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

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

By Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach — Certified Pelvic Floor Fitness Specialist · Published December 29, 2020

Direct Answer: Week 3 after rectocele repair surgery is often the hardest emotionally, as new sensations can trigger worry about whether healing is going wrong. In most cases, these sensations are simply part of normal nerve and tissue healing, not a sign of a problem.

Key Takeaways

• Week 3 can feel emotionally harder than earlier weeks as healing sensations become more noticeable.
• Obsessing over every new sensation is common, but most changes are a normal part of tissue healing.
• When in doubt, checking in with your surgeon or pelvic floor physiotherapist can ease anxiety.
• Recovery is rarely linear; harder days do not mean you are healing incorrectly.
• Being gentle with yourself emotionally is just as important as following physical recovery guidelines.

• 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does week 3 after prolapse surgery feel so hard emotionally?
New physical sensations become more noticeable around week 3, which can trigger worry, even though this is usually a normal part of nerve and tissue healing.

Are new or unusual sensations after rectocele repair a bad sign?
Not usually. Most new sensations reflect normal healing as tissues and nerves recover, though it is always fine to check with your surgeon or physiotherapist if something feels concerning.

Is it normal for recovery to feel harder in some weeks than others?
Yes. Recovery is rarely a straight line, and many women find certain weeks feel more emotionally or physically difficult than others.

Who should I contact if I am worried about a symptom after surgery?
Reach out to your surgeon or your pelvic floor physiotherapist. They can reassure you about normal healing or flag anything that needs closer attention.

Related Articles

• Preparing For A Rectocele Repair – Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery From Prolapse Surgery – Rectocele Repair
• Post-Op Recovery Week 4 – Rectocele Repair, Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery Week 5 – Prolapse Surgery, Rectocele Repair
• Riding The Rollercoaster of Emotions – The Days Before Prolapse Surgery

Recovery has its harder weeks, and having guided support can make a real difference. Join the Buff Muff membership for programs designed to support your pelvic floor through every stage of healing.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our episode:
Hacks To Prepare For and Recover From Surgery with Zora Benhamou

Listen to the episode