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New discussion on restrictions

Posted , 4 users are following.

dorothy03601
dorothy03601

I am to have my second surgery in 6 months because the cystocele came down to a stage 3 .....9 weeks post op.  It was a stage 4 before the surgery  I never questioned how many surgeries this doctor performed.  I should have.  I wondered if It was my fault.  But the second Dr said "No it was the surgeon's fault because she only did half of the surgery".  I was never given a list restrictions, but was told " no pulling, pushing, bending, stretching, straining with BM's and not to lift over 5 lbs.  I followed all the rules, but at times when I didn't have my grabber, I did bend to pick up items I dropped.  Also I bent to ties my shoes while sitting on a chair.  When I bent to pick up something from the floor I bent my knees...and now I'm thinking that it might have been similar to a lunge....., which is forbidden. Even though the doctor did a bad job, I'm wondering if I also did something to hurt myself.  Another problem was that I was told not to pull or push a door.  This means for three months, I did not go to the store myself, because I was not allowed to open the doors.  PLEASE HELP ME WITH THE RESTRICTIONS.  I AM 78 yrs old and a risk for surgery due to my heart and history of 2 small strokes.  If I don't have this surgery done again, my hydronephrosis will probably return, and I would go into kidney failure and have to go on kidney dialysis.  It's a gamble either way.   I am young at heart and relate to young people better than seniors.  Half of ours friends are my kids ages.   So I have a love of life...music, theatre, Sci-fi movies, politics, games,....and I'm not ready to throw the towel in yet.

I hope somebody responds regarding the Restrictions after surgery.  Thank you for spending the time reading this post.

 

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Jan999
    Jan999 dorothy03601

    Posted

    Hello dorothy. I've mentioned on this forum many times about restrictions so take a look but I'll summarise.

    For the first 2 weeks after your operation you must do absolutely nothing and rest as much as possible. Don't lift anything heavier than a kettle with enough water to make 1 cup of tea. 

    For 6 weeks still no lifting, pulling, pushing or bending for the best outcome. Take regular pain relief and no straining when you have you bowels opened. Check if you can have a bath or just showers for the first 6 weeks. 

    Gradually build up your strength after about 4 weeks, take very short walks to begin with.

    I hope you have a different consultant performing your surgery this time.

    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 Jan999

      Posted

      Yes Matron, I am going to a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic.  My original surgeon says she doesn't have the experience to attempt it again.  I should have asked...but now  found out that she has only done a few of these surgeries..ever.  She is only 37 years old.  She is. Urologist, and the doctor at the C.C. Is a .Urogynecologist.  Is there a forum on Restrictions post op?  How do I tie my shoes when I cannot get my foot up to my knee.  I have to bend.  Also, if I'm standing and have to pick up something I dropped...what is the best way to get it without a grabber?  I was bending my knees a little so I wouldn't put too much pressure on my abdomen.  Please advise me!  Thank You!
    • Jan999
      Jan999 dorothy03601

      Posted

      I'm pleased you're seeing a Urogynaecologist that is very important. I don't think there is a specific forum on restrictions, you will have to look at past posts but if your Urogynaecologist is one of the good ones he/she should provide you with all the information you need. As I said in my previous post rest is the most important thing in the early weeks. As for fastening your shoe laces that's difficult to answer because you shouldn't be bending. Same as picking things up, you should slowly bend your knees but it's not advisable.
  • linda23833
    linda23833 dorothy03601

    Posted

    Sounds like you are going through the wars Dorothy.

    Matron gives very good sound advise and the lovely part is that you have found this forum. If you do have any worries just post and we will be hear to listen. You are not on your own. 

    Wish you all the best. xx

  • carole28488
    carole28488 dorothy03601

    Posted

    Hi, dorothy:  I'm 68 and I have a huge prolapse.  I am seeing a surgeon in May, but with my age and a few health issues I am really scared.  Is the surgery bad, and how long are you under.  I live in the USA and I know the methods are diferent from country to country, but I would appreciate any info you can give me on the surgery...thank you, sweetie...
    • Jan999
      Jan999 carole28488

      Posted

      carole i understand you have a prolapse but what has prolapsed? That will help us to answer your question.
    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 carole28488

      Posted

      Carole,  all in all the surgery wasn't as painful as I expected.  It took about 2 1/2 hrs.  The worst of it for me was being careful to follow the restrictions..no lifting over 5 pounds, no pulling, pushing, vacuuming, stretching, bending, opening or closing heavy doors etc,etc etc.  

      Be sure your doctor is a urogynecologist, not just a urologist.  And most importantly, ask how many of these surgeries he has performed.  I didn't .....and though I followed all the instructions, my prolapse is back after 4 months, and I have to have it done again. This time with an experienced urogynecologist.  Expect some discomfort, but in my case the pain was secondary to all the restrictions.  God bless and good luck.

    • Jan999
      Jan999 dorothy03601

      Posted

      dorothy you have made a comment about making sure the surgeon is a Urogynaecologist and not a urologist. That strictly isn't correct. A urologist wouldn't perform prolapse surgery in the UK, I can't comment about the USA. I always recommend a Urogynaecologist rather than a gynaecologist.
    • Jan999
      Jan999 carole28488

      Posted

      carole depending on what prolapse you have depends on the length of surgery and the recovery time. Rectocele repair tends to be more painful than a cystocele repair but it also depends on the extent of the surgery that has to be performed. In the UK some cystocele repair is performed under a local anaesthetic but this is only in certain areas and I don't know if this is performed in the US. It takes approximately an hour to repair a prolapse in the operating theatre but you'd spend time in recovery as well before you are taken back to the ward.
    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 Jan999

      Posted

      Thank you for clarifying Matron!  I probably shouldn't have related my experience...sorry.
    • dorothy03601
      dorothy03601 Jan999

      Posted

      Matron,  Urologists do perform prolapse surgery in the U.S.  As an example, it was a Urologist that performed my first failed surgery.  On May 10th, a Urogynecologist will be performing my prolapsed surgery...this time correctly, I pray. I think I should refrain from commenting or posting....but will continue to read all the excellent information in your forum.  Thank you, and I'm sorry if I interfered.  Continue your fine work with your patients.  By the way I am a retired R.N. with 50 years experience in the Emergency Department.  Thank you.  Blessings, Dorothy
    • Jan999
      Jan999 dorothy03601

      Posted

      No apologies needed I know things are different in the US but not in the UK
    • Jan999
      Jan999 dorothy03601

      Posted

      Nice to talk to another nurse dorothy. As I said a urologist wouldn't perform this surgery here in the UK. The Royal College of Gynaecologists now expect every gynaecologist performing prolapse surgery to have undergone extra training no matter how long they've been qualified to which I am extremely grateful for because the number of failed procedures has dropped dramatically. Please don't stop commenting because ladies in the US need advice especially where we differ as in this case.
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