What should I expect during recovery from cystocele and rectocele surgery?

Hi Mrytle, I had the same surgery on Feb 4 of 2015 and I can tell you that it takes much longer than what the doc says to recover.  Give yourself time, lots of time, to get back to "normal".  Rest, rest and more rest is needed, especially for the first 8 weeks.  I hope you have help following your surgery because you won't feel like doing much and your body won't either!  I wish you all the best!

I had my surgery a year ago. Rectocele, vaginal suspension and a full hysterectomy. It was done here in Indiana. They used the DaVinci robot. I had very little pain, I only took one pain pill. I could be just one of the lucky ones, but I was surprised. Yes, I had discomfort, but basically I didn't experience a lot of pain. I listen to my doctor, watched my diet. No red meat, lots of veges and took my stool softener as advised. In fact I had a bowl movement the second I got home. That was my biggest fear.

So just try to relax, be prepared with everything you need. Have some help if you can. I didn't have much help at all, but I did have visitors who stopped by.

I had rectocele surgery last April. I had one night in hospital. A pack is put in th evagina at the end of sugery and a catheter also. This is removed after 24 hrs and once I was weeing ok - three good wees that were measured and an ultrasound to see if the bladder was emptying ok I was ok to go home. I had very little pain. I think I took a couple of paracetemol when in hospital and probably only a few when home. I was prescribed lactulose and movicol for two weeks so ensure no straining. I am always careful with my diet anyway so constipation is not an issue.

?THe bruisong and swelling is considerable - it is uncomfortable but for me not painful. I could sit and lie down ok. Standing was an issue but i could walk ok too. Recovery takes a long time. I was signed off by the surgeon for 6 weeks an dthe GP signed me off for another 6. I didn't have a phased return to work though - I only work 3 days. I did have a weeks holiday before my return (which had already been booked) so I was off for 13 weeks. Truly I didn'y feel it was painful as such - the bruising is a bit brutal - but that goes. At week 3 of recovery you will worry, at week 5 you will be convinced it has failed. Do not worry over this as it seems to be something everybody goes through. It does get better. BUt rest, rest, rest. Get some help at home - no lifting, hanging out washing etc. No lifting heavy pans of water. I could feel the pull on th ewound when I lifted anything over 2kg or a 2l bottle in the forst few weeks - so don't! Yes it seems a bit pathetic carrying on bottle of water at a time but don't over exert on this.

?It's ok   - you will be fine