Is lower back pain and fatigue normal with rectocele and cystocele?

[weegiesmam]

I am 50 and was diagnosed with a rectocele and cystocele about a year ago but have probably had them for much longer looking back. (I have been awaiting surgery since) I initially had difficulty passing urine and incomplete emptying of my bladder, difficulties passing bowel motions and ‘leakage’. I am experiencing a number of other symptoms from, general low pelvic discomfort (period pain type) and a feeling of vaginal discomfort and irritation.

I have also developed low back pain which worsens as the week goes on, I work full time, which does feel better on laying down. Thursdays and Fridays are always a struggle at work and my once busy weekends are now used to lay down in preparation for the in coming week.

My question is, is this pain and exhaustion normal, it is impacting my life and that of my family. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

[Mc89]

I also get low back pain. I’ve had 2 prolapse repairs but the back pain is still there.

They did tell me that they didn’t think it was connected.

I don’t want to put you off having an operation but it may not help that particular symptom I’m afraid.

[Mae123]

I also am suffering from your diagnosis. I have had mine for 3 months now and am waiting for a pressary to be fitted. I too have developed back pain and fatigue. I am 71 so don't work now. I honestly don't know how you cope. Working for me would be a nightmare. Don't know how I will get on with Pressary but have to try. Surgery is the next step. It does seem that back pain and fatigue are symptomatic of our problem. I hope you get things sorted out. We just have to carry on. Good luck.

[bantam12]

Yes it definitely is connected, pain can radiate to thighs as well, have you tried topical hrt and vaginal moisturiser, they do help with discomfort.

[stubb]

I can definitely reassure you from my own experience that the tiredness and pelvic pain . wears you down its as if the pain controls my whole life and its impossible to not to think about when it is relentless. I have been suffering for 4 years now and have had a bladder prolapse op, a rectocele op, pudendal nerve block injections and still no relief from the pain which feels like a massive pressure pain in my rectum and a raw pain in my vagina. The only time I'm comfortable is when Im in bed or on the toilet seat, by the way I'm a 65yr old retired woman. I have had a medtronic neurostimulator inserted and when that didn't work it was removed and a more improved Boston stim was put in. Nothing has helped so I just had a Ketamine infusion done over 9 days in hospital, but as yet that hasn't helped either. Im at my wits end.!!

[3134 in reply to stubb]

Hi Stubb,

I was interested in your above post. I’m sorry to read of all of your attempts to find relief from this excruciating pain that we all deal with daily! My pain management Dr and my orthopedic Dr are both wanting me to have a spinal stimulator placed, but I am very reluctant due to not having heard of many people who have benefited from them. I do not know anything about Ketamine infusions that you mentioned in your post. Where did you have it done and have you had good benefit by now? Do you live in US? I do, in Oklahoma. I have other medical issues besides Pudendal Neuralgia. I find it difficult to find effective treatment for the pain and problems that go along with this diagnosis!! It truly does control your life. I am so grateful for my faith in God as that’s what gets me through each day! Praying that each of us find some relief from these dreadful conditions we deal with each day.

Charlene