Rectocele repair

Hi Nina

I've just had the same issues repaired vaninally. I live in NZ - there is a large group of women who have formed a huge group in Australia called "Mesh down under". Its use for the op Ive had is banned in nz and australia now and I'd urge you to think so carefully about it and do lots of your own research.

I know (I am a Nurse) many woman who have mesh and suffer terribly and sometimes the mesh has grown into the tissue so much it cannot be removed- leading to chronic pain, no sex life, and no working life.

I would never agree to it as the risks outweigh the benefits in my humble opinion. I would delay your decision and pursue other non-surgical treatment rather than use mesh. If a pessary, pelvic floor physio and bio-feedback don't all work then by all means consider the op - in another country! All the best- look for Mesh down Under work on-line. R

Some years ago (2001) I had second  cysto recto and entero and bladder sling with mesh. I was told recently,  prior to my third repair that it was dissolvable mesh that was used. Third time round I have had mesh as that is considered the only way. I have been told by my urogynaecologist that it is not the same mesh that had caused the problems. That mesh is now not used in Australia and there has been a class action here. 

So far I have not had problems but I have been horizontal for all of the time apart from short walking around house and 5 minute walks outside of house which has now increased to 3 x 5 mins  I am 8 weeks post op seeing specialist in one week so haven’t put this dept to the test as yet!

For me it is a total end to lifting and carrying  new strategies now

Shopping delivered, washing carried out in very small lots etc etc

Ask more questions Nina. They do say the first surgery is your best chance. You want the most experienced urogynaecologist available. If your current situation is really restricting your quality of life like my was, then it’s worth considering taking the risk.  After researching all that is available of course.

All the best

I’m 36 and in the US.  I had cystocele, rectocele, and enterocele.  My doc offered me the option of mesh for the cystocele repair and I decided against it.  What he said was that with mesh it’s less likely you will have to do another surgery in 5-10 years.  The downside is that many women develop  infections, painful scarring, painful sex, and sometimes it’s so bad they have to go back in to remove the mesh.  There have been a ton of lawsuits here for mesh complications.  I decided I would rather potentially have to have surgery in 10 years than have those potential complications.  Plus, my situation did not require mesh.   That’s not true for everyone I think.