Rectocele repair - how long til able to go abroad

Hi,

I am 6 weeks post op for a rectocele, enterocele & perineum repair. I was told I could not fly for 6 weeks so I would think you'll be ok.

As long as you aren't going on a trekking holiday I'm sure you will be ok!

Hope you have a lovely time.

Jennie 

Hi Rosa I had an anterior repair and partial hysterectomy in January and flew short haul to Europe 6 weeks post surgery. My Consultant gave the ok as long as I wore support stockings for the flight. The journey went ok but had to rely on my husband to handle all the luggage etc. Ideally I would have liked a few more weeks to recover but at 8 weeks if things feel good I would go for it! Xx

Hi Rosa, I had a rectocele and enterocele repair and was off work 14 weeks but I do a physical job and didn't want to go back too early, but everyone's recovery and surgery is so different it's hard to judge but after six weeks you should be OK but no pulling heavy cases etc and still take it very easy as it still is very early in recovery, but hope all goes well and have a lovely holiday!

Hi Rosa747, 

As others have said, everyone is different and not sure about your age but younger years certainly does make a difference in the healing process. I had Anterior and Posterior repair plus a hernia repair 8 weeks ago. I am an active,  retired on the lake, fun loving

68 year old and the idea of having to sit for a long period of time or walk a long distance does not sound anywhere close to fun to me even at 8 weeks post op.

I have been getting out and about but find my stitches are still healing as I found some just yesterday and still feeling the pain of them drying up. I will tell you that the bladder repair seemed pretty easy but the rectocele has been pretty rough. You and your dr on the only ones who can know what is right for you, but from where I am sitting and as much as I love to travel , a trip anywhere far or near does not sound inviting to me. But, again, this is just my experience so wishing you the best in whatever you decide to do.

Hi Rosa,

      Just to pick up on what the others say that we are all different when it comes to healing.

                  I had hysterectomy with anterior repair in 2013, and in 2016 had an A&P repairs. Both times I left it till I was about at least 3 months post op first time and 4 months post op 2nd time before flying. 

             As someone else said it's the cases too; you will need someone else to deal with cases as far too heavy something you will always have to avoid.

         You may also find that it can be too much standing in queues or waiting about without a seat. Airports can be busy and can't always access seating and if there is any delays can be queueing up for long periods. 

                      Anyway at 3 months post op  I found it a bit much and was also limited while on holiday being unable to walk very far for very long, but was fine as long as I was just chilling out by the poolside.

                     At 4 months post op I was much better and able to cope with longer periods of walking and able to cope better with queues. 

           Both times I found it heavy going preparing before hand, all the washing, ironing and packing.

         Make sure you get plenty help and that you have someone else to deal with cases. Might be worth asking travel agent about any help available at airports such as a wheelchair if you have long distances to walk.

              I'm sure you would benefit from chilling out in the sun by the poolside and if no-longer discharging would be great to get some swimming which would help strengthen your pelvic floor. 

           Discuss with your consultant about getting a post op appointment before you go just to be sure things are healing well and get his/her advice on travel. 

He/she will know best how things are going by then.

               Good luck with your op and enjoy your break, whatever you decide x

Hi Rosa

Lots to consider from previous posts!

I am 10 weeks from A & R and TVT. I am only now comfortable sitting and not comfortable for sitting for very long. I feel a lack of strength in standing for more than about 15 minutes at this stage. My specialist said things are still healing.

Your perineum is going to be subjected to a lot of pressure sitting and standing which will be unavoidable with travel. 

I am not joining my husband this week traveling as it would have entailed 6 hours of sitting from leaving home to destination.

To achieve the best result which you want to last longer than a holiday,  I believe you would be really short cutting your recovery time and unknowingly be underestimating the extent of this surgery and ultimately the importance of its success. 

Hope this is of value to you Rosa

Peta

I am only 6 days out from surgery....but I already know from experience and all the testimonials - hope for the best - plan for the worst. Just postpone the surgery til after your vacation. That way you KNOW how you are doing/feeling for the trip.

Being post surgery will definitely hinder your full activity.