Colpocleisis

[kitzka]

I have been advised that my best bet to correct my rectocele (1st surgery failed) is to have Colpoclesis surgery. Has anyone or anyone you know had this surgery?

[Nothingimpossible]

Hi kitzka. I don't know your age but if your young and have a partner this might not be the ideal op for you as they sew the vagina walls together to hold everything in and you would not be able to have intercourse. I havnt had this proceedure and don't know who has but I was offered this when I had a prolapse. Im 72 yrs young. Hope this helps.

[kitzka in reply to Nothingimpossible]

Hello Nothingimpossible. Love the name you chose. I kind of feel silly being so worried about this. I am a widow, 74 years "young", so it should not be a big deal for me but it just sounds so barbaric. Every time I think about the surgery, it reminds me of a book I read a long time ago about a tribe that sewed the vagina of young girls to ensure that they remained virgins until they married. That was barbaric, where this surgery is far from it. It's funny how our minds can zero in on the most extreme memories which are completely out of context. I don't embarrass easily, and yet, I was reticent to even post something on this site. I just need to get over it. I had a stage 4 prolapse which resulted in a hysterectomy. Remembering how great I felt for a short period of time afterward, I want to feel that good again. According to the doctor, I can get the rectocele corrected, but it is likely that it would happen again. So the Colpocleisis sounds like the way to go. Thank you for your response. It really helped me think this through and see the sense in opting for the surgery that is best for my stage in life. Hope your prolapse is behaving. Not sure if behaving is the appropriate term but couldn't think of another way to put it. It is 3:44am, so I think my brain needs a rest Anyway, that is my excuse. Thanks again.

[Nothingimpossible in reply to kitzka]

Hi kitzka. I'm also a widow and have no intentions of wanting another relationship. I had my prolapse repair about 3 years ago and I have been fine. I know theres a chance that it could reappear but i wouldnt have the colpocleisis op as it also sounds barbaric to me as well. Please keep in touch if you do decide to have the operation and the outcome. This is a good site and never be afraid if you need some advice. There's always someone who can answer your question. Wish you luck with what you decide. Suzanne x

[EDSZebra]

I've heard you can get urine infections due to this surgery also it's a huge surgery, are they sure no other organ is pressure on the rectum like the back walls or uterine prolapse due to it

[kitzka in reply to EDSZebra]

According to my doctor and everything I have read about colpocleisis it is a very easy surgery. Takes about an hour and is a lot easier than a hysterectomy - which was really not bad at all. Stone44 could probably clue us in on the difficulty of the surgery,

[Stone44]

I am 78 and in a very affectionate relationship so it doesnt matter we cant have intercourse. Over the years I have had operations, pessarys and after much deliberation decided to have colpocleisis. Best thing I've done altho admit I worry about things going back to how they were. 6 months down the line I am feeling so much better than I did with that awful lump. Depends how bad it is but mine was bad and felt I had little choice. Up to now no regrets. Just must get constipated.

[Stone44]

Mustn't get constipated!!! Sorry

[kitzka in reply to Stone44]

Hello Stone 44. I found some discussions on the Mayo Clinic website from women that have had the Colpocleisis surgery and every one of them are happy that they did. Just as you are. The surgery has a 95% success rate and that is what convinced me to go ahead with the surgery. It is scheduled for November 1st. I felt so good after my hysterectomy, and about a month later my rectocele failed. Talk about disappointment but I have hope with this surgery.

[Headoverheels]

Hi Kitzka...this is my first posting on this site. I have had a rectocele for many years now and am interested to read the postings to see how others cope with it. I have never heard of Colpocleisis surgery. Hopefully you have now had your operation and all went well? It will be very interesting to hear how you are feeling .

Can you tell me at what stage you had reached to be offered the operation? I understand as with every procedure within the NHS they will have a strict criteria.

I sincerely hope your op wasn't cancelled and you are making a good recovery. I can't imagine what life must be like without a rectocele!

[kitzka in reply to Headoverheels]

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. Yes, I did have the surgery. It wasn't bad but took me longer to recover versus the hysterectomy. Unfortunately, it did not correct my rectocele. Not at all. I saw my doctor's assistant for my 6 week exam. She said that it could be that I had not completely healed yet. Now at 9 weeks after surgery, nothing has improved. Someone in my doctor's office called me recently and said that my doctor wanted to see me but did not know why. I have an appointment January 25th. I will update if she has something helpful for the situation.

[Deserts in reply to kitzka]

I hope you are doing better by now. I haven't had this surgery yet but could be facing it in the future because my prolapse surgery failed at 12 weeks. Do you know if your doctor repaired the rectocele at the time that he closed the vagina? There is a private Facebook group that you can join for women who have had this surgery or maybe facing it in the future. I've joined and there is a world of information on there.