hysterectomy,bladder sling and complete vaginal/rectal wall repair

[EmpressAndra]

I am 54 years young and in November of 2010 had a multiple procedure surgery..  I had fibroids since my twenties and one had grown large enough that I was told I had the uterus of a 16+ week pregnant woman which I wasn't.  I also had an issue with the vaginal and rectal walls deteriorating from repair work that had been performed after the delivery of my first child resulted in 4thdegree lacerations.  Lastly, I had developed incontinence issues that progressively increased in severity. Painful intercourse became the norm for me and after my surgery it continued and became worse.  In the last two years of my marriage my husband and I had intercourse less than a dozen times because of my pain. From time to time I have experienced stabbing or tearing pains in my abdomen and most recently I've developed extremely painful, large hemorrhoids,for the very first time ever.  I have also noticed an increase in incontinence as well as lower back pain.  Are these conditions related to my sling?

[old_before_my_time]

I assume you had a hysterectomy (versus a myomectomy) since you posted on the hysterectomy forum. It's hard to know if the problems are from the repairs/sling or the hysterectomy. Hysterectomy causes the bladder and bowel to drop down which can cause problems with elimination. Constipation is common after hysterectomy due to the displacement of the bowel which of course can cause hemorrhoids.

And as Dr. Wanjari mentioned, vaginal atrophy can cause pain with intercourse. But the shortening of the vagina with hysterectomy (with removal of cervix) can also be a source of pain. Nerve damage is also a possibility from the hysterectomy and/or surgical repairs. Was the sling the mesh that has been shown to erode and cause infection? If so, that could be the cause.

Hope you get answers and relief.

[Sanjivani Wanjari, MD]

HI,
The repair work can result in overcorrection sometimes and this compounded with the atrophy of the vagina caused by menopause can be the reason for painful intercourse. Use of oestrogen and progesterone creams will help. For the stabbing pains in the abdomen you need to see your Doctor for an examination and an ultrasound scan, so that a diagnosis can be made. Haemorrhoids may not be related to the surgery. Back pain and incontinence may be related to the sling surgery. For the incontinence you need to see an urologist.  Hope this helps.
The answer is based on information provided. Exact advice is not possible without a proper examination and investigations. You are requested to consult your Doctor. Take care and keep us posted.