Not IBS: Just had 2nd rectal prolapse repair with new mesh

[postop]

I have suffered from chronic constipation and rectal/abdominal pain for years since my 20s.

I had my first rectal prolapse repair in my 20s with biological mesh which I was warned may need replacing. It broke down and my symptoms of excruciating rectal and abdominal pain and incomplete evacuation began. I have just had a new tough plastic mesh fitted and am three days post op. The results are amazing already I can pass BMs without pain. I can recommend an Australian pelvic floor physiotherapist who posts free videos ''How to Empty Your Bowels Without Straining - on YouTube by Michelle Kenway". So for anyone suffering painful BMs this advice really helped me and I hope it helps you. The hospitals don't teach you how to go again after surgery and it is nerve wracking.

I was initially diagnosed with IBS years ago until someone asked me to 'bear down' and then they realised I had a full external prolapse. So if you feel a bulge in your bottom or like there is a tennis ball there when you sit up from lying down, do get it checked out.

I have to ensure that I never become constipated again as straining will damage me. So I am now experimenting with doses of movicol and will be moving onto stool softeners soon. Last year I thought I had a bowel obstruction as I didn't go for over a week and my 27 inch tummy swelled to 42 inches. I hadn't paid attention to my diet, fluid intake or BMs.

[postop]

Forgot this link which matches my experience and journey

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

[Tink8]

Hi there, this is good to hear. How are you doing now? What was the name of your operation? I have a rectal prolapse (internal) and it is making me miserable, affecting my life in every way. I have been offered a laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy with a Mr DIxon in Bristol. This is using synthetic mesh. Naturally scared to go ahead as I am only 29. So it's nice to hear a positive story. Where did you have your surgery & who did it? X

[Annie0904 in reply to Tink8]

Hi Just wondering if you had this op as I will be having the same op in Durham.

[Samnicholls]

Just wondering how you are doing now?

[Harley1020]

Hello, just though I would mention how I overcome my constipation. I have had IBS C, for over 7 years and have only recently found a way of controlling the constipation.

Before Breakfast: take 2 prunes before DVD exercise video (Rosemary Colney) or any form of exercise to get the bowels moving.

Then have a peach, with Honey Cornflakes (gluten free) with a chopped banana.

Tea: 1 prune before tea and then 2 prunes afterwards with my jelly and soya vanilla pot (tastes like custard and found in the gluten free isle), really yummy.

Also at least 3 pints of water a day (drunk from a pint glass as easy to remember how many pints I've drunk).

Have one more piece of fruit in the evening, for me, its either a pear or a banana.

Avoid fatty food.

I have tried lots of other remedies, weetabix, all bran, milk of magnesia, syrup of figs, prune juice, psylium husks, metamucil, senokots, which were all either too much or not enough.

Good luck on resolving your problems. Kind regards.