my vaginal wall had started to come away too early.
I have had three stays in hospital of 5 days for each stay. Because of the bleeding I am now being treated for anaemia as blood count was under 8, I have had 3 courses of antibiotics and am seeing a consultant regarding my bladder on 3rd November as it was damaged during a previous operation.
Apart from these mishaps I am feeling a lot better but still tired .
I had a fantastic consultant this time around who explained everything and why last years surgery went wrong.
He has also explained that because of what has happened post op, my body will take longer to heal. I have also had regular twice weekly appointments with him just to be checked over.
My post op check up is not until the end of November which is ten weeks after my surgery.
Be positive eat well and try not to lift any heavy objects etc, only do light housework no hoovering, sweeping etc and rest when your body tells you.
Hopefully you will start to feel better, take it one day at a time and set yourself little goals and if you can remember to do pelvic floor exercises.
This forum is great as so many people have had similar experiences.
Hope this helps a little. Xxx
Tweezel carole20067
Posted
thanks foe you're reply . Gosh you seem to have been through a lot more than me ! It's great to share problems with someone who has experienced similar.
im just wondering ,did you too have an episiotomy? I wasn't aware beforehand that this was part of the op ,nor did my consultant inform me of this .
I have ,eventually,got an appointment to see him on Monday which is two weeks prior to the routine follow up review,so it will be interesting to see what his intentions are .
The 'hole' in my perineum is really causing me both psychological and physical distress .
Its very difficult to resist cleaning ,vacuuming etc however a warning to all ,you may not feel pain at the time but believe me ,you will later on at some point during the course of the day !!! This is a big No No !
I will keep you posted on the outcome of my visit and if anyone else has experienced problems with a broken down perineum following this op ,I really would be grateful for advice.
Fingers (and legs!) crossed xx
milly18660 HappyLady
Posted
HappyLady milly18660
Posted
I know the first few months can drag and they are very frustrating but really try not to lift where possible, dont bend unless you really really have to and do your pelvic floor exercises.
the future is brighter - honest
milly18660 HappyLady
Posted
All the best!
hlbrook HappyLady
Posted
rose80027 milly18660
Posted
alice88030 HappyLady
Posted
miaUSA HappyLady
Posted
I was so happy to find this forum, even though I think most of you reside in the UK - I'm from the States.
I had cystocele, rectocele, my rt ovary and stump of my cervix removed 3.5 weeks ago (left ovary and uterus removed 12 yrs ago). I felt amazingly good after surgery with only minor discomfort from the extrernal stitches and maybe some internal vaginal swelling. I had a pubic catheter for 5 days until I could control my bladder. Getting it removed made a world of difference. I did have a bladder infection and was treated with antibiotics. Soaking my stitches in a "sitz bath" (few inches of warm water in the tub) helped with the stitches. And yes, I was constipated for 5 days and finally took a laxative which was so painfaul I thought I had eaten glass and then when it worked and I finally had a movement, it felt like my bum had been sewn shut! I did finally go - it was like concrete - but after the initial one I have been much better. I take a lot of fiber and a stool softener every day, drink lots of water but still feel like I have to strain a bit and that scares me. My problem is that yesterday I was shopping with my daughter - an hour on my feet - and suddenly the sides of my lower abdomen or perhaps either side of my pelvis started hurting. I laid in bed the rest of the day. Felt better today, but not as good as I had been feeling in the earlier weeks. Of course now that the surgery is over, I reaize how little I asked about what to expect pain wise. I have only been taking ibuprophen and acetominaphen for pain - no prescription stuff. I went back to work (15 hrs - desk job) the 2nd week without any ill effects - and wasn't advised on that anyway. Also the inside of my vagina seems to have a pulling feeling once in awhile. And as a lot of you have said, it takes much longer to pee - comes in "waves". I go for a bit, it stops, I relax more, it goes again. Not so worried about that as I am worried about the fact that I now have pain where I didn't earlier on. I have been trying to be cautious about not lifting - but I have been doing laundry (not carrying it but changing loads) and bending and moving around all the time pretty much from week 2. I did wear regular slacks yesterday for the first time instead of comfy stretchy leggings and they were a bit snug. My daughter thought that might have caused my discomfort.
I don't go in for my post-op appt for another 3 weeks - and then my regular gyno surgeon is gone and I will see her male (yuk) partner. Should I be worried that I've done damage or just over done things?
This is a valuable forum. I have found that this is the "unspoken" woman's surgery here in the US. Many woman have it but you wouldn't know that until you have it done yourself.
Oh, and by the way, I am now referring to this surgery as a VFT ...Vaginal Face Lift. It seems appropriate!
Good wishes everyone!
moira34394 miaUSA
Posted
Don't strain ~ that does damage the repair. You need to elevate your feet so that your knees are higher than your hips for a BM. A squatty potty, grow tall step or a pile of books will do it. I don't know what stool softener you are using, but I have found a daily probiotic does the trick.
Your gynae appt should set your mind at rest. Let us know how it goes.
miaUSA moira34394
Posted
Good luck to us all!
fragglerocker HappyLady
Posted
I am glad that I found this thread as there does not seem to be much information online about this operation.
I am 34 and recently saw the consultant as I always feel like I have a dropping/dragging sensation in my vagina and also thought I had piles that had dropped outsde. My periods have greatly increased in heaviness since the birth of my children and the pressure below has got worse. Sex is also not as enjoyable as I had three 10lb+ babies so am greatly stretched. I attended a consultant as I wanted to start running and using the trampoline without peeing & to improve my sex life but i was told that i really need pelvic repair surgery to my anterior and posterior.
I was told that I would require to stay in hospital for 5 nights & to rest for up to 12 weeks. After reading your posts I am not sure whether to go ahead with the surgery. I have three children under 6 yrs and am worried if you are so tired afterwards whether i will be able to cope. Nothing was mentioned to me about driving but I was told no exercising, lifting or cooking/housework.
My husband is saying he will be supportive but I am not sure if he understands the extent of help I will need. Do you recommend the surgery, did it greatly improve your life/sex life? I am also scared that I will be that one in ten that experience pain during sex afterwards. Would you defer until my children were less dependent or go for it now?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
doris29 fragglerocker
Posted
Lyn2015 HappyLady
Posted
I myself are 10 plus weeks after an anterior repair & sparc bladder lift (tvt) and also had a posterior repair 10 years ago. I think everybody healing process varies so much, some, like me are, have problems with inflammation & swelling. I came home with a supra public catheter (through the abdomen) for 4 weeks as my bladder refused to work! It was horrendous painful infection in stitch site round catheter but eventually it was taken out and I could pee, hooray!! I was very unlucky most ladies can pass urine after a few days, however apparently a few of us need longer to heal!
I also suffer from constipation so am using senna so not to strain and hopefully my bowels will get into a better pattern further down the road. I returned to work last week and have been driving for 2 weeks.
I think the most important advice is to really listen to your body if it hurts or is uncomfortable don't do it!! I'm still not lifting much, trying not to bend too much, light cleaning cooking etc and have learnt to shout for help when I need it no matter how it annoys husband and teenage daughter! I rest when I come home from work before doing the chores, dinner etc, and will continue to do so for as long as I need to, as we ladies have had a major op and looking after are recovery is important isn't it? I have noticed I'm improving every week so hopefully will be back to normal soon, or should I say fitter than before?!
I am struggling a little with my pelvic floor exercises and being helped by a gynae physio, so again I know I need to be patient as she promises things will improve as the surgery continues to heal. This brings me on to my next point having had an examination by my GP last week I have discovered that penetrative sex is way to painful and she advised waiting a few more weeks before attempting that, so ah poor husband is also going to have to be patient!! Again I have been reassured that after giving myself more time to heal this will be ok too!
I just feel as women we expect too much of ourselves sometimes as it's in our nature to get on with things eg we have flu we continue, a man takes to his bed! So my big lesson is to heal properly just have to give it time and can't wait to be like HappyLady and look back in a few months feeling great I hope!!