1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Genitourinary Prolapse

Prolapse bladder, uterus and rectum surgery

Posted , 4 users are following.

hildylocks
hildylocks

Hi, I am going to have surgery to repair all three issues, rectum, bladder and uterine prolapse.  How would this compare to having vaginal births pain wise once all is said and done.  What are some suggestions for the first week or so after surgery?  How soon after surgery will I be able to exercise, or even walk.  If anyone can offer any advice for post surgery, I would appreciate it.  I am only 53 yrs. old and looking forward to having my life back.  I feel too young to be acting so old!  What are some things to avoid, what is the best stool softener to use, is taking a bath better than showering?  Appreciative for any suggestions anyone may have.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • LadyPink
    LadyPink hildylocks

    Posted

    Hello Hildyllocks, To save repeating ourselves each week to new ladies joining this Forum could I suggest you first read through the previous postings over the last few months as it does appear that you haven't done much research on this condition. On this Forum you will find all you need to know with descriptions of before and after surgery as well as the 'challenging' recovery afterwards. Then if you have any more questions many of us would be happy to help. By the way, I 'only 70 yrs old' so your age of 53 is still very young. I had and had my repairs done 12 months ago and now everything is brilliant. Please though, read as much as you can first and learn - then you will know what questions - if you have any - you should put to your doctors. I believe in the saying 'to be be forearmed is to be forewarned'. You can find online lots of information on rectocele and cystocele repairs and via you tube there are videos of the actual operations if you wish. LadyPink
  • Gardener_Jo
    Gardener_Jo hildylocks

    Posted

    As LadyPink has said, from following discussions here, you will see that many of the issue you raise are very common and we have all been through the dread of the unknown.

    Very briefly the pain can be managed very effectively with the modern pain killers, the opiates do tend to make you slightly constipated, so try to keep these at a minimum. In terms  stool softeners, I used laxido powders and also laxilose syrup. High Fibre and plenty of fruit will help keep you regular. The Squatty potty is a good thing to buy as it helps you get in the correct passion and stops you straining, you can see this on YouTube. 

    The recovery time does vary,  but don't t expect to do any thing other than walk about your house for a few minutes in the first week. I was advised 5 minutes in the first week and then build up walks increasing by 5 minutes each week, for 6 weeks and no  lifting at all for 6 weeks. I am still off work, over 3 months later, but that isn't usual.  

    I prefered  showers for the first few weeks, but I am not sure if there's any rules.

    Do read the good advice on this site, and take heart from all of us who are well on the way to recovery. It is so good to know you are not  alone, when I first found this site I had already had my op, and was feeling very lonely as none of my friends had had any experience of these procedures.

    I know it is a difficult procedure, and recovery does take time, but it is all worth it.

    good luck. Jo 

     

    • LadyPink
      LadyPink Gardener_Jo

      Posted

      Hi Jo, How are things going? Hope you're not getting too fed up while you rest up.

      Thanks for reiterating what I had advised 'Hildylocks'. It is far better to read the postings on this Forum Page first and to 'educate' ourselves until we are fully aware; as much as possible. And Jo, like you I found this website after I'd had my surgery, but it really has been such a godsend knowing we're not alone. Take it easy and trust you'll be 'firing on all cylinders' very soon. LadyPink

    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo LadyPink

      Posted

      Still resting and waiting for the results of my tests last week, I had a defecating proctogram to check that the rectal prolapse isn't still a problem (rectoanal intussusception). I had to drink about a pint of barium, still don't feel as though I have got rid of it all. Yuck!

      I have lots of good books and good friends who visit, and hubby is keeping a close eye on how much I do. 

      Still waiting for an appointment with the gynochologist. Will phone again and remind them they need to book my appointment.

      Thanks for you concern. All will be well, and all will be well.

      Jo x 

       

    • LadyPink
      LadyPink Gardener_Jo

      Posted

      Hi Jo, Sounds like you are doing the right things and you have a positive attitude too, so good luck. Everything will work out fine. As I always tell myself, "Just go with the flow.." Keep in touch. LadyPink
    • hildylocks
      hildylocks Gardener_Jo

      Posted

      LadyPink & Gardener Jo,  Thank you for your reply, I did spend some time yesterday reading over the previous discussion and it has been extremely helpful thus far.  Just trying to gage what to expect for not only myself but for my family as well. Being new to the area,  I am currently unemployeed which made it easy to say yes to surgery.  I don't have extended family in the area, and we have a 12 yr. old daughter with us.  So yes, I was very happy to have found this site.  Looking forward to learning as I go along.  Thank you again for your response.

      What I am hearing is take time to recover, don't rush it.  I am most concerned with constipation and the straining after surgery.  Good to know about the opiates.  

      Thanks for keeping this site alive and active!  The support alone is worth the visit!!  Great to see we have a site for this.  I plan on visiting often.  Well wishes on your recovery.

      Take care.  Hildy

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.