Rectocele symptoms
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hi everyone. My GP thinks my 'pretty bad' rectocele (bulge into vagina) could be responsible for my digestive problems! For a couple of years my bm's have been very loose/windy. The more fibre I eat the worse it is! Not good for a vegetarian lol. I've had gastro investigations which can't explain these symptoms. I did 6 months of very regular pelvic floor exercises which made no difference to either bulge or bm problens . The ring pessary GP tried fell out the next day so I've been referred for surgery. Please has anyone else experienced these bm symptoms and did surgery correct it? I'm scared surgery will cause faecal incontinence and not help the bm problem!!
1 like, 20 replies
phyl_40063 lizzie60
Posted
Hi lizzie,
My GP said something similar, that my acid reflux problem was due to posterior prolapse causing a backup.
Initial consultant said that I didn't need posterior repair as it was the failure of anterior repair that was causing posterior to prolapse and if they fixed the anterior repair if would sort the problem.
Anyway had both done (I always thought that the back prolapse was just a link caused by wearing a ring pessary).
Doing pelvic floor exercises three times a day (15 of each everytime). Very windy now but no incontinence unless I eat toouch chocolate. So anyway just have to watch that I'm eating balanced diet. For most part back to toilet once a day on good days but sometimes lots of little visits on a bad day.
Hope you get it all sorted soon.
X
Imnotadoctor lizzie60
Posted
Hi,
I had similar symptoms.
I had an op for prolapsed bladder & hysterectomy in 2013, this actually made my rectocele worse as it made more space for the 'bulge'.
I'm having a rectoenterocele repair with sacrospinous fixation later this year.
I found taking Fybogel rather than a stool softener works better for me.
Try & find yourself a good specialist female physiotherapist who specialises in continence problems as well as a urogynaecologist to advise if surgery will help. I completely understand how worrying it is! Good luck.
sheila89754 lizzie60
Posted
I was diagnosed with IBS about fifteen years ago, digestive problems like yours. Tummy aches, cramps, wind and unpredictable bowels. Swinging from constipation to upset stomach! It never crossed my mind it could be anything to do with prolapses, or that I had one. I eventually saw my GP due to stress incontinence and over the years I did realise I probably had a cystocele, research, google images! Post menopause it all got worse. I was referred to a specialist about two years ago, went down the pessary route, urodynamics and eventually opted for surgery. I had three prolapses, cystocele, rectocele and uterus.
I had a vaginal hysterectomy, sacrospinous fixation and anterior and posterior repair on May 4th. The surgery was fine, little pain, mobile straight away, and am now on the long road to recovery.
My bowels are getting there, I have flaxseed every morning and tend to go to the loo first thing in the morning. I've had ups and downs but am beginning to think the rectocele was the problem not IBS! I'm still not so secure with the leaking but have been told that I need to be patient, I've had a huge package of surgery and it can take months to heal.
So, I think that a rectocele can cause digestive symptoms that are a mystery to a gastroenterologist, no reason for the symptoms, so label it IBS. Through all the investigations no one examined me internal vaginally, up my bum, down my throat but ignored the other bit!
Good luck, and do loads and loads of research before making any decisions.
Where are you living, UK or abroad?
Imnotadoctor sheila89754
Posted
That's interesting Sheila, as I've got "IBS" too! I'm hoping my surgery will sort that out. I've had so many investigations I am completely fed up with it all now. It's only really this forum that's answered most of my questions!
armelle88733 sheila89754
Posted
Hello Sheila,
your story spoke to me. I am 62, diagnosed with IBS constipation for over 20 years. This week after feeling dreadfully sick, the gynécologist diagnosed a rectocele and cystocele . I am convinced I haven’t got IBS but this rectocele has been ruining my life. I am waiting for an appointment with a physio. I have a problem emptying my bladder and I had my urethra dilated 3 years ago. I believe it can recur.
sheila89754 armelle88733
Posted
Hi armelle. Oh dear poor you, digestive problems are so horrid, it's the unpredictability that's so hard to cope with. It made me worry about days out, holidays, long journeys, work. ?? I'm now five months post surgery, as mentioned. I wouldn't say I'm a new woman, yet! But I don't get constipated often now, possibly when my routine changes. Prunes and flaxseed were essential straight after surgery and I have flaxseed every day now. I also found it hard emptying my bladder, I had to lean right forward and press my bottom - sorry! I can now sit upright and have a good strong flow. I do sometimes get up, walk around a bit and then need another little wee!
I'm sure I still have more healing and I'm not convinced the anterior repair has worked, I'm seeing my consultant again five months. I think it shows how long it can take to heal if she wants to wait that long.
All the best. X
carol1951 lizzie60
Posted
Try taking peppermint oil capsules. I have this problem, surgery didn't make any difference to BM's, but it helped the bulge.
lizzie60
Posted
Thanks everyone! I'm in the UK. Although it will mean surgery, I'll be relieved if it is the rectocele causing the 'IBS' - yes up til now that's what it been labelled as. I've had one endoscopy and tried every diet under the sun to try and sort the problem . I sooo want to eat healthily again - struggling not to put on weight as can't eat much fruit & veg - found myself drooling at the salad bar in the supermarket the other day! I hope you all continue to improve and will let you know the outcome of appointment in 2 weeks time! 😊
sheila89754 lizzie60
Posted
Have you tried flaxseed Lizzie? More fibre just seems to make 'IBS' worse? I wish I'd found it earlier, as a post op gift a friend gave me prunes and flaxseed, much appreciated present! Not too many prunes now, but flaxseed sprinkled on my yogurt and fruit each morning.
All the best, it's so horrid constantly thinking about your bottom!
lizzie60 sheila89754
Posted
Hi Sheila. Yes I tried flax seed a while ago to no avail! Oh i love prunes! I'm quite looking forward to eating all the fruit veg and nuts I want after the op! Tho I guess if the op works I might even need more fibre! Lol. It's just like my gut and bottom have both forgotten what normal functioning is!!
sheila89754 lizzie60
Posted
lizzie60 sheila89754
Posted
Haven't even got a date yet but I'm pretty sure it's only option. Presuming it will be at Musgrove Park NHS hospital Taunton
sheila89754 lizzie60
Posted
I'm still not totally healed but so hope I can reassure you that my rectocele was messing up my digestive system. I'll keep you posted!
lizzie60
Posted
Hi all. I had my consultant appointment today and will be having posterior (severe) repair, anterior (less severe) with possible hysterectomy and/or spinal-sacro-spinal fixation - he will assess during op but I have a feeling it will be all of it as i have fibroids too. Now I've accepted that it all needs doing I cant wait to get on with it and will scour this forum for all advice! My biggest worry though is because I have chronic musculo-skeletal pain in hips, lower back, glutes quads etc, I'm worried that I'll just seize up if I can't do my usual exercise or even stretches - deep squats are clearly out! Consultant said there was not a physio or anyone who could adevise me pre-op and just to use my common sense (!!) . There must be someone out there who has had this op who also has back problems. Can anyone help please? 😊xx
Ellie1943 lizzie60
Posted
Hi Lizzie, I have all those problems and recently had similar procedures. I had a spinal block and sedative to relax me. When they put my legs in the dreaded lithotomy poles I gasped, how on earth did you get my legs up there? The nurse just said, you didn't know you were so bendy did you!
It's the block + sedative which relaxes us, I didn't feel a thing! 
Next day I was up and walking as soon as the catheter and packing were removed. Walking short distances and building up daily is the best way for me anyway. I had op one day, rest in ward next and home third. Your consultant was correct but you could ask about pelvic floor physiotherapy while you are in hospital or before if you have a clinic appt. These specialist physio's know exactly what you need and can do, building up slowly to normal when they say it's ok. Hope this helps and also hope you have a successful op and good recovery. Pollyanna. x 