Rectocele symptom?

[Ramamia]

I am a 34 y.o female, was diagnosed with a mild cystocele (no mention of rectocele) when I started feeling pressure, bulging after my second vaginal delivery (9.11oz).  My symptoms have improved slightly over the last 5 years, and don't bother me much.

About a month ago, I started to have a sensation after a BM that there is something inside my anus.  I do not see or feel anything.  I do not have constipation issues and do not strain.  No bleeding or pain with BM.  The sensation goes away about 30-60 minutes after BM.  I do have occasional anal itching like a yeast infection.  Are these symptoms more typical of hemorrhoids, or could this be symptoms of rectocele?  It only happens after bowel movements.  Thanks so much for reading.

[dkg51]

I wonder how your surgery went in the long run. I am facing similar surgery and have read of many who are not happy or have had to repeat the surgery. I'd really like to hear from you about your progress.

[dkg51]

I am facing similar surgery and wonder how you are doing in the long term.  I hear of so many who are not happy with the surgery or have to have it repeated.  Would like to hear from you.  

[madgeOwens]

Good Luck Honey!

[ddeiman]

Thanks so much and YES my mom is awesome!!!  I don't know how I'll ever repay her. I'll post again when I'm home and feeling better.

[madgeOwens]

Just don't bend over.....after 6-8 weeks, depending how you heal, you will be able to keep your back staright and bend knees to pick things up....bending over at the waist causes intraabdominal pressure and you don't want that.  You are young and can strengthen your abdominal muscles so you should be able to pick up and hold your baby no problem. Just check with surgeon before doing that. Good Luck. Your mom is awesome! God Bless you. You will do great.

[ddeiman]

Glad to hear things are going so well for you. I go in for my surgery tomorrow. I am very nervous I hate going under but I am anxious to finally get on the road to recovery. My biggest problem long term will be lifting my son who is only 8 months right now. My mom is staying with me for the 12 week recovery time so I can heal but after that hopefully he'll be crawling and climbing so I won't have to lift him as much. I agree I always used to move heavy things but I won't do that anymore but my son isn't always going to accept that mommy can't pick him up and well I have to put him in his crib. Well wish me luck and I wish you continued luck and good health! I'll post back too about my surgery so I can help others like you have helped me :)

[madgeOwens]

Yes I was told to change my acting like I am Hercules or I chance getting another prolapse of bladder or vagina.  I am trying very much to not get back into my old habits of moving furniture and thinking I am built for moving piano's when thats what helped get me in that mess o begin with, well 90% I would guess. Don't lift heavy things, I am making my husband feel like such a gallant hero doing these things for me.  I have learned my lesson,  I am in my seventh week and I feel awesome I must say.  Feel younger than I have in many many years. I am so happy I got this taken care of.
Madge

[ddeiman]

Thanks for the insight! Yes I have agree my urogynecologist is MUCH more knowledgeable than the reg ob-gyn. I will definitely try the colace. Funny I have all of this in the house already because my poor hubby has been going for rubber band ligations for hemorrhoids so we are just a high fiber, stool softner household, lol. Hey ya gotta laugh about this stuff or else it can really do a number on you. I was SO depressed for so long I'm just glad I'm finally getting things done. Did they mention to you about any long term restrictions on lifting, exercise etc? I know the first 12 weeks but I wanted to know in the long run what I'll be able to do and not do.

[madgeOwens]

No retrictions with diet, however you want to drink lots of water and eat cereal with high fiber to keep things going, I also take colace stool softners so I don't have to strain and hurts if you do....I use Milk of Magnesia if things start slowing down....I am actually doing better in the eliminations department than before the surgery.  I don't know what degree...in fact I didnt know until after surgery that he ran into all that. He pulled things up and sutured them to abdominal muscle.  I don't miss my uterus one bit.  I think it important to have a urogynocologist most definately!  

[ddeiman]

Wow that's so nice to hear that at 6 weeks your feeling good. I go in the 27th for my surgery and I'm so nervous but anxious to feel better (eventually) too. Can I ask what did they do for support once they removed your uterus? What degree were your cystocele and rectocele? How is going to the bathroom after surgery? I'm so afraid that afterwards I'll go to the bathroom and undo things or something. Do you have to be on a restricted diet at all?

[madgeOwens]

I had surgery on Feb5, I have 6 weeks check up Tuesday.  I feel great.  I kept ovaries and I don't miss my uterus one bit, best thing I ever did for myself, as it took away back pain I have had for 7 years and at times it was horrific. I would go to the doctors in tears from the pain.  I never had a clue it was my uterus causing this pain....in the early years I pushed it back in place myself and I think It must have been pressing on a nerve at times.....I don't know, all I know is I am so much better.  Good luck.

[ddeiman]

Hi again,
Actually I've had a pessary (a few) for the past 4-5 months and it's not for me. I have decided to go ahead with surgery which is scheduled for the 27th. I guess I'm looking for info from other women who have had surgery to see what I'm in for recovery wise. How long were you laid up? I have decided to keep my uterus and will be having a suspension done along with A&P repairs. Also having a Burch for stress incont. I did not want any mesh in me so that's why no sling procedure.

[madgeOwens]

You can use a pessary.I am 56 and decided I didn't like a plastic donut up in there and opted for hysterectomy....I dad vaginal hysterectomy with bladder, vaginal and rectal repairs.

[ddeiman]

I was wondering what type of surgery you had. I have uterine prolapse too and it greatly interferes with my sex life with my hubby because of hitting the cervix. I was looking into uterine suspension to preserve my uterus. Any insight would be helpful. I also have a cystocele grade 2 and rectocele grade1. Thanks

[madgeOwens]

I think it could very well be hemmhroids.  I just had surgery for prolapsed uterus, cystocel and rectocel....the only think I saw was my cervix, so I didn't even know about the rectocel or cystocel.