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POST Anterior and posterior pelvic repair

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jennifer_08098
jennifer_08098

Hi everyone I had my repair operation Friday and came home Saturday,  Very lucky to have my mum looking after me and my 2 boys as I am a single parent. I am finding the pain quite bad currently taking 2x 30mg codine and paracetamol and ibuprofen I just started lactulose as I have not yet had a BM and terrified about the pain this may cause I am prone to constipation pre op. Any advice on how to survive the next few weeks gratefully received xx

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  • Redhead1960
    Redhead1960 jennifer_08098

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer, I had the same op almost 3 weeks ago. It can take often a few days before your bowels wake up and start to move. It really helps to keep up with the Lactulose and drink plenty of water as this keeps the motions soft and easier to pass. The codeine will slow things down too. If you get too bloated and uncomfortable with not being able to open your bowels, you could try a laxative suppository or  tablet. But hopefully you will be able to walk a bit around the house soon and  warm showers, getting your appetite back etc  all helps get things moving in time. Raising your feet and legs up whilst sat on the loo helps too.

    You have done really well to only be in hospital overnight so thank goodness your mum can help with you and your little ones. Good luck and wishing you a comfortable and full recovery xxx

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  • kp1407
    kp1407 jennifer_08098

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer. 

    I’m 2.5 weeks post op from posterior repair. Had a few complications so set me back abit. But the pain has really eased now. I just get uncomfortable if I’m on my feet too long. And get exhausted really easily. 

    I’m taking movicol to help my bowels as I was so prone to constipation. Codeine will clog you up abit so you might need abit more than lactulose.

    Hope you start to feel better soon. x 

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  • janet01834
    janet01834 jennifer_08098

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer 

    I am sorry to hear you are in pain.

    I had my surgery 6 weeks ago and I can tell you it does get better. I was in a lot of pain for a few weeks but I stopped taking the codine as it is well known for causing constipation which increased my pain. I alternated ibuprofen and paracetamol and took lactalose a few times a day and it did get better. I went to have my stitches checked as well as they were uncomfortable and my gp said they were too tight and gave me advice to help me dissolve them quicker.

    Hopefully your mum will be on hand for a few weeks at least as the first few weeks are tough. Rest as much as you can . I used a small wedge cushion under me and that helped to sit down in more comfort. Not sure if you have tried dropping the codine but it did help.

    Your not alone my lovely so post up if you need anything. This site has been more helpful that anything else I have googled. 

    Wishing you well 

    Janet 

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  • pamela1937
    pamela1937 jennifer_08098

    Posted

    Hello, I had a hysterectomy last March and was very constipated before and afterwards when just taking the Lactulose, I had to go back to hospital for treatment for it, so this time when I had had my op for Bladder suspension, rectocele and enterocele four weeks ago I made sure I would not have that problem again. I take 2 or sometimes 3 teaspoons of the medicine from the hospital  Lactulose after breakfast and at  bed time I take two sachets of movacol ( I normally took one sachet, prescription from the doctor for this) and I have been fine. I also have lots of vegetables, cabbage, broccoli, cailiflouwer and fruit, grapes etc. I would ask your doctors advice on this though but it has worked for me  Good luck and hope you get well again soon.
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  • Imnotadoctor
    Imnotadoctor jennifer_08098

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer,

    Are you in the U.K? I'm surprised they let you out after only one night. I had my op on Friday too but I came home on Sunday. I had my first bowel movement today and it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. I was advised to take Fybogel & Laxido to get things moving. If you are in pain ask for different painkillers as codine does cause constipation. Good luck.

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    • janet01834
      janet01834 Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      I thought I was let out too soon, I came out the same day about 4 hrs after the op and I was in so much pain and would not even have contimplated a bowel movement. I actually struggled to urinate , maybe through fear! 

      I have actually complained about this as I was told I would be in a day or two and when I come around after the anaesthetic I was told I was in the day Ward and would be going home. I was in tears as I felt so rough. Just out of interest has anyone else come home the same day 

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    • Imnotadoctor
      Imnotadoctor janet01834

      Posted

      I wasn't allowed out of bed until the second day and they didn't take the catheter out until the evening of the second day.  I'm shocked you went home the same day I could not have managed that. I hope you have a follow up appointment?

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    • Redhead1960
      Redhead1960 janet01834

      Posted

      You poor thing. Are you in th UK? I am and was told I would be 1 to 2 nights But actually was in for 3 as blood count dipped and couldn’t wee until third day without catheter and fainted when trying to get out of bed. I needed all 3 painkillers for most of first 7 days at home but dropped codeine to 2 doses as soon as I could. I sill need full dose of paracetamol now 3 weeks on and ibuprofen once or twice a day depending on what I have been up to. I think the stitches or healing starts to tighten around the 2 to 3 week mark, the pain or discomfort has changed for me at least but I am feeling better each week. Do take care and rest. X
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    • janet01834
      janet01834 Imnotadoctor

      Posted

      I was still drowsy from the anaesthetic, bleeding and in so much pain. I come up from the op at 12 and they took the catheter out at 4pm . I felt so awful, so much so I was in tears. This op was far harder to recover from than I imagined possible. 
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  • jennifer_08098
    jennifer_08098

    Posted

    Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply. I know I should reduce the codine but in pain and also part of me prob so scared about passing a BM I am putting off going.  I did take a Senna yesterday lactulose 20 ml today maybe I should try another Senna but scared too
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    • paddiwhack
      paddiwhack jennifer_08098

      Posted

      Hi Jennifer

      Please don’t try putting off going to pass a stool as it will get harder over time. Lots of fluids and whatever medication you have been prescribed. If that doesn’t work talk to your gp about meds and look at pain control.

      I had my op Friday and came home Saturday taking anti inflammatory es and lactulose.

      Try to relax on the toilet and don’t strain.

      I also was given anti inflammatory granules to dissolve in water and apply to perineal area - fantastic .

      I hope you start feeling more comfortable quickly but it’s really important you can have a bowel movement . Good luck

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    • janet01834
      janet01834 paddiwhack

      Posted

      Hi Paddiwhack 

      What are the anti inflammatory granules called please? My children consultant told me the penineal wall would need some form of ointment messaged in but didn’t say what? That area still feels very sore 6 weeks post op. What do the granules do?

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    • Redhead1960
      Redhead1960 janet01834

      Posted

      Hi, I found haemorrhoid cream helpful, just applied it around the perineum and it soothed the area, I think it has anti inflammatory, antiseptic and anaesthetic properties. Unlike most people, once I had a BM it wouldn't stop and I was going many many times a day and this made me incredibly sore, now just having about 4 to 6 BM a day. However, I do get bouts of IBS and although the various painkillers, iron tablets, antibiotics, omeprazole  etc can cause constipation ...... in the small print it says it can also cause the opposite! 

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    • paddiwhack
      paddiwhack janet01834

      Posted

      Hi Jenny sorry I’m on my first week post op and hadn’t seen this till today!

      The granules dissolve in water and are to reduce post op inflammation to the delicate perineal tissues. The massaging of cream I think refers to oestrogen replacement therapy to vaginal tissue that is dry after the effects of the menopause.  I’ve definitely found the solution soothing . Have a chat with your go if you’re not seeing your surgeon? Hope you feel more comfortable soon x

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