Posterior repair for a rectocele

I had the op on the Monday and drove the following Sunday. 

Hi Linda,

I've just been diagnosed with the same thing and I'm getting my treatment via the rectum. It does seem unusual. How did your treatment go and how long did the recovery take. My family seem to think this is a small operation and I'm worried that they will be expecting too much of me afterwards. I think I need to be showing them this forum.

Lynda x

Hi I have had the same as you 4 weeks ago and feel like I'm going insane with the same feelings you wrote. Are you okay now? I long does it take to feel any better. Thanks X

Does this uncomfortable pain ever end? Am 5 weeks post op from the same as you.thanks X

Steph, I know this is an old post but did your ever get over the rectal pain?

Hi Shirley, sorry to invade your post, but i would be interested to. I am nearly 8 weeks post op and back to work next week on limited duties. I still have an uncomfortable feeling in rectum, especially when sitting, driving is quite uncomfortable! The surgeon is hoping it will go after more recovery time but have to see him again on 13th Nov. He said it was unusual to still have the feeling so hoping nothing else going on. After saying that I feel great as was so poorly before Op. Just get very tired still if have a busy day. Have you got rectal pain still?

Hi Lynne, I really hope Steph will pick up on this discussion. I'd be so interested in knowing how she is doing. Yes I still have rectal pain. I'm only 3 weeks post-op but unless I stay on pain meds, I'm very uncomfortable. My rectum feels sore and achy and it hurts after I have a bm for a while or I can go all day feeling like I need to have a bm even when I've had one. My bowels are still pretty unsettled too. Di you have rectal pain before surgery?

Hi Shirley and Everyone, Can I suggest that all of you asking how long your rectal pain/discomfort - in fact any post op discomfort, continues for, take heart. Please please slow down and have patience. Read lots of the other postings on this Forum and you will see that most of us have experienced the same pains. All heal at different times. Disregard what medical professionals tell you it does take longer recover than they tell you; at least six months I would say and then be cautious, I had rectal wall and bladder wall prolapses repaired together with a perineum lift exactly one year ago. Now everything couldn't be better. It was well worth it. Yes there is a lot of pain and discomfort but the most important thing is to STAY OFF YOUR FEET as much as you can, and REST! You all sound as though you are rushing things too soon which could cause you problems in the long run. If you want a good result at the end of the day, do less and rest far more. It takes your body time to heal and for the nerve endings and muscles to get used to the realignment. I am 70 and everything is now in full functioning order! Please read previous postings. LadyPink

Hi Shirley, 3 weeks post op is still quite early in your recovery. Mine isn't actual pain, really just uncomfortable, difficult to describe, like sitting on a slab of concrete and have to keep changing position, i'm still using a cushion. I would give your specialist a ring for reassurance though, I rang mine twice, week 3 & week 4 and he put me at ease a little. My biggest problem pre op was the immense pressure in the rectum when sitting or especially driving, like having a golf ball stuck up my bottom, this then gave me backache, by the end of some working days, I could barely walk. I feel so much better in myself, just not having the bachache is a relief, and hoping the rectum discomfort will get better as the days go by. Read through the posts for Ladypinks comments, they make a lot of sense. As she says, I think we are trying to run before we can walk. On the reply to your bowels being unsettled, mine are really only just settling down and are by far from perfect but I think only to be expected. I am back at work next week but have told my company that if after a day or so I don't feel good I will be off sick again. I am not prepared to undo any surgery that has been done.  Are you having a 6 week post op with your surgeon? 

I'm having a rectocele repair next week; I imagined the pain to be like after an epidiotomy. Why is the pain in your back passage, when the stiches are in the vagina?

I wish I knew for sure but I think it's because the rectum has been repositioned and lifted up which must disturb the nerves. It may also be because of swelling that presses into the rectum. 

Hi Carol, I am always encouraging ladies -like yourself who don't appear to know what their repair operation involves, to research RECTOCELE on their laptops. There's loads of information out there and even videos of the operation on you-tube. A rectocele is a bulge or a prolapse in the rectum wall which divides the back passage from the vagina. Over time it stretches more into the vagina and begins to bulge into the vaginal opening. Through straining or having babies, or it can even be genetic, the wall over time becomes weaker and thinner as it stretches. Many repairs involve reducing the bulge in the rectum/vaginal wall via the vagina itself and NOT the back passage,  therefore thec stitches will run inside there and up. This is why the pain is in the vagina. Most rectal pain afterwards can be through constipation. Don't stay on laxatives too long but eat fresh fruits and plenty of fibre foods. Your surgeon will explain how long the stitches will remain before they are removed. They'll tell you to rest for a few weks BUT double it. They're usually underestimating the recovery time. It's very important to rest and stay off your feet for as much as you can for at least 8 weeks and from then on, take everything cautiously. Don't be nervous about asking questions. Read as many postings as you can on this Forum as there's lots of information here - we've most of us been through this and more. To prepare yourself by reading all about your condition and operation THEN you'll be 'aware' and know what questions to ask. Remember to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Good luck Carol - you'll be fine. I'm now 70 had this done exactly a year ago, I still have a great sex life with my new second husband and

life is good. LadyPink

Ladies I've just had my op this morning. At the moment the pain is a dull ache. Aching around the bottom i was told is because the muscles are tightend and pulled about. Feels a bit like when your full and need a Bm. Also like period pain. I'm sure the pain  will get worse before it gets better (dreading needing a Bm) but in a year like happylady i know it will be worth it. D x

Hi Ladypink

I've been following these posts for quite a while now (including yours)

Also watched the video on YouTube and researched online.

There's not a lot in your message that is new; going back to my question, I can't believe the pain in the back passage is due to constipation. The lady who is suffering, does not mention constipation.

If you're not sure then I suggest you ask your nurse or doctor. The pain through constipation is the worst ever, as if you were having a baby. Many of us having had this operation have experienced it. However since you have read everything you obviously know all about already. LadyPink

Well, I'm soon to find out!

Hi LadyPink, at first I was constipated but I'm not now. I feel no pain in my vagina, I continue to feel discomfort in my rectum. My bms have become pretty normal now at 3 weeks post-op. So I wonder why my rectum is so sore after passing loose bms. Some times it feels raw and sometimes like I have a gas bubble with a hard shell stuck inside that causes an ache. I'm OK as long as I continue to use pain meds but feel like I shoudn't need them at this point.

Hello Shirley, As with most ops it takes a good while to settle down afterwards. Since you too had had constipation it could be that although you say you are passing motions normally now, you may just still have a small hard piece of waste 'stuck' in there. It can happen on occasions. A high fibre diet and stewed fruits as well as fresh citrus and green vegetables, salads etc are all excellent for natural bowel movements as painkillers are known to cause constipation when taken for too long. If you are concerned, I would definitely go and speak with your doctor or nurse if I were you though,  just to make sure all is well. Hope you'll be feeling better soon. LadyPink

Wish I knew the answer Carol. Can only presume that as pelvic floor/organs are all connected, hence bowel discomfort after this surgery. I also had a tear in bowel lining high up near the cervix which was only detected during surgery so maybe that has something to do with it to, but not sure. Good luck with your surgery, I am sure you will be fine, just rest plenty after the Op and if in doubt ring your surgeon for reassurance. I did a couple of times. Remember, we all heal differently and you may well sail through this with no hiccups, but as has been said on other posts, to be forewarned is to be forearmed, and listen to your body and don't try to push yourself to quickly. This is classed as major surgery. Please keep me posted how you are after your op. best wishes.

Thanks LadyPink,

I was just thinking today about what to eat for enough fiber. It is really hard to strike just the right balance. I'm happy to say I'm having a bowel movement eveyday now. I found prune pills at my pharmacy. They work amazingly well if you drink enough water but I would rather control everything with diet. I had a 3 week checkup this past week. Everything looked good but still a lot of healing going on. I haven't lost many stitches yet. I asked about the bowel/rectal discomfort and I didn't hear exactly what I wanted to hear which would have been something like, "that's not unusual for where you are in recovery." She was a little bit vague but did say the surgery should help me feel a lot less pressure in the area. She even said time will tell. I guess it will but being patient is difficult. I didn't do a whole lot more resting yesterday and I did get by better with less discomfort. Like you said, might be trying to run before I walk. :-)

 

I meant to say I did do a whole lot more resting, urggg. Wish we could edit these posts.

I was just rereading your text. You know I guess it really does take a long time for things to settle down and maybe doctors especially in the US give you unrealistic time lines for recovery. I'm glad I've read posts here where some women say it was more like 6 or 7 months before they felt completely well. Age probably has a lot to do with it also. I've been told before that I'm a fast healer but I'm also 62 years old and need to take that into consideration. I still wish Steph would swing back by but she is probably all healed up and on with her life. If she had other issues, this forum may have become irrelevant. Where ever she is, I hope she is well and doing great now.

Yes I agree Shirley, I'm 52 and having always been active have found this quite a difficult time. I am in perth in Oz and think the docs here are much the same with unrealistic recovery times but I dare say some (especially younger) people do recover quicker. I just hope this pressure in my bum gets better soon as I work in aged care and have to drive a bus some days for up to 4 hours. Going back tomorrow on restricted duties, no bus driving for a month. If it doesn't get better will have to consider changing my job, which will be a real bummer, excuse the pun! Will be glad wheh I see the surgeon again on 13th, which will be 12 weeks post op, just praying nothing else is going on down there. You say about prune tablets, have you tried real prunes, I am hooked on them, yummy, and they have helped my bowels no end. Your sounding much more happy with your recovery today, so wishing you all the best for the next few weeks.

 

Hi lynne, I do like real prunes. What I liked the most about the pill was that I could travel with it easily. I'm still finding it hard to find the sweet spot when it comes to regulating my bowels. It seems like there is a very delicate balance between what I actually eat and the fiber, stool suppliments I take. Have you tried PT? It might help with your problem. When I've healed enough I will probably try that. Do you remember in the early days of your recovery if you felt raw or sore after passing a stool? It doesn't seems to matter much whether it's hard or soft, I still get that feeling. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Hi Shirley, What a great idea to have the prune pills when you travel, i hadn't heard of those before.What is PT? sorry i'm being a bit thick. Lol.I went through a stage at 3 weeks of being raw and very sore but it was when my bowels were really loose (watery) after taking antibiotics for an infection. Think it was mainly because I was going so many times a day. After being so constipated previous to the infection, going to the opposite seemed to kick start my bowels into working again. Even now though they are not 100% good. i still struggle to get all the stools out and seem to use copious amounts of loo roll, sorry to be so graphic but presume I will have to live with that. First day back at work was ok, had a lower back ache by lunch time as on feet all morning so had a sit down job this afternoon. No relief from pressure in bum. Resting now with a nice glass of wine! Will see how the next few days go.hope your'e good today.

Hi ladies, i had my op on friday and am taking all the advice i can from this site. resting up sleeping. I am in some pain which i am managing with painkillers. I have a lot of pressure in my bottom which brings tears to my eyes when standing. I have not yet managed a BM and never found this easy before the op. I am taking lactulose twice a day, i am eating alpen cereal for breakfast and fruit snacks and veg with tea i am also taking a fibre supplement (drink) can anyone offer any other suggestions, whats the right type of fibre to take? 

Donna

Well done Donna! A word of advice, be wary of laxatives. Try and wean yourself off them ASAP. They have a reputation for bunging you up after a while. Not sure either about Alpen? Better still,  to help natural movement is all bran- not the most palatable but it definitely works. Also prunes are excellent as is stewed fruits (try it with yoghurt, rice pudding or custard), citrus fruits, tomatoes, fresh green vegetables are all extremely good too. They all get the bowels working naturally. You may find the pressure in your bottom gets a little worse too before it gets better. Day 5 was agony and I was crying with pain - it felt like labour pains. Later that day suddenly things started moving and what a relief that was. Since then I have tried to stick to the same sort of diet- as well as other normal things of course and not once have I had a problem in that area, thank goodness. So good luck, remember what you've read on this Forum about plenty of rest and no lifting or housework for 6-8 weeks and after that even, take it cautiously. I am 12 months post op now and have decided to leave this Forum now that all is 'fully fit and functioning'. I wish you well Donna and all the rest of the ladies in this group.

Lady Pink

Thank you Lady Pink for all you info. I was only going to stay on the laxatives until i got my bowels moving. Hopefully soon. I will get some prunes in and oranges ,will juice work?

Donna

Thank you Lady Pink for all you info. I was only going to stay on the laxatives until i got my bowels moving. Hopefully soon. I will get some prunes in and oranges ,will juice work?

Donna

It's far better to eat the whole fruit rather than just fruit juice. The flesh of whatever fruit or cereal you are eating, is what makes your bowels 'get to work'. Juice will work to a degree LadyPink but tends to go straight through too quickly. The insides of the fruit is what provides the roughage. 

As I'm sitting here I am eating soft pieces of black liquorice - which is also very good for you - even if it does make your tongue a funny colour -haha!

Well Donna, I hope you too have a good recovery and that twelve months from now, like me you'll say "I'm so glad I had it done - it's been well worth it" LadyPink -aged70

I'm so glad everything went well for you Lady Pink, and thank you for all your good advice. I'm 7 months in, and I think things have slipped a little bit, but overall a vast improvement on how I was.

Hello Moira, When you say things have slipped a little, do you think you'd be doing too much? It really is crucial to take it easy and put your feet up for a while whenever you get niggly pain or aches or you just don't feel good - even at 7 months.  Us ladies are so used to always being on the go, we find it difficult to sit still and do nothing don't we? But patience really is a virtue and at times like this it pays to rest - a lot more than you think. I was lucky being a retired lady with a husband who still goes out to work so it meant I was on my own during the day and could relax more than most.

Anyway, take care of yourself and I hope you continue to do well. Lady Pink

Hi Lynne, I've been away for a few days and just saw your post. By PT I mean Physical Therapy for pelvic prolapse or pelvic floor disfunction. Also there is biofeedback. Some of us don't coordinated our pelvic floor muscles correctly. We tighten when we are supposed to be relaxing certain muscles. This can casue pain and discomfort. 

Hi Shirley, Have just googled PT. Very interesting reading. i am back to the surgeon on 13th so will discuss with him. Luckily I only work 3 days so rest up on days not workng. How are you, hope you feeling better when going to the loo? 

Hi Lynne

I had my rectocele and anterior repair Thursday morning . The surgeon saw I also needed a hysterectomy while I was on the operating table. Unfortunately I had not signed a consent form, so will have this at a later date.

I came home at lunchtime today and have had two BM'S already! The lady that recommended squatting (on here) is my hero! It's a more natural and comfortable way to empty my bowels.

At the moment I have a dull ache in my back passage, but it's not painful. I'm finding paracetamol is enough, I also asked the hospital for a bottle of Lactulose just in case!

My brother is coming tomorrow until 12th November to help with lifting.

Fingers crossed that I don't develop complications

Hello Lynne,

I'm still having trouble getting just the right combination for good bm consistency. While away, I ate too many prunes and fiber suppliments and my bowels became too loose. Over all things are much better in the bm department. You will have to let me know how your Nov. 13 appointment goes. I'm on my own for a while. My surgeon went on maternity leave Fri. I can still call the nurse or message her but she won't be able to get back to me right away. The next time I see her will be at my 3 month visit. I still have the rectal pressure, discomfort thing going on. This past week, I had several good days where I felt pretty normal. I was taking ibuprophen 600mg twice a day and also hydrocodine twice a day but nothing more than that. When my bowels became loose again because of too much fiber, etc. The discomfort came back. Oh well. Maybe I'll find myself having more and more good days. Today, I've mainly had the feeling that I need to have a BM but I really don't. It's sort of like a feeling that something is there but I had a BM today all ready. I hope you are feeling better and getting some relief. Definitely talk to your doc about PT.

You are doing really well Carol. What a shame you have to go "under" again for the hysterectomy. And BM's already, that is great! What a lovely brother you must have, the not lifting is so important. Your body will tell you if you are over doing it. Mine still does now and i'm 10 weeks post op. I just wish I could get the pressure in bum when sitting sorted! really is impeding on my quality of life. The backache only comes on when I have overdone it, working days are worst (luckily only work 3) as have to be on my feet for a few hrs. Am on restricted duties of no driving, only because of the pressure in butt. But it is still classed as early days so hopefully be feeling better in future. Good luck over the next few days, you are doing so well.

Morning Shirley, Hope you are doing well. Saw specialist yesterday and he is referring me to a colorectal specialist in the city. He says i should not be experiencing the intense pressure in rectum still when sitting/driving etc, and have low backache which is worse if I can't empty my bowels properly. He wants me to have a defecating protogram, which sounds gross, have to poo in front of docs and nurses and have xray at the same time, how degrading is that? I am devastated as just want my life back. Hubby and I trie sex last weekend and it was a no go...stabbing pain and a small bleed. Doc wasn't to concerned as said 11 weeks post op is still early days for sex and it will get better the more we try! Also am going back to phsio for pelvic floor. More expense! Has your butt discomfort eased, hope so?

 Hi Donna, just reading the site & would like to thank you for your honesty. I am 2 days post op & opened my bowels today. I seriously thought something was wrong and I had been stitched up wrong. The pressure& the pain is excruciating. I am a theatre nurse & technically know what has been carried out however being on the other side is something else. It's such a shame the medical profession isn't a bit more honest about the post op recovery.  I found there was so much emphasis on the bladder/anterior repair but very little on the rectal repair.  Everyone is focused onPU after the catheter comes out nobody discusses the rectal issues. I don't think the medical or nursing staff even understand how important it is the patients are prepared properly mentally. Clearly reading the blog most women seem to have a good recovery. However I haven't had good pain control & now this. Now I know I am not alone I will stop imagining something has gone wrong  & take each day as it comes.

Sue

Hilary pink read your blog & donnas. So glad to know I am not alone, without wishing this on anyone else, but knowing I am not abnormal has helped immensely.

Sue

Sorry lady pink, blasted predictive text, had to rush before I could proof read

Hi Sue, 

I am 3 weeks post op. I still have discomfort in my bottom and it is still difficult some days to have a bm ( beware coughing, sneezing and laughing all  hurts). I can be sitting around for half hour. Im not sure if any stiches have come away but my consultant said could take 4 mths. I find i ache after walking around for a bit. And sit on my side ( how im going to go back to work and sit in a chair for 10 hrs i dont know)

I don't have a follow up appointment according to my consultant it's not needed. (I'm in manchester UK) i do wish that he did though just so i know things are ok. I have emailed him some questions and he said i should be able to do most things now. (I feel that docs should do more follow up and then they would know for sure)have taken a picture (ha) and things look better but i can feel a lump and just hope it is swelling waiting to go down.

I am following the advice on here and resting as much as i can. Lifting very little although i feel daft asking my kids or husband to get potatoes as there too heavy! Eating prunes trying to increase my fibre. 

Good luck hope all goes well, ive 3 more weeks off work and will decide week before if a trip to my gp is needed for longer. I will not be trying sex for a few more weeks either! 

Donna

Hi Donna thanks for replying. Yesterday was a really bad day & I realised I had overdone the laxatives. I was having constant bowel movements with no produce  as I had no anal sphincter control. Externally my buttocks & perineum was numb because of a build up pressure insiide, but internally It was absolute agony. I really thought something was seriously wrong, particularly after reading Lynne's blog. Of course there is nothing on the web about sphincter or nerve damage . I stopped the laxatives,  the fruit & fruit juice. This morning I had a normal but loose BM with no rectal pain. I hope this continues. I will start back on normal diet today with laxatives, & hope this is my turning point. So if anyone reads this, all sorts of weird things are probably going to happen to your body through this journey. I can't believe your consultant doesn't have a follow up. I think that is almost negligent. Is there anyone else in the Uk on Nhs treatment not having follow up? I had my surgery in St Georges , Tooting, London, & I was given my appointment date on discharge.. I am going back to work in 6 weeks, the Sho nearly gave me 4 but I queried it as the cosultant said 6 . Thank God I stuck up for myself  & asked. I am on my feet all day & do quite a bit of heavy lifting, equipment &. patients so I am taking heed of your comments. I was consented for bladder repair as well but  the surgeon decided 1 was enough, I am so pleased, I don't know how I would have coped. I had a vaginal hysterectomy as well. I don't think they place enough emphasis on posterior repair. Because my perineum has been tightened up inside I have this weird ridge externally. I think I might try that bio oil to see if it helps with the scarring. At my age (58) & perimenapausal I can't see it shrinking. I have been given an oestrogen ointment to apply vaginally at night that is supposed to help with healing. Did you have that? Anyway good luck.& thanks for the blogg guys it is so comforting being able to discuss these issues, we are all different but it really does help hearing other peoples experiences. 

Sue

 

Hi Shirley just rereading the blogs again. What country are you in?  That sounds like amazing technology. I am going to google pelvic floor dysfunction now. Sounds fascinating

Hi had 2 more soft BM today & the last one left me with pressure pain & numbness. I bent over the bed @ 90degrees & this helped a lot then warmed up my wheat germ pillow in the microwave & slapped it on my bum. Worked a treat . I can only assume that I hadn't emptied my rectum properly, but then I can't really push at the moment, & possibly had a bit of spasm, hence the change in position & heat pad worked. However I am still taking pain killers , I don't think I am ready to come off them completely. I am wondering when I will be able to drive. The literature advises contacting your insurance company. I don't really want to in case they say 6 weeks. I'm hoping 3 weeks for short journeys.  Xmas is so close & there is so much to do.. Are you driving yet. So far I am avoiding sitting, & I might start using a cushion like one of the ladies. I keep rereading & picking up things I'd missed. There is quite a lot of talk about pressure in the rectum. I guess it's all the swelling & scar tissue. How are you today?

Hi everyone, I've been reading about all these BM problems, and thought I should chip in. I don't remember any significant rectal pain or discomfort from my posterior repair, but found the trick of sitting on the loo with feet on a grow-tall step (to have knees higher than hips) made all the difference. Wonderful not to be constipated after all those years of putting up with it. I also read somewhere about probiotics (serious ones, not just in yogurt) and that really seems to clean out the system. I now take 2 a day and BMs are effortless.

Hope this helps and everyone continues to recover from what we have all realised is quite major surgery, at least in terms of the recovery period and restrictions.

Moira

Hi Sue,

I havent driven yet but not really needed to. I did ask my insurance and they said they have no rules as long as i am not going against doctor. I found some info on Www.rcog.org.uk - pelvic floor recovery. Its worth a read. Its gives info about what the experts(i use that term lightly) think you can do and when.(i wonder who they asked)It talks about driving and returning to work. My consultant and that site seem to think i should be able to do most things now! It suggests we should be able to return to work at wk 4 and drive.

I don't use laxatives but did for first few days and had to use suppositories.  Now i am managing I  sometimes use movicol to make it easier but im  trying to get by with cereal, fruit and veg and a fibre drink every other day. 

Moira - what probiotics do you use? How long since your surgery?

Can i ask did you have your op on nhs? I'm thinking as i only had prolapse repair maybe thats why my consultant doesn't follow up. I haven't been given any ointments or told about any I'm 39. 

All i know is that my pelvic floor at the back was repaired which i was told sorts out the rectocele. I didn't really have bowel troubles just a large lump at the opening of my vagina which has now gone(although there is a small one now which i hope is swelling waiting to go down) i was never warned repairing it can cause issues opening your bowels. Why can things not be easy for us women! Sorry for the graphic info. 

Any questions or just to chat im available.  

Donna

Hi Lynne, I must be missing some of my email notices. Just saw one today and came on over. When will you be seeing the colorectal specialist? I've had the defecography and it really wasn't that bad. You prep to empty your bowels the day before and then at the procedure they squeeze a thick white paste into your rectum. You have to keep in mind that the techs and doctors do this all the time so you're nothing strange to them. The whole thing only takes about 5 or 10 minutes. Hope that helps a little. Please let me know what they find out when you see the colorectal specialist. I'll be interested in that for myself. I've been doing OK. I'm pretty much off pain meds except for ibuprofen and tylenol (don't know what they call those in the UK). I have some valium that I've considered grinding and mixing with a lube to use as a suppository on bad days because I really can't tolerate the oral valium. It's not that crazy of an idea. It got it from a  FB group called Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support. I'm 6 and a half weeks into my recovery now. In the morning, I usually wake up with a sense of fullness and slight discomfort where I have a stool waiting for my first bm. I usually feel a little better after I have that movement. Lately, I'll do well until the afternoon and then I start to feel achy in my rectum/bottom and sitting isn't very comfortable. I think if I still had my narcotics, I wouldn't even notice and that's where the cruched valium comes in to play. I want to give that a try. It seems like each day the achiness begins a little later in the day so I'm hoping I'm seeing a good pattern developing. I'm a little down today. I'm just tired of this stuff being the first thing I think about in the morning. Try not to stress about the test. It's quick and painless and your health is way more important than your pride. Like I said, these people do this for a living. I've become pretty nonchalant with all the various nuiances of poop myself, LOL. I hope you feel better soon Lynne and that you quickly find out what's going on or naturally get over it. The recovery is so much more difficult than I was led to believe.

Hi Lynn, I just wrote you a long reply but it got sent to the moderator for approval because I mentioned another site. I hope it will be approved and posted by tomorrow. If not, I'll write you again.

Wow, you were lucky Moira. Was the rectocele the only repair you had? How large was it and was it repaired by a urogyn? I just saw Squatty Potty on the tv show, "Shark Tank" the other night. I might have to invest. Maybe in both ways, buy one and invest in the company. Looks like a winner.

Hi Moirai I used a big thick gardening book first time round which helped initially, but not now. Perhaps I will try 2 next time. Thanks

Also I think you replied to a lady with recent bleeding but I have lost it now. I was going to reply but got interrupted then my IPad died. Sound advice. Any idea how she is now? By the way no rectal  pain, very lucky!

Sue

Hi Sue, I'm in the US. I live in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina and I'm lucky to have two major reseach hospitals near by. Still, finding a good urogyn whose a good match for your needs can be difficult. I haven't tried biofeedback or PT yet. I'm still healing from surgery. I did order the Hab It DVD and started doing those exercises yesterday. I just want to do everything I can to protect my pelvic health in the future. I'm also using Estrace to keep the tissue healthy in my vagina. My bowels are regular now on 2 psyllium husk pills in the morning and at night and I also take a stool softener in the evening. I try to comsume a lot of fiber in my diet also. My diet varies too much though and I don't have that down to a science yet. Things in that department are so much better than they were a few weeks ago.

I was just re-reading your post Pink Lady. There's a lot of wisdom in what you say. I'm 62 and I'm now 6 1/2 weeks post-op. I have a friend who is in her early 30s and is doing so much better than me. I think if you are older, you just can't expect to rebound as fast. 

 I thought you were probably in the states. You are very lucky to have such choice. There may be a similar programme running here, I haven't googled it yet. Most of the literature I was given has excercise  regimes, I need to start them seriously now. I wasn't very good doing them during my pregnancy either. I have good old fashioned porridge which sets me up for the day. I just don't drink enough.  That's always been my problem & my job doesn't help. I haven't been drinking today properly. I don't know anything about biofeedback either, must google before I fall asleep

Hi Donna, 3 weeks seems too early to me for your doctor to be saying you should be able to do most things now. I know I was starting to cook some and walk up and down stairs more but that was about it at 3 weeks. I can't believe he isn't going to do a followup either. I hope you have a good gp at least who can advise you and see how your repair is doing. Can you request a followup for your peace of mind with the surgeon? You sound like you are doing fine but please take it easy, at least for 6 weeks. I'm just now feeling ok about lifting a half gallon of milk.

Hi Shirley, maybe i should slow down. I'm a rubbish patient. I tend to lounge about in the day as my boys are at school. They help when shopping arrives but i put it away 1 thing at a time. I've also been cooking but not lifting, sliding things like pan of water.My husband has been doing all the house work ironing/hoovering etc ive done a little light dusting.  I have been out and about went round the shops walking slowly for about 2hrs yesterday.  I hope this won't damage anything. I may ask to see my gp in another week or so but will the looking/messing about there not make it worse? 

Donna

Sue, i wrote you another long reply. Hope it comes through tomorrow.  I included the royal college of gyneacology info sheet it gives time scales but because of that its been stopped for now. If you want it i can always email if you pass your address. 

Donna

Donna, what you are saying sounds about right to me for activities at this point. I don't know about GP causing problems by taking a look. I had an exam at 3 weeks by my urogyn but she would know what to mess with and what not. Maybe wait until you are closer to 6 weeks.

Er good point, I am not sure I want anyone poking around either. I don't even like having a cervical smear test it is so uncomfortable. Still I won't need that anymore, yeah. Just mammograms from now on😁 I think if anyone is going to poke around it has to be the specialist. To be honest unless you have concerns will they even do that. It's just being able to ask questions & get answers if nothing else. I honestly doubt a Gp would know what he is looking at and the repair may not be visible without a good lamp & proper instrumentation. Nor would they really know what to expect it to look like with all the śtages of healing. Needs to be someone who does it regularly. Just my thoughts. Where is this lump, external or internal. You sound like you are taking things sensibly. I envisaged moving along at your kind of pace. 

Sue

Just a thought, my GP practice runs a clinic and one of the consultant gynaecologists from  my hospital sees the ladies there & then refers them on to a consultant for treatment. I bypassed him as I work with him , but I didn't know they were running the service, it was quite new. Check & see if your Gp I practice us running anything similar, you never know. At least then someone who knows what they are doing will be able to check you out. Check your local services there are so mant women's clinics springing up you just never know what's on offer. May just be grabbing at straws, just a thought,

Are we allowed to? Where did you get it from, I just got the hospital one. 

Hi Moira,

Just wondered how you were doing? I think I am only just beginning to feel normal and it's been nearly 9 months! x

Hi Sue i live in Coventry and I never had a follow up either even when i was bleeding Consultant wouldnt see me but thanks to LadyPink I perservered and finally got seen last Tuesday where it was dicovered I had a Lesion which he cauterised bleeding has almost stopped now. I had my Rectocele and Cystocelle done 11th July this year so I am 18 weeks into my Operation. As I have said before its great to be able to discuss with other ladies our worries and fears. regards Polly

 

Ive private messaged you the leaflet info

Donna

Hi Shirley

I said I had no significant pain after the rectocele repair, but I think you tend to forget (bit like childbirth) I remembered afterwards saying that for the first few weeks it felt like sitting on barbed wire along with period type pain. I don't know how bad the rectocele was. 3 months previously I'd had a cystocele repair which failed within days when I tripped and lunged forward to stop myself falling. When I saw the consultant again he said the cystocele wasn't too bad, just grade 1, but the rectocele was 2/3. He thought a rectocele repair and tvt would be enough to pull the cystocele up, and so it was for a while. I think it's now back to grade 1, so am seeing a gynae physio. Good news is that despite 2 chest infections with prolonged coughing and 1 bout of norovirus with much strain on the pelvic floor, the rectocele has not come back.

I did buy a squatty potty but sent it back as it just looked like a medical aid in the bathroom. Anything that raises your knees works fine.

Hi I missed this one. I am 58 & in the menopause perhaps that's why I had the cream, although I do take Hrt. The hospital leaflet is actually quite good. It says the standard 4 -6 weeks as long as you can do an emergency stop. It does recommend you contact your insurance company, so I suppose I ought to when I am ready. It's the perineal sutures that are going to be the problem really. Can't even sit at the moment.

Sue

Gosh you've had quite a journey. I am using 3 books now, but Iwill be going to 4 (not cookery books!) not got my knees up high enough yet. This squatty potty sounds intriguing!!

Sue

Hi Terri, so nice to hear from you! Yes, I would say 8 months is a turning point. I had no idea this would be such a big deal. Anyway, I finally got to see a gynae physio after 7 months, and she confirmed what I suspected. My posterior repair (8 months on) is great, no prolapse. The anterior repair (11 months on, which failed early and was to be supported by the tvt and post repair) has prolapsed to some extent, but she thinks I can hold it in check with pelvic floor exs. To be honest, I'm not really aware of it, just hyper-sensitive and know what to look for. I think now it would have been better to do the anterior repair again, but I was still so new to it all, and you just agree.

Anyway, things generally are so much better, and I'm able to do what I want, more or less. Still careful with lifting and bending, and will be forever I think. The consultant's rule of thumb was no to bags of garden compost.

I hope all is well with you ~ it has been quite a journey for both of us. You might like to google Gussie Grips, aka Elaine Miller a women's health physio who has turned to comedy to promote the message of pelvic floor health. Her show and website are full of information, and it's good to laugh about all this.

Moira x

Hi It was so comforting to read your post.  I had a rectocele/cystocele and a perineum repair a month ago.  I have been in and out of pain and discomfort etc since.  Things were starting to settle until (twice now, couldn't start until 2 weeks after op because of having a catheter for this length of time post operatively) i began doing the pelvic floor exercises, each time i've experienced stinging and burning so much so that it's kept me awake at night and over the counter pain relieve not adequate also slight bleeding.  The first time (2 weeks ago after catheter removed) i spoke to physiotherapist who advised me to wait a few days and try again.  Well i waited nearly a couple of weeks, but as i said the same thing.  Right now i wondered if i did the right thing with having op done.  However after reading your post i feel better and will take things easier and more slowly.  I have 4 grown up daughters who have been terrific and comforted me throughout, but i feel such a whinger (i'm not used to being the one in need) i also have 2 grown up sons.  I'm 62.  Thank you so much for sharing your experience because i kept going around in circles trying to get some more information. Maureen

Im 5wks today and only been given a 12wk check appointment so popped into my gp today to be told, they are the experts they know what they are doing.

i mentioned that at the hospital i was given a list of donts that i coukdnt do till i had been cleared at 6wk check now i am being told to wait till 12wks? 

Hi Nicola,

I'm 8 weeks post surgery. Did the gp give you the list of don'ts until 12 weeks? My surgeon checked me at 3 weeks and then she went on maternity leave when I was at the 4 week mark. At my next check up, I'll be 12 weeks. I've found the dos and don'ts to be very confusing. I've been led to believe most restrictions are off after 6 weeks but then my surgeon wasn't around to give me clearance. What I have found is that at 6 weeks I started to do a lot more and I wasn't ready! This led to a lot of pain and discomfort until I realized what was wrong. Now I've backed off again. Please tell me what is on your do not do list until 12 weeks. Thanks.

Gp was useless so I rang the hospital, who didnt have anything saying I even had surgery!! They are going to look into it and ring me back NEXT FRIDAY

Only things I know for 12wks is shopping lifting kettles lifting kids and big jobs roubd the house

I have been working from the recovery sheet they gave me but only found out 2 days ago I shouldn't have been putting washings on or sweeping floors. I have 3 young messy kids!

I have found most information to be contradicting, 

I want to know when I can go swimming cycling attempt sex

I was told at the hospital on dishcharge that everything was off limits till I had been checked at 6wk check.

Hi Nicola, don't mean to depress you, but I think you have to be very careful for longer than 12 weeks. I'm now 8 months post op and have been told by the gynae physio that it's important to tighten the pelvic floor muscles before lifting the toddler etc. What people forget is that the bending to pick up from the floor is also not good. I still spend a lot of time on my knees, rather than bending down. I've found ways round things, but all time-consuming, eg supermarket ~ things go into several bags in the trolley at the checkout, then may break up into smaller lots still rather than lift heavy bags into the car. Heavy stuff around the house is a big no no.

These operations are a much bigger deal than people realise ~ you've got to be careful if you want the repair to hold.

Re swimming and sex, I believe fine after 6 weeks.

Take care, and look after yourself.

Hi Nicola, 

If you look back in my previous post 13 days ago. I put a link for royal college of gyneacology.  It has info on sex(4-6wk) exercise depending on what again 4-6wk), work. Its probably a  little optimistic on some things. But says most things can be done by week 6 and it has a flow chart. I had an email from my consultant saying by wk 4 should be able to do most things. 

Although i have this info i have taken it slow because if the comments from ladies on here. I have avoided lifting anythjng heavy and will do for a while. Things will just take longer. I have this weekend tried sex. What i can say was it was a little uncomfortable so maybe another week.:-)

I have an appointment with my gp on monday and a followup with my consultant on the 10th. I need some reasurrance it has worked as things dont feel or look like i thought it would. 

Donna

You had your surgery on 24th oct too is that right donna? 

I have been taking it easy, as much as poss with 3kids

I am going down on my knees to load washing machine,

not lifting kids or shopping

I had thought about sex but though at 5wks it was asking for trouble im scared too lol

I can still feel stiches inside which also puts me off 

xx

I have been as careful as I can not doing shopping, not lifting kids 

I mentioned the sweeping and loading washing machine to gp he just shrugged his shoulders and said well you are a mum 

No 6 wk check as yet I was given 12wk I got a posterior repair and full perinum repair so should be getting checked I was tols countless times before being dishcharged that I wasnt to do anything until cleared after 6wk check?? 

Yes same date as you. My hubby has been great with house work. When i do the washing its a couple of things at a time or the boys do it for me. I have 2 lads 8 and 12 so no lifting them! Ha. As for stiches my consultant warned my husband he may feel them for upto 6 months and there was no way he was going to wait that long☺. After a few vodkas we took the risk. Slowly. to be blunt, 1st time i took control me on top that was fine when we switched we had to stop too uncomfortable. Sorry to the graphics.

I was more concerned about what he would feel as i still feel a lump and didn't want it causing issues but he said that was fine. As for me no pain after and no bleeding so hopefully no damage. 

Do you work or drive? I've not used car yet and im supposed to be back ar work next weekend.

DD

U wasn't given any follow up. My consultant doesn't do them. I have now requested one so will have it on tge 10th which will be 6 1/2 wks. I'm also going to ask my female gp to examine me on monday when i go to see her.

Dd

Im at college so alot of sitting on my bum

I drive and I have been driving since the end of the 2nd week as I had no pain and it was just to the nursery then the college 5 min drive all in.

We tried it was ok, apart from me being scared anxious etc I wasnt sore scar tissue is tender,

hubby seems pleased with it but he will just have to wait some more.

Just a quick msg now, Im going to log into site when im home from work.  Carol1951, you are probably having a cysteocele, there is one where the dr goes in thru vagina, another rectocele is thru the anus.   I had surgery 1 week and 2 days ago.  I came back to work yesterday but going slow. No lifting.  I had runs for 3 days and dr old me to bulk up.  I used calmoseptine on the anus and it numbs the pain externally.  Today I was bound up and couldnt go, horrible horrible, but I drank lots of water and took a stool softener and fortunately was able to go, thank god, Its a hard mix, either difficult or too easy to go, gonna take time all, I'll write more tonite as I feel im one of the lucky ones, excruciating pain has gone away at day 9 just very uncomfortable now.

Hi Shirley,

How long did it take for your stitches to go. I am 16 days post op and was told it would be 7-10 days but they are still there. I'm still very stingy down there too. I took a short trip out today for the first time since op and feel like my insides are falling out. Any advice? I know I will need to rest more, although I'm really not doing an awful lot.

Thanks

Rhona

I examined myself today,5 weeks post op, vagina hysterectomy and posterior repair, the stitches have come out in the bath in the last 2 days. The bugging mess I feel from the operation is really worrying me. Will this settle down in time? I really hope it not prolapsed? Just don't know what to expect. Am going insane. Any feedback would be much appreciated.X

Hi Sue,

i am 4 days post-op and had excruciating pain 9/10 today when I had no choice except to have a bm. Feces were very soft and just slowly oozing out. It's the worst pain I've ever had, I'm 76 yo.

i, like you, have not been given any information about post op for rectocele. I also had a cystocele repair and no problems there.

thanks for posting.

R.

I know this thread is quite old, but I'd encourage you to research proctolgia fugax if you have not already. It's not commonly discussed, but extremely painful.