Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: EmmaJ2019 on November 21, 2019, 07:24:10 PM
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Hi everyone,
My name is Emma and this is my first post on the board - I was hoping that somebody could give me some advice on how to improve the symptoms of a rectocele.
To give you some background - about a year ago I suddenly started having trouble with bowel movements. I can still remember the first time because it unfortunately happened at work. I needed to go, sat in a cubicle until everyone else left - tried to go - **nothing** - and then people came in! Argh!)
I put it down to having to use an unfamiliar toilet but when I got home - **nothing**
And I haven't had a normal bowel movement since.
Six months ago I was diagnosed with a small rectocele - but nothing seems to help.
My toilet visits take forever (over 45 minutes), I have to raise my feet, strain, support my perineum and splint - and I never feel like I have "finished". Sometimes despite all of that effort I can't go at all. Suppositories help a bit - but sometimes I still can't go.
I was wondering if anyone has the same issue / any suggestions?
Thanks for your help.
Emma.
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Yep. Bowels are a common topic on here ::)
How is your over all diet? Lots of fruits/veg., well hydrated?
Do U take any gentle bowel aid, i.e. sennokot? Liquid paraffin?
How is your exercise regime? Sometimes swimming can ease symptoms, but be warned: the warm water + exercise may = a rush :o and I HATE 'going' if anyone else is around. When we travelled to see my In-Laws, she would stand outside the bathroom to ask if I wanted a cup of tea.
:-\. I would dash into the loo on arrival 4 a P but she would not give me any peace but be straight at the door >:(
Do a search for 'squatty potty' on here - informative ;-)
I would expect 2 be referred to the appropriate Consultant for advice and investigations. As oestrogen levels drop muscles may become lax = aches and pains. Bowel problems arise. Including 'piles'.
I find that clenching and relaxing can ease feelings. I also find that if I need to 'go' but don't have a particularly good result, if I wipe, flush and walk around gravity helps me to go a bit 'more'. I rarely feel empty though.
Nothing is taboo on here!!
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Thank you :)
Diet is okay and I drink plenty of water.
I've tried Fybogel (made the problem worse! That was not a good day!) and lactulose. I'm nervous of senokot because I think you can become reliant upon it?
Exercise, not so good.
Squatty potty - I already have to raise my feet (I put my feet on the bath opposite our toilet) in order to be able to go.
I hate going anywhere else but at home - if I need to go at work in a cubicle I have to wait until everyone else leaves - but 9 times out of 10 I'll get somebody else in there who has the same idea! Don't you just hate that?!
I also can't go if I feel rushed.
I also do the same with giving up, wiping and trying again later - but it is a nightmare when you have been on the toilet for 45 minutes, get up for 10 minutes, and then sit back on the toilet again! Plus the amount of toilet roll being used! What do you consider to be a good and a bad result? If I go at all that's a good result for me.
Nice to find somewhere I can talk about this problem.
Emma
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I would find yourself a womens health physio one who deals with bowles they can work wonders, I would guess you have a hypertonic pelvic floor and you need to be taught how to relax it.
Look up reverse kegels. 😊
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Thank you - is a hypertonic pelvic floor essentially where you can't coordinate the muscles in your bottom properly (so you're straining whilst simultaneously clenching your bottom closed)?
I have wondered whether I might have that as well :-\
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Hi Emma
I had a rectocele repaired last year along with cystocele and mid vaginal vault prolapse. If you just have rectocele and it is minor, the doctors will probably suggest diet, water, stool softeners, fiber etc. It may be worthwhile to be checked for other prolapses. It is very frustrating to have bowels that don't work properly. I can relate to your description but if I could advise one thing, it would be to not strain as it could make your prolapse worse.
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I completely understand about the straining - but I still do it... it's down to frustration with my bowels unfortunately.
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Fibergel :sick02: I bypassed it by opening the packets and tipping the powder in2 our compost, nowt wasted here ;D
The bowel can become accustomed to being helped but the odd sennokot wouldn't do any harm. Or other 'over the counter' preparations, maybe have a look-see in the Pharmacy. I had irritable bowel syndrome - several threads here about that 2! - bad enough that I needed 'colpermin' peppermint capsules and I think, 'motillium' from the GP. Saved my Life.
The idea is to swallow the above within an hour of eating main meals. I needed 3 'motillium' 3 times a day in order to get a good result. 4 me that means that I haven't had to strain, that when my bowel feels ready to empty I 'go' almost at once and a very good result is when my bowel feels actually empty! which isn't often. As a recovering anorexic I can't afford to allow constipatoin which = nausea :-\ so I stop eating altogether.
Sometimes a small tear in the rectum can cause the body to tense when it ought to be relaxed. A drop of Savlon might help to soften the outer entrance ......... I have crossword books to keep me entertained ::).
The 1 thing that makes me 'go' is having to be at an Event, i.e. a funeral.
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I developed cystocele, rectocele and uterine prolapse at the ripe old age of 23 following a traumatic still birth. Actually the cervix later prolapsed too. At 32 I had a hysterectomy and the bladder and bowel issues resolved somewhat.
But since about 5 years ago things are getting bad again. For as long as I can remember I have had to massage bum cheek when passing a stool as it never felt like it would happen naturally x
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:bighug: Annie
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I had this and had the op, and TBH it didn't help that much with the poos (although it repaired some of the muscle tearing from birth of first child and I got a perineum back :ola: )
I did see a physio as a result who specialised in constipation issues and this helped with understanding what is wrong.
I use movicol which is an osmotic laxative and holds onto moisture.
I use laxatives to pre-empt constipation when I have not been able to drink a lot (eg day out or progestogen phase of hrt) I also have high fibre breakfast every morning (oats and dried fruit is better than bran stuff which dries out in the gut) to create a regular 'urge' Coffee is supposed to help but that does other things to me :-X
(she did suggest Senna and ortisan cubes but these give me tummy pains. Dulcolax gave me really bad pains and I nearly passed out :( so there is no way I would ever recommend that. Movicol/laxido is more gentle, and lactulose is cheap but a bit windy. Fybogel dries just adds to the blockage and is really more useful for people who do not have enough fibre.)
Regular meals rather than grazing helps, and chewing well (to encourage peristalsis). Plenty soluble fibre (oats, beans, fruit) and fluids.
Then there is the putting feet up and relaxing pelvic floor in the right way. I would also say that suppositories help in the early days, alongside the creating urge stuff.
If your stool dries, it slows passage which dries it out more - it is a vicious circle. It is also much harder to pass. You have to keep a sort of constant turnover going. Have a look at the Bristol Stool chart and aim for the sausage with cracks one.
If you know you need to go, then go even if you need to use a suppository at first. Never hang on.
Oh yes and the exercise. Brisk walks, yoga, pilates :)
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As a recovering anorexic I can't afford to allow constipatoin which = nausea so I stop eating altogether.
That is interesting CLKD - I am 7 years down the line with this since my op and I really do notice that if I am bunged up, I lose my appetite. I never noticed before.
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I just wanted to add that of all the benefits of my hysterectomy and repairs, the most notable for me was the way my bowel movements came out in one easy motion after the rectocele repair.
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I can't use Movicol (anaphylaxis) but apples are a great laxative for me x
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Aren't we all different :o ............
dahliagirl - constipation and nausea causes panic attacks :-\. My first was at age 3.
Crikey we are a Mine of Info. :thankyou: let us know how you go on ..........
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Thanks everyone for your advice.
I can't believe how such a basic function (going to the toilet) can go so wrong. Ugh! I **never** used to have this problem.
This morning before work I spent 45 minutes stuck sitting there (is that a World record for the forum? :) ) and nothing so have spent the whole day at work with a full bowel needing to go and holding on. :bang:
Plus even though I didn't go, when I give up, I still have to spend ages wiping my bottom (practically half a loo roll!)
I'm hoping something happens this evening! :)
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I would definitely find a women's health physios as you know it's very bad for your pelvic floor to be sat on a loo trying for that long, piles, anal fissure & prolapse are really not wanted.
As an emergency type thing I would get a syringe warm some coconut oil, and up the the butt it goes warm not hot, this will help it slide out, and should get your rectum wanting to evict it.
Wiping that amount is a tell tale sign of an overactive ( too tight pelvic floor) we shouldn't push out a 💩 we should breath it out if that makes sense.
When in the loo instead of pushing imagine blowing through a straw and making bubbles in water ( or do it for real) this action relaxes the pelvic floor without pushing.
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I would definitely find a women's health physios as you know it's very bad for your pelvic floor to be sat on a loo trying for that long, piles, anal fissure & prolapse are really not wanted.
As an emergency type thing I would get a syringe warm some coconut oil, and up the the butt it goes warm not hot, this will help it slide out, and should get your rectum wanting to evict it.
Wiping that amount is a tell tale sign of an overactive ( too tight pelvic floor) we shouldn't push out a 💩 we should breath it out if that makes sense.
When in the loo instead of pushing imagine blowing through a straw and making bubbles in water ( or do it for real) this action relaxes the pelvic floor without pushing.
Thank you so much - I'm also sure I have a pelvic floor issue together with a small rectocele.
If I understand correctly - you basically have a fight between the muscles in your bowel that are trying to push, and your bottom "opening" which clenches tightly closed. The harder you strain, the harder your bottom clenches. Is that correct?
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Rather than wiping as much wipe with soft paper then have a bowl of warm water and rinse.
If you haven't been after 5 mins. then get up and walk around. I often feel the poo waiting to exit but it needs action. Today for example I sat doing the crossword and planning my shopping list ::). After a few moments I went downstairs and did chores, when I returned B4 we went into town I was able to empty. Again during the afternoon but I sat on the sofa watching TV ::). Success again once I went to the loo!
It's best to retrain the bowel. Let us know how you get on! 45 mins is a long time: what would you be doing instead? ::) I would be feeding the birds, sorting laundry, going for a walk 8)
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Rather than wiping as much wipe with soft paper then have a bowl of warm water and rinse.
If you haven't been after 5 mins. then get up and walk around. I often feel the poo waiting to exit but it needs action. Today for example I sat doing the crossword and planning my shopping list ::). After a few moments I went downstairs and did chores, when I returned B4 we went into town I was able to empty. Again during the afternoon but I sat on the sofa watching TV ::). Success again once I went to the loo!
It's best to retrain the bowel. Let us know how you get on! 45 mins is a long time: what would you be doing instead? ::) I would be feeding the birds, sorting laundry, going for a walk 8)
Thank you :)
I know I shouldn't but I sit there for 45 minutes because I feel like I can't go to work whilst needing the toilet. Having to use a cubicle at work with my difficulty going causes me so much anxiety - so in desperation I try to get it out at home in whatever way I can before leaving the house. I couldn't do anything at all this morning and had no choice but to leave it up there - but still had to spend forever wiping my bottom afterwards.
I haven't tried to go since this morning - I'm going to try to go now! Wish me luck! :)
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The pelvic floor is a hammock of 3 muscle types that go from front to back past the rectum and past the vagina.
So if ANY part of the pelvic floor is overtight this can effect ANY part of the pelvic floor including the rectum, you I can as good as guarantee have pelvic floor dysfunction ( I have prolapses also very common ).
Do you use a footstool so your knees are higher than your hips ? But you definitely need to get help from somewhere as your pelvic floor will object especially the older we get due to the lack of oestrogen and collegan the pelvic floor hammock is weaker, even though yours is likely over tight it can be weak at the sametime.
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As I quick update on my attempt to use the toilet - I've finally admitted defeat and given up - I couldn't go :(
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As I quick update on my attempt to use the toilet - I've finally admitted defeat and given up - I couldn't go :(
I really feel your pain as I have been there. After my hysterectomy and repairs, I had a few days where the bowels just weren't working and I was terrified of undoing all the prolapse repairs. I was doing all the fibre supplements, drinking water, and walking. I was doing all the right things. However, sometimes it would take a laxative to get the job done. My preference is for the laxatives with a softener in them and I never abused them. One laxative every couple of days seems to work for me. If you are having this much difficulty with your bowel movements, I think you really need to see a specialist. I hope things get better for you.
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I have one laxative about twice a week, and the regular fibre routine. Also, deep yoga breathing and visualisation helps with relaxing the right muscles.
There is another useful word apart from splinting - digitation
I understand the frustration - been there :(
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Another recommendation for Movicol from me - I always find it helps.
In the past I've also used flaxseed and this worked like a dream. Too well at first, in fact - I underestimated the effect it would have and had to reduce the amount I was taking. If you do give it a try, I recommend starting slowly!
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Oh the relief! I've **finally** managed to go and feel reasonably empty :)
My thinking is that what helped was firstly I didn't feel rushed (no need to go quickly before work) and I was also a bit constipated (so took a while and there was some straining involved) but it actually seemed to help the muscles get more of a grip and push more effectively.
Any thoughts?
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Yep. Being relaxed can help a lot. Womens' physio for advice: next step?
Don't sit longer than 5 mins. Mum used to tell me 'your bottom will fall out' :-\ so obviously I've had slow transit 4 many years. Also, sitting in a warm bath and waving the water towards the bottom may relax enough to be able to 'go' more naturally. My baby sister would hold on: she had temper and that was her way of control: but put her into a warm bath :o :-X
Of course a Nurse should remind patients that following surgery the bowels probably won't work for at least 4 days because the body has been starved B4 midnight prior to surgery: unless it's an emergency: and often an enema is given ....... so yellowflower, that was a complete lack of bedside manner! >:(
I had a good result earlier. Didn't feel rushed. Bowel was ready.
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I haven't read all of the posts on this thread but I'm interested in how many of you with these types of issues have been referred for a defecating MRI proctogram? I had one of these and though not very dignified it quickly sorted out what was and what wasn't the problem in terms of rectal prolapse, rectocele, cystocele and perineal descent which all have a bearing on how our bowels are working. In my opinion this should be done as an initial assessment though I can see that costs to the NHS have to be considered.
Taz x
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Yep. Being relaxed can help a lot. Womens' physio for advice: next step?
Don't sit longer than 5 mins. Mum used to tell me 'your bottom will fall out' :-\ so obviously I've had slow transit 4 many years. Also, sitting in a warm bath and waving the water towards the bottom may relax enough to be able to 'go' more naturally. My baby sister would hold on: she had temper and that was her way of control: but put her into a warm bath :o :-X
Of course a Nurse should remind patients that following surgery the bowels probably won't work for at least 4 days because the body has been starved B4 midnight prior to surgery: unless it's an emergency: and often an enema is given ....... so yellowflower, that was a complete lack of bedside manner! >:(
I had a good result earlier. Didn't feel rushed. Bowel was ready.
I think a women's physio would be a good next step.
It's been really helpful to discuss this problem because I'd assumed it was the rectocele causing all of my issues in the bathroom, but it does sound like it might be more related to a tight pelvic floor and issues with relaxing the sphincter.
Just to explain again when this all started (which would tie up with the pelvic floor issue) - I was at work, and desperate to have a bowel movement. Normally I would have waited until I got home but that was four or so hours away. I went into the toilets - five cubicles with gaps under the doors and sides so very little privacy - and waited for everyone else to leave. Finally had the place to myself and although it was "right there" I couldn't go, but also because I had "started" I couldn't give up... by this point I was getting incredibly stressed and trying everything to go... and then other people came in! (Has anyone else been in this situation?)
Since then I've had issues with going... which would tie up with pelvic floor problems. :)
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I haven't read all of the posts on this thread but I'm interested in how many of you with these types of issues have been referred for a defecating MRI proctogram? I had one of these and though not very dignified it quickly sorted out what was and what wasn't the problem in terms of rectal prolapse, rectocele, cystocele and perineal descent which all have a bearing on how our bowels are working. In my opinion this should be done as an initial assessment though I can see that costs to the NHS have to be considered.
Taz x
Taz I haven't mentioned my problems to any gp since my hysterectomy In 1999.
A colleague has had bladder issues and now gets Botox injected into it(I'm sure it goes INTO the bladder) anyhow we were chatting in the staff room as you do and she said I should see doc about treatment, I play golf and even though I empty my bladder you can bet within 10 mins I feel like I need another one. Same at home but puts me on edge out on the golf course x
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Hi Annie. It sounds like irritable or overactive bladder which can often be helped. You really would benefit from a course of physio set by a pelvic floor specialist. Why not ask your doctor to refer you. It's a shame to feel uncomfy if a specifically tailored course of exercises will help.
Taz x
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Ugh! After my success on Saturday I had a problematic incomplete bowel movement before work this morning... Three goes at sitting on the toilet!
I have at least taken CLKD's advice and now have a timer in the bathroom (set for five minutes) to try to stop me sitting there for too long (but then you realise how short five minutes is when you are used to sitting there for 45 minutes!)
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Hi Annie. It sounds like irritable or overactive bladder which can often be helped. You really would benefit from a course of physio set by a pelvic floor specialist. Why not ask your doctor to refer you. It's a shame to feel uncomfy if a specifically tailored course of exercises will help.
Taz x
Thanks Taz, I really should get this sorted x
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Don't forget to let us know how you get on.
Taz x :)
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Hi Annie. It sounds like irritable or overactive bladder which can often be helped. You really would benefit from a course of physio set by a pelvic floor specialist. Why not ask your doctor to refer you. It's a shame to feel uncomfy if a specifically tailored course of exercises will help.
Taz x
After my hysterectomy and repairs, I no longer needed treatment for my misdiagnosed Interstitial Cystitis and IBS. My surgeon told me that prolapses can cause major issues with bowel and bladder function and I never had either condition. I was on Elmiron for 5 years and this drug is expensive. The Elmiron caused diarrhea which was diagnosed as IBS. 18 months out from surgery and I am symptom free.
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I've found a couple of things that seem to help my bowel issues this weekend - any thoughts?
Firstly, rather than sitting on the toilet seat, if I kind of squat and hover a few inches above the seat it seems to help the "opening" to open. The only downside is that my hips can't hold that position for very long, and I have to sit down on the seat again. Then everything stops and I lose any progress I have made.
Secondly, vaseline around the opening seems to help stop things from getting stuck in my bottom :)
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I have an update regarding my prolapse
History is hysterectomy at age 32 due to complete prolapse. I declined the offer of surgery to repair bladder etc and the hysterectomy helped loads
I have been having problems lately with my bladder telling me I'm desperate for a wee and not giving me much time. I have had a few UTIs this year along with a kidney infection
Monday evening I had bad pains up in my vaginal canal and couldn't get comfy. Tuesday at work it still didn't feel right but not as bad. Saw lovely female gp on Thursday and she did an exam. Prolapse has been causing the pain, she said it kind of folded on itself ? She thinks the bowel prolapse is worse than the bladder but that was an internal with me laying flat. She's prescribed tablets for the overactive bladder but I took one Friday evening and suffered quite bad dizziness plus read it causes dry eye (had to stop amitriptyline for the same reason and will need punctual plugs in tear ducts soon) I already have issues with bad dry eye that are really getting me down so not liking these pills already. She did say not to carry on if side effects were horrible. She's referred me to the hospital and offered to fit me a ring pressary and said I'll probably be a candidate for Botox in the bladder
X
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Hello ladies
Annie0710 - Thank you so much for the update. I'm fortunate that I don't have prolapse issues but it is so helpful when ladies take the time to keep us all informed.
Your mention of tear duct problems intrigued me as I have a neighbour with similar issues. She has had several infections in her tear ducts and recently had a minor operation to create a new tear duct which has been very successful. I wonder if something similar would be an option for you so I thought it worth a mention.
Wishing you well.
K.
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Hi Annie
Can I ask why you elected not to have repairs at the time of your hysterectomy?
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Hello ladies
Annie0710 - Thank you so much for the update. I'm fortunate that I don't have prolapse issues but it is so helpful when ladies take the time to keep us all informed.
Your mention of tear duct problems intrigued me as I have a neighbour with similar issues. She has had several infections in her tear ducts and recently had a minor operation to create a new tear duct which has been very successful. I wonder if something similar would be an option for you so I thought it worth a mention.
Wishing you well.
K.
They will block my tear ducts Kathleen as they say my tears drain too quickly x
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Hi Annie
Can I ask why you elected not to have repairs at the time of your hysterectomy?
I didn't want extra surgery plus I was told you get one shot at it, if it doesn't work you can be worse off. Plus they used mesh and women have had awful problems due to it. Dr asked same question and said my reasons were very valid x
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Hi Annie
Can I ask why you elected not to have repairs at the time of your hysterectomy?
I didn't want extra surgery plus I was told you get one shot at it, if it doesn't work you can be worse off. Plus they used mesh and women have had awful problems due to it. Dr asked same question and said my reasons were very valid x
Hi again Annie. No mesh was used in my procedure last year. Are they still using it in England? I asked about it and was told he does not use it. I had a Grade 1 rectocele, Grade 2 cystocele and mid vaginal vault prolapse repair along with a Total Vaginal Hysterectomy. My surgeon told me that he did not believe that I ever had Interstitial Cystitis or IBS and he was certain that I would not need any medication for either issue after surgery. He was 100% correct. I paid a fortune for medication for two conditions I did not have. It was my prolapses all along. Now life is 200% better. Sex is comfortable again and I never have issues down below.
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Hi Annie
Can I ask why you elected not to have repairs at the time of your hysterectomy?
I didn't want extra surgery plus I was told you get one shot at it, if it doesn't work you can be worse off. Plus they used mesh and women have had awful problems due to it. Dr asked same question and said my reasons were very valid x
Hi again Annie. No mesh was used in my procedure last year. Are they still using it in England? I asked about it and was told he does not use it. I had a Grade 1 rectocele, Grade 2 cystocele and mid vaginal vault prolapse repair along with a Total Vaginal Hysterectomy. My surgeon told me that he did not believe that I ever had Interstitial Cystitis or IBS and he was certain that I would not need any medication for either issue after surgery. He was 100% correct. I paid a fortune for medication for two conditions I did not have. It was my prolapses all along. Now life is 200% better. Sex is comfortable again and I never have issues down below.
Oh I doubt they're using mesh now, my hysterectomy was in 1999, I had bad experiences with the gynae Dr at the time and it really put me off having anything else done.
Dr last week said they use a Grade system 1-3 (3 being where prolapse is a little bit (or fully) protruding outside and said mine was a 2 because she can see it but it's not out x
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The more I look into it - I'm pretty sure that I have Dyssynergic Defecation / Anismus and the rectocele is a side issue.
I have good days and bad days depending on whether I can relax on the toilet or not. This morning was a very bad day because I needed to go, but didn't have enough time to have any success before leaving for work
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It's definitely worse when you need to do something else ;)
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Hi Annie
Can I ask why you elected not to have repairs at the time of your hysterectomy?
I didn't want extra surgery plus I was told you get one shot at it, if it doesn't work you can be worse off. Plus they used mesh and women have had awful problems due to it. Dr asked same question and said my reasons were very valid x
Hi again Annie. No mesh was used in my procedure last year. Are they still using it in England? I asked about it and was told he does not use it. I had a Grade 1 rectocele, Grade 2 cystocele and mid vaginal vault prolapse repair along with a Total Vaginal Hysterectomy. My surgeon told me that he did not believe that I ever had Interstitial Cystitis or IBS and he was certain that I would not need any medication for either issue after surgery. He was 100% correct. I paid a fortune for medication for two conditions I did not have. It was my prolapses all along. Now life is 200% better. Sex is comfortable again and I never have issues down below.
Oh I doubt they're using mesh now, my hysterectomy was in 1999, I had bad experiences with the gynae Dr at the time and it really put me off having anything else done.
Dr last week said they use a Grade system 1-3 (3 being where prolapse is a little bit (or fully) protruding outside and said mine was a 2 because she can see it but it's not out x
Hi Annie
Apparently mesh is still used. I was very fortunate to have my surgery done by a very eminent uro/gyn surgeon who is regarded worldwide as a leader in his field. I was fortunate that his knowledge also led to the discovery of my misdiagnosis of IC and IBS. Mesh is considered to have a stronger hold, but if it goes wrong, it goes very wrong. before my hysterectomy became a necessity, I had tried 3 times to have a pessary inserted as surgeons aren't all that fond of doing prolapse repairs. Apparently my anatomy is not quite right and I could not hold the pessary in place as my vaginal cavity is straight and women usually have a slight kink at the top near the cervix which holds the pessary in place. Anyway, when I had my disfunctional uterine bleeding, it was decided that a hysterectomy was a good option for me and the surgeon wanted to do the repairs as I was having bladder and bowel issues. My other option was to have an IUD inserted with no repairs or stay on progesterone tablets. I am opposed to taking hormones and certainly did not want an IUD inserted in my prolapsed state, so I made an educated choice to just get it all done.
My recovery was pretty unremarkable. I was told that recovery from hysterectomy is tough, but when you combine it with repair, it's a lot worse. I was driving within 2 weeks and back to normal in 6 weeks. Best of all, I no longer take any medication at all for my bowel and bladder and have no symptoms at all.
I don't think women realise just how much even the minor prolapses can affect the body. I was always terrified that mine would get worse and was always protecting myself from that by not exercising too much or doing certain activities that I thought might worsen my prolapse. I still am very careful. I never strain on the toilet for example and will not do exercises that involve bearing down on the abdomen. However, hiking and bush walking feel incredible now as I don't have the dragging down feeling and I never have a sudden urge to go to the toilet.
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You've been very lucky, but also sound very knowledgable too, which is important when deciding on surgery
I am thinking of trying the pessary again, the gp said she is trained to fit them. I tried one in my 20s but the thing kept pinging out every time I crouched or lifted anything.
I'll see what the gynae appt brings when it comes round x
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Hi
I had a rectocele, cystocele and vaginal vault repair in 1997- no mesh. They said at the time it would need re-doing 10 to 15 years later but it hasn't happened yet. My rectocele does need another repair at some stage but I'm managing for now. I have had issues with my bowel my whole life since my enormous babies, but now have a routine which works. It's not complicated but it does involve getting up earlier before work.
I find that if I am bunged up I just can't sleep and then feel uncomfortable all day.
Basically I accept that a couple of times a week I use a suppository. I don't wait longer than 36 hours and after that I figure that if I haven't had a BM my system needs some help. Now that I have started the 36 hour then a suppository thing ( about 2.5 years ago ) I find I don't need them so often. It's like my body has learned to be more regular. Initially I could end up using one every other day for weeks, but now it is loads better ( HRT has helped too). I do drink about 1.5 pints of water in the evening too. Now I can sometimes go a couple of weeks without using a suppository at all.
So, I get up very early, have breakfast, try on the toilet. Mostly/ sometimes/ hormones dependent I have a BM (maybe 10 mins on loo). If it doesn't happen I then use a suppository. Which delays me another 20 mins. Quite often after this I do go again in the evening, as though the suppository unclogged everything, and the last of it appears in the evening.
I do use a suppository before a big event like a wedding, and I use them when I visit friends - otherwise I am awake all night and embarrassed to go in the day.
Sorry if that's tmi, but before then I could end up uncomfortable for days, having people stay at the house was awful, and I barely slept.
Hang in there and don't give up. You can find a routine that works for you.
Sparkler