1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Genitourinary Prolapse

Rectocele surgery

Posted , 7 users are following.

bridget99388
bridget99388

I have a mild rectocele but the symptoms are horrible .. Loose vagina ,have to splint to pass stools, bloating and pressure sensation. I'm only 20 I want children in the future but can't deal with this anymore . How do I convince my specialist to refer me to surgery and has any of you had success with surgery? How was recovery? Did you get sick pay for being off work and how do you tell friends and family as it is sooo embarrising? Also how did your bf/husband react if you told them x

0 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

Next
  • doris29
    doris29 bridget99388

    Posted

    Is this a wind up?
    • Jan999
      Jan999 doris29

      Posted

      Why do you think this is a wind up vicky?
    • doris29
      doris29 Jan999

      Posted

      I've just read it. It just seems like a wind up.

      Sorry if it's not but it reads that way?

    • Jan999
      Jan999 doris29

      Posted

      In bidget's defence I have already responded to her questions by personal message. I think now she wants other ladies opinion. I think she has genuine concerns.
    • doris29
      doris29 Jan999

      Posted

      Ok matron. Thanks for confirming.

      If you have a genuine problem hun you shouldn't need to convince your surgeon.

      I was advised if I wanted children I'd have to have a c section after having this surgery.

      My recovery was fab, very quick with no issues.

      Everyones work place is different.

      I don't find it embarrassing in the slightest and told all my friends and my partner.

      I hope your surgeon listens and you get sorted x

    • Jan999
      Jan999 doris29

      Posted

      I told vicky she would need to have a Caesarean section. When she says specialist bridget means her GP and I've messaged her telling her that's causing confusion.
    • bridget99388
      bridget99388 doris29

      Posted

      I wouldn't ever 'joke' about something like this I am very emotional and having serious problems, I'm on here for advise of all people
  • Bunky
    Bunky bridget99388

    Posted

    Hi there,

    From what you are describing I don't think you would have to convince a consultant to you needing surgery.

    The surgery is absolutely fine but yes it is a long recovery but has to be worth not feeling the way you do at the moment. You are young so you will heal well.

    It can be a little embarrassing some of what we go through but you can choose who you speak to about it. If people ask me what surgery I had who I don't want to tell I just say it was gynae related - they soon stop asking haha !! Hubby knows everything and as for all the medical staff along the way - all of them have been great and never made any of the problems embarrassing or an issue.

    I am not sure re your sick pay but I have to believe you would.

    Just keep asking any questions you want - we will answer all of them between us xx

    • bridget99388
      bridget99388 Bunky

      Posted

      Thankyou so much! It's makes me feel a tiny but better that I'm not alone. Have you had surgery if so what one ? I've never had any surgery before so it terrifies me but want to get answers!! First I need to find a good doctor to refer me and to listen. I'm happy your partner understood. I can't Imagene a man around my age would as I feel horrible in myself let alone what they think about problems with a womans downstairs x
    • Bunky
      Bunky bridget99388

      Posted

      Hi Bridget ! How are you doing !? Also please remember without going into too many details Gravity is our enemy with any prolapse so when we are lying down things are not very noticeable at all 😉
  • DorryC
    DorryC bridget99388

    Posted

    Is it easier to get your GP to refer you to a gynocologist?  If the doctor finds the rectocele on exam I don't think it's hard to get a referral but from your other post I don't think your GP did find it -- but if you have to splint it seems like something is wrong.  Maybe you can get an annual exam with your gyno (pap smear etc) and ask them to check for a rectocele?

    To answer the embarassing part.... I found it a bit easier to say I had a hernia in my pelvic floor.  Which is true.  A rectocele is a hernia in the fascia between the vagina and rectum.  With some people I felt comfortable saying exactly what it was called, but not with everyone.  I don't think I've talked about symptoms with anyone except my husband and best friend.

    As for reaction from my partner, I've been having pain problems for a while and we found out about this while I was trying to figure out why I had so much back pain and why it wasn't getting better. My husband was happy as figuring out a physical cause might lead to a solution.  He's been very supportive and kind.   He didn't act like he thought it was weird or gross, even though the symptoms are rather unpleasant.  He might not have reacted so calmly at 20.  Watching messy things like me giving birth make things like this not seem as weird or gross.

    • bridget99388
      bridget99388 DorryC

      Posted

      Normal doctors I don't think their trained for all that not sure ,if rather have a specialist. I seen a gyno but he said all looks fine I don't have a clue how he didn't find something it's so frustrating
    • DorryC
      DorryC bridget99388

      Posted

      What kind of exam did they do?  My normal doc did a vaginal exam and then a rectal exam.  She seemed to have an easier time feeling it with the rectal exam.  Colorectal surgeon only did a rectal exam.  Urogyn only did a vaginal exam only but she had me bear down, both laying down and standing up. I find it kind of difficult to bear down properly on an exam table.

      fwiw, I had several vaginal exams in the 9 years when I know, in retrospect, that I have a large rectocele but was undiagnosed.   No one spotted it.  From what I can tell myself from splinting, I think it isn't very bulgy when the intestine is empty.

    • Jan999
      Jan999 DorryC

      Posted

      Dorry are you in the US by any chance? I'm only asking because bridget is too young for a smear test here in the UK and they aren't performed annually. 
    • DorryC
      DorryC Jan999

      Posted

      No, I am not,  I am in the US.  I thought it was standard at that age as I was given a pap younger than that.  Sorry to give advice that didn't make sense. I didn't realize i was. 
    • Jan999
      Jan999 DorryC

      Posted

      They raised the age in the Uk some time ago unfortunately and it's caused some controversy. But as it was so long ago I doubt they'll lower the age limit again.
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.