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My Anteria and Posteria Repair

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HappyLady
HappyLady

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

278 Replies

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  • julie22982
    julie22982 HappyLady

    Posted

    Hi happylady , I've had my operation on the 10th July so still very early days for me , my question is how long before I will start to feel better I also feel very swollen an tender ( I also had stitches outside ) .today I went to super market was only there 20 min but felt like I'd been on my feet for hours an now I feel like a lot of pressure  ...
    • Lamby1066
      Lamby1066 julie22982

      Posted

      I've just passed the two week mark and have just started to feel functional. Spent the first week having naps every day; was exhausted! And it'd hit suddenly too. Couldn't go for more than a five minute walk before needing a rest. Don't beat yourself up, the operation is pretty intense and your body is using a lot of energy healing itself.

      I'm not really in pain anymore and the swelling has gone done a lot. The 2 week mark is the dangerzone though I think. Because I feel better, I keep forgetting that I'm not allowed to lift anything.

      Hope you feel better soon.

    • reenie50
      reenie50 Lamby1066

      Posted

      Hi ladies - I had an anterior vaginal repair about 12 years ago and was in hospital for 5 days on morphine, catheter, external stitches etc. You can imagine how I was feeling when I was told I had to have a posterior repair a few weeks ago! However I had my op on 13th July and have been pleasantly surprised at my recovery so far. I think that's because it was done through keyhole surgery through my vagina - no external stitches, no catheter, no packing. What a difference this time! Had op at 9 am and got home on the same night and have been so lucky not to have much pain, just very tired. Only thing is that I've not had much support re when to start doing things like walking, lifting, driving etc. Was told just to go home without being examined and advised no follow up needed! My consultant was a bit dismissive and seemed to think I might not have required surgery after all as he said it wasn't as bad as my initial consultant said it was. But for me, it's been life changing as I've been able to have a poo properly without having to help things manually for the first time in nearly a year so def worth it! I've found a couple of websites that have helped and hope things continue to go well - best wishes to all of you and hope you all continue to get back to normal soon! X
  • Gingernic_77
    Gingernic_77 HappyLady

    Posted

    Hello ,

    I'm 38 and have just been told that I need both Anteria and Posteria repair. I've been putting off going to the GP for some time but was starting to get terrible swelling and pain in my lower belly , problems going to the loo and a bulging . It's been caused by having 3 very large babies 10lb 7oz, 10lb 12oz and 11lb 4oz. . I'm fit and healthy but very worried about recovery times and if I will have any complications after that are worse than the simptoms I have now . Any advice about life after the operation would be great .

  • OldWoman
    OldWoman HappyLady

    Posted

    Hello HappyLady

    I'm 19 days post-op anterior & posterior repair. This is my third op in a year, having had a hysterectomy last summer and a rectocele repair just before Christmas - well, everything came down again almost immediately, and I was told this op would be my "last chance"! . So I'm anxious to get the recovery right.

    Unfortunately I've had a far worse time than before - sent home with a catheter in situ because of complete retention of urine, and I developed a latex allergy which made me ill. Catheter replaced a week later with an all silicone one which felt like being stabbed the whole time, and developed a thrush infection. All this accompanied by dreadful bladder spasms and searing pain in the urethra. Saw a urology nurse 4 days ago, and learnt to self-catheterise - the relief is wonderful! I can pee a tiny bit now, without pain, but am told recovery could take a looong time - weeks or months. The urology nurse has been kind and helpful, as were the community nurses called in by my GP, but I have had nothing in eght way of concrete information - why this has happened to me, what the long term prospects are etc.

    I'm starting to feel more normal "in myself" now, but somewhat lonely and depressed.

    /still trying to get my bowels back to normal - taking laxatives, but the results are all or nothing it seems - just explosive diarrhoea every three days.

    Also got a dental appt tomorrow - I need to keep it, but worried about making the journey by myself accross town and coping with the catheter at the same time.

    Sorry if this sounds too negative - but I had no warning things could turn out this bad. 

    • gwen45436
      gwen45436 OldWoman

      Posted

      OMG you are very brave, no wonder you are depressed.  You say lonely - do you live on your own?  Do you not have a friend who could go with you to the dentist? 

      I have the the start of all this ih the rear due to years of nervous tum and the runs for dentist doctors journeys places with no loo - the list goes on and on.  Do you know what started this all off?  It sounds as if you live in England - I am in Manchester.

      This site is so good at least we can all link up.

      Massive hugs to you xx

    • OldWoman
      OldWoman gwen45436

      Posted

      Thanks for your kind words. I did make it there and back on the bus, and fortunately didn't have to catheterise while I was out. I've a nice lady dentist, and I reckoned getting a clean mouth would raise my spirits somewhat.

      I'm in Exeter. I live with my husband, but he works long hours,often away from home. This is all payback for having four children! (They've all left home.) Plus an early menopause, irritable bowel etc. Next time round I think I'll be a man;-)

      Do take care of yourself - I realise that my rant isn't the most encouraging for women facing surgery etc. Most women do fine.

    • gwen45436
      gwen45436 OldWoman

      Posted

      Awww I did mention about coming back as a man, but one of our ladies did say that men have this problem too - fair point - but I meant as we give birth, my goodness, don't we have the rougher deal - men have the pleasure ladies have the pain and after effects, which when you think about it are really traumatic to your insides. 

      Payback for your children - I soo understand because yes that is why you are like you are - but who would do without them.  But defo not fair to be punished like this.  Keep posting hun coz that does help massively

      Take care xxx

  • kay23548
    kay23548 HappyLady

    Posted

    So happy to have found this site, I had my op 9 days ago and after at first having problems peeing once the cather was taken out finally managed to empty my bladder enough to be allowed home, however I was given the pelvic floor excised leaflet by the physio and told to ask the consultant when I should start doing these, I asked the nurse who nurse as didn't get chance to see the consultant as decision to let me go home was taken over the phone, she called him back and said that I should not start them for 6 weeks !!! But everything I read seems to say that I should be doing them now. Can anyone help with this as I'm a bit confused.
    • elizabeth43211
      elizabeth43211 kay23548

      Posted

      Hi Kay, you should wait 6 weeks since your tissues have had major trauma if you have had vaginal repairs and they need a chance to heal. That's what I was told by my surgeon and physio and what I've read on pelvic floor recovery. Rest as much as you can and for exercise just do short walks, not too far or too long at first and increase the distance and time weekly not daily. Don't lift anything more than 2 kgs for 6 weeks. Best wishes, the time does pass.
    • kay23548
      kay23548 elizabeth43211

      Posted

      Thank you for you reply, it's a dilemma to know what to do for the best sometimes, but I will stick to the 6 weeks time scale.
  • kay23548
    kay23548 HappyLady

    Posted

    I had my op 10 days ago and thanks to this site have been able to piece together what things I should not be doing, but could anybody help with what kind of thing I should be doing to help my recovery, I have read bits about walking everyday but not sure for how long.

    The  only info I left the hospital with was a note on my discharge paper saying No lifting and take physio's advice, not very helpful.

  • jacqueline54337
    jacqueline54337 HappyLady

    Posted

    Thank you for this discussion! It has opened my eyes to better understanding of the healing process. I am 3 weeks post op for rectocele repair and hemmoroidectomy.  I made it through first 2 weeks fairly well. I noticed the 3rd week, I really started to feel pressure in the pelvic region. But silly me. I was only told not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the 1st two weeks. I have been bending, doing laundry, and limited house cleaning duties. It seems I start to feel better and try to do more things only to find it puts me back in bed with pain and pressure. After reading through these posts, I will resume relaxing and only taking daily walks! 
    • katefromoz
      katefromoz jacqueline54337

      Posted

      Hi Jacqueline I am 12 days into my recovery and like you I had been given the same info so I also must now stop and relax more ,all the best for your recovery ,rest,rest and more rest .Kate
  • robyn94818
    robyn94818 HappyLady

    Posted

    Hi ladies. I am 2 wks and 2 days post op from TOT plastic sling & anterior repair. What I can't find here is how much discharge I can expect to still be having. It isn't blood. That only last first few days and quickly lessened in amount. This is straw like and 2/3rds soaks a decent pantyliner which I'm changing around 4x/day. I'm too embarrassed to ring Specialists nurse! Also appear to have 2 polyps, on in front of the other, very close to entrance to vagina, just inside. I'm sure they weren't there before!! Can still see stitches in there. Of course can't see far in! Just the hand mirror and torch view. Plus the prolapse looks worse than pre-surgery, but hoping that is just swelling. Not doing ANYTHING much post-op is too challenging. I'm 57.
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