Pelvic Floor

I had a TAH about 4 years ago and now my gyn tells me I have a rectocele which could have been caused by childbirth (my youngest is 26). Was wondering if anyone has had surgery to correct this; my gyn says to have it when I am ready. Not urgent at this point. Also, could a hysterectomy have caused a weekness in the this area to have such a problem? I am afraid of surgery; could use some advise. Also use Estrace 2mg., and vagifem .25. Can the vaginal walls still thin out with hormore therapy? Thanks for your help.

Hi GCAS and welcome,
I have not had a Rectocele but have read of several women here having surgery for it. All were done during there Hysterectomy though. You can go to the top of this forum and do a search using Keyword 'Rectocele' and you should be able to pull up several post with womens names who have had this. I've read about how a Hysterectomy can sometimes weaken certain areas and that doing Kegals can help strengthen them. I hope all goes well with you next surgery and I will keep you in my prayers. I would also be sure to ask your Gyn if there is anyway to avoid this happening again in the future. Take care

Hi, what kind of symptoms are you having? I am also having problems that I need to see the doctor about. I posted on the other board and was told to post on this board. I had my hysterectomy Aug 15. It was a TAH and I also had bladder repair. In the last couple of weeks, things have changed for me. I have this feeling that something has dropped and it is not comfortable. I don't think its the bladder, I am not having any problems there. I have been trying to find out anything I can about cystocele and rectocele. So if anyone else has had any problems with this after surgery, I would appreciate hearing from you. By the way, this board was a life saver after my surgery. I spent many days reading the boards and getting great information. Thanks
Mindy

Yes, that is the exact feeling I have almost everyday. I had seen my gyn for annual checkup and he told me that it was a rectocele. Not sure how bad; he just said when I was ready for surgery, I would do it. Says the rectum bulges into the vagina a bit making it difficult to complete a bowel movement at times. He recommended Metamucil~~ Ick! Keeps things soft and no straining. Didn't know if this is a complication of hysterectomy or childbirth from years ago. Very uncomfortable feeling I might add. Not sure what to do at this point. Trying Kegal exercise although my doctor shook his head when I mentioned that. Once the uterus and cervix is removed do we loose support in that area? Me too Mindy, I would appreciate any info I can find on this subject and how to deal with it. Thanks gail

I too am interested in input on this subject. I see my Dr's PA tomorrow because of a bulging sensation in my vagina. I do not know if this is normal with TAVH. I hope not cause one side of the vagina feels soft & mushy. Any suggestion as to what is going on? Thanks for the info.

I went to the doctor this morning and was told I had cystocele and rectocele. Surgery is the only thing that will fix it. My TAH and bladder repair was on Aug 15. I have been feeling so good and now this. Has anyone else had to have this surgery after their hysterectomy? I was told the recovery is a little easier. I was also told to do kegals for the symptoms. I am uncomfortable and am hoping this might help. I would like to hear from anyone with this situation. Thanks
Mindy

Hi, yes I know how you feel. I feel as if I solved one problem and now have another. I had very large fibroids and endometriosis which gave me bladder compression and bowel problems, now rectocele problems. Ugh! From researching the net, I seem to gather that if it is not too bad, try other things first before surgery. Has anyone out there had any experience with anything before hitting the operating table. Although, if it isn't done soon enough, maybe the result won't be as good. Still want to avoid surgery. gail