Upcoming hysterectomy and rectocele repair
Posted , 5 users are following.
***I am a 37 yo mother of three in the US
I was diagnosed over the summer with uterine prolapse, cystocele, and rectocele. My doctor was surprised at the extent of my problems at such a young age. It was confirmed yesterday after my urodynamics study that I will be having a hysterectomy (I get to keep my ovaries) and rectocele repair in a few months, most likely March. It doesn't appear that I will need a bladder sling at this point since I didn't have any leakage during the study. My doctor seems to think that the bladder/urethra should correct themselves after the hysterectomy.
About a year and a half ago I started experiencing problems in the bathroom that prompted me to see a gynourologist. When I urinate, it spreads across my bottom and inner thighs instead of streaming into the toilet. The problem appears to be the urethra is prolapsed to the point that it's nearly developed a kink, which decreases the pressure of urine output. In addition, I've been splinting when having a bowel movement since my second child was born, 9 years ago. Interesting to find out that my problems going "#2" are all caused by rectocele! My dr said that my vaginal opening is twice the size it ought to be, and contributes this and the rectocele to a poor repair after tearing during childbirth.
I've been following this forum since my diagnosis, and understand the importance of rest to allow proper healing. I haven't seen much on the topic of hysterectomy combined with other repairs, and am wondering if anyone can offer personal experience pertaining to your recovery? My mother will hopefully be able to come assist with my kids and household duties for a couple of weeks. My husband will also take a week or two of leave from the military to help me when my mom goes home, but after that I'll have to be back to getting the kids up, to and from school, and all of many other things that I do. I'm most concerned about the length of recovery and being forced back into doing too much too soon.
0 likes, 21 replies
emma84791 Becca121979
Posted
Hi Becca,
im 40 and had a hysterectomy last year which I (nearly 3 weeks ago) have now had a posterior and anterior repair done a year later.
Obviously too early for me yet to know if the repairs have worked completely but what I would say is if I'd had the option I would of had both done together. Pretty similar in terms of no lifting etc for recovery so doing it once will be easier especially if you are very active usually but what I will say is you must rest and let everything heal properly I thought I had been good but it's been extremely difficult having to start heLing all over again I have 5 daughters and although I thought I had been good after my hysterectomy I think looking back I should have waited to do everything after I felt better. X
Jan999 Becca121979
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Becca you are young but in this case it's in your favour because you should recover well from the surgery and it's great that you've done your research. I had a hysterectomy long before my prolapse repair but have nursed ladies who have had your surgery, some young as well and I know it is successful and once recovered you'll be able to lead a normal life again without the worry these problems cause. You know how important rest is which is good but remember this is major surgery and in your case double that but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep in touch.
Buster1338 Becca121979
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Becca121979 Buster1338
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Jan999 Becca121979
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It's often difficult to stage a prolapse because of the way it's laid. I've seen a doctor write down a particular stage but after the repair it's a totally different one. Most urogynaecologists aren't staging them anymore to be honest.
steph16921 Jan999
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Buster1338 Jan999
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Jan999 Buster1338
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A posterior prolapse also called a rectocele is the bowel protruding into the vaginal wall. An anterior prolapse also called a cystocele is the bladder protruding into the vaginal wall. As I said before urogynaecologists tend not to stage the prolapse as much as they used to. You have to remember that a Stage 1 prolapse can be as troublesome as a Stage 4 for instance. A good urogynaecologist will take into account what symptoms you're suffering and I think that is so important.
Jan999 Buster1338
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Buster check heck out the Useful Resources on the Genitourinary home page. You'll find lots of good up to date and well researched information.
Buster1338 Jan999
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Can you give me the exact web page address. I don't know which to get into. Also I have no real symptoms except the cervix is right at opening and I have vagina pain off and on for the past year.
Jan999 Buster1338
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Go to the top of this page and click on Genitourinary Prolapse (it's in red). There you'll find Useful Resources. If you're in pain or discomfort then if you want there's no reason why you shouldn't have surgery plus the fact that your cervix is in the wrong place! Not very pleasant for you.
Buster1338 Jan999
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Jan999 Buster1338
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It says Home, Discussion Forums, Women's Health then Genitourinary Prolapse. It's above the button where you can Unfollow this Discussion also in red
Buster1338
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Also I have heard from docs that if you don't have symptoms you should not do surgery. And the only symptom I have is the vaginal discomfort rarely. Also afraid of additional prolapse after surgery! The percentage is 30 percent,,,, there is also small percentage of damage to badder and revtum.
steph16921 Jan999
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steph16921 Buster1338
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Jan999 Buster1338
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Your doctor is probably right. Why have surgery if it doesn't trouble you? Hundreds of women lead perfectly normal lives with a prolapse and all surgery has risks although slight. Your prolapse may get worse but you could live with it for years and years without any problems. The decision is yours really so have the discussion with your urogynaecologist. If you don't feel comfortable talking to him you could ask to speak to one of the nurses. Most consultants now have Specialist Nurses working in their team.
Buster1338 Jan999
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Jan999 Buster1338
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Yes this is a great forum but there's no substitute for professional medical/surgical advice Buster. Your consultant knows you and the extent and position of your prolapse. He's the expert.
Buster1338 Jan999
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Jan999 Buster1338
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I agree but remember we are all different and you are lucky that at the moment you don't really have any symptoms and you may not for years.