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Recovery time for rectocele posteria repair with mesh?

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Gardener_Jo
Gardener_Jo

Hi, finding so much reassurance from this site, it is so good to know that we are all going through the same or similar things. 

I was wondering if anyone has may ideas of the time for recovery. I was told by my consultant it would be 3-6 months to fully recover due to the extent of the weakness in the posteria vagina wall

I had the op 4 weeks ago, but am still in pain if I do too much, and am feeling so frustrated at being so limited I what I can and can't do. 

Any advice would be very welcome

jo 

 

0 likes, 78 replies

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  • LadyPink
    LadyPink Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi Jo,

    something went wrong with my reply - so will try and condense what I was saying....

    Like you I had mild haemorrhoids and an anal tear but it wasn't until I saw a TV programme dealing with 'embarrassing things' that I saw a lady with the same 'bulge' as I had down below. I heard that she'd got a rectocele prolapse. I then went to see my GP who confirmed I had in fact one from the bladder wall and one from the rectal wall too. Three or four years later I'd moved house and I'd decided to get some treatment. I saw my new GP and after an examination she explained what the operation would entail. She wrote to the local hospital requesting an appointment.

    I have been really lucky because all the medical professionals I have seen from beginning to end have been females. This has made it far easier to ask questions and feel no embarrassment ever. You could always feel relaxed with them all and even share a joke most times. 

    I too was surprised to discover that there are two separate surgeons dealing with vaginas and rextums. You'd think they would be dealt with in the one department wouldn't you? Very odd! 

    This website and forum page is a godsend. I just wish I had found it BEFORE I had my operation done as I was terrified prior to the op. Now it's great being able to help others and set their minds at rest. LadyPink

    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo LadyPink

      Posted

      It seems we have had fairly similar experiences, I too only got in touch with this site once I had had the op, but better late than never. I am a teacher and work on my feet, so am concerned about my return to work, I eventually got an appointment (luckily a cancellation moved me up the list) at the start of the summer holiday and I hoped I would be able to return I september. Realistically I feel it will be more likely. October,
  • ally7566
    ally7566 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi Jo I had the same as u plus anterior repair also I am 7 weeks in and still getting aches pains ..swollen belly  pulling pains. Aches. Cramps. Fatigue. Aches in my vagina. Hurts after bowel movements.  Still constipated .  Weight gain. ..... I take heart from this forum to know that this is quite normal. Just time and rest xx take care and im  happy to chat anytime cheers Ally.☺ 
    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo ally7566

      Posted

      Thanks Ali. I was thinking of trying to compile a list of things I wish I had known before the op. It has been so helpful and reassuring dead in about other people's experiences.

      Jo

  • Gardener_Jo
    Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    That should have read 'read' not dead...auto correct ..
    • jennie43338
      jennie43338 Gardener_Jo

      Posted

      Hi, it would be very helpful if you did write a list. I am 57 yrs old and have a rectocele and stress incontinece. I have been advised I will have surgery in the next few months but I am very confused. The Doctor gave me two leaflets, one for TVT and the other for Colposuspension. I asked what would be done about the rectocele as this is as much a problem as not getting to the loo to wee on occassions. She answered that they would 'sort that out at the same time'. I know I can ask questions when I go back in two months but I am at a loss as to what to ask! I am worried about how they do the op, I don't really want my abdomen cutting again, I had an ectopic pregnancy years ago & my muscles never did recover.
    • LadyPink
      LadyPink jennie43338

      Posted

      Hi Jennie

      I agree with a lot of JoGardner has said and it seems that Jo and I had the same type of operation. A good idea I found, was to read on various websites via Google as much as I could about Rectocele and Cystocele Repairs.  Also YouTube can be helpful with videos of actual procedures. All this can be helpful in as much as it gives you ideas for questions to ask.

      This forum is also one of the best I've come across so any questions, post them here and I'm sure you'll get straight forward, honest answers.

    • jennie43338
      jennie43338 LadyPink

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply Ladypink. I will search the web as you suggest. Everyone is so helpful on here.
  • Gardener_Jo
    Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi Jennie

    i don't know much about TVT surgery, but I am sure both the surgeries would be done internally through the vagina. the op I had for the rectocele was done to strengthen the posteria (back) wall of my vagina. This was done internally, and involved stitching - using dissolvable stitches and mesh to hold me together and get the prolapsed rectum back into place. There is a. Wealth of knowledge and support on this forum and I suggest you post a question here.  The conditions are all related and it seems strange to me that rectal surgeons and gynochological surgeons often seem worlds apart even though the conditions they treat aren't. I have had rectal surgery to repair tears and gynochological surgery for the rectocele. I may also need another op if the rectum is not held in place - this sounds like the colon suspension op you mentioned. In my experience they did these procedures seperately.

    In terms of alist of things I would have liked to have known before the op I was hoping that people might contribute with practical advice and suggestions of how we can help ourselves. For instance my belly and 'under carriage' were so sore I found wearing knickers to keep sanitary pads in place after the op was so terribly uncomfortable. I ended up buying some cotton ones that were 2 sizes larger thank normal. This made so much difference.

    Constipation is a huge fear, and the opiate based painkillers fo tend yo block things up so it is vital to keep regular by eating plenty of fruit and fiber. I also use lactolose syrup as advised by my consultant. The squatting position when pooing is a great help, keeping your knees above your hips makes so much difference. 

    I hope that your op goes well, don't be afraid to ask questions and be assertive in getting the details you need. I know I was far too shy at the start and kept quiet about all sorts of my symptoms as I was not wanting to make a fuss and mostly through embarrassment.

    good luck Jennie.

    • jennie43338
      jennie43338 Gardener_Jo

      Posted

      Hi Jo, thank you for your reply and information. My Specialist gave me two lots of leaflet, one for Colposupsension which involves a bikin-line cut and the other leaflet for TVT which involves a small cut in the vagina and two small cuts low down on the tummy for the ends of the tape. I have to decide which I prefer and as I mentioned she said they would 'sort out' the rectocele at the same time. Thanks for the good wishes and I will post a question on here. Ladypink has also been very helpful. : )
  • LesleyW
    LesleyW Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Yes this forum is godsend. I am about 3weeks post surgery now and still so sore

    Below, it actually feels like nappy rash ( the only way I can describe it) I have had

    anti bioticcs and thrush treatments but nothing seems to help. The surgeon says

    the stitches are not infected. I expect the dragging pain when I overdo it and the

    exhaustion but can't seem to stop the stinging soreness. Anyone experience this?

    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo LesleyW

      Posted

      Hi Lesley.

      I still seem to be very sensitive below, and in the hot weather it does get worse. I don't have the nappy rash symptoms but have taken to having coolish baths to ease the discomfort once or twice a day. 

      Jo

    • LesleyW
      LesleyW Gardener_Jo

      Posted

      Hi Jo, I have been showering but this morning I had a salt water bath and have just bought some dettol for wounds to pop in the bath. Will keep doung that and using the anaesthetic steroid cream and oestrogen cream. If still no better then ilm go back to my GP. 
    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo LesleyW

      Posted

      Salt water sound like a good idea, I will try that myself. I'd be careful with the detox on your sensitive bits though.

      I hope it clears up soon. Take care.

      Jo

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