A & P repair?

[Cyndimeme]

I'm scheduled for A&P repair and bilateral oophorectomy in 4 weeks and I'm feeling quite overwhelmed.  I'm scheduled for the pre op Aug 19 to go over the surgery details but I would really like to hear from others who have experienced this as to what to expect, hospital stay, pain, recovery, limitations, things I need to buy before surgery, etc..

[sherrieP]

I haven't had anyone post with your exact scenario so it will be difficult to say how having the ovaries removed at the same time as the cystocele and rectocele are done. Is a urogynecologist doing the procedure? What grade is the POP? Obviously ovary removal is going to have an impact on the post surgical path, are they initiating hormone replacement immediately? Estrogen plays a role in revitalizing the tissues post POP surgery; please make sure to initate a dialogue with your surgeon if this does not come up. In general recovery from POP surgery can run from 6-12 weeks, depending on what is done. NO lifting, no vacuuming, no stairs until ok'd by dr. First week is kinda rough but you will be on strong narcotics so that will help. Please utilize icing 24/7 if possible, it has a huge impact on swellling and comfort-I felt it helped even more than the pain meds. Pick up some preemie baby diapers, pull open one end and fill them with ice, do a couple extra at night so you can just grab one when you need it from freezer ready to go in the middle of the night. Helps to have your "bed" area set up prior to hospital stay, plan out where you will be resting ahead of time. Try getting up from a lying down position from bed and couch to see which is easiest so you know where you'll be better off when you get home. Toddlerr sippy cups are great for drinks close to couch or bed, less likely to spill if knocked over. KY to lubricate prior to bowel movement is helpful, the slick stuff works great on entire area for comfort. Ask your dr to prescribe rx for hemmies with numbing agent, it will make your anal area feel better if you have constipation. Fruit fiber works better than grain for regularity. (Narcotics are constipating.)

Hope this helps a bit. Write down your questions prior to your trip to dr and ask all of them-remember he works for you!
good luck hon, keep us in the loop-hope all goes well for you!
Sher


You should figure on the first week being couch bound completely. You will go home with a cathetor. I don't know how long you will be in the hospital, typically most A&P repairs are an overnight but the ovary removal may extend your stay.These are questions you should absolutely ask your physician since he/she knows your exact backdrop and procedures to be done.

I'm hopeful you have assistance at home.

[Cyndimeme]

my uterus was removed in 1994 due to uterine fibroids. I have a complex mass on my right ovary and the left is enlarged and cystic. The oophorectomy will be laproscopic if all goes well.

[sherrieP]

What is the reason for the bilateral ooph? Are they taking your uterus out too? Please send more details and I'll do my best to fill in the blanks. The length of time in the hospital for any POP procedure is limited in the US unfortunately, for most POP surgeries it is an overnight stay then home to recoop but if you are having a hysterectomy too, that may lengthen your stay. Will this be laproscopic, vaginal, robotic? After you send over more info I can fill in the blanks better.

Sher