18 months post hyst...rectocele & SUI surgery?

and I thought everything was going great except for my stress incontinence getting worse - not a big deal I thought - I had two over 9 lb babies 2 1/2 years apart starting 19 years ago, plus I'm almost 48, and had the total hyst 18 months ago. . (which i recovered from more quickly than a body has right to). Anyway to go forward my dr checked me and yes I do have the "bladder issue" but I also have a rectocele stage 3- which after a little research explains the bowel issues I've been having but politely ignored! I am so upset!
And while I don't have to have the surgery I can't see going for very long without having it done. Now I'm scared that things are going to start falling out!!!!! My gyn recommended a good urologist for the sling part and I need to make the appt and see what all this involves. My gyn said that both surgeries can be done at the same time as outpatient procedures. But the question is how long is the recovery - before I can drive - return to work!!!! Aaugh...
Plus I haven't even told my husband yet - he's not the most compassionate person and his words I'm sure will involve something about not exercising and the price of deductibles.
I was going to start coming off my effexor but heck now I may see about a permanent intravenous line of it.
Anyway, thank you all so much for letting me vent - yes I know deep down that this really isn't that big a deal and things could be much worse but it also wasn't the news I was expecting to hear.

kittycat46--

It's a lot to contemplate, I know. In general, the lifting restrictions and recovery for prolapse repairs tend to run for about 6 weeks. Many have restrictions in place for at least 12 weeks for the lifting. I was told not to lift anything heavier than a TV remote for the 1st 10 days and then nothing heavier than a gallon of milk or thereabouts for the next 6 weeks and THEN no more than 15-20 lbs. (in increasing amounts) for up to the 12 week mark. It just gives your body time to form scar tissue and heal properly. Some doctors tell you not to lift anything heavier than 25 lbs. for life after that. The augs.org website mentions that as a general guideline.

I could drive after 10 days and I think going back to work is an individual thing depending on how your recovery goes.

Sending ++++ thoughts and extra good vibes.......

Kittycat46,
Please get an opinion from a uro/gyn, somehow having had surgery 6 months ago for a cystocele and rectocele - I can't imagine having done them as an outpatient procedure. First of all my uro/gyn said I needed to have packing in for at least 24 hours to insure proper healing. Also make sure you know exactly what the doctors are doing - are they going to do the standard procedure or are they adding mesh, if so what kind. Do your research and make sure you are comfortable with everything being done, you are your own best advocate. We are here for you if you have any questions. Hugs.

Thank you both for your thoughts - I feel better and after reading some of the other posts this is going to be something I have to think on and get a second opinion.
It seems that the surgery to eliminate one problem may create another one and at this point my quality of life may be off a bit but certainly not diminished.

Bowlinggirl,
When you had your Rectoc & cystoce repair done, for how long did you get to stay in the hospital? Were you able to return to work after 4 or 6 weeks (if applicable)? Were you able to drive at the 3rd week?
I'm having my rectoc & cystoc repair (no hyst) at the end of June and i'm just so curious...it's a mayor countdown for me starting next week.....i am sooo nerveous.
They will not be adding a mesh and the dr. will also tie my tubes as well as stitch around my * area....it has problems as a consecuence of my episiotomy.
My last question....how painful was it? were you able to shower on your own during the 1st week? How about to go up the stairs? my husband wants to set up a bed downstairs but my dr. says that is not necessary....by reading this site, many sisters advise that I do.
Is it very painful to walk since no hyster. is involved?
I thank you for your patience.

kittycat, I wish you the best of luck.

Anetita,
I was supposed to stay in the hospital for one night but ended up staying 2 as they forgot to teach me how to use the supra-pubic catheter (I chose that over a foley). I was up taking a shower the day after surgery - so that wasn't a problem. I really didn't feel that bad, I was on oral pain pills within 8 hours of surgery (had a previous problem with my hyst). I also chose to have a spinal so I wouldn't be so out of it and that went well for me too. Now for the restrictions, my uro/gyn had major restrictions. First I chose a dissolveable mesh as I had already had the standard repair fail on my bladder. His restrictions would have been the same with the standard repair - he definately was very strict! I wasn't allowed to drive for 4 weeks, I wasn't allowed to do anything but move about the house for 6 weeks, no cleaning, shopping etc. I was allowed to go out to dinner or a movie or a friends house during those 6 weeks, but it had to be door to door service. No extra walking. Up and down the stairs only 1 or 2 times a day for 3 weeks, then 2-3 times a day until 6 weeks, then 3-5 for the rest of the 12 weeks. Also from 6-12 weeks post-op the only exercise I was allowed to do was walk.
It takes about 3 months for scar tissue to start to form - so you need to take it as easy as possible to allow your body to form that scar tissue. When I had my hysterectomy my doctor told me I was 'healed' at 8 weeks and could do anything I wanted and my bladder fell again at 11 1/2 weeks post-op. So this time I wasn't taking any chances and followed the restrictions to a tee. I did lose a lot of muscle - I'm slowly getting it back with a lot of effort. I wish you the best, I luckily didn't have to work, so I don't know how I would have handled that. Let us know how you are holding up waiting. Hugs.

Thank you for your reply Bowlingrl, I really appreciate you sharing w/me your experience.
Yup, let the countdown begin...on Friday it'll be the official 4 weeks to go! yiiiikes! (-_-)
Have a good beginning of the week.
Anetita