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Posterior repair for a rectocele

Posted , 63 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I am going into hospital next week for a posterior repair to hopefully sort out the rectocele I have had for the last year.

I would be grateful for any information and comments from anyone who has undergone this procedure.

I am very nervous and embarrassed about the whole thing. I will definately leave comments on my experience once it is over.

12 likes, 223 replies

223 Replies

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  • philippa_35766
    philippa_35766 Guest

    Posted

    Hi I had a posterier repair 4 days ago... I am doing ok.. But reading everyone's posts who have had this op and they all seem to have a check up about 6 weeks after... I have not been given a checkup appointment... Is this ok? 

    • moira34394
      moira34394 philippa_35766

      Posted

      Hi Philippa, I only had a check up with my GP at 6 weeks because I made the appointment, and with the consultant at 3 months due to a haematoma. It wasn't standard here, but I think it should be.
    • polly31782
      polly31782 philippa_35766

      Posted

      I live in Warwickshire and had my Op for Bladder Prolapse 6 weeks ago but have been told by my GP that they dont do follow ups anymore no idea why. Good luck with your recovery Phillippa    Polly
    • LadyPink
      LadyPink philippa_35766

      Posted

      Hi Philippa, I also had check ups at my local hospital in Surrey following my operation for bladder and rectal prolapses. I saw the consultant at 6 weeks, then again at 10 weeks and finally 12 weeks. To be honest, if I were you I'd ring your consultant's secretary just to double check a follow-up appointment. LadyPink
  • philippa_35766
    philippa_35766 Guest

    Posted

    Hi Everyone who replied to my question about a check up after poserier repair operations ...thankyou all so much for your advice...it seems different in all areas...I think I will just check with my GP if he thinks I should have a check up...Its very confusing isnt it...the NHS is supposed to all follow guidelines ???
    • polly31782
      polly31782 philippa_35766

      Posted

      Best thing to do Phiiipa. check with your GP. It certainly is confusing and different obviously depending on where you live. Good luck anyway getting a follow up. Polly
  • lynne59214
    lynne59214 Guest

    Posted

    Hi everone, So please to have found this forum. I an 52. After having 6 months really bad lower back ache and feeling like i was sitting on a golf ball, ron restricted duties at work, and feeling like crap, I am 5 days post op for perenium repair, rectocele repair and a complete tear near the cervix (which the surgeon didn't know I had till operated) Home on day 3. Feeling quietly confident, hope it lasts, only taking panadol intermitently, biggest problem BM! Taking Coloxyl with senna, which have thankfully worked today, was getting a bit worried! Not sure if I need to keep taking them or just see what happens? Obviously feels sore/different down "there" but only to be expected. Just wish been given more info on what to do/not to do/expect after surgery. Am off work for 6 weeks as have manual job in aged care but looking at these threads looks like I might need more time? Back to surgeon in 5 weeks. Will keep you posted.
    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo lynne59214

      Posted

      Hi Lynne, So glad to hear you are recovering, it sounds as if you have really been through it, but hopefully onthe mend now and sound very positive, which is so important.

      I had my op 9 weeks ago and am still off work, if you do anthing physically demanding at work do make sure you are fully recovered before returning. The big message from everyone here is to rest and then rest some more. I am well on the way to recovery, but still have some discomfort, mainly when I stretch up, and so I still take time every day to lay down and relax. I can over do things, that's the problem when you begin to feel better, as I tended to do all the little jobs about the house and then felt wiped out. 

      In terms of knowing more about post op this is a great forum for sharing advice. I have found it so reassuring.

      I bought a squatty potty to help with BM, if you havent heard of them look them up online, it really helps put you in the right position on the loo, and makes it so much easier to have a motion. I can't believe I got to 54 before learning the correct position to poo in! 

      I also do Kegle exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, and have an app that reminds me. 

      I found that one of the things that really helped me get comfortable was buying large knickers, I bought some 2 sizes bigger than I normally wear, I really didn't want anything tight around me, and they have been a god send, I wish I had worked that out earlier. 

      All the best for a speedy recovery Lynne, listen to your body and take it easy, it will all be worth it in the end. 

      Jo

    • lynne59214
      lynne59214 Gardener_Jo

      Posted

      Hi Jo, Good to hear from you. So pleased that you are doing well and looking after you body. Day 6 and can feel the stitches 'pulling' like pin pricks when I sit/move, uncomfortable, but otherwise feel good. Thank you for all your advice. I will certainly make sure I am ready to return to work as don't want to undo anything that has been 'corrected' I actually had a phone call from a nurse attached to the surgeons office yesterday afternoon to see how I was. She said most things you advised but as I wasn't expecting the call couldn't think of all the things I wanted to ask! Like the Kegles, when can I start again? I had to do these 3 months prior to surgery.

      Pleased to say, bowels good yesterday, see what happens today. I watched the u tube video on how to sit to open your bowels correctly, it certainly made a diference! I get a bit paranoid with the bowels as also have IBS, usually quite in control as long as I watch what I eat & exercise lightly, just hoping sitting about so much won't afect it.

      Interesting you should say about the big knickers, pre op for months I have felt uncomfortable with any clothes tight around me, as soon as I can, will make a purchase. Won't get hubby to do that as god knows what he would come back with!

      Thanks again for your advice, as you say this is a great site for sharing concerns/ tips. Just knowing your'e not alone helps. Actually amazed at how common this surgery is, what us women have to put up with!

      Best wishes Jo

  • jacqueline41082
    jacqueline41082 Guest

    Posted

    Hello Guest! No need to be worried. I had a Rectocele 5 weeks ago. Yesterday I had my check up . All well. It is painful afterwards that I will not deny. The first few days I thought I was giving every day LOL!! And don't get constipated. Just liquids for the first few days and you will be fine. This I was not told and it resulted in not being able to pass a stool. I had to have enema. I am 70 years old and I am glad I had it done. I am very active and did most things. No lifting though. I play tennis but will be back only this Saturday. My check up was yesterday and I only have one concern that I have blood in my stool. So we just have to watch this over the next few weeks. But it is well worth it. I had it for a long time  and I am glad I had it done. You will be just fine. I wish you all the best. Oh I see your report was a year ago. So I guess this does not matter any more but perhaps for someone else.

     

  • Meg1987
    Meg1987 Guest

    Posted

    I have also been embarrassed to talk about my rectocele situation. .

    Unlike most people on this site, I am only 27 years old. I have one child who I delivered vaginally 7 years ago. I am 5ft 6in tall and weigh 127lbs. Every doctor I've seen has been shocked to find I have a severe rectocele. I guess I don't match the normal profile.

    I am scheduled to have surgery on the 19th of this month. I found out today I have 4 weeks off work for recovery.  I WAS shocked it was so long but now I'm wondering if it's going to be enough... Human Resources did say I can get more (up to 12 weeks) if it comes down to it, but as a single mother, I can't afford to live on 60% of my pay. 

    The first surgeon I saw was concerned about my age, afraid the risks were too high because I may decide to have more children someday, etc. However, my surgeon now sees it as a good thing as says I have youth on my side. He thinks I'll have a full recovery and will even be able to have kids years (Doctor recommends I wait at least 4) down the road if I choose.

    Are there any other young mothers who've gone through the surgical repair?? I'm so worried.

    • emmaa87
      emmaa87 Meg1987

      Posted

      Hi Meg,

      I'm also 27. My child is 8. I had a complicated delivery. I am now a few days post op. I also work in OB/GYN

      I CAN have more children, however, they will have to be delivered via elective caesarian sections, as the vaginal tissue will not stretch to accommodate a birth following this kind of surgery. 

      I knew of this before my surgery and had it discussed with the chief consultant in my hospital, when you next fall pregnant I would ask to discuss it wit a consultant to avoid a nasty tear during birth. 

      On the complete opposite side, if you feel it will improve your life, go ahead with the surgery. It's not easy living with a rectocile, I'm looking forward to the end of my recovery - although it is early days - and to begin feeling normal again xxx

    • emmaa87
      emmaa87 Meg1987

      Posted

      Ps I'm 5'3 and 57kilos (too lazy to translate to lb!)

      My surgeon never expressed a worry about age, height or weight when planning the surgery xx

    • Meg1987
      Meg1987 emmaa87

      Posted

      Did you have the surgery vaginally as well?
    • emmaa87
      emmaa87 Meg1987

      Posted

      The only way to access the posterior wall of the vagina is vaginally, so yes x
    • Meg1987
      Meg1987 emmaa87

      Posted

      I just left the hospital for my pre surgery testing.

      If anyone is willing to answer, how are things left aesthetically? ... just another one of my last minute worries. Thanks for all the advice and insight in advance.

    • emmaa87
      emmaa87 Meg1987

      Posted

      You sound so worried and I'm so sorry for you for that!

      Aesthetically I started slightly bruised. I would recommend arnica as it went down quickly 

      If you have a perinopathy your perineum will look different, it's not going to look other-worldly, just not what it was before

      But in regards to the vagina, you'll never know. It wouldn't be obvious from the outside that you've had internal surgery, and inside you won't be able to tell. Why don't you speak to your consultant about this to confirm it with them?

    • kathryn26064
      kathryn26064 Meg1987

      Posted

      I have had rectocele repair 2 and a half weeks ago. You should be fine to go back to work after 4 weeks unless you are doing manual work/lots of time on your feet. I feel OK - am 44 and 4 kids. The surgery is worse than I expected - take lots of painkillers and very importantly lots of laxative - ask for movicol - 2 sachets a day should do it. Do not get constipated under any circumstances after this surgery. I had a sXXt first 10 days but now feeling a lot better - good luck
    • shirley33103
      shirley33103 Meg1987

      Posted

      Hi Meg, I can't speak to having children after rectocele surgery but I did want to say that I can't imagine going back to work after 4 weeks. I think the absolute minimum would be 6 weeks if you have something like an office job. I would really take 10 if at all possible.
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