posterior repair 5 wks, bleeding & menopause

Matron will help with these questions, if I can add one thing last year I had a hystorectomy and did not have overies removed on omg I was having al the menaporse symptoms now on HRT and had to push it with the doctor, I am 49 hope this helps 💓💓💓

Also I am 5 weeks today A&P and could not go back to work yet love x

I've not had a hysterectomy - that apparently was all fine and up where it should be! Just seems to be a bit much of a spooky life coincidence to enter menopause after the op so quickly though logically I know what's been done should physiologically have anything to do with one another.

I do have to be able to get up and down off the floor and be able to lift and carry -probably up to about 15lb weight to be able to work successsfully.

Sorru also meant to say thank you for your reply!

Hello trizwizz. I'll answer your last question first because that's the easiest. No it's too early to go back to work so ask your GP for another sicknote. You don't say what your job is but either way emotionally you aren't ready. I would be extremely surprised if your surgery had failed. You are still healing so it's normal to get the symptoms you describe and the blood could be due to a stitch ready to drop out or sometimes you get a small blood clot left following the operation that doesn't disperse and it bleeds. As long as you don't bleed excessively, have pain with the bleeding or it doesn't smell offensive then you will be ok but if you are worried speak to your doctor so he can put your mind at rest. I don't know why following a rectocele (posterior) repair why you would get menopausal symptoms because your surgeon won't have been anywhere near your ovaries. Could it be a coincidence?  If your ovaries are tender is often a sign of ovulation. 

Thank you matron. No it's not excessive bleeding - more spotting but bright red. I've had no discharge really at all, no smells - all feels clean and I've no temperature. I just feel physically like I did before the repair - that bulgy, draggy feeling with additional difficulties going to the toilet. I've never been constipated then or now. I haven't felt like this up till the weekend. In fact I was congratulating myself on how well I felt I was progressing!

Yes I agree with you about the tender ovaries meaning ovulation; for years I've been able to tell when I'm mid-cycle because of this. But this tenderness has lasted 5 weeks now! I had my last period April 7th and operation on the 18th April.

For work I work as a home visitor promoting and developing pre-school children with disabilities to develop through structured play activities. (basically I sit on the floor and play all day!) So I carry large bags of toys around with me in the car. It's not a job where you can hide or take things easy - you're either fit or not. 

I was told I could drive after four weeks and I have done so. Only local driving - just a couple of miles and it felt ok - yes I think I could do an emergency stop. Sitting has not been a problem - in fact I could get very used to being at home! Standing/walking has been harder - gravity does seem to have an effect after a while. I have been trying to do more (sensibly!) in order to build up a little more stamina. So yesterday for example I sat on a chair in the garden and filled some pots with my ever willing slave (husband) moving and lifting for me. Today I have hung out some washing - gently - not reaching too high.

May I ask why you would be surprised if the repair had failed? 

Maybe it's a coincidence that you started menopause at the same time as surgery.  You are the usual age for menopause.  Also I think stress can exacerbate menopausal symptoms and surgery is obviously stressful.  It sounds as if you are not ready to go back to work yet, after all 6 weeks is quite early.

Well I've been back to the Gp today - alas not the one I normally see but the duty doctor. He's signed me off for antoher two weeks - he was originally going to do one week more but as I nearly burst into tears - whilst having another hot flush - he amended to two weeks. I would rather have seen the gp I normally see but not possible. It seems all the gps were sick today and they were booking appts for 9th June when I was there so best get to know when you will be ill in advance!

I think they pulled out my ovaries when they removed the packing after the op (no I know that's not possible but that's what it feels like). Feeling highly emotional and can't see myself ever going back to work - have no inclination or desire to do anything let alone work.

I went into the garden on Wednesday and did some chopping with the secateurs - nothing overly strenuous - spent all day yesterday resting as the pain in lower abdomen is back. Still have pain from the ovaries - not gone. At least the gp recognised that I can't work on light duties - either have to be fit or not.