Rectocele Repair

Since the surgery I have not had that issue.  That has been a blessing.  I will say the first weeks after the surgery was very painful - whether the additional work because of inserting the mesh, I don't know.

I am having some problems with urine leakage but at the time of the surgery did not have much so the surgeon didn't address it.  I'm doing Kegel exercises and trying to empty my bladder more often.  Now I'm wearing panty liners for that reason but have had no major accidents.

My surgeon said the mesh they use now should cause no problems.  I don't know what alternatives there might be - we didn't discuss any options.  I do know that here in the US there is a clinical trial for an alternative - I wish I had more info for you.

After surgery, rest, rest, rest.  Have someone to help you, bring food, etc..  Have some cold packs so you can keep one or two in the freezer to switch out.  Use whatever pain meds the doctor prescribes, but be aware that some can cause constipation.  That may be a huge issue - it was for me.  Start with a mild laxative (Miralax for me) before you go in for surgery and keep taking it so you don't get constipated.  Even though the surgeon didn't touch the rectum, because it is up against the vagina it stretches the vagina when you have to go.  So do not get constipated.

If you have other specific quesstions, please continue the discussion.  Hope this has helped.

I am just over 7 weeks post hysterectomy with both cystocele ane rectocyle repairs.  I was assured that the mesh they use now is very different from that used some years ago which deteriorated.  There is still some fear of "mesh" but I am not concerned.  My Uro-Gynocologist does this surgery exclusively.  She has no patients of her own - you need a referral from another specialist to get her.  I am 71 but was driving for short periods 2 weeks post surgery; full driving 3 weeks post surgery and back to work 4 weeks post surgery.  At the six week check-up, I was given go ahead to do anything I used to do before surgery except for long baths and pools.

This morning, there seemed to be a lot of pressure on my bladder when I got up and I couldn't go immediately.  I had not had any hesitation in voiding since the surgery - not even 12 hours post surgery.  Suddenly there was a small pain and I voided.  When I got up, there was a blood clot!  Needless to say I was on the phone with the surgeon's office - there is always a doctor on call who answers.  Apparently passing small blood clots preceded by some pain occurs in many patients from week 7 to week 12-13 so unless I start bleeding like a period, there is nothing to worry about.  It is the residual from the "melting" of the sutures around the new mesh used.  Who knew.

I have had a full day with shopping, housecleaning and the usual "stuff" plus care-giving for my husband.  All is still OK since this morning. 

This kind of thing is really frightening and then you are told - oh that happens often, don't worry about  it.  Call back if the bleeding resumes like a period then the surgeon will see you immediately.  Further bleeding is unlikely  but it's the first time I have been given any information BEFORE it happens.

My beef is WHY DO THEY NOT TELL YOU OF WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN.  Not all of us are going to suffer from all the possible post-surgery maybes and knowing this could happen would have saved me a lot of grief until I spoke with a doctor this morning.

Let us know what you decide Gypsy.  This forum is a lifeline.

i have had lots of Gynae Surgery over the years due to childbirth errors that were not picked up. My first was an Anterior repiar of the bladder which caused me no problems. My main surgery in 2006 was a Posterior repiar of the back wall / rectocele and also to fix the Perineum. I had this done with a Collagen mesh. This is Dissolvable. I had a lot of problems with pain afterwards and wanted the mesh removed but as it had started to Dissolve this could not be done. I have been told i could have had an irritation to the mesh and also some Nerve damage. This could be the mesh or the way the consultant has inserted it. Consultants have to be very skilled in inserting mesh and the instruments used. I personally  would never have the TOT or TVT as there are a lot of bad publicity and stories on the internet from women who have had problems. Can you have the surgery without mesh? Do you have enough skin / tissue?  Have you sat with the consultant to ask ither questions and their skill on using mesh and pro's and con's. You need to make an informed decision and to bear in mind that not everyone will have problems. Research your consultant and the mesh used. Collagwen is supposed to be better than TVT or TOT. Hope this helps.