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Slow recovery

Posted , 5 users are following.

rosieod1
rosieod1

I had my rectocele repair done almost 9 weeks ago and am still not back to normal. Had a very bad urine/bladder/kidney infection about 3 weeks after operation and thrush,fortunately that has all cleared now with the help of canesten and antibiotics but am still sore and was still having a bleed 2 days ago after using the applicator for HRT cream that my doc prescribed. Hub and I attempted sex about a week ago and it was a disaster,feels like they have totally sewn up my lady parts,not happy at all and my GP is dismayed that the hospital has no outpatients appointments for us ladies having these ops. Anyone else out there had the same experience. Just wanting to feel normal again sad

0 likes, 24 replies

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  • sandra2468
    sandra2468 rosieod1

    Posted

    Hello Rosie,

    Im sure your be on the mend soon probably takes time.

    Did  you have examination under anaesthetic to look at your prolapse prior to surgery?

    What was the name of your op.

    Hope you don't mind me asking as I may need some help at some stage too.

    Sandra

     

    • rosieod1
      rosieod1 sandra2468

      Posted

      Hi Sandra

      The op was a rectocele repair,I was examined by my GP then by a gynaecologist at the hospital to ascertain whether I needed the op or not. The examination wasn't done under general anaesthetic but the op was although I could have had it done under epidural if I'd wanted to .

      It just seems to be taking such a long time to get back to normal,they told me everything should be ok by 6 weeks but that certainly hasn't been the case with me.Oh well,here's hoping . Good luck if you are having the same thing done

  • sandra2468
    sandra2468 rosieod1

    Posted

    Hello Rosie,

    Thanks for getting back to me.

    Most of these procedures take time to get better.

    Every specialist appears to have  different techniques depending to the perference/skill of the doctor and patient needs.

    I have prolapse in all 3 compartments.

    However the degree of anal prolapse needs to be assessed.

    I may end up with a ventral rectopexy which is an op done via the tummy to support the rectum and bladder with mesh. 

    However I am yet to research the success rate of this op.

    If I have this then I am assuming prior I would have a hysterectomy womb taken out as my womb is at the entrance of my vagina.

    I am awaiting to make an appointment to be examined under anaesthetic to see how much of a prolapse I have.

    Just wondering what you op was called as they all have so many names, 

    eg A stapled excision (STARR) procedure.

    Which in fact I was recommended to a while back. 

    I was advised to be examined under anaesthetic to get a better idea of my prolapse issue on the anal side. Not ever doctor recommends this.. 

    I also had a proctorgram sitting is better than lying  to also give an idea of anal prolapse. Physiology and anal unltrasound should also be done prior for info.

    Just wondering what sort of repair you had. 

    Unfortunately I have found that unro-gynaecologists do not appear to work hand in hand with colorectal speciialists, because the operaitons appear to overlap to a degree and every specialist has their own skill.

    Best wishes,

    Sandra

  • LadyPink
    LadyPink rosieod1

    Posted

    Hi Rosieod1, sorry to hear things haven't been so good for you. Amongst other things, it sounds like you are still quite swollen down below and it is still early days after all since your operation. They tell you all will be back to normal at around 6 weeks but whoah, they are way out! It took me longer than that. I had Cystocele and Rectocele prolapses repaired 15 months ago and it wasn't until around 12 to 14 weeks, before we could comfortably enjoy intimacy. I'd say it was 8 months before I felt truly back to my former self though. If the bleeding continues by the way, get that checked out. My body didn't like the dissolvable stitches and reacted to them causing inflammation and blood spotting. I had to have the parts where this had happened cauterised with a special 'pencil' in the Gynae Clinic. It took about 20 minutes and although it was 'uncomfortable' and stung a little it was bearable. Once that was done the swelling, tenderness and spotting went within a few days. Looking back I am so pleased I had the operation done and am delighted with the results which have turned out far better than I had imagined. Everyone is different and we all heal at different stages. Do still put your feet up as much as you can. The more you rest the better the long term results will be. Good loom and be patient and I'm sure you'll be feeling great I. No time. Just give things a chance to settle down. All the best. LadyPink
    • rosieod1
      rosieod1 LadyPink

      Posted

      Thank you for your reassuring words LadyPink. I'm not best known for patience and doing very little doesn't sit easy with me at all but I'm trying to be sensible.Saw the physio the other day and she said it usually takes a t least 12 weeks to be anywhere near back to normal and wished that the hospitals didn't tell people it could be 6. I'd rather have been told it could take 12 weeks or so then I wouldn't have got so despondent when I wasn't healed by 6 weeks.My GP seems to think that possibly one of the stitches may be under the skin and causing the swelling.Waiting to hear back from the hospital still.

      Again many thanks

      Rose 

    • LadyPink
      LadyPink rosieod1

      Posted

      Hi Rosieod1, What a pity you didn't read up on this website before you had your op. Never mind, you've heard it from us 'experts' now - ha ha. Don't worry, get plenty of rest and you'll be feeling like a new woman before you know it. My husband says it's like sleeping with a twenty year old now (pity they couldn't do something with my face too) I am 70 by the way - teeHee!! Take care, LadyPink
    • rosieod1
      rosieod1 LadyPink

      Posted

      Well that had me chuckling. Yes I wish had known about this site prior to my op. Glad to know I'm not alone. Bet your hubby thinks he's a lucky man lol. You sound like great fun x
    • LadyPink
      LadyPink rosieod1

      Posted

      After losing my first husband to motor neurone disease and then meeting my lovely new toy boy husband of 62 three years ago I just feel so lucky about most things. My lady gynaecologist said she was only operating on me was because I was a newly wed (at the time) and was still enjoying a sex life. Most ladies of my age - I was 69 at the time - had given up on that years ago, she said. So I was pretty lucky. Anyway, make the most of being lazy - it's not easy I know - but it'll pay off and you'll be fine. LadyPink
    • rosieod1
      rosieod1 LadyPink

      Posted

      I've got a toy boy husband too,he is almost ten years younger than me,we've been wed almost 3 and a half years now and still fancy the pants off each other,so I'm a bit sad that we haven't been able to resume that side of our relationship yet. I'm 61 and until this op very fit and active . Can't wait to be all healed up and back at it,so to speak and I know the hub will be most relieved too x
    • LadyPink
      LadyPink rosieod1

      Posted

      Oh wow. How lucky are WE? Good for you.

      Yes it's very difficult I know and frustrating - but there's ways and means isn't there

      wink wink.

      Not long now you'll be amazed at the difference even one week makes.LadyPink

    • sandra2468
      sandra2468 LadyPink

      Posted

      Lady pink,

      Sorry to ask.

      Would you be able to recommend your doctors?

      All the best,

      Sandra

    • LadyPink
      LadyPink sandra2468

      Posted

      Hi Sandra, Is this in reference to gynae prolapses? (I am recovering from a Scarf Akin Bunion operation and write on that subject too). Unfortunately my consultant/Gynae surgeon has now left the hospital I went to. My treatment was on the NHS at my local hospital in Surrey and was extremely lucky to be sent to her by my GP. She was a lovely Indian lady called Reba Oliver and she was moving to Bart's in London in December of 2013. She told me she'd be treating private patients there too. Hope that helps. LadyPink
    • rosieod1
      rosieod1 LadyPink

      Posted

      Good morning LadyPink,something else we have in common,a bunion. Fortunately so far I have able to avoid an op as they custom made orthotics for me to address the pronation of the foot and touch wood,so far my foot is much improved and hopefully will continue to be so.although the tester will be the summer when I give up wearing the boots and go back to summer sandals. Have just got a pair of Birkenstocks which have the arch support,so fingers crossed and roll on summer.

      Hope your foot mends soon 

      Rose x

    • LadyPink
      LadyPink rosieod1

      Posted

      Good morning to you rosieod1, Hey that's a coincidence isn't it. I am 6 weeks post op and go back to the surgeon next week for final visit (hopefully) plus X-rays to check the two screws. I got soo self conscious about my ugly feet that I decided to get them done. Operation was not too bad and pain afterwards not half as bad as I'd heard; in fact only needed one or two doses of paracetamol. The foot looks fantastic so I'm chuffed and I'm walking around the house in shocking pink croc shoes (for comfort, not glamour). Lovely picture - you can just imagine then I'm sure. Day to day, for fantastic comfort I have been wearing Ecco shoes - lace ups, for years. Great for shopping, driving, walking the dog, etc. If you want to know more about THAT operation look at the Hallux Valgus discussion on this website. Can't wait to get the second foot done now.

      Good luck with your recovery. Always here if you've a question. TTFN. LadyPink

    • rosieod1
      rosieod1 LadyPink

      Posted

      Had a quick look at your Hallux valgus post,just as amusing as this one. You really a fun fab lady. Hope all your ops are getting better now and you are back to 100%,just waiting until I am,poor hub of mine is so patient,sadly I'm not and just want to be firing on all cylinders again and get back to horizontal exercise :D x
    • LadyPink
      LadyPink rosieod1

      Posted

      Hi Rosieod1, Ha ha ha, just be patient. You'll soon be back to full health and swinging from the chandeliers once again! Best wishes, LadyPink
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