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

Hello maisydo,  I am sorry you experienced an infection after surgery but it sounds like you ad an excellent nursing staff.   What you describe in you recovery, apparently, is the normal physical response according to my doctor.  The severe butt-bone pain only happens in about 4% of patients; generally those of fair skin and reddish hair tones.  Oh, bother!  She could have told me about this possibility before I had surgery, but them I probably would have assumed the worst and chickened out.  It has been almost three months and .......yes, now I can say the surgery was a good thing.  Life is more back to normal.

Hello,   You are having a lot done in one operation.  I have experienced all three but over several years.  My latest was the rectocele.  It is late July and my surgery was mid April.  The first month was rough but each day brought a little more healing.  Between 6 and 8 weeks was when I really started to feel more like myself.  These past several months I do not even think about the surgery anymore.  I do not worry about fecal accidents or if I will make it to the bathroom in time.  For me, although the recovery was more than I expected, in hindsight it was a good choice.  I am 54 and had my hysterectomy, oopherectomy, and bladder repair when I was 27.  Take it slow in recovery......even when you feel all is healed and perfectly fine.  Give yourself permission to lay around and rest.  You will heal more thoroughly and quickly that way.

Hi. I was wondering how your surgery went. Hopefully you are feeling better. I am 48 and will be having a rectocele and cystocele repair in 2 weeks. I had a hysterectomy 9 years ago. I am nervous and am concerned about the recovery and having to go back to work. I am on my feet for 8 hrs a day and do a fair amount of lifting.

I am 3 weeks post op from cystocele and rectocele. Given Norco 5/325 and ibprophen 600. I also take stool softener. I'm with you about the refusing of the pain meds. My instructions were to rotate between the norco & ibprophen every 4 hours. That helped but not as much as I needed it to. I was able to get a refill on the ibprophen 600. I've been trying not to take them as much. Especially since BM has been a bit more difficult. I planned on going back to work next week but honestly don't feel ready. Standing to long, sitting to long is painful. towards the end of the day walking is rough. I don't do much. I trying to stay off my feet but make sure to move around every hour.

Stitches in the perineom area are very irritating. I worry I may need the sling. I also worry that sneezing may have caused things to be worse for my recovery. Seasonal allergies. I take allergy meds but in California and it's harvest time nearby. I'm 36 and honestly felt like I was going to bounce back like Wonder Woman. A bit frustrated with the fact that I'm still in pain.

I have taken as few of the percocet (prescribed) as I possibly can as they scare me and make me 'drunk'.  I did take them on time as needed but have cut myself down to 1/2 of one only when necessary.  I have 800 mg Ibuprofen that I am taking.  I ran out and have a refill ready for me at the pharmacy.  My friend will be returning with my laundry in a few minutes and I'll ask her to take me to get them or call the pharmacy so she can pick them up.  I'm sorry they did not give you adequate pain meds.  Did you call the doctor's office to request refills?  

?I am 3 weeks post rectocele surgery and was wondering when wold be ok to go back to work. How long did others need? I have a busy full time job and feel so tired I'm wondering whether I will ever make it back?

Hi Giggles

I hope you are doing ok? I had a cystocele and rectocele with perineal refashioning on 3rd November. I’m 10 days post op. Fortunately reasonably comfortable but I did a bit of tidying and dusting today and know what people mean by dragging, fullness feeling in the vaginal area.

I have found otherwise I spend my time propped up or lying down in bed so I am not sitting on my perineal area. I can’t sit in a chair comfortably yet.

I’m catching up on emails letters and preparing next years paperwork for our business.

I just hope time passes to be able to get on with life but I am determined not to compromise a successful surgery. 

I hope you too are doing ok 😀

I also forgot to say I find I’m very tired all the time too x

I'm doing a lot better than I was when I first posted.  I had hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele, etc. When the surgeon, a urogynecologist says he did a lot of work, there was a lot done.  I am blessed to have had friends from church and other parts of my life that have brought food and walked my dog.  Everyone is shocked when they find out what I had done and how long the recovery period is.  I am still in pain but dr's office said it's normal. It could last 8 weeks. I even have a young friend that's going to fix my doorbell that's never worked.  

I’m so pleased you’re doing better and that you have support and friends around you. It makes a big difference. It’s amazing how people have no idea what this type of surgery entails in terms of recovery! Keep accepting help and take is as gently as possible . Keep us posted x

I have been pleasantly surprised that one acquaintance of mine has shown up twice to help me.  She's a single mother of 2 adopted 4 yr olds.  It's been great to have her and her children here.  A welcome distraction too.  

I've still been shocked to find that my energy is so low.  I'm learning to pace myself.  I can't take jump in the shower and get ready to leave the house in 30 minutes or less.  I can take a shower or get ready.  Relearning how my metabolism works is another hurdle too.  I'm glad that I have until the first of the year to go back to work.  

For some reason I am feeling more pain over the last few days than I have is several weeks.  I am glad that I have my '8 week' check tomorrow afternoon. Yesterday I felt a very small spot of a stabbing pain in my upper abdomen along with a 'period type of cramping'.  I'll definitely tell him about it.  I am feeling frustrated about not being able to bend, squat, or pick up more than 10 lbs. I am wanting to go back to work but don't think my body is ready to do so plus I have the week of Christmas off.  

Hi Giggles sorry not been on here for a few days. If it’s any consolation I do get s heavy abdomen and bloating plus period style lower abdomen aches when I’ve been in my feet for a while. I take heed and lay down flat to rest my abdomen muscles. 

Have you had your consult yet? I hope you get on okay.

I wouldn’t expect you to be ready to work yet - I certainly couldn’t work. I manage an hour in the kitchen. A little tidying and wrapping a few things and I have done some paperwork but I am still having a good 2-3 hrs in bed every afternoon then I can keep up with my husband in the evening.

Take care and let us know how you got on x