Post-Op Recovery Week 3 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery

post-op recovery rectocele rectocele repair rectocele surgery Dec 28, 2020

This week has been the hardest. This week I have been obsessing about every little sensation and wondering if everything is ok?

  • Did I break it?
  • What was that?
  • Is it my bladder?
  • Have I done the right thing?

That is balanced out by me showing gratitude to my body and feeling like everything will be ok.

I have been up and I have been down. Prolapse is an emotional f*cking roller coaster.

The Incision
The incision seems to be healing well (I can only see the outer part) and the tenderness has subsided. It has now been replaced with a sense of fullness. I feel my vulva and I don't love that. Hoping that will continue to subside.  I have stopped with the Polysporin and will soon be switching to Vital V from Moonmaid Botanicals. Such a beautiful salve.

I also felt just a tiny bit inside and felt the stitches. They haven't dissolved yet so many of the sensations I am getting are from that? Who knows. I am just trying to be rational and calm and grateful. I want a positive outcome. I want to help ensure a positive outcome for others.

Movement
I am continuing with some rectocele physiotherapy exercises and this week I added in the clam. I am doing the core breath (kegels), bridges and the clam. I have also been doing a few pelvic tilts and a prone hip extension really focusing on my glutes.

I went for 3 walks this week - one really long one and 2 moderate - about 40 mins. My pace is picking up a bit but I am being very careful not to overdo anything. I am also very careful with my footing in the forest.

I have been doing a bit of stretching. Sometimes it pulls on my perineal scar so I back off. I miss some of my lower body stretches and yin yoga but I know I will return.

Baths
I am no longer using perineal herbs but I take a bath pretty much every night.  It is soothing to my body and it gets my body ready for bed. I add 1.5 cups of Epsom Salts to my bath now.

Food etc.
I have not yet stopped with the stool softeners. I want to stay on them until the stitches are gone. I am very conscious of my water and fibre intake. I also take magnesium.  

I have had a few symptoms from gas and needing to have a BM that was reminiscent of a symptomatic day with my rectocele. I am hoping those will subside as I continue to heal and also while I continue to address my diet and optimize my gut health.

No Lifting
I have a husband and 2 sons who have been doing all the heavy lifting and housework. I am very fortunate to have them. I am not doing major housework. I put the odd load of laundry in or unpack groceries but no heavy lifting.  I am not lifting much except a put out of the cupboard maybe. I am missing fitness and sweating and moving freely.  I am missing my hypopressives.  I do the odd apnea here or there and can't wait to get back.  I am grateful for my walks and looking forward to a regular routine again but am being patient and trusting the healing process.

Pelvic Surgery Success Program

 Are you considering surgery as an option to feel like yourself again? 

Pelvic Surgery Success is a one-of-a-kind program that will take you from feeling depressed, anxious, and consumed by fear of surgery to informed, confident and calm so you can put your nagging symptoms behind you and get back to living life with spontaneity and joy!