Urinary retention after rectocele op.

[maddie50]

Hi there I had a rectocele 5 days ago and just recovering at home. The bleeding nearly stopped now that’s good. But I am concerned as I can’t empty my bladder fully. At the hospital the day after the op when they took the catheter out I drank and was just able to wee slowly but left about 100ml in my bladder. The surgeon said this was okay and to let nature take its course. I can wee siting down but I have to concentrate and still can’t empty bladder. It is now day 5 and I am worried. Does anyone know if this will improve? The surgeon reassured me but I am still worried.

[Jasparswim]

It will improve....don't worry. It's early days yet. I had mine done last June. I went through the same worries. Give your self 3 months to feel better. The 6 week recovery period is laughable. My stitches took over 10 weeks to heal and I was afraid to poop. But it's the anxiety that causes all this. I now have a Cystocele and going for another repair in April. Take it slow, rest, no lifting and time will make you heal and all of a sudden you will notice the difference. This isn't an easy healing process. 🤗

[maddie50 in reply to Jasparswim]

Hi Jasparswim thanks so much for your message I feel so down at the moment and worry if I did the right thing. Did you eventually manage to wee normally? Did you get yourself back to normal after 3 months? I know I am impatient and now on only day 5 but I get so worried. Thanks

[Jasparswim in reply to maddie50]

I was crying alot and felt so depressed. But looking back - it was the meds. It's a big operation even though they play it down. I ended up being in theatre 2 hours. My stitches took ages to heal internally and it was a nightmare getting to see my GP. I would say....just do little by little daily. Let your body and mind adapt to the surgery. Your wee will come out, but the hospital put pressure on you about the 190ml. Mine was 1 00 ml when I left. Who knows - that might be MY normal. Don't worry at this stage. Just wear a pad and keep comfy. Be kind d to yourself. It will get better 👍. Remember it's early days....

[maddie50 in reply to Jasparswim]

Good luck with your Cystocele op 🤗

[Jasparswim]

The first 2 weeks are the worst. You feel so weak and low. Just go with the flow....keep taking the painkillers. You should aim to feel better for your 6 week follow up with your consultant. Any worries then will be dealt with. It's too soon now. You have lots of inflammation and swelling...it all needs to calm down a d heal.

[maddie50]

Jasparswim your replies are so reassuring thank you. I must just go one day at a time. Not sure what the 190ml is but they were measuring it and then used the urine scanner to see how much I left in bladder which was between 90 and 150. They said this was okay and I was weeing but slowly and with difficulty. I guess everything is inflamed. It’s uncomfortable at home right now feeling my bladder has not emptied properly and then worrying about it but I know you are right I must give it time. I am so unhappy and scared right now but I will take your advice thank you so much.

[downtowntiger]

I promise it will get better! My doc gave me Urimar-T to help with bladder pains. It takes awhile, but you will be better. I bled for 5 weeks-spotty and heavy.

[maddie50 in reply to downtowntiger]

Hi and thanks for reply and for telling me how long you bled. I went to hospital the other day as I was worried and doctor told me you will bleed for 2 weeks. In the guidance it says a few days! They should change the guidance. I’m on day 10 and still bleeding but much lighter. She said your bladder pains will last for a month. Thanks so much.

[downtowntiger]

oh! One more thing……I sat on a towel on my sofa and was bare from the waist down, covered with a light blanket. My stitches healed faster.

[maddie50 in reply to downtowntiger]

Good idea I will do something similar. I guess air will heal things quicker. Thank you so much.

[Slothmum11]

Hi, I'm on day 14 and my recovery is better than I thought but I have had a UTI. I had pain towards the end of a wee and it felt like a chore to wee. They tested a sample at the GP and I'm now on antibiotics. I feel a lot better now in myself but I do feel very down about it. I had a laparoscopy at the same time too for endometriosis so I'm quite tender in the tummy too and it is early days but I don't think there's anywhere near enough info about this procedure. I read so many terrifying stories about the recovery and almost didn't have it done. We've had quite a big op and we need to be kind to ourselves and take the full recovery period easy. Take care

[maddie50 in reply to Slothmum11]

Yes I think it is a big op and I wasn’t aware of this. Sorry to hear you had endometriosis aswell it must be hard for you. I am on day 18 and slowly healing but not weeing properly as half way through I have to stand up and empty my bladder that way. I am also very low plus obviously can’t exercise much for eg. going for a walk with my dog which makes it harder as exercise and fresh air is good. Don’t even know if the op will cure my problems. The surgeon said it will take 2 months to really see the effect. Yes be kind to ourselves that is important. Best wishes take care and thanks.

[Slothmum11 in reply to maddie50]

Hi, I just wondered how you were getting on? I'll be 6 weeks post op on Monday and I'm still bleeding/dodgy discharge. GP has taken another swab today and I've had a blood test as I'm ridiculously tired. I'm now on co-amoxyclav now to clear a suspected infection. It feels never ending! I'm on first name terms with the pharmacist now 🫣 I'm glad no one is now asking how I am because I'd be bored with saying it's still the same!! I feel really quite down about it all. Hope you're doing better!

[maddie50 in reply to Slothmum11]

Oh you poor thing I’m sorry you are feeling down about it but it sounds like you’ve had a few hiccups along the road to recovery. Could the suspected infection explain the bleeding? My bleeding stopped around week 4-5 but then I did some cleaning in my house and next day had sharp pain and bleeding again. It has since stopped but replaced by watery yellow discharge every day which I am getting sick of. Weeing is easier so i think the op has helped but I’m still affected by it and feeling tired and low perhaps not the same as you tho and certainly better than at the beginnings. I actually went to work yesterday and was so good to speak to people and get out, so I think this makes a difference. I will be 6 weeks on Thursday and it has been a hard 6 weeks. Still a little sore as stitch on my perrineum hasn’t healed, and last week I got internal haemorrhoids which I never had before so not sure if it is a coincidence or related somehow. I do wish you well and hope eventually your situation improves and you find the surgery has helped. Take care x