Why is it so difficult to diagnose a rectocele?!

I've been browsing about on the forum and am quite taken aback by the number of us who have obviously been suffering from the symptoms of a rectocele for a long, long time before it is diagnosed.

I have had all the common symptoms of a rectocele for many years. In 2002 I was told by my first dr (a colo-rectal surgeon) that my symptoms were due to my Grade 4 haemmorrhoids, so, I went through the absolute torture of a haemmorrhoidectomy. The symptoms were still there after the operation. In 2004 I was told by the 2nd dr (a gynaecologist) that my symptoms were due to endometriosis (deposits were sticking my ovary on to my back passage) - I, coincidentally, also had problems with heavy bleeding, so I was advised to have a full hysterectomy. The symptoms were still there after the operation. In 2006 I was told by the 3rd dr (another colo-rectal surgeon) that I had a severe case of irritable bowel and most of the symptoms were down to my diet!!! Last year I was referred to the most amazing gynaecologist, who immediately (on examination) diagnosed a large rectocele. She explained that, due to the size of the rectocele and my active sex life, it would be best to have it treated by the trans-anal route, rather than vaginally. I was then referred to a fantastic colo-rectal surgeon. Both drs worked together during the operation - one dealing with my mild stress incontinence with TVT and the other dealing with the rectocele by stitching in my back passage.

I am recovering well, but I still feel really angry that it has taken such a long time to get to the bottom (if you'll pardon the pun!) of my symptoms. Does anyone know why so many women have to wait so long for a proper diagnosis? I think that sometimes the dr can be sidetracked by other problems (eg my haemmorhoids) but that's really no excuse. The symptoms I presented with were feelings of 'something falling out', incomplete evacuation, discomfort in my back passage (I have this from my medical records) - none of these are symptoms of piles, but when the dr saw the size of my piles, he immediately decided that they had to be dealt with.

Any suggestions on the mis-diagnosis, or long time it takes in some cases to diagnose a rectocele?

Hi Juniper123, I think it's becuz the doctors rarely examine us when we are in need of a BM first thing in the morning...they really don't realize how huge the rectocele gets before it empties out. Yes it always feels as if there is still something there but it is small in comparison.
When I finally got to an OBGYN he had no problem believing I had a uterine prolapse/rectocele/cystocele/possible enterocele becuz I had researched it well and I knew I had all the symptoms.It really helps to be informed. It took me 3 months of refferrals to get to see him though.
Grace

Thanks for that Grace - I do agree with you that it's difficult to 'feel' the extent of the rectocele when it's empty - but it still amazes me that many dr's don't even consider a rectocele as a possible diagnosis after hearing of the patient's symptoms.

I was diagnosed with a rectocele yesterday. My symptoms felt similar to my prolapsed uterus or my formerly prolapsed uterus. I told my doc it felt like a "wad" of something in my vaginal area. She knew what it was right away with some questions and an "exam." She said to not worry about it and that it could be fixed, surgically. For now, don't lift anything heavy. She asked if I had been lifting heavy stuff. I moved a chair, recently. No furniture moving. I told her that I lift weights, but not that heavy. That must be OK.

I go back in June for a follow up to my uterine cancer, so I guess this will be checked again then.

I see on hystersisters that some folks have this repaired during the hyst. I didn't have it then. I wish I could have had this repaired at the same time.

thanks.

My doctor told me that she wouldn't know until she had removed my uterus whether she would need to do a rectocele repair or not. With the extent to my prolapse it was impossible for her to know ahead of time whether it would straighten itself out or not after it had the room. I was fortunate that it did not need to be done, but I was fully prepared to have the repair done at the same time.