Is this post cystocele/rectocele repair fatigue normal??

[weegiesmam]

Hi thank you all for the supportive messages, from my post re cystocele and rectocele, a few months ago. I am now 4 weeks post repair, I’ve had a relatively good recovery, needed a catheter for ten day and developed a uti as a result.

But my question is, is it normal to have this overwhelming fatigue? I realise it’s still ‘early-ish’ days but I’m so tired doing basic tasks, no lifting or carrying just general tidying, dusting etc. I’m still having plenty of rest.

Your experiences would be much appreciated x thanks x

[Alaine1 Administrator]

Hi,

I haven’t had the surgery you have had but I have had 23 surgeries needing a GA and a catheter for 3 weeks which was absolutely hell especially with infections so I can genuinely sympathise with you. I can definitely say that the fatigue post op can be very debilitating. Usually the anaesthetic starts to leave your system after a few weeks but some people do find that they are affected for a few months especially where extensive surgery was needed and/or they are slow healers. I usually start to feel better after 5-6 weeks but I have been told because I have several chronic illnesses going on including the pelvic pain conditions the fatigue is part of those and the surgery just adds to that.

I would probably say listen to your body and if the fatigue continues definitely cut back on the house work etc and use the time to rest properly. It’s rare for most of us to rest properly especially with work, hospital appts etc so take the time to just enjoy doing nothing and getting any infections including UTIs treated quickly 😊

[weegiesmam in reply to Alaine1]

Thank you Alaine 1 x

[Mae123]

Hi, I have a rectocel e too and am seeing the gyno tomorrow. I am worried about having to have surgery due to the fact that how do you cope with going to the to the loo. Did you have stitches? And was it painful going. I will ask the gynecologist this of course but they are not the ones having it! Glad you are recovering well. That is encouraging.

[weegiesmam in reply to Mae123]

Hi mae123, my surgery was carried out vaginaly and yes there were stitches, going to the toilet is very daunting, I would advise start taking a ‘stool softener’ such as lactose well before your surgery and certainly immediately afterwards. I didn’t and my first bowel movement was very traumatic mentally and physically. If you need to take strong pain killers such as morphine based meds, drink plenty of water as they can contribute to constipation.

Good luck with your surgery it will be worth it in the end 👍🏻

[MEDIT3 in reply to weegiesmam]

Tk u for yr advice! I’m awaiting surgery myself and very anxious as to how the recovery will be? Any information is appreciated!

[weegiesmam in reply to MEDIT3]

Hi, MEDIT3,

I can’t emphasise enough the need to take lactose or something similar pre op as I didn’t and really suffered with constipation, which was very uncomfortable. You may also need to take morphine based meds which contributes to the constipation.

The operation and immediately after really wasn’t to bad and my pain was well manage however I really underestimated my recovery time and got really frustrated by the tiredness and inability to functional to my normal level.

I’m 12 weeks post op and am starting to feel back to my self.

Be kind to yourself and accept any help/support offered.

Good luck x

[masa65 in reply to weegiesmam]

when did you go back to work...i dont think i can take more than 4weeks off without pay ..

[Oxters]

I had a rectocele repair and was told it would take up to 12 weeks to recover. I have ME/CFS so always take longer to recover from surgery but I was able to go on a holiday abroad after 11 weeks. Four weeks is very soon to expect to be fully recovered from major surgery.