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Recovery time for rectocele posteria repair with mesh?

Posted , 50 users are following.

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

78 Replies

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  • dianepl55
    dianepl55 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi Jo,when I had my rectocele repair with mesh I was told the recovery time was 6-12mths by the colorectal surgeon,no lifting anything heavier than a full kettle,nothing involving pushing and pulling(vacuuming and sweeping for example).I would say it took me a good 6mths to start to recover fully.It is really frustrating but listen to your body and try to have a rest daily,little walks gradually building up do help to lift the spirits but don'tbe tempted to overdo things,keep in touch,take care,

    regards,Diane

    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo dianepl55

      Posted

      Hi Diane 

      Thank you for getting in touch, it  is very reassuring knowing that recovery can take so long, everyone is different I know, but ut when I went back to work after 10 weeks off I thought I would be fine, as it happens after 3 weeks I found I had dreadful dragging pains below the bikini line that spread through my groin and down my thighs. My surgeon did say 3-6 months, but having been pain free I felt I was ready to return to work. 

      Now I am taking note and being careful again.

      thanks again.

      jo 

  • 48yearold
    48yearold Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi

    I've got a lot of info and reassurance from this site and now feel ready to contribute. 

    Im 3 weeks post op for a rectocele repair (bowel prolapse).  Behaving myself,  no lifting, no driving, no ironing, no overdoing it.  

    I have spent last 3 weeks resting at home, sleeping a lot and just going for short walks only in the last day or two.  I plan to take 8 weeks off work and hope to be well enough to return to a desk job with general duties of carrying files etc.  

    I am having good and bad days and seem to be better if I have a bm in rhe morning.  I am taking lactilose,  fibrogel, ibuprofen and paracetamol for pain reluef and to assist with bm's. I had tbought I  would be feeling stronger by now but I am listening  to my body.  

    Just wondering 3 months on how you are feeling Jo?

    • Rhona62
      Rhona62 48yearold

      Posted

      Hi,

      I have just found this site and all the info is really helpful. I am 2 weeks post op for rectocele repair. I've been really good with the help of my hubby in doing as suggested. I too am planning about 8 weeks off although the hospital said possibly 12 weeks. I do an office job but one which also includes lifting files and a bit of time on my feet too.

      I still seem to have my stitches in place (they haven't dissolved yet) and still feel very stingy and what can only be decribed as an open feeling underneath (probably because the bulge has mostly gone), although I do still have a smallish bulge, I've forgotten what it's supposed to look like. I was just wondering how you had got on. Do you still have pain or stinging and how have you managed at work.

      Thanks

  • pat_21286
    pat_21286 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    hi Jo, I have just been diagnosed with rectoceole and bladder prolapse and am seeing the consultant tomorrow.  Was concerned about the recovery time (I am 64) but still working part time as a secretary and sit at a desk mostly.  I also wondered how long I would not be able to drive!!!  thanks for the info in the discussion, most helpful, regards Pat
    • Gardener_Jo
      Gardener_Jo pat_21286

      Posted

      Dear Pat,

      I had to have quite extensive repairs with mesh so I may be an extreme case, but i and didn't drive for 2 months, I was told not to do so before then as my insurance would. To be valid.  i went back to work after 2 months, but this was too early and had some major aches and pains, being a teacher I am on my feet most of the day, I had been warned it could take between 3-6 months for full recovery. I went back to work on limited hours for a further 2 months, 

      Thankfully I am now back to normal, and feeling wonderful, so it was all worth it.  I had physio therapy and also forked out for soem 1:1 Pilates classes which really helped build up my strength. 

       My main advice to anyone is to listen to your body and rest and rest until you feel better.

      All the best Pat, good luck and take care of yourself. 

      Jo

  • pat_21286
    pat_21286 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    hi Jo, thanks for your reply, much appreciated.  Will update you tomorrow when I have seen consultant and found out when I can get the operation. 
  • angela35172
    angela35172 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi Jo

    I had a posterior repair with SIS mesh and had terrible pain afterwards. What mesh did you have? The consultant did not expect the mesh to have such a bad reaction but I think it has now caused nerve damage. Where did you have your surgery done??

     

  • ItalianGypsy
    ItalianGypsy Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    The surgeon I have seen told me that he wanted to treat my rectocele with mesh because the weakened wall has buldged out into my vaginal wall. and then suspend the bladder. I have read a lot of the forum posts.. My question is are there different kinds if mesh? Is there an alternative surgery to the mesh? I'm afraid of a reaction to the mesh. What should I expect as far as pain after surgery and what can I buy to prepare for after care of the surgery? Recovery time I know depends on the person. What has been your experience thus far. I encourage all to respond. Thank you 
  • sherrie34679
    sherrie34679 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Miss Jo

    I am 11 days out of surgery. I had oophorectomy, pelvic prolapse and rectocele. I am getting better but I tire quickly. My question is this - I have a odor. If I had to describe it I would liken it to a sour smell. I didn't see anyon addressing that in the other posts. Sherrie

    • agi6
      agi6 sherrie34679

      Posted

      Hi, you might have an infection, if you worry go to see your GP 😊
  • stephanie30853
    stephanie30853 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    I'm going to have my surgery in a month from now and am kind of concerned. It will be robotic surgery for the rectocle. Has anyone here had the robotic surgery?
  • ellen74736
    ellen74736 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi. I'm scheduled for a TOT and Rectocele surgery in the next few weeks. Has anyone any advice to get me through the early days of recovery.  Bit terrified to be honest ! 
  • sniz
    sniz Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    Hi All,

    I've just discovered this discussion and it is so helpful. Thank you. Am having the surgery in two weeks  and am wondering generally how long did the actual procedure take? I realise it is different from case to case but am just looking for a ballpark timeframe? Am having both anterior and posterior walls done with mesh, general anaesthetic, vaginally. Thanks for all your honesty it is very reassuring.

    Sniz

  • m54321
    m54321 Gardener_Jo

    Posted

    I am just joining this forum. I am two weeks post surgery. I had a bladder sling, hysterectomy, and rectocele perinium repair. Recovery seemed to be going well until my first bowl movement. The pain was excruciating. I know I was on pain killers that cause constipation. I had been off of them for two days and taking colase and ducolax for five days. I was on a liquid diet for four days and then a low residue diet. I can't begin to describe the pain of trying to pass stool. I'm sorry if I get to graphic - It was not super hard but it would not pass through! I asked my surgeon if he repaired my sphincter too tight. It took 18 hours to finally get it to pass through. I am so scared of going through this again. I am drinking plenty of fluids, I walk ten to fifteen minutes at a time. Has anyone else gone through this?I know I need to eat but I am afraid.
    • pls1020
      pls1020 m54321

      Posted

      Hi m54321!

      I am 3 weeks post op. I had a Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy with rectocele repair using mesh on 4/12/16. I too have had issues with bowel movements. I am scared to death of having a hard BM and messing up the repair.

      My doctor sent me home with strong painkillers and advised me to take colace twice per day. I have increased that to 3 times per day and I am eating a high fiber diet. Even with that I too am having the same issues! So I do believe I will be adding some miralax as well. My BMS are painful. I try to take ibuprofen as soon as I start to feel gas pains which helps somewhat with the inflammation. I also Googled the correct way to have a bm after rectocele repair. Of course it explained the usual no hard straining, spread knees hips width with forearms resting on thighs giving the spine a somewhat forward bend in the lower back it also helps to have a lower toilet so that you can have a bit of pressure naturally on the rectum (I find this somewhat uncomfortable while still healing down there). You need the correct amount of calories for your body to heal properly as well, so use a fiber supplement if need be. I too was scared, but it has gotten much easier each time. I wish you the best! And hope this help! Take care!

    • momoffour
      momoffour m54321

      Posted

      Hi Jo (and recent posters m54321 and pls 1020).  I am scheduled for vaginal surgery to repair posterior (cistocele) and anteriror (rectocele) repair with mesh on May 18th.  I am 52 years old and my child is graduating high school on June 14th.  After reading the many posts about the level of pain and bloating and general total discomfort, I am thinking I need to postpone this suregery, as I will be unable to easily/comfortably attend her graduation ceremony. I had it in my mind that the first week would be bad (ie, painful), but by 4 weeks out I would be feeling closer to normal/much better. My gyno surgeon said I would be going home the same day of the surgery, but now I feel so dumb to have thought the timing from May 18 to June 14 was OK.  Is there anyone who can tell me how mobile they were at 4 weeks post-op?  Thank you!
    • momoffour
      momoffour pls1020

      Posted

      Hi Jo (and recent posters m54321 and pls 1020).  I am scheduled for vaginal surgery to repair posterior (cistocele) and anteriror (rectocele) repair with mesh on May 18th.  I am 52 years old and my child is graduating high school on June 14th.  After reading the many posts about the level of pain and bloating and general total discomfort, I am thinking I need to postpone this suregery, as I will be unable to easily/comfortably attend her graduation ceremony. I had it in my mind that the first week would be bad (ie, painful), but by 4 weeks out I would be feeling closer to normal/much better. My gyno surgeon said I would be going home the same day of the surgery, but now I feel so dumb to have thought the timing from May 18 to June 14 was OK.  Is there anyone who can tell me how mobile they were at 4 weeks post-op?  Thank you!
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