Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Hi i am new at this. I really appreciate all of the information on these posts. I am slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair on Oct 19. I am very nervous after all the reading.
Background: I was so shocked to learn there was such a thing as a cystocele! I had my third large child normal delivery at 43 and it showed up thereafter. I have lived with it for 18 years but it was never that bad. I would go months without even thinking about it.
In the past year it got a lot worse. When I sit down it is like a little fish jumps back in there. I can't go around with my insides falling out. I don't have leaking but it is uncomfortable and getting worse generally.
One of my big issues is how fit I will be able to stay. I work out and have for years. Being fit is totally key to my life and my mental health. My MD is at Yale and he says I go back to a normal life after 6 weeks. I am not seeing that happen to a lot of people on this blog. So tell me--do I have a choice about this surgery? There are so many more serious health things, I feel like I should just suck it up? or is this going to wreck my normal life?
Hi i am new at this. I really appreciate all of the information on these posts. I am slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair on Oct 19. I am very nervous after all the reading.
Background: I was so shocked to learn there was such a thing as a cystocele! I had my third large child normal delivery at 43 and it showed up thereafter. I have lived with it for 18 years but it was never that bad. I would go months without even thinking about it.
In the past year it got a lot worse. When I sit down it is like a little fish jumps back in there. I can't go around with my insides falling out. I don't have leaking but it is uncomfortable and getting worse generally.
One of my big issues is how fit I will be able to stay. I work out and have for years. Being fit is totally key to my life and my mental health. My MD is at Yale and he says I go back to a normal life after 6 weeks. I am not seeing that happen to a lot of people on this blog. So tell me--do I have a choice about this surgery? There are so many more serious health things, I feel like I should just suck it up? or is this going to wreck my normal life?
Hi,
I also had three vaginal births my last one at age 35 he was a big baby. I had my bladder lifted in a sling at age 42 and a Hysterectomy at age 44 and now all this other prolapse repair done at age 55. I was extremly fit before I had my bladder repair and hysterectomy and my recovery was only six weeks for both of the surgeries and I was able to go back in the gym they were both a hugh success and I would certainly recommend having it done. I was no where near as fit before this last surgery and I am sure that has played a big part in why it has taken me so long to get over my surgery. My advice to you would be to have the surgery but stay as fit as you can before you go in and do exactly what the physio says from day 1 and I am sure you will be so glad you have had it done and back to working out in 6-8 weeks post-op.
good luck and please keep posting to let us know how you get on.
Love Helen x x x x
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
I also had 3 large babies ranging from 8 lbs 8 oz to 11 lbs 0 oz...
I only had the rectocele repaired, and some work done on the area between the rectal and vagina opening (pertitoneum). This was done 3 months ago and I have recovered really well. I can do just about anything. I swim, ride a bike, do exercises at Curves, walk, mind two grandchidren. I do try hard to avoid heavy lifting. Otherwise I am really fine.
You sound great, and thanks very much for the words of encouragement!! it means so much to me! I have a plan for workouts, nutrition, stretching, r&r, accupuncture and getting to know a physical therapist between now and October 19!! (not to mention working and going to see my daughter in Cleveland for her 18th bday!) I will def share the journey-this site is terrific!
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha H
I also had 3 large babies ranging from 8 lbs 8 oz to 11 lbs 0 oz...
I only had the rectocele repaired, and some work done on the area between the rectal and vagina opening (pertitoneum). This was done 3 months ago and I have recovered really well. I can do just about anything. I swim, ride a bike, do exercises at Curves, walk, mind two grandchidren. I do try hard to avoid heavy lifting. Otherwise I am really fine.
Love,
Martha
thank you Martha, there are so many stories of outcomes that were less than ideal, I was starting to think I was making a mistake. I am trying to stay focused and not let this get out of perspective. But the nerves creep up on you. I will stay in touch and will probably have more questions going forward.
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Doodle,
I just found out today that I need a hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair too! I am also very nervous just thinking about all of this. I had 2 vaginal deliveries, and both babies were just over 7 lbs. My cousin had these same exact issues, so I believe there is a genetic component to this.
I will be keeping my ovaries and the hysterectomy will be preformed by laporscoptic (sp?). He will then fix my prolapses and also recontruct my vaginal canal.
I am "only" 36 and feel like I am 80!!! I am waiting for the nurse to call back wtih a surgery date. I am hoping it is sooner than later before I lose the nerve to go through with this!
Please keep me posted on how you are doing. My friend just had the lap hysterectomy and she is 4 weeks post-op. She is doing great! That gives me lots of encouragement.
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
I had only a rectocele repair a couple of mnths ago .. no hysterectomy ... but it was an easy operation with little pain. I will keep you in my prayers as you make your plans.
Martha
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
I had rectocele surgery in June and I recovered very fast. I was only in the hospital 2 nights, and was driving a car within a week, and able to exercise and ride my bike after 6 weeks. Everything healed well and I have no further problems. Good luck to you!
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdsun
Doodle-
I am having surgery next monday, Sept 28th. I am getting very VERY nervous.
Jdsun
Hi JD,
Sorry for the slow reply! I am so following your progress. I was out in Ohio visiting my 18 year old who just started college. I will be waiting anxiously to hear how it goes. What is the expected stay in the hospital and what have they told you about recovery time?
Doodle
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
No, only rectocele repair, and some peritoneum stitching to make it tighter and thus prevent rectocele from coming back. Hope all goes well for you next week.
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha H
No, only rectocele repair, and some peritoneum stitching to make it tighter and thus prevent rectocele from coming back. Hope all goes well for you next week.
Love,
Martha
This is Doodle checking in. I had the surgery on Monday. I am doing much better than I expected (please note that I am a very dramatic person and wondered if I would live). i did have to come home with a catheter. The first 24 hours were bad because I never had surgery before. Then I have been feeling steadily better although def on slow speed which is novel and I am enjoying-like who ever gets two naps a day? Nothing is hanging out. Pain is very manageable. So I am living one day at a time and seeing what happens next. Hope you all are well and progressing too at whatever your own speed is.
Doodle
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha H
I also had 3 large babies ranging from 8 lbs 8 oz to 11 lbs 0 oz...
I only had the rectocele repaired, and some work done on the area between the rectal and vagina opening (pertitoneum). This was done 3 months ago and I have recovered really well. I can do just about anything. I swim, ride a bike, do exercises at Curves, walk, mind two grandchidren. I do try hard to avoid heavy lifting. Otherwise I am really fine.
Love,
Martha
hi martha, it sounds like ive had the same op as u...im 12 days post op now and still getting a lot of pain when i have a BM....is this normal and when will it settle down?..its good to hear ur all back to normal now,,,,,,,gives me hope!.....
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Hi, Roadtrip3 -
Please see my recent post in "Scared" thread. Are you taking plenty of stool softeners? Colace was prescribed for me, and I am augmenting that with fiber pills and lots of liquids and fruit. I also find that coffee really helps 'get things moving.'
I am totally with you on the exercise bit too. I do workouts with weights and my job is at Trader Joe's, which requires a substantial amount of heavy lifting. My dr., right before the procedure, said that while unrealistic, the optimal result from this type of surgery can only be maintained by having no sex for the rest of your life and lifting nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for the rest of your life. I don't want to live the rest of my life in fear that I'm going to have to have this procedure repeated if I continue my job and my fitness habits! Right now I am on day 4 post-op and want to go for a walk, and am not sure if that's in the 'regulations' or not!
I HATE that there is such a dearth of info regarding this procedure. It's like a nasty little secret you have that, once you do some googling and web research, you realize is way more common than you imagined.
Do keep us all posted on your progress. Together we can keep one another strong and informed!
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martha H
I also had 3 large babies ranging from 8 lbs 8 oz to 11 lbs 0 oz...
I only had the rectocele repaired, and some work done on the area between the rectal and vagina opening (pertitoneum). This was done 3 months ago and I have recovered really well. I can do just about anything. I swim, ride a bike, do exercises at Curves, walk, mind two grandchidren. I do try hard to avoid heavy lifting. Otherwise I am really fine.
Love,
Martha
hi martha, i had the same op you had 5 and a half weeks ago...i feel loads better ...however when i have a BM..it still feels a littls uncomfortable........the last stitch only fell out a couple of days ago...
....im hoping things will feel more normal soon....kind regards....annie
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Quote:
Originally Posted by annielaurien
Hi, Roadtrip3 -
Please see my recent post in "Scared" thread. Are you taking plenty of stool softeners? Colace was prescribed for me, and I am augmenting that with fiber pills and lots of liquids and fruit. I also find that coffee really helps 'get things moving.'
I am totally with you on the exercise bit too. I do workouts with weights and my job is at Trader Joe's, which requires a substantial amount of heavy lifting. My dr., right before the procedure, said that while unrealistic, the optimal result from this type of surgery can only be maintained by having no sex for the rest of your life and lifting nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for the rest of your life. I don't want to live the rest of my life in fear that I'm going to have to have this procedure repeated if I continue my job and my fitness habits! Right now I am on day 4 post-op and want to go for a walk, and am not sure if that's in the 'regulations' or not!
I HATE that there is such a dearth of info regarding this procedure. It's like a nasty little secret you have that, once you do some googling and web research, you realize is way more common than you imagined.
Do keep us all posted on your progress. Together we can keep one another strong and informed!
hi......i cudnt find the "scared" thread...im new to all of this and havnt found myself around the sight properly yet....but i am 5 and a ahalf weeks post op now....feeling loads better....but things still a little uncomfortable when i have a BM!........i just want my life back..to go the gym and wizz about like i usually do....i feel well like i could run a mile but am too scared to do much incase my insides fall out...i have to go for my post op exam on the 12th march so i will know more then.......my last stitch only fell out a couple of days ago and i still feel a bit delicate down below...i havnt had sex yet...it still feels a bit raw...i want to wait until the post op exam...will keep you posted...best wishes...anniex
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadtrip3
hi martha, it sounds like ive had the same op as u...im 12 days post op now and still getting a lot of pain when i have a BM....is this normal and when will it settle down?..its good to hear ur all back to normal now,,,,,,,gives me hope!.....
first time user, desperately seeking comfort and info after (10 days) rectocele and cystocele surgery. Sitches are falling out and I don't know if that is normal or should I call the surgeon again! Also have a vaginal yeast infection after surgery and a topical yeast infection, which he is treating me for. No follow up app't. until 3/25 HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
Last edited by daqueen543; 03-08-2010 at 07:20 PM.
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair 
Re: Slated for hysterectomy, cystocele and rectocele repair 
