anyone had rectocele repair surgery

Hi Blissedout

Sorry to hear that you have had problems following surgery, but glad you have found us now.

Do you know what procedures you had done? The changes that were made may determine how you proceed.

Try not to blame yourself for 'succumbing' to surgery. No doubt you decided on this course of action with the information you had at the time.

This is one of the main reasons why this website exists. You cannot get the answers if you don't know what questions to ask. But nobody tells you the answers unless you ask the questions. This is one of life's conundrums.

Hope to hear back from you.

Louise

I am glad I found this site. I have not had surgery but just want to let you know I...we... are so glad you are here with us. The support here is support I do not believe you can find anywere else. You just need to know everything will be ok. Just all got to work together to find other answers. Christine is kind of a miracle worker or sorts. Just hang in there and try not to get tooooo discouraged. I know I have my bad days and good but when you feel that way just come to this forum, always someone to lift your spirits.
Love you
Heavenly

Hi Blissedout
Yes I too would not have had the same surgery if I had found this site. I am still looking for hope and ways to improve.
However I have just discovered one thing that I can do, I tried swimming and was so glad that I was ok as my body was supported in the water. I hope you will be able to swim too.

Hi,

I'm new to the site and am thankful to have found it. I had a hysterctomy and developed a rectocele after my surgery. I was wondering if the exercise video, the posture and fire breathing help get things back in place even after having a hysterectiomy. I've found a few tips that do help my rectocele. Foot wear in important. The less you jam into the ground the less chance your rectocele has of falling. I wear soft moc clogs with two insoles. Do, eat lots of fibre and take a stool softener, don't stand in one place for too long but do walk. It'll strenghten your core. Lift free weights lying down. If you have a dog, tie the leash around your waist when walking your dog. This way you won't get pulled and rectocele won't fall. I have lots more tips and will post them later

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has had a hysterectomy and developed a rectocele.

Thanks,

Anonymous

HI Anonymous,
I just saw this post--what great tips! I'd love to hear more of them. And, can you elaborate on weight lifting lying down? someday i might get back to the gym if time allows...Christine has talked about doing this in posture, but also interested in lying down lifting weights as being safe.
soft moc clogs--any particular type particularly comfy? I love Keens, as they are very padded and mold well to me. gone are the days of hard shoes. you are right--you feel it all.
thanks for this!
Kiki

I have one I am sure. Although rectal specialist said I had a good sized one and the Uro Gyn said I did not but had a cystocele. By the feeling it is a rec as well. I do not like the feeling down there, kind of squishy, have you experienced that at all. As long as I keep my bowels moving I can manage but horror show when the poo(sorry) gets stuck in the groove as I call it. Total panic. I have noticed the shoe issue is making a difference. I just bought some shoes that help, much softer walking. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I have not had a hysterectomy.
Thanks for your imput
Welcome Friend

Hi Blissedout

Having read the book I really think that you are now the best person to know what helps and what does not help. I would think that the pain you get after doing Christine's exercises should be listened to, as these exercises were developed specifically for women who have a uterus, and the stresses and strains inside your body are now different from how they were. You have wisely noted that you are less flexible than you were, but unfortunately you may be stuck with that as a result of the surgery.

It might just be some exercises that cause the pain. You could try one exercise at a time for a few days and see if that particular exercise causes problems, then change to a different exercise for a few days and assess that one. You might be able to build up your own customised repertoire of exercises that do not give you pain. I would hate to think that this will stop you completely from exercising.

There are on the Net several Forums which are surgically oriented, mostly connected with gyn clinic sites. Hystersisters is one. You might get some help there too. Just be aware that, while they allow women to support each other, they are often financially supported by the clinics, and the advice you get there might not be entirely objective.

Thankyou so much for being so honest about having read STWW before you had your surgery. You are very brave to admit that you now regret your decision to go ahead and have the surgery, and to detail the problems you are now having. Rest assured that baring your soul like this may at least be beneficial to other women who read your story and are able to see that the risks of repair surgery are not just theoretical, but they really do mess up real women's bodies. You may save other women from suffering. Hold that thought.

Feel free to stay here too. While the exercises might not be right for you the rest of your body will benefit from the other aspects of Wholewoman.

Louise

You posted twice, about 12 hrs apart, blissedout, so i think your message made it. Just remember that when posting, there is a preview page of what you have written and you have to scroll down and hit 'save' in order for it to make it to the thread.
You sound like you are a very smart woman and have a good sense of your body...so sorry you are going through this massive challenge! Please keep us updated as to how you are finding the WW approach as someone who has had surgical repair. We have a lot to learn from you and hopefully can help you out along the way as well.

Hi Everyone,

I know we're all different and deal with our rectocele problems in different ways. I've found the things that work for me by trial and error. Maybe some of my tips will work for others some won't. Keeping my weight down has helped me tremendously. The more weight you carry the more pressure you have on your rectocele. Diet is important. I eat a lot of fibre. I drink a lot of water. I also exercise. I find if I don't exercise I do get constipated. Exercise keep things moving through you. I walk about 6 miles a day, lift free weights lying down, and stretch. I used to do yoga but found it was more detrimental than helpful. Some of the pose are good for me some not, so I continue to do the ones that help me. I try not to stand in one spot for any lenght of time. If stuck standing, I march on the spot or do a bit of pacing side to side. I will also squat down anywhere rather than be stuck standing in one spot. I do look a bit strange squatting down when stuck in a line at the bank or in the grocery store but if it keeps my rectocele up I'll go with the odd looks I get. Walking works for me. I have to get my rectocle up before I head out., this I do by lying down and doing a couple of lying down yoga poses. Once you start walking and your legs are moving the rectocle doesn't fall out. Foot wear is so important. I wear soft moc clogs, two insoles and two pair of socks. I can't feel the ground, feel no shock when hitting the ground and my rectocele is not jarred You'll find what works for you by trial and error. Walking strengthens the core and holds what I have left in place. I do go at a brisk pace but have built up to it. I lift free weights lying on my back, knees bent. I will post my weight work out in the next few days. If you lift lying down with your legs bent your rectocele should be fine. The exercises I will post will help strengthen your core. There will be no pressure on your rectocele. I also find I can carry a bit of weight if I carry the bag or parcel on my hip. I think it is so important not to let yourself be defined by your rectocele or pelvic problem. I can feel mine all the time and could become totally absorbed by it. Instead I choose to get out there, defy the odds and find out what works for me. You can improve things but it takes time and it is hard work and means a permanent change in life style. When my rectocele was originally diagnosed the surgeon wanted to operate. She said it was a grade 3-4 rectocele. I thank goodness didn't have the surgery. The last time I saw her, just for a check up she was stunned. My rectocele is now a grade 2. I wanted to tell her all the things I had discovered but she was not interested. I was so excited and actually thought she would want to listen so she could pass the tips onto other women. My mistake, she is a surgeon and makes her money doing surgery. Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your problem, don't be afraid to ask for help from friends, don't give up, you can have a life and a good one but it will take time and effort. There is no quick fix. Finding what works for you will mean a life style changes but it can be done. I'm supposed to be in a wheelchair but instead I'm turning things around and defying the odds.

Dear Blissedout,

I am new on this forum and have a rectocele (among other things). I haven't had the surgery but have been encouraged to do so after I'm finished having children. I want to thank you profusely for your extremely honest post. It's one thing to read in the book about the risks of the surgeries; it's quite another to hear the pain of a real person dealing with the after-effects.

I can imagine all the fears and other emotions you must be having right now. If we were talking in person, I would give you a big hug. I hope you will find some relief from the advice you get from the knowledgeable women here.

Carrie

Hi blissedout

Thank you for replying, yes it is good to have someone else to talk to, I have been feeling so alone and not knowing what to do. Have you found anything that you can do or anything that does help. I find that moving my arms up and down like a bird as Christine suggests helps, and I go up on tip toes to strengthen my arches, but I cannot go down into the plies afterwards, without my insides being pulled down. I bought a firm womans bicycle seat which allows me to cycle just a little way down the raod, I then hope that I don t have to stop as getting off causes pulling down. Can you sit on a chair? I cannot as there is too much pulling down, and trying to get up is bad, ( I push myself up with my arms), so I cannot really go out anywhere. It just seems that all movement makes it worse but I have to do something as I am losing so much muscle. I have always been very active and would just love to be able to go out for walks again, it is hard trying to do the housework and not being able to lift or carry anything. I can do a few things kneeling down so I will have to get or make some knee pads. It would be nice to have something to work at that would make us better.

Looking forward to hearing from you again,

rainbow

Hearing every word you said and understanding fully. We will all have ups and down days. 3 days ago I had an up and the past 2 are downs. Prayer comes first for me then the forum This is where I can go when feeling in despair. Sometimes we just need to talk to others that know just how we feel bacause they are there now or have been or will be again. I thank God for this site everyday. When I want to give up I always find an uplift here to carry on. Feeling alone too on many days but that is when I come to the forum, like you. What you wrote above is me all the way. I was so active, I feel many days totally useless. We must stick together and believe things will get better. We just need to follow the program the best we can and believe. There are many great testimonials here. We just have to stand tall and "hang" together. Somehow we have to put discouragement aside and move on. I laugh on days and cry on days. I believe with all my heart some days and give up others. Guess that is just a part of recovery mentally and physically.
We will make it if we just stick together and be faithful with what we learn on this site and what we learn from our own research.
Love Y a

I have not yet written a major article about this, but have uttered this statement a number of times on the forums:

I believe the condition of prolapse should be given over to midwifery.

The surgical practice of gynecology has done a deplorable job with it and has created a carnage of women. Physical therapy has been informed by gynecology and in general has little of value to offer the prolapsed population. Midwives have a unique relationship with women and the need to expand their practice to include recognizing, diagnosing, and treating prolapse is obvious. Education (they should all understand correct anatomy and the dynamics of pelvic organ support) remains an issue as does midwifery’s historical malaise around taking on prolapse as their own.

In any case, Blissedout and Rainbow, there are PTs who do specialize in gently stretching vaginal and fascial layers in cases of post-surgery pain and dysfunction. What is there to do but to try to stretch the tissues toward the natural axis of the back vaginal wall? I believe there is hope in this.

I look forward to hearing of your progress.

Christine

Blissedout and Rainbow, your names defy the state of pain and suffering in which you live. Let me offer what I have learned about fascia, which is not much, but is a path that I pursued for a while. Last year after I was informed that I had a tortuous, redundant colon (caused by who knows why) after my colonoscopy, they said there as a twist so bad that I had to have a barium enema to see the rest of my colon. Well, I don't do x-ray. I had to have an awfully good reason to offer myself up for that kind of uncontrolled exposure, and I judged that this was not one of them. Upon looking for solutions (MRI, Sonogram, thermography were all nixed by the dr. as being ineffective) I ran across the Wurn Technique out of a clinic called Clear Passage Therapy. They were very pricey, but seemed for real, just as real as Christine Kent. I even had my free 30-minute interview at which point I decided that the odds of finding something in the upper reaches of my colon were so little, especially with my diet full of conjugated linoleic acid from my grass-fed meat and raw dairy (unlike the average American that the dr. was considering) that I scrapped the whole project, but not before gleaning from their videos how to do my own abdominal massage. Lots of gurgling ensued, until I was no longer able to elicit a single peep. I now have a pillow-soft tummy, and sometimes wonder whether all that twisting and adhesion was perhaps all that stood between me and my present prolapse, which happened 6 moths later. If someone has an opinion on this, I would like to hear.

But anyhow, if there is a chance that these people might help, it is worth writing about.

My empathy for your pain. I feel lucky to have found this website before going the way of surgery.

Thank you all so much for your support. Yes Christine that gives me some hope if I could see a midwife who could help.

love to you all

rainbow

Hi you two, Sometimes the stories that we tell turn into such self-therapy sessions that good info gets buried. Sorry for that. It did me a world of good, though!

Do check out Clear Passage Therapy before you go any further. It may help you, it may lead you to the info you want. Watch their video. They send out a free prospectus, so ask for it. It is not just about getting pregnant, but about freeing pelvic and abdominal organs. One of the reasons I think these people are so expensive is that they are funding their own research, and they are DOCUMENTING!!, something the medical/pharmaceutical world is not doing a good job of on this issue. I do like their creative approach to marketing and funding, and if it were to make a real difference in my life, I wouldn't mind shucking out some money for results. It is definitely cheaper than what we do for the doctors.

As a byproduct of what they do they discovered that they could help women with fertility problems. This is the lead that they are professionally following, actively marketing. But they so know their other stuff.

I know that they monitor what is being written about them on the web. Clear Passage, can you shed some enlightenment on us here at Whole Woman?

You have a rectocele. Do you have pressure in the rectum and between toward the vaginal wall. Can't spell perideim I don't think? And does poo every collect and cause a great deal of discomfort for you until it moves past maybe in the morning. I think too much fiber is hurting me. Think I did a bit better with a little pizza or am I just in denial and dreamimg?LOL
I am trying to find a balance and need all the imput I can get.

Thanks friend,
Can't wait to get to the chat room

Hi Heavenly,

Yes, I do have a rectocele. I've had a hysterectoy, my overies, fallopian tubes, cervix, appendix and gall bladder removed. The rectocele develped after all this was removed, so I think our insides might be a bit different. I occasionally have pressure and pain in the rectum. It's rare, but it's a searing intense pain along with the pressure. I have to sit or lie down when it starts. It usually only lasts an hour or so. It's not a feeling of having to go to the bathroom, it's pressure and pain. I'm very careful with my diet and exercise programs so I manage to have a bowel movement almost every day at about the same time. If by chance I do get constipated for a day or two, I do feel pressure and am very uncomfortable. If this does happen, my rectocele does bulge out more until I have a BM. I take a colace stool softener every day. I eat the daily amount of fibre that you're supposed to eat. I try to eat a very balanced diet and I drink quite a bit of water. My indulgence, dark chocolate and raw almonds! Yummi! I don't know if you're able to exercise or not but for me exercise and walking works. It keeps things moving through me. If you're not in denial and do fine pizza works, I'll give it try, I love pizza. Wouldn't that be great.

Thanks for getting back to me. This rec is "rough." I am trying to do some of the excercises with posture, walking but I keep asking my husband if I look straight in the shoulders and back and he keeps saying not really. Well I am almost 62 and a bit stiff. You get a bit roundy after kids, cleaning services, rounding over to do dishes, picking up grandchildren etc. If I had only known about what could happen and the posture thing. I don't think I have been as regular with my excercises as I should. Anyway best to ya and thanks. Be talkin at ya I am sure.

Hi All,

Sorry for the confusion. This sort of fascial stretching and breaking up post-surgery adhesions is not part of the realm of midwifery, but rather physical therapy.

Perhaps the Clear Passage people have a referral list. The only other source I can offer is the American Physical Therapy Association. They have a "find a therapist" link on the homepage of their site. You will have to be clear in describing your surgical history, your symptoms, and what kind of treatment you are seeking.

For people with severe rectocele, reducing unnatural rises in intraabdominal pressure (absolutely no straining against the toilet seat), not letting stool get trapped in the recto-vaginal pocket for long periods of time, and supporting (splinting) the back vaginal wall with bowel movements are necessary steps in controlling symptoms.

Once the front rectal wall has ballooned through the fascia and vaginal tissue, the resulting prolapse is a huge nuisance to deal with. Yet, listen to the extraordinary level of pain and discomfort Blissedout and Rainbow are experiencing. When the back vaginal wall and front rectal wall are fused together, which happens with posterior colporrhaphy, what was once a highly mobile area becomes an immovable block.

Many women have "babied" their rectocele back toward normal. It takes time and great patience, but is indeed doable. It took a long time developing and it is going to take an equally long time to improve.

Hugs all around,

Christine

Hi Anonymous

I am in awe at the level of self-acceptance you have with your changed body. You have obviously been through some nightmare experiences and have figured out for yourself what you can do to manage your body and the difficulties it has; how to make the best of what you have. Being able to move past the whole surgery debacle is no mean feat. No doubt you have been very angry about it in the past, and somehow you have been able to defuse that anger and use it for better purposes than fighting a system which is not responsive. My heart goes out to you.

I think you are a good role model for all of us. Thanks for being with us.

Louise

Hi Louise,

Many, many thanks for your wonderful words. I'm learning something new every time I log onto the site. My thanks go out to all the amazing women sharing their stories, knowledge, hearts and information. I'm a work in progress like everyone else. I've had to accept things as they are now. We could all give up, lose sight of our dreams and lose hope. I feel the women on this site are all choosing to accept things as they are now, are finding new ways of doing things, are open to the knowledge they find on this site and are willing to share their knowledge, hearts and stories with each other. We can all learn from each other. Having been a dancer my body was my instument so the acceptance of my body now and its limitaions has been difficult. I still have my off days like everyone else. I'm trying to pass on my love and passion of dance by mentoring young dancers in any way I can. Dance is a universal language and I hope to eventually help women with pelvic problems heal through dance, music and movement. My needless surgery was a nightmare but it has more or less made me look at myself in a broader sense and tap into resources and talents I didn't know I had. I've had to work hard at not getting stuck in all that happened to me. I couldn't let all that happened become my identity. I've had to let go and fill up the physcal and emotional hole with hope, openness and let others in. We never know what is around the corner. This site, Christine and the women I am meeting on the site are changing my life in such a positive way. I'm in awe of all of you. The anger and saddness of what happened still surfaces at times but for the most part I've worked through it. I hope that I can be here for others on the site, share, care, and help in any way I can.

Hugs to all and my dog Jack sends lots of woofies,

anonymous

Yes I have a moderate cys and good sized rec. Not sure whatelse. Rectal dc. and gyn don't agree, anyway I know I have a rec. I can deal with my bladder low but just can't stand the rec. It is the worst especially when the "poo" gets stuck in there. Feels like my insides are falling out. Don't want to move, just wait til morning and go to th e bathroom and get some relief. I have learned over the last 3 days I have been eating too much fiber and is causing a lot of problems there. So... like all of us we have to find out what works for us and what does not even though we basicly have the same issues in one form or another. Yesterday just wanted someone to take everything out and let the chips fall where they may. Today I have decided to move on in a positive way. Whenever I do anything I always go all the way. Pushed to hard to maintain a flat back with the curve and pulled my back out so now dealing with that.LOL
I want it all better now. I know it took a long time to get this way, I don't know why I think I can make major changes overnight. I am 62 so it will take a while to get stretched out where I need to be. My husband said,"Won't you ever learn to do things in moderation." Will I? I Don't
know!LOL Christine certainly does have a miracle working bag!

Love Ya Lots and hang in there...OOPS sorry!LOL

Hi Blissedout,
Thank you for replying to me again. Your reply to Christine says it all for me too. I looked up the Clear Passage Therapy site but have not looked for their therapists yet. I had already been looking for someone to help, but could not find anyone. Let s hope there will be someone and we will get better.

Your friend ,

rainbow

I had both cystocle and rectocele when I had a hysterectomy about 10 + years ago. I now have my bladder protruding from my vagina by at least an inch and I have a rectocele again. I can say that neither surgery worked. I will never have that surgery again! I am so thankful for this cite. I try to do my exercises and I am not well, but at least I have hope. (ps I can never spell those " cele" words.)

Hi Meribelle,

I'm so thankful that you've found the WW site. I am new to the site too and you're really not alone. The women you'll find on this site are full of knowledge. They will listen and respond with love, care and concern. I've also had a hysterectomy and developed a rectocele after the surgery. This surgery and consequent rectocele have forced me to make changes and adjustments in my life. The changes and adjustments I've had to make may not be the same ones that you've made or will have to make but I'd love to share some of the changes that have allowed me to heal and move forward with my life. If you'd like to hear some of the things that seem to work for me please post again and I'd be pleased to try to help. In the mean time please don't have anymore surgery, you do count. You know how you feel physically, listen to your body, your utmost inner feelings, and be sensitive to what it needs and wants. Talk to the women on the WW site, they do care. Ask questions, get your feelings out, the frustration, anger, pain and fear, then please do something for yourself today that will make you completely happy. Anything! Whatever makes you the most happy. Cheer yourself up somehow. Spoil yourself, you deserve it. Keep posting!

anonymous

I spoke with anonymous a few days ago. I am sure she will be in touch but is involved with another agenda at this time but will be back on real soon. She has not left us.
Heavenly