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recovery 6 months after anterior and posterior repair

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Jiggy100
Jiggy100

Had a posterior and anterior repair 6 months ago at the age of 60. The operation went well and at my consultation 10 weeks after the op all was fine except for the uncomfortable sensation down below as if i was still swollen and numb when sitting for any length of time.

The consultant assured me that all was well and there was no swelling. He prescribed Vagifem 10mg pessary to be placed in the vagina one a day for 2 weeks and then twice a week for 3 months to help lubricate the vagina and help the muscles to recover. I have always avoided all HRT  because I have suffered in the past with endometriosis and extremely heavy periods and didn't want to chance my conditions reoccuring. The info leaflet said to be cautious if there was a history of endometriosis. So I decided to wait and see and lubricate the vagina with Replens vaginal mosturiser pessary.

It hasn't got better with time so after a further appointment with my doctor I started taking the Vagifem. Now after only 4 tablets I have a swollen stomach, aches and tension exactly like my period symptoms used to be all those years ago. So no more Vagifem for me.

Has anyone else suffered this swollen numb feeling when sitting and if so what can I do about it. It seems like nerve damage!.

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • lynn53651
    lynn53651 Jiggy100

    Posted

    Hello Jiggy

            Like you I cannot take HRT because my mother had breast cancer. So I discovered that by opening up a couple of Vitimin E capsules and spreading the liquid all over the inside of my private area, there is a lot of relief and healing from being too dry. You may want to try that. I do this everyday with the Vitimin E capsuls and it has been a real relief and help. As long as you are not allergic to Vitimin E of course. I hope someone answers you about the swollen numb feeling. Since I have not had surgery I cannot help you with that question.

                                                  Helpful advice is on the way I am sure

                                                  Blessings to you

                                                  Lynn

  • Over_it
    Over_it Jiggy100

    Posted

    Hello. So sorry you are still having problems, I am also having post op problems and am so happy I found this discussion group. Lynn gave me some really good info about using vitamin E or coconut oil. I am going to give the vitamin E a try. I've read through all the discussions and sometimes it's hard to find a specific one again, so I am copying & pasting Lynn's response to me. If you are interested in the other information she gave me I can PM that to you if you'd like. I am ordering the garment today and can't wait to receive it. I 55 years old and am 2 1/2 weeks post op for cystocele repair that was not a complete success. I also had a Rectocele and partial hysterectomy about 30 years ago that was successful and is still holding up very well (no mesh used in either surgery). I remember pain but also numbness for quite a lengthy time, but it did go away. The recovery for that surgery was quite lengthy. I did not use any moisturizer to begin with but later used a purchased vaginal moisturizer that worked well. I believe I used it for about a year.  

    Happy healing & God Bless!

    Trish

    lynn53651 TrishaP • about 16 hours agoHello Trish, I am hearing a lot of stories from women like you who have gone through not one, but two or three surgeries for this prolapse bladder, rectocele , uterus etc. It is so discouraging to hear all this. I don't think anyone really understands how serious it is to have a prolapse bladder and how operations do not always solve the problem. Gravity, lifting and age is our enemies when it comes to prolapse. As we age everything obviously gets weaker. Thats where pelvic floor exercises come into it and they do work to keep your prolapse from getting worse. Also the Vitimin E squeezed out of the capsuls and spread all over your inner privates along the inner walls and all around the prolapse will help significantly with healing and dryness. It is a real good idea and will help you avoid bleeding etc. The coconut oil is a great moisturizer for inside our private areas and it is also a great lubrication for those who do not want any dryness during their sexual encounters. Yes, you can still have sex with a prolapse bladder. As soon as you lay down on your back your prolapse will go back to where it belongs. As far as my support garment goes, it has made my life and other women who suffer prolapse a lot better. I will private message you Trisha on how to view my support garment if your thinking of ordering one. Sounds like you need to just rest, relax and remember that there is life after prolapse but we need to focus on natural remedies and vs. too many operations that may have been avoided all together if the ladies knew about pelvic floor exercises and support garments. I will also steer you to a great web site for pelvic floor exercises that are shown on a video. Look for my private email and I will keep in touch with you Trish. I hope your recovery is a good one so you can get on with your life.

                                       Blessing to you

                                       Lynn 0 votes  Report  Share Reply to lynn53651

     

    • marina51022
      marina51022 Over_it

      Posted

      The best thing I ever did was to have my operation.  I had anterior and posterior vaginal lift and bladder put back to normal.  The vagina wall was attached to the back pelvic wall.  I was 64 at the time of the op and pulled out of it very well.  The specialist gave me a specialist pelvic physio to see as well which helped a lot.  I had 5 sessions and she said that I no longer needed her as she could see on the ultrasound that the exercises she had me do were very easy for me and that my pelvic floor was back to 100%.  Yes I do them every day and will continue to do them.  I also walk two dogs a day and swim weekly.  I still have pain in that area and will try the vitamin E and coconut oil as you suggest.  Thank you for your info.
  • Jiggy100
    Jiggy100

    Posted

    Thank you Lynn and Trish for your help. I will try the vitimin E cream.

    I do lots of pelvic floor exercises because I am a dance and fitness teacher and run 3 classes a week. I belong to The Fitness League and we concentrate on good posture and exercising the pelvic floor area.I only trained four years ago.  But with two forceps deliveries for big babies and the menopause my muscles gave up! If i had been aware of the benefits of pelvic floor exercises when I was younger then I may have prevented my prolapse.  My two daughters are very aware and they do their exercises each day. Prevention is the way forward.

  • marina51022
    marina51022 Jiggy100

    Posted

    Hi Jiggy100.  I am also at the 6 months mark of the same op.  I was also told to take vagifem but said I cant as I have had a dvt in the past but he assured me it was the only thing to help.  I did take it and 5 weeks later I was diagnosed with a very bad case of dvt from inside left knee to toe and had to go to the hospital.  It was diagnosed that the vagifem was at fault.  I no longer take anything and when it gets hot I use an icepack.  I am single and not active but still very sore down there.  I have read a blog that says to use a water based moisturiser for that area and is has worked for those that tried it but it still has estrogen in it.  I cant use it at all.  Vitamin E suppositories are also a good one but havent tried it as yet.  and wild yam cream too.  Yes its nerve damage too but mine was happening before the op and that was because the bladder was coming out and maybe it just might take time for this to subside now that everything is back in place.  Was told 6 to 12 months by my doctor and when I decide to have a relationship to use a water based cream.  I cant remember the name of it as have lost the paper it was on but will endeavour to get the name of it.  Wish you luck.  I get very depressed.  I have a lot of feelings but have pain too

     

  • shirley1955
    shirley1955 Jiggy100

    Posted

    I had a hysterectomy when I was 34 and years later had to have anterior posterior repair,I had the same feeling for many months after,It does get easier,but I must tell you that every now and again I get that horrible feeling back,I've been checked over by the doctor who assures me that that everything looks ok,I like you tried everything,nothing worked for me,I wish I could tell you different,goodness knows what or why this happens,I'm not sure the doctors know.

    • marina51022
      marina51022 shirley1955

      Posted

      Hi Shirley.  Am now at 9 months post op.  I am going back to the specialist that did the op.  I still have pressure at the front but it seems it might be nerve damage due to the pressure of the vagina and bladder when they were both coming down.  I also stand up a lot for work and that doesnt help so am rethinking to retiring or cutting down as I love my job.  I walk as often as I can and that helps, am still on blood thinners but its at least going down the leg not up and am eating a better diet for life.  It all takes time, dont rush it I was told.  Good luck xx
    • marina51022
      marina51022 shirley1955

      Posted

      I also forgot to say I have vulvovaginitis and I have to use either an icepack below as its hot and uncomfortable but I use what my mum told me years ago and thats pot set yoghurt as it helps with inflammation and reduces the heat.  I am more for natural ways of healing now and my doctor is with me all the way.
    • shirley1955
      shirley1955 marina51022

      Posted

      Hi Marina,so sorry to hear that your having such a terrible time,I also have nerve damage due to all the operations,and over the years doctors tried a multitude of different medications,none worked,some of them even made things worse,I find natural is best,and diet,watch out for thing that you know are a stimulant,coffee,tea,alcohol,also I found anything with saccharine also upset me, it's all about experimenting to find out what works for you,and I find also standing for long periods of time is uncomfortable, well good luck I'm sure you will find what works for you,and yes yoghurt is soothing and like you say,natural.

    • marina51022
      marina51022 shirley1955

      Posted

      Hi Shirley.  I have also found diet is a big part and limiting sugar, where its desserts, cakes, etc.  I dont usually eat a lot but when you are out visiting or  when you go out.  I did lose a lot of weight for me (7kg) but its up and down depending on what you eat.  I am in a flare up at the moment, too much standing as my work involves being on my feet all day.  Now have to work out how to put my feet up half way during the day.  If I get too warm it aggravates it also and sometimes I have even used an ice pack in the area and it works.  I also take yakult and a probiotic with cranberry for urinary tract.
    • shirley1955
      shirley1955 marina51022

      Posted

      Hi marina,yes it's so much easier when you find things that work and as I said no two people are the same,it does take time and over the years you will know what you can and can't do,what you can and can't eat,food side of it,years on,I don't even think about it when shopping,it does get so much easier,It's quiet amazing how much better you can get through diet alone, you could also look online for what to eat for any condition.

    • shirley1955
      shirley1955 marina51022

      Posted

      Oh I must say,It's took me a long time to figure out this one,saccharine,for some reason, that, really upsets my body ,I get itchy rashes and it badly affects my bladder and ibs.

      When mentioned to the GP,she said,yes that is a good thing to avoid.

  • marina51022
    marina51022 Jiggy100

    Posted

    I also suffer from ibs and depending on what I eat flames up my bladder, so have to be careful.  Citrus foods tend to do that.
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