Bladder suspension, A&P repair with Hysterectomy and Sacrocolpopexy

[lpozega]

Wondering if anyone else has undergone ALL of these procedures at once? I haven't scheduled the surgery yet but this is all that needs to be done. Im wondering how long I'll be in the hospital, how long recovery at home will be, how much pain and bruising is honestly expected, and when I will be able to take care of my 3 year old and 10 month old after surgery... Any input would be appreciated! (oh by the way I'm only 29)

[sherrieP]

I'm happy to hear you are going to Cleveland Clinic, I network with some people there and they are really at the top of the game. I'm also delighted to hear your urogyn wants to use mesh for repair, in the hands of a fellowship trained urogyn, the issues you hear about are extremely minimal. Often drs don't want to use mesh in women as young as you, my thoughts are "then they'll be back for more surgery down the road"-why go there? The ideal is for this to be a one time procedure that addresses all issues.

Women tell me daily about comments like your ob/gyn told you, along with you're too young, it's what comes from having babies, that's what happens when you get old, you'll never be able to satisfy a man again-ALL INFURIATING! Doing what I can to change the mindset for POP, it is slowly moving forward with the help of others on different levels of the POP platform who feel the same as I do.

I'm so happy to hear you'll have help post-surgery!!! From the sounds of it you are surrounded by people who'll help you through the first weeks of recovery. Yes that first week is going to be rough but again they will give you strong narcotics, coupled with the ice (I'm not kidding, it makes a HUGE difference-make a couple extra bags up in evening to get you through the night). There's additional insights I can give you, I'll send you a PM after this message.


Ask your dr how long procedure will take, it varies a bit from woman to woman because we each have different things fixed and different degrees of severity-I'd guess 1.5-2 hr.

I'll send that PM now hon-keep you questions coming as they come to you and I'll do my best to guide you through the process.
Sher

[lpozega]

I am having a urologist and urogynecologist both performing the surgery. They are from the cleveland clinic and both have "special interest" and training in POP. My regular obgyn told me to get used to it. That it would heal itself. I looked up info for specialists and found the 2 I'm seeing at the clevelnad clinic. the urogyno said the hysterectomy will be vaginal and the repairs will be as well. she said there may be an incision or 2 in my groin or lower abdomen for the laproscopic tools.

My husband is planning on taking some vacation to take care of me post surgery, and when he goes back to work his mom and my step mom will be alternating taking care of me and the kids.

My symptoms are very bothersome and have stopped my sex life completely. So i cant wait to get back to normal. My dr is supposed to call me tomorrow to set up surgery. Only down side is that because its not a "life threatening" condition it will probably be about 2 months before i can get in for surgery. I'm nervous. I'm a wuss with pain. Big time. I bruise super easy too lol. How long of a procedure is it? oh and my dr said she suggest using synthetic mesh for the longest and best result. She did say she has never used the mesh kits that are now part of a lawsuit.

The suggestion about premeie diapers for ice packs is GENIUS by the way! Thank you SO much for all of the info! My dr has given me so much information i cant keep it all straight lol.

[sherrieP]

I've had repair for 3 types of POP but  mine was bladder, rectum, and intestines rather than bladder, rectum, and uterus. The hysterectomy/sacrocolpopexy is one procedure, removal of uterus and creating support to the area. A repair is the bladder, P is rectum so it sounds like you are having 3 types of POP fixed. This will be a rough surgery but my guess is you are having lots of symptoms so this will get you back to an even keel. Typically the hospital stay is short (it is for everything now.....), overnight most likely. You will go home with a catheter. The first week is pretty rough but you will be on narcotic pain meds (I bumped to heavy doses of ibuprofen after 3 days because my body hates narcs), icing is extremely beneficial for swelling and pain control. Because you have 2 young children at home, it is VITAL that you have help-you will not be able to lift your kids up for probably 6 weeks (after a couple of weeks you can probably have someone place them in your lap but have a pillow between you and the kids so they don't  bump your repaired area-check with your dr on this!). Much bruising! Your entire crotch will be black and blue so don't be shocked by that-it is normal. Will your procedure be vaginal or abdominal? Using mesh or no? Being done by a urogynecologist (I sure hope so, this is very intricate surgery and they are the specialists for POP)?

This will likely be about a 3 month heal curve b/4 you are back to "normal", this is such an intricate area of the body, so many tissues, organs, structural components coming together. Pick up some premie baby diapers, rip open one end, fill them with ice, use round the clock the first week-it really helps you stay comfortable. After week one you will probably want to switch to heat-those bean bags you can heat in the micro work well.

Have your house prepped prior to surgery-pick up items you think you'll need bedside (kids sippee cup works great!), wagon to pull take stuff from room to room after you are past the first week is helpful.

Send questions as they come to you. When is your surgery?

And I have spoken to many women in their 20s with POP, it's not the norm but happens more often than you would imagine.

Sher