Hi. My rectocele is now very obvious and getting worse. The wait for a gynaecologist appointment is at least 30 weeks. Meanwhile I find it too embarrassing to talk about it with husband, family or friends just because it's the bowel so I pretend there's nothing wrong. Luckily we stopped being intimate a couple of years back due to husband's health problems. Is it normal to feel this way and what's going to happen in the 30 waiting weeks because I'm already constantly aware of the uncomfortable and grotesque protusion. I'd really be grateful for any insight from others.
Bowel prolapse or rectocele - Pelvic Pain Suppo...
Bowel prolapse or rectocele
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Jacey1
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Hi try and be brave I felt same way for 5 years I didn’t want to say anything but got. But I emailed in to my GP asking for the extradited meaning urgent list and then got a Date in to go in to hospital within 12 weeks and then I just told my family and after I felt so much better for saying something finally got to hospital I was so scared and crying and they said if I don’t want to go ahead with it I can wait so did and now I’m back on the waiting list again. I just couldn’t do it 
I know what you mean. I want it resolved but I'm scared of having an operation. Consequently I'll just keep quiet. Thanks for answering, it's a relief to know I'm not alone.
I think things like this are embarrassing more to some than others.If I try and say things to my sisters they more or less turn aside but my husband is a captive audience.Well he can turn his hearing aids off🤣I tend to not care nowadays as he knows such a lot about my health ….not that he understands it all thou.He is the only person other than a doctor I can physically show things too.We too are not intimate due to his health issues .I have rectocele and cystocele (front and rear) and my most problem is opening bowels as the prolapse block entry a lot.I think not having good bowel movements originally has caused this with pushing but I do now take fibrogel and eat prunes and drink plenty of water. If we are unlucky we seem to collect illnesses don’t we.
On this forum we are here to hear each other so don’t feel embarrassed as we can’t see each other.
You made me smile so great big thank you to you. I don't know why I find it so embarrassing, probably because I'd never heard of it or known anyone with the problem. It's such a relief to know I'm not a solo sufferer and I'll try getting my husband to understand. He just switches off when it comes to women's health issues.
Hi, I'm sorry to hear things are getting worse, have you tried asking foe a colorectal referral? I'm currently waiting for surgery to fix grade 4 enterocele, rectocele and rectal prolapse (all caused by hysterectomy) they are also removing 2/3 of my bowel. They are using mesh to put everything back in place because it has a much higher success rate. All of this us being dealt with by the colorectal team. The waiting times are horrendous at the moment, I've been waiting since January. There are various tests they can do to check how bad the prolapse is. I believe the most common one is a proctogram. It can seem a bit embarrassing but the staff that do the test are always very understanding. I definitely think it's worth asking for a colorectal referral as I know that gynea appointments have a much longer waiting time. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or just need some support (I'm female, 42) take care.
That's very kind of you. Saw specialist few years ago and because I am lots of meds including warfarin for other conditions he said only pessary ring was offered for vaginally prolapse. First too painful n second fell out .It is not effecting life.My rear prolapse is just annoying.Had colonoscopies n had polyp removed n diagnosed with haemorrhoids but I didn't have prolapse then. Think I will just have to go back to gp.Thankyou😀
Hi,I have a “ moderate” retocele . Can I ask a personal question .. does your’s protrude into the vaginal area or do you mean out of the rectum?
Mine protrudes into the vagina and completely blocks it . If your’s is like mine I wanted to tell you that it is very self manageable . Many women don’t talk to anybody about it. I literally have to manoeuvre the contents of my bowel gently into the correct direction to regain a vaginal cavity and use glycerin suppositories to help clear the area of my bowel that is bulging the wrong way. I suffer great constipation which makes the rectocele a bigger problem. Apparently most women who have given birth develop rectocele to some degree but they only become more of a problem as we get older. Episiotomy birth or tearing in delivery makes the vaginal wall weakened which gives us this problem generally later in life around menopause. There are so many ladies out there dealing with privately with this and not knowing what it is. I had it 5 years then went for a cystoscopy for UTI problems and it came back on my results. I realised I had forgotten to mention it to the Uro/ Gynae specialist and it was interesting to me he found it because I had cleared my bowel.
I was very scared of intimacy and waited about 16 months and happy to say all was well. Hopefully your hubby’s problems could improve and you could try to be intimate again. If your rectocele is out of the rectum then I need your advice because I am quite worried about that in the future and realise that would mean a repair of some sort. I know nowadays we must avoid that nasty vaginal mesh at all costs.
Take care
Thanks for answering. The rectocele is out of the vagina and is steadily getting bigger, entirely blocking the area. I know that they've stopped using mesh so when my GP said the gynecologist will probably want to operate I have no idea of what they might propose and meanwhile I just put up with it. I suppose it is due to having big babies all those years ago but I had never heard of it before. It's like a taboo subject. You sound very positive and I hope there's some treatment to rectify your case because you're still young. Thanks again for replying.
Yes , big babies . I agree. Only had one and she was 8lb 13oz and gave me two hernia repairs appearing later at age32 and 42 and I always tell her I have not forgiven her! I am sorry to hear your rectocele is out of the vagina now but I am positive I have read somewhere it can be helped without mesh. I think somewhere else on this site ladies wee advising each other. I am 59 and you sounded similar age. Take care and good luck x
Hi CockeyMoorUnfortunately rectocele and cytocele is a very common hidden problem. I have a bit of both. Wish l knew more when l was younger.
I have learnt loads on this site. I now try the best to enjoy life with compromise. I know what helps me now.
Firstly l take one sachet of cosmocol/laxido or movicol all these are make names of macrogol. I take only one sachet per day with my main meal in about two thirds of a pint of water. It makes your poo softer so easier to go. I do not strain to go. I get no constipation no gripping pains and l can eat virtually anything. It's a gentle type of laxative and l have been told it's safe by several medical professionals. Do you know you should have your knees higher than your hips to go and breathing a certain way helps too. All information is out there on you tube etc. I have also purchased a kegel8 ultra20 to help do kegel exercises l think its helped too. I dont stand too long that helps that's the most annoying thing really. These are my compromises as l dont want an operation. My only warning for you is TVT is mesh Trans Vaginal Tape. It's made of the same material as the mesh. I also take vagifem tablet twice a week vaginally.
Oh nearly forgot l have a ring pessary 64mm with support middle. I call it my flexible friend. It certainly is
Kind regards to you.
I have been on the waiting list for 2 years now for rectocele and cystocele and phoned the hospital to see how far up the list i was. I was told that the consultants aren’t even seeing patients referred by GPs at the moment unless it’s totally disabling 😳
That is shocking. Do they want us to say it is disabling to get attention.
Looks that way, no wonder the health system is in such a state 🤨
Sorry I mean is your rectocele out of the vagina ( not rectum) ... don’t know how to correct our messages once sent !
Having the same issue here, was told by the out of hours that I had a grade 4 rectocele back in December last year, referred by my GP mid January, was offered an appointment in June but I couldn’t make it due to childcare issues and no family help, so they put me back in a queue but I asked for a different hospital . That was end of May, rang them this week and they said I have a 44 week wait from this week! I cried. I am only 36. For me this is a 74 week wait altogether. What is wrong with our health system? I have been intimate with my husband only once this year as it was too painful, I am consistently getting faeces stuck in my rectum, I have constant pain in my abdomen and back, I keep getting kidney and urinary infections because I am having leakage. I am so upset. I was told my GP could have referred me urgently and both times she has refused. It is a massive joke. I actually have a ring pessary from the GP now but it doesn’t do enough for me.Upsets me too that my GP continually keeps trying to blame my weight or the fact I have had babies when I actually have a connective tissue disorder. I just feel I am being punished. It is affecting my mental health so much 😢
This seems so unfair. You are so young and should not have to wait so long for treatment. It's too easy to blame childbirth and weight but no help if they can't offer solutions. I imagine there are lots of women suffering this condition silently. We should make a big noise and be heard. Thank you for replying and I wish you well. Do take care.
You are very young . I completely relate to being told it is weak connective tissue which is hereditary so already pre-disposes you to these conditions. You definitely need to change your GP she sounds very unprofessional and being a lady GP you would think she could have been more sympathetic. Mental health is so fragile , please ask a close friend to phone on your behalf with you sat at their side so they can fight your corner for you with your consent. When you are feeling so low you are not up to the battle for your rights to get this appointment made urgent. I think the advice and support on here is fantastic and I definitely believe you should not wait so long for help especially at such a young age looking after a young family etc..
Please do not wait so long and quote how it is affecting your mental health. They sit up and listen if you mention that nowadays.
I too have a rectocele which protrudes through the vaginal wall and comes way out of my lady parts. I suffer from a slow transit colon where my bowel muscles do not work to push the poop along. I have to push the protrusion back up and then have to manually evacuate my rectum. I also have to use daily irrigation to help clear any poop left in my rectum.I have a fantastic specialist bowel and bladder physio who performs trigger point therapy between my front and bottom parts. Was initially very embarrassing but I soon got over it as without her help I would be in a terrible state.
I also get Botox injections into the pelvic floor and it helps with very painful spasms that make my bowel lock and block any movement.
Surgery is not an option for me as previous surgeries have left adhesions on bowel and bladder making surgery too risky.
I have a fantastic husband who supports me with my health problems sometimes he has to physically help me off the bathroom floor and put me to bed. There is no issues of me telling him about my conditions or being embarrassed as without him I would not be able to cope on my own. Strangely it is my normal daily routine I try not to get despondent. For me I celebrate the rare days when I can get out of the house for a short time.
It's a sad fact that talking about bowel issues can be so embarrassing but the way I look at it is that we all have to poop some of us just need a bit more support. Good humour is a must!!
I sincerely hope that you get the help you need coming on this forum is a comfort as we are not alone. Wishing you the very best of help.
Thank you for your answer. I think it's time I told my husband about the rectocele, it's a bit daft to be embarrassed about it because as you say we all have to poop. It's a great help knowing I'm not the only person in the world with this problem and reading about how other women cope. I'm going to think positive from now on.
Hi yes also have this . Insulin chicory powder is good as is a tool called femineze but takes a bit of practice. I think Vaginal oestrogen cream and the kegel prolapse probe have helped me but I would agree the whole thing is awful and impossible to easily discuss with anyone . Just makes me feel depressed and mine is called mild ! Doesn’t feel it to me .
I'll have to investigate these. I had no suggestions from my GP of ways to cope with it. Just grin and bear it. Not complaining about her, it's obviously not her speciality and she's not responsible for gynaecologist's waiting lists. However it's very hard to ignore. Thanks for your answer.
I forgot one really good thing is support underwear -very expensive though - underworld American company make them but beware they come up small . Has anybody found cheaper ones and has anybody applied for PIP with this - a disability payments as it all costs this stuff .
Expensive but if they help worth it!
I mentioned it on my PIP form and I don’t think anyone has a clue what we are talking about or how it affects us. I didn’t get my PIP.
Why doesn't that surprise me!
It's strange how embarrassed I am to tell friends and family as though it were a dirty secret. Like many others it seems ! I haven't told my MIL as she will blab it to everyone. Only 1 friend knows.Managing not too badly just now, just have to pee immediately as if I wait then it can be too late. I've wet the bed twice this week. Who wants to tell anyone that ? Fortunately I sleep in another bedroom to my husband. He has problems with his prostate so we have not had sex for 3 years. And mental health issues.
And to be honest I don't care now. I'm 69 next week and I'm over it.
I'm rambling now, but just wanted to say, I know what it's like ladies. More bad days than good.
You have my sympathy, or is it empathy. It's hard keeping everything to yourself. I tried telling my husband but he's preoccupied with his own health problems, and while I tell nobody it's constantly on my mind. This Health Unlocked outlet helps though because now I realise there are women with the same issues and we're not freaks.
Silly question but do you use those pads or pants they advertise on telly for bladder leaks? Would they help?
Yes I do. Just the pads for now and I only need 1 a day. The ones advertised on TV, they are slim and discreet. I make sure to go to the loo as often as I can during the day and that helps. If it doesn't get any worse than it is now I'd be happy to continue the way I am now. The pads give me confidence that I won't have any embarrassing accidents.If it were to get worse I would see my GP, as maybe a different sized pessary would help. I don't know.But I don't want an op as there are such horror stories about them. Hope this helps, it is so good to talk freely on here.
It does help such a lot thanks. Now I realise that I'm not some weird individual with an embarrassing problem, lots of other women have the same. We're too good at keeping quiet.
And it is more common than we know ! We are definitely not freaks, we just have a medical issue.
Thanks for the reply no I didn’t get it but am doing a mandatory reconsideration and I intend to make it as clear as I can how it has affected as I’m so fed up with this attitude that we have to put up with all this.Age Uk have helped so will post how all goes . Interesting to know - do u recall what section they didn’t give ?
Sadly I can’t find the actual form at the moment. Husband filed it !
I think I wrote about it in the section about Incontinence because I remember mentioning re-current UTIs and having a Cystoscopy .
As soon as we retrieve the form I will let you know. Let us know how you get on. I really don’t think they understand what the condition is .
Thankyou for the reply - yes I will
Underworks !!!! Not Underworld !!!
I did the mandatory reconsideration but they still rejected me at the PIP. My problems are mainly mental health based and because that has improved I lost points there mainly. They think being in the bath with no hearing aids in , is worth 2 points which made me laugh but yet a Rectocele is not seen as a problem. I will check which section. Husband filed my last PIP attempt telling me to give in trying. I still feel angry because Husband doesn’t get it either!
I expect to be rejected at the MR citizens advice said that’s what usually happens but at Appeal pple get it with more success . I think it gets rejected as don’t want to encourage people to apply so my advise to everyone on this site is do it . We have a right to financial support just like anyone else .
Hi, I'm sorry to hear things are getting worse, have you tried asking foe a colorectal referral? I'm currently waiting for surgery to fix grade 4 enterocele, rectocele and rectal prolapse (all caused by hysterectomy) they are also removing 2/3 of my bowel. They are using mesh to put everything back in place because it has a much higher success rate. All of this us being dealt with by the colorectal team. The waiting times are horrendous at the moment, I've been waiting since January. There are various tests they can do to check how bad the prolapse is. I believe the most common one is a proctogram. It can seem a bit embarrassing but the staff that do the test are always very understanding. I definitely think it's worth asking for a colorectal referral as I know that gynea appointments have a much longer waiting time. Feel free to message me if you have any questions or just need some support (I'm female, 42) take care.
I thought I had replied but think I messed it up. I have had a few pelvic surgeries due to a hysterectomy at 28 and I am now 65. I also had a rectocele repair which was nothing to be afraid of as pretty much just a bit uncomfortable and pain free. Just ensure you are taking cosmocol (GP can prescribe) daily to keep things moving. It’s a safe every day help. Take it after the op too and have a laxative on hand just in case you need extra help. We don’t have to grin and bear it as our mothers and grandmothers did. Ask for an expedited referral due to the massive discomfort and affect on its having on your physical and daily life. Tell your husband, even if he doesn’t fully understand, as a problem shared and all that. I now have a recurrent rectocele. which was expected to happen given my tissue type, and I won’t hesitate to have it repaired again when it gets worse. Take care, you are not alone.
Thank you for your reply and advice. I'm glad that your repair was nothing to be afraid of and that you'd even have another repair if needed. That's really reassuring. I won't just grin and bear it. It's also good to know that others understand. Good luck with your treatment too.
I was so desperate I paid to see a colorectal surgeon who informed me in his opinion it was a rectoanal intussuception and and a rectocele he referred me back to the NHS as the operation is extremely expensive and they did not carry out this sort of operation in this particular Hospital, the NHS Is again dragging there feet as usual I have managed an appointment in a big hospital where they have surgeons that can carry this sort of surgery out but again my appointment is not till March, then it could be months before I actually get it done,I have stuffed this for nearly two years and has steadily got worse and i am suffering chronic anxiety and struggling to cope, for two years I was being labelled with I B S I feel so frustrated and frightened I am mid seventies myself and used to be quiet strong minded lady.
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