Post hysterectomy with rectocele needs advice!!!

Body: 

Hello, I am struggling with rectocele. I am 46 years old and I had a hysterectomy about 10 years ago. Past 6-9 months my constipation got unbearable and could not rid myself of all of the waste. I am very active. I workout/exercise daily. I went to a gastro doctor and he diagnosed me with rectocele. He suggested surgery but red flags flew up for me. I am currently taking a medication to help empty out. My eating habits are very healthy and high fiber. I drink a lot of water every day. I am so frustrated and depressed over this. I want to enjoy life and not sit around worrying and feeling depressed. I do not want this to control my life. I found this website and realized that I am not alone. I am ready to give this a shot. My question is what should I start with. I was considering the whole woman starter package (First Aid Prolapse DVD, Saving the Whole Woman book with baton and adding the DVD Whole Woman Yoga the first wheel dvd. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations on what they would recommend I start out with? Thanks so much and glad to know I am not alone with these struggles!

Hi tiger92 and welcome. The WW work is for every woman, but if you've looked around the site, you've probably figured out that the post-hyst woman will have more of a challenge to get the remaining organs forward. Prolapse of the other organs is common after hyst, even when it takes a few years to happen. The uterus is the hub of the wheel of pelvic organ support, and a wombed woman can use the momentum of that uterus and the attached round ligaments to help pull the organs forward.

That being said, the WW work is your best bet in maintaining your situation, helping to prevent worsening, and maybe even getting some improvement. It's essential for the health of your hips and spine as well - because these have been greatly affected by hyst. But you have to work somewhat carefully and gently. You probably have some sutures tethering the vaginal vault in place and you do not want to dislodge anything. Certain moves like pelvic rocks are not recommended. Neither is a lot of high-impact stuff - be sure to wear cushiony socks and shoes.

Start by taking some dietary measures to get that constipation under control. That's a topic we seem to touch on daily here. So follow the forum and use the search box too. High fiber/lots of water can be kind of a vicious cycle - could you be generating too much bulk there? Straining on the toilet is the absolute last thing you want to be doing.

I'd agree that a basic bundle is a good starting point, and first wheel yoga is the best of the yoga group for post-hyst. Good luck and feel free to post any questions that arise as you begin this journey! - Surviving

Hi tiger92,
Welcome to the WW community. I'm so pleased you found this way of working. It's safe, healthy and has helped many thousands of women internationally. I agree with Surviving60's above post. This approach isn't mainstream yet, but in time, as this knowledge is shared - I'm confident it will become so.

Yes - you need to be careful around exercises that may overly stretch or stress the sutures. (It might be helpful to find out what type f surgery/suture system you had). So exercises like pelvic rocks or rolls need to be done within your comfort limits and with a lot of awareness, i.e. if possible getting to know what feels ok/not ok. (I'm not sure how much it's possible to feel what's going on re sutures tbh).

The WW posture is key to this work. As is not getting constipated or straining on the loo. There are previous posts re toilet training! And the book explains this in depth. Diet is another cornerstone. You may find raw food difficult to digest. Healthy and easy to digest food; warm, soups/kedgeree, eating slowly and chewing thoroughly may help here. Cut out processed foods and sugar as far as poss. Coffee, tea and alcohol can be avoided (or in my case treats rather than habits!).

I highly recommend anyone with prolapse, hip joint, uti, incontinence - and any woman wanting to increase health and happiness come to that! - to engage with the WW approach and personally, I found the resources immensely helpful. The book gives thorough explanations and the dvd's are great to follow and start engaging with the WW exercises. There are on-line courses too.

Good luck and wishing you all the best.
xwholewomanuk