rectocele recovery too long? (Page 1)

In patients without a daily urge to defecate or a stool frequency of less than once per week, the outcome of rectocele repair seems to be poor.
Normal bowel function returns within 2 to 4 weeks. It is important to avoid constipation during this time.
The rectal pain and lower back pain, may orginate from some rectal damage or damage to other surrounding organs, done during the rectocele repair.
Also, you may talk with your surgeon about possible adhesions.

Hi, I had the same op in Nov 2008. Its now May 2009 and I am still not back to normal. I was spotting and wearing panty liners and having cramping pains for 9 weeks after the op and after deciding I couldn't care less if i was seen to be a wimp, I contacted my GP. It turned out I had granulation tissue. this was burned off in two sessions and although I am recovering, it has been much slower than I had hoped for. Sex is still not great. Where you are getting aches to your lower back i am getting them in my lower front pelvis area.It seems to be a long slow journey to fitness.

I had rectocele repair surgery 5 weeks ago. I also had my uterus removed but kept my ovaires, due to heavy bleeding and severe cramping. There were 4 large cysts on my uterus and one large polyp. I still have a problem with constipation. I understand the constipation caused the rectocele but I am concerned that it will cause another rectocele. I have a little lower back pain and still spotting. She used a pigskin mesh to repair the rectocele. It worked perfect. I have to wait another week to have sex.

I am 4 days post op from my Rectocele repair and just had my first BM yesterday. It was terribly painful. Although I had been taking stool softeners the first 2 movements were terribly hard and large. I felt like there was an apple sized object pressing on my tailbone. I finally found relief with a gloved finger. The mass was just too large for me to "gently" expel and needed to be made smaller manually. Sorry if this sounds like TMI but it may help you. My movements today have been more normal and relatively painless. The previous attempts at BM brought me to tears and full body shakes. God Bless You.

I am 8 weeks post op, rectocele and graft of the repair because there were so many tears. After a long day of teaching kindergarten it feels like I have pressure and swelling of the membranes all around the back part of my vagina, near the rectum. It is annoying and I worry constantly that I was better off with the rectocele. At least back then I had some good days. Anyone else having this issue?

Hi
I had my op almost two weeks ago. Bm is still painful and my right buttock feels sore inside. Am on movicol and painkillers still. The pain is so sore I find it hard to walk and get comfortable sitting. Is this normal?

Hi I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I had rectocele/cyctocele repair with a urethra sling 14 months ago and I am still in daily pain when standing too long and or sitting too long. I hope you get some relief soon.

i am post op day 3 for rectocele surgery, i take milk of mag tablets 2 after each meal per my md orders for soft stools and let me tell you it works also my tail bone does hurt but this too is getting better i take tordal for the pain and it is helping, this is all from the position of the surgery. if you take other pain killers you will get constipation. please take as little of the more powerful painkillers as possible, it will only make the constipation worse. i am a rn and work in a hospital as a floor nurse and will be off work for 6 wks. and not doing much at all around the house it really is hard for me to be incapacitated. but you must take it easy to allow for healing. and please take the milk of mag or as we nurses call it mom. it will help

Hi Everyone,
After having abdominal pain issues, constipation, many symptoms, I went to see a gastoenterologist who sent me to a colorectal surgeon. The last 2 weeks, I have had a barium enema, CT scan, colonoscopy, and a defecating proctogram study. I found out I have a rectal prolapse and a rectocele which explains my symptoms. I'm really apprehensive and scared about the prospects of surgery. I'm 52 and worry about the post-op recovery. I have full guardianship of my grandson soon to be 11 years old, his Mom my daughter passed 7/4/2008. I also was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 7 weeks ago, have a vitamin D deficiency that renders me constant fatique, and overall weakness. At this point I already have a hard time keeping up with my daily responsibilities and do not want this surgery to affect my abiliy to keep up with the care of my grandson. Also Nathan worries so much, he associates hospitals with death. I try to reassure him, but he is very concerned. I take the generic brand of miralax daily for constipation and this works well for me without the side effects such as severe cramping other laxitives have caused. I also have back problems, disc bulges and protrusions in my C, T, and lumbar spine, the worst being the lower back incurred during a bad fall so I already take strong narcotics to releive the daily pain. My vitamin D deficiany also causes severe bone pain, which is why at this time I am dependent on pain meds to function. The miralax takes care of my constipation issues. I would really like to know how the rest of you are coping with the post op recovery. From what I have read so far, it does not sound good.

I am 8 days post op for Hysterectomy, recocele Level 4, and bladder sling/cystocele. I stayed in the hospital 4 nights because I had an episode of vertigo, terrible time for that to happen but when I moved, i would get deizzy and throw up.
The rectocele is my biggest problem right now. I too take pain meds because of my lower lumbar disc degeneration and cannot stop them or I wont be able to function at work or home (4 kids and husband travels). I assume the pain meds are causing my constipation and have for the last 4 years since i have been on them. I also had twins who are 2, and I am able to take care of them I just cant pick them up. Nevertheless, I am having contipation big time and the pressure is killing me. I put on a glove and vaseline and tried to move it out, did not work, my bowel movements are big and round and hard. My rectum now is smaller either from the reconstruction or the swelling. I got 6 weeks off work so I have 3.5 more weeks to figure this out. I called my doctor to see if I can do an emema. I am afraid that i am going to strect my stitches and ruin my repair. i will post when i figure it out. Thank you to the nurse that said take the Milk of Magnesia (MOM). I refused it at first because it gave me gas, but now I do not care. Directions say take 2 tbls after each meal with a large glass of water.
Mom 2 twins Dallas

I don''t know what to do about my problem, meaning do I live with this rectocele problem or have the surgery. Looks like through all these post surgery does not work? I hate living with a bulge feeling, stool slipping down, sex is out cause I am afraid of stool coming out during sex.

I am 5 days post op rectocele repair, second attempt, first one did not work, first one I was so constipated it was awful, this time I am also talking Milk of Mag per doc,and cannot believe he difference.
I had the mesh this time, only 18 months since previous but thankfully so much better. Never had any pain.

Well I had my surgery May 27th, so I am almost 4 weeks post op. They repaired my rectocele and rectal prolapse by removing 12 inches of my colon. I was in the hospital for 7 days without a bowel movement. They would not give me any type of laxitive. I finally told them I have to have miralax or I will not have a bowel movement. Opiates cause constipation, I also have IBS which causes constipation. Finally on the 5th day they gave me like a teaspoon of miralax. I asked the fellowship doctor if this was a joke. They also cut my pain meds down to what I normally take at home for my back pain. The doctor said you didnt tell me that and I told him you didnt ask. On the 7th day I told them I was leaving, I would get better pain control at home, so they better start writing up the paperwork or I would go what they call AMA. When that happens your insurance company can refuse to pay them. I also asked the doctor if he ever had any major surgery, he said no so I told him how can you tell me how much pain Im in when you dont understand what pain is. The young fellowship doctors have so much to learn. When I went to my post op appt. I told the surgeon about it and he said he had no idea, his student did not relay anything I said to him. He said he would be having a conversation with him about it. Anyways I am still really sore, I still need miralax but it does not hurt to have a bowel movement anymore. I'm still weak and my vertical 15 inch incision is still healing so I am very tender. I am happy with my results. But waiting to get my energy back. I see both my surgeon and my endo on the 29th. It may be a combination of my hypothyroidism, lack of vitamin d and the surgery which is why I am so weak and frustrated because I can only do small chores around the house.
Cindy

cindy thats awful that you have suffered like this. I have been amazed how the appraoch of two surgeons is so different. My first rectocele and vaginal vault did not work at all I got so constipated and so afraid to try and force out a BM it was a nightmare, i was told to take stool softner which did nothing and Cascara sagrada, which took 3 days to work. When i finally went I felt a pop and think then it was my stiches coming out, anyway got an infection and the rectocele was bag almost immedaitely. Second surgeon did it with mesh, and told me to take two tablespoons of M of Mag and that has worked so well.
I do hope you recover soon. Are you driving yet, i wonder how long to wait I also this time had an endocele repair.

I am two weeks into rectocele, bladder sling, cystocele recovery. Much more difficult than imagined. Sitting is almost impossible and my life is at a standstill but think it will be worth it. Any position other than reclining causes pressure, pain, pulling. Why do the doctors downplay the pain of this so much? My hysterectomy was easier! No problem with constipation or bladder leak though. Taking one Colace stool soft tablet and glass of prune juice 1 to 2 times daily per instructions and like a charm. No leaks there either (hooray). Thanks for all your posts, it helps to know I am not alone.

I am 59 years old and just 4 days post surgery and am doing remarkably well compared to the posts that I am reading. The only difference in my BM and pain management than the other women is that I have been on quality probiotics daily,high fiber foods, loads of fluids, and that I refused narcotics by mouth once the morphine pump was discontinued 12 hours post surgery. I cannot take narcotics by mouth because they make me nauseated to the point of vomiting so I have only taken two doses of extra strength Tylenol. I do not have any pain except some discomfort.
My bowel movements are not "normal" yet because they are so frequent and I experience some discomfort with them but overall I am doing well and I am grateful for the quality of life that iam in hopes to regain. No more peeing on myself!!!! I wanted to post this positive response for anyone like me searching for information.

Hi Lestagirl,

The reason they had to take 12 inches of bowel out was to raise up my rectum because everytime I had a bowel movement part of my bowels would come out. Its sounds gross, but I would have to push it back in. By cutting out the bowel, it repaired both problems because my bowel that is left is not weak anymore. I have semi normal stools now. LOL I have 4 bikini cuts and 2 vertical cuts now. My stomach is so bloated out. I always had a normal waistline but I was gaining weight for no reason. 35lbs to be exact. I knew something was wrong because I eat really healthy. Well I found out I had hypothyroidism. I started taking synthroid about 6 weeks ago and my endo told me I would eventually lose the weight. I talked to some other people who have Hypothyroid, and they said their bellies blew up too. When I got home from the hospital with all the fluids they gave me I was 200lbs. I do not have any appetite, so I have to force myself to eat. I am now down to 165lbs. so another 15lbs and I will be back to my normal weight. I am 5'8" tall so when I weigh 150 I can wear a size 10. I cant wait to get back into my cute jeans. In the meantime I have just bought some cute clothes that hide my tummy and are really comfortable. I am excited to wear them. Now i stay in my pjs cause they are so comfortable when you are healing. I am driving, but I really do not go anywhere much. I hope you are doing well. thank you so much for your concern.

Cindy

Hi ladies, I am a 40 year old mother of three. I had an unpleasant session with a gyno who informed me (in a really paternalistic fashion) that I had a grade 2 rectocele, urinary incontinence, a mild cystocele and, as an after thought, that I would need a hsyterectomy in the next few years. He told me briefly about the surgery he "would do" and didn't invite any questions. This appointment came about from the return of a mild feeling of "falling out" or vaginal fulness that indicated the return of a uterine prolapse that occured when I was 30 and pregnant with my 3rd baby. I went home stunned and got on the net! I found sites like this that made me really question whether the medical fraternity have it right with this corrective surgery. I have been trying a new walking and sitting posture (learned from Saving The Whole Woman, by Christine Kent) and it feels better. Please look into this book if you are in my situation. Power to the ladies!

Hi Mama03,

I was 28 years old when I had to have a hysterectomy. My health insurance required three opinions. I had every test you could imagine. When I had my two daughters I hemmoraged both times and needed blood transfusions. My doctors told me to refrain from having anymore children because I could die. That was when I was 22. They wanted me to follow up with a hemotologist, but even though I had insurance we had to pay full price for office visits. As the years passed my periods were so heavy, causing me to become anemic, and I was always getting sick as a result of the anemia. It's very difficult to raise your children when you are tired all the time. The last year prior to my hysterectomy, my periods would last 15 to 21 days. it was horrible. So when my doctor approached me with the option of having a hysterectomy I was happy to have the surgery. Afterwards I was no longer anemic, I was full of energy again, and I rarely got sick. I am so glad you are feeling better. Keep us with your kiegal exercises, and whatever else the book tells you. As long as you feel healthy otherwise and your problem does not get in the way of having an active life than I would prolong surgery until it does. We always have to be proactive and empowered when it comes to our health. Only we know how we feel.

cindy

Hoping for advice. I am 12 days post op from cystocele and rectocele repair. I have only had one small bowel movement since the operation. That was on day 8 and was very painful AFTER the bm but gradually the pain subsided. I was feeling so great that I was cooking and on my feet for many hours yesterday but by evening was so swollen that my stitches were protruding from vagina. Yikes! So worried I have ruined my repair! I'm in bed today but stressing over the lack of BM's and now visible stitches! Any advice?

I am having my surgery on October 18th, cystocele, rectocele, endocele repair and vaginal hysterectomy. so i will buy the milk of magnesia, any other suggestions for a good recovery?

wow, what a lot of info to take in all at once. I am 35 and will go to consult with my doc again on Nov 4th 2010 about when and if to have surgery for rectocele. I am uncomfortable, can't poop right, sex hurts with my sweet husband and I am so sick of it all. Have been dealing for a long time and feel ready to opt for surgery, ot so sure now after reading. Any success from anyone with surgery??

I am in my 4th week of recovery from both cystocele and rectocele repair. I had a spinal and was put to sleep which was so much better than going under. Faster recovery. When I woke up my surgeon said, by the way I accidentally punctured your bladder with the instrument for placing the mesh. I had to have a cath in me for 14 days and lay down and do absolutely nothing. When I did try sitting, my butt hurt sooooo bad, and when I told my surgeon about it, he asked if I had back pain prior to my surgery. I told him that I do have back problems, but this is completely different. Hurts so bad, that I went to urgent care last Saturday, and seen a differnt Urologist. He comforted me by telling me that 5% of women complain of butt pain after rectocele surgery. As I read these posts,I feel a little better that I'm not going crazy. I am on 800 mg of Ibup and a pain pill and I can fianlly tolerate sitting and doing my job. I still have problems with my bowels and I find that miralax and prune juice together worked for me in the beginning, but doesn't seem to be working as well anymore. I think I will try Milk of mag this time. I had a hysterecomy two years ago because of hemoraging and that surgery is nothing compared to this one when it comes to pain. I also believe that women nor men should not be released from the hospital the same day as their surgery. It is way to dangerous, but the insurance companies don't want to pay. Little by little I'm beginning to feel better, but the healing is a very long process for this type of surgery. Good luck to everyone.