Posterior and anterior repair next week...

Hi.Dont worry. I am 10wks post op after A and P. I am in uk and stayed in hospital 2days.I am 51. Please remember every one heals at different levels and ages.I am encouraged by lots of posts and also frustrated with myself at how quickly some people are well quicker. I bought a ring after 5wks and found was useless as put pressure on back passage.Others have found very useful. If going through it again I would buy lots loose dresses with no gathering and more long t.shirt or night shirt. I still struggle to sit squarely and wear even loose trousers or joggers. My stomach was tender for quite few weeks and couldn't wear elastic on it. I didn't have a lot of bleeding after the op so sanitary towels that were longer rather than thicker were better. I also found they irritated me a lot and so after 3weeks just put a bath towel on the bed and lay without any underwear. Look out for infection. I had one after 3wks which cleared up quickly with antibiotics. I have read some hospitals give these out on discharge from hospital but not mine. There was no follow up appointment for me so check if u can have one. These are just my experiences. Keep us informed. Hugs jill

I never used a special pillow. I was super sore the first 2 days and couldn't brave the stairs but was fun after that. I was just super slow when I did. You should be fine. Just take things slow and when you feel good, still rest as it can set back your recovery I found. Hope that helps. Best of luck!

I would definitely get a ring pillow.  I have an inflatable one and it's really helped.  I'm 3 wks out and I'm still using it.  Be sure and rest after your surgery.  I thought I was resting enough then after about a week went out for about 4 hours to lunch, grocery store, home depot.  Afterwards, started bleeding like crazy for a week.  Had to lie flat for that week.  It can be very deceiving-you feel pretty good and it's so easy to overdo it.  I was ok w/stairs but everything you do takes an effort so use your energy wisely!  Good luck to you!

Depends what sort of surgery you are having. I lve in the UK and had a mesh inserted through a  bikini line cut for my bladder prolapse and ovaries removed, so no bleeding or discomfort from sitting. I am now 12 weeks post op but did have and still do have a lot of discomfort. Just take things very easy, no lifting or carrying. Let the housework look after itself. I found that as long as you are fed and clean the housework really doesn't matter. Just let your body heal. I had to climb stairs three daays after my op as I live in a flat but didn.t go out for a few weeks afterwards. I think you will know when your body is ready to do more. Walking does help even if it just around the rooms in your home. I didnt drive for six weeks but everyone has to go with how they feel. Definately wear loose fitting trousers or skirts and baggy tops to hide any tummy swelling.

I wish you well in your op, take each day as it comes.

Follow your surgeon/nurse's advice about when to resume normal activities after the surgery.  I agree with the other posts - every person and every surgery is different.  I was in bed for two weeks.  Was so weak it was hard to even take a shower without a nap afterwards.  It will be a good time to coddle yourself - or have someone else give you lots of TLC.

I see many have not had a follow up appointment.  I'm surprised at least for rectocele repair like me - ask for a follow up visit if they don't schedule one.

Best wishes for quick healing!

Hi there

Firstly, I've found this forum so incredibly helpful - kept me sane in my first few weeks! I'm now 6 weeks post surgery for posterior, anterior and bladder repair - and a mirena coil for good measure.

So - rubber/inflatable ring...I didn't have one and couldn't think of anything worse! I didn't do any research prior to my surgery. The way I describe the experience post-op is it is just like giving birth. Some women breeze through it, others like myself, take every drug on offer. You'll know roughly where you fit on that scale. If you've birthed vaginally, did you use a rubber ring then? If not, I'd suggest starting without it - someone can always duck to the pharmacy for you. Honestly, you will most likely spend a lot of time in bed sleeping for the first week or two. Then, graduate to the lounge with some cushions.

What else shouldn't you do? Don't freak out. Know this: your vagina is going to be incredibly swollen for a good couple of weeks afterwards. I still have some stitches.

My physiotherapist has told me never to do another squat for the rest of my life, a little over the top if you ask me, but I understand what she is saying: the surgery will strengthen your internal muscles, look after your pelvic floor.

Make sure you get yourself some Movicol (that's what it's called here in Australia) sachets. And, make sure you drink them. Have a bowel motion is not pleasant for the first few days, do yourself a favour and make it as easy as possible,

Most of all, relax. No matter how sore you may feel, every day is another day closer to full recovery. Take the opportunity to watch crap TV and do nothing for once, the opportunity is unlikely to present itself again for a while.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Hi, im almost 6 months post op with a hyster as well. My advice would be to get to your gp asap and ask for movicol( can be bought over the counter but more expensive than script charge). It comes in sachets which you can increase the dosage on. Start taking as soon as you get home as hospital does not give any laxative and these soften motions, waiting until you desperately need to go is too late as it makes you feel uncomfortable to say the least, i know from bitter experience.

jills advice is also sound. Also i found that as a side sleeper wedging a pillow under my tummy also eased pull pressure. I felt fine after my op and was raring to go in my head but believe me even a slow trip round the garden 4 times a day at first was hard going, you just dont realise how much it takes out of you. Take it slowly, your body will tell you what its ready for.