How will recoup be after DaVinci robotic sx for sacrocolpopexy w/sling and rectocele?

[Meldoy]

I am 56, married and have had 5 vaginal births and had a hysterectomy w/bladder tuck 11 years ago. I have rheumatoid arthritis and take a considerable amount of medication for this condition. I now have surgery scheduled for February 4th for sacrocolpopexy w/sling and rectocele repair via Da Vinci robotic by a urogynocoligist. I have a grade 3 prolapse.  What can I expect post surgery? Very Painful? Will sex be better (alot of discomfort now)? I know I need to have this surgery (I have alot of constipation problems, and urinary incontinence), alot of abdominal and low back pain. I have been doing PT for a few weeks now. It has helped somewhat.

[UKlady1001]

Pelvic Organ Prolapse.   The silent epidemic

[garyknows]

I am new to this great site! I am scheduled for similar surgery. Wondering what type of mesh they used on you and have you had ANY issues with it? Thanks in advance..

[UKlady1001]

I havent had a mesh operation.  If you are in the USA there are more regulations coming in that are aimed at maintaining that only experienced highly trained Urogynecologists etc use mesh in their operations.  
You can ask your Urogynecologist about their success rates directly after their mesh operations as well as further on in time and you could ask them what kind of mesh they use as well.  
Good luck with whatever decision you make

[UKlady1001]

Great to hear you have lots of support.
If you do have slow motility of the bowel you may need to have a low fiber diet, however you will need to get a proper diagnosis and may need a marker test as well to see how fast or slow your transit is.
If fruit helps then this is good news and yes, drinking lots of water is also good.
8 weeks sounds OK for healing time but you may need more time so go back to your Dr if you feel you need a few more weeks.  Maybe you could go back to work part time to begin with?  
Good luck with your op and healing

[Eycouponlady]

Thanks for all the info! I have never been diagnosed with a motility problem but I am almost certain that's my problem. I use a lot of suppositories and enemas. I drink a lot of water and try to eat a lot of fresh fruit. I will definitely check out the video you suggested.
I am planning to take 8 weeks off work and I have a great network of family and friends.
I will definitely let you know how things go!

[UKlady1001]

Hi there.  I am very glad you have found a Urogynecologist and are scheduled for your POP op.   This is no doubt both exciting as well as scary understandably.  
The time women spend in hospital varies a lot but it is a good idea to ask about this before you have your operation as well as about a catheter.  I dont know of any lady who has not had a catheter until they can pass water on their own after the op and this can take a day or so which is part of the reason why some stay in hospital after their op.  Often women need to pass gas as well which is all about making sure things are moving internally before you go it alone at home without the nurses etc around you to help.  
Constipation is a big causal factor in POP and I also have this problem.  I see Miralax hasnt helped you.  Do you know if you have a motility issue of your bowel or if their is another issue?  
Have you tried dried fruit, fybogel etc?  do you drink enough water?  I use deep breathing to 'wake up' my bowel in teh morning, plus suppositories, laxido/Miralax, good evacuation technique ( look at Michelle Kenways good evacuation technique on utube.. she is a womens physio therapist) and I also use a hand held mini enema.  I have POPs and also have an intussuscepted bowel and really need to keep on top of constipation so you are not alone... a lot of ladies find this difficult but it is worth seeing a bowel biofeedback PT for help with this as well.
Remember that you must not strain at all after your op so make sure you have an in depth conversation about what help you can get to deal with constipation asap and tell them that Miralax isnt helping.   Do you get bloating and bowel gas?  
Urodynamics is usually OK.  I had this and it wasnt pleasant but didnt last too long and the tubes they use a very small.  
Make sure you get lots of meals made up in the freezer ready for your healing after your operation and make sure you get as much help as you can.  Healing well is really important.  Small walks will get longer gradually as you go along.  
A lot of Drs tell us that we only need 6 weeks to recover but the healing curve is often more like 12 weeks with some extension on finer tuning.  Ask to be referred to a womens physiotherapist to help you to get your PF working and strong when you are given the all clear to do so after your operation.
Good luck and let us know how you get on

[Steph16921]

You answer everything lol" like matron"

[Eycouponlady]

Hi! I am 44 yo mother of 3 and have been suffering from POP for approximately 5 years. I complained to my GYN who just shrugged me off. Finally I did my own research and have found me a Urogynecologist! On Sept 22, I am scheduled for partial hysterectomy, laproscopic sacral colpopexy, and rectocele repair. I am terrified!! I know I need this and I want this but can not get past the extreme fear! I have enjoyed reading others experiences and glad to see that not all of them are bad. I believe my biggest fear is post op.
Do most women stay overnight just one night? Do most women go home with a catheter? I also suffer from horrible constipation, have my whole life. I worry about the narcotics post op causing worse constipation for me. What works for most people, like miralax, doesn't work for me! I've got my urodynamics scheduled sept 1, I'm nervous about that too! I feel like a royal mess but cant wait for how I will feel 6 months from now!

[UKlady1001]

I am so glad you have now found out what is was causing your symptoms and now seen a Urogyne who is helping you.  
Most of us ladies know nothing about prolapse until we get it and may have prolapses that dont present until later on like you say which means we can do so much more damage by weight lifting, running and all sorts of contraindicated activities that we could have avoided plus we can also do womens physiotherapy to help to strengthen our pelvic floor as well.
Ask your womens physio therapist to schedule an appt at an appropriate time after your operation in order to help you with your recovery as well as help you to strengthen your pelvic floor when you are allowed to start these exercises.
Great to hear you are preparing ahead of time for your recovery.  
Come back to us and let us know how you get on, and yes... spread the word as so many ladies dont have any idea about POP, but also be prepared for some to not want to hear.  You can lead a horse to water...
Good luck x  

[Collieregirl]

Also, I am finding that MOST women I speak with, have never heard of POP!
I am spreading the word and helping to educate as many people as I can.
In 2010, after the birth of my last son, I felt a ball at the opening of my vagina. I scheduled an appointment with my Gyno and was told, after she pushed whatever had slipped down back up with her hand, that I will be fine and could possibly have problems again with whatever had slipped down in my vagina, in my 50ies -60ies. I was never scheduled for a follow up to that appointment. I took her word and did not educate myself more about what happened to me. I did not ask what had fallen down and why it had. Shame on me. After years of embarrassing incontinence, excruciating lower back pain ( I thought I might need back surgery ) I finally went to my family Dr. and told him about my incontinence. He referred me to a different Gyno. She was AMAZING! Whithin 5 minutes of my exam, she knew what was wrong and explained (in detail) what was causing my incontinence and lower back pain. She then referred me to a Urogynecologist.
What I am most upset about is the fact that I did not know that I should have followed up my vist in 2010 and that the Gyno at the time should have explained and done further examination. Know I know and am spreading the word!!!

[Collieregirl]

Thank You!
My husband ordered the book and we are prepping now as I have four very active/athletic boys and will need lots of help with them. so glad to have stumbled on this forum!!! I am very lucky to have been referred to a Urogynecologist by my Gynecologist. I was told 8 weeks recovery but, after reading all the posts on here, looks to be 12 weeks.

[UKlady1001]

The book Sherrie Palm wrote with regards to prolapse ops and how to prepare for them plus aspects of POP is called 'Pelvic Organ Prolapse, The Silent Epidemic'.
Is your surgeon a Urogynecologist?
I wish you well with your surgery.
There are lots of tips in the book as to how to prepare for surgery as well as what to expect afterwards etc.,  

Remember not to lift things, or do any straining for bowel movements.  Make sure you have your pain killers as well as laxatives from your Dr and expect to take things very slowly for weeks afterwards.  Small walks around the house to begin with etc.,  Some Urogynes say 6 weeks recovery but most ladies say 12 weeks is more normal with further improvement over several months.  

Good luck with your surgery and let us know how you get on

[Collieregirl]

Is this the book everyone on here is talking about? I am 43 yrs old and have stage 3 pelvic organ prolapse. I am scheduled to have the de Vinci robotic surgery in July and would like to read more about POP. I found out about having POP in late May and everything is happening so quickly. I need to be educated and be prepared for all that is entailed with this major surgery.
Thank You!!!

[UKlady1001]

Some ladies do say that they have less sciatica after this operation but there is not guarantee that this will happen.  Have a look at Sherrie Palms book Pelvic Organ Prolapse, the silent epidemic.  It has some good pre op suggestions in how to prepare.  Make sure you have lots of pre prepared food at home and lots of support if you can get it.  You will want to make sure you have no straining when you have a BM so get laxatives in like Miralax etc.,  Pain killers are a must but these can constipate you as well.  
Good luck with your surgery.  I hope all goes well and remember to rest a lot and not lifting or over doing things as your healing is important in the success of your surgery.

[Sbent44]

I am scheduled to have DiVinci Sacrocolpopexy surgery in two weeks.  I have sciatica,  that was relieved when I had a partial hysterectomy 5 yrs ago.  They pain has been present for the last couple months.  Does anyone know if this surgery may relieve or agrivate sciatica?  Also what do I need to do to prepare for surgery?

[UKlady1001]

I will PM you

[FabulousHysteria]

Why the six weeks ? I am anxiously waiting for your book in the mail. Thank you for the support, you are an inspiration.

[FabulousHysteria]

Thank you for answering the mystery question I soo badly wanted to known. I immediately ordered the book and can' t wait to get it. We need more caring bold sisters like you in the challenging world. I will think of you any time I pick it up.

[FabulousHysteria]

Hi, sherrieP, i am in the final stage of choosing between a Posterior Elevate and a SACROCOLPOPEXY to treat a LevelII rectocele.( I also have a very mild cystocele which does not over concern the Dr at the moment). I am 62 and fairly overweight but in general good health otherwise in spite of 3 anesthesia/surgeries in the past six months ( including a terrible colonoscopy which triggered this new ordeal ). This will be #4 ! I have found an excellent gynecologist with lots of surgical da Vinci surgical experience and an excellent reputation. I have finally come to terms with all the risks attached to the mesh. I need to treat this POP ASAP and do not want to wait for an ideal product to come on the market or have a very painful abdominal procedure. I am leaning towards the SACR... thinking of more long terms to avoid further surgeries should I have de novo prolapses, especially of the bladder. Due to my weight and age, he also strongly recommends to do a partial hysterectomy ( leaving the cervix) & a removal of the ovaries(cancer prevention). Should I be very concerned about losing these two additional organs at my age ? What are the consequences for my female health and pelvic strength ?
Finally, I am terrified at the idea of having a Posterior Elevate procedure due to the fact that he needs to cut open the entire vagina and the higher risks of erosion, inflamation & infection... I am freeking at the thought of an eventual permanent state of pains & infections... Somehow, I also psychologically want to cling to my vagina at all cost ! Am I being totally "hysterical" eventhough I still  (momentarily) have a uterus !
What is the title of your book everybody is raving about ? Hope to hear from you in the very near future. My surgery is scheduled for next week. Carpe diem !

[UKlady1001]

I will PM you

[Kd66]

Pls send me the name of your book or any additional info. I am having surgery 2/3/15.  Thanks!

[UKlady1001]

I take it your surgeon was a Urogyne?  I am very surprised they told you running is OK as it is generally accepted that running is contraindicated for prolapse with or without an operation.  I know other ladies who have gone back to running and experience problems.  Can you try swimming and walking instead?
Return to your surgeon to get a proper diagnosis of where you are now and if I were you... I would stop running.  http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Pelvic-Organ-Prolapse-POP/How-will-recoup-be-after-DaVinci-robotic-sx-for-sacrocolpopexy-w-sling-and-rectocele/show/1418842#

[Elacla11]

I am almost 1 year post sacrocolpopexy, hysterectomy, and urethral sling ( August 16, 2013 ).  My recovery was normal except for an allergic response to dermabond that began immediately post-op. I was diligent about avoiding lifting and strenuous exercise just as my surgeon suggested. Although I've always been a walker, I decided to start a couch to 5-K running regimen about 9 weeks ago. At the end of 8 weeks I was jogging 40 minutes and quite proud of myself. Approximately 5-6 days ago I noticed some pelvic fullness that has gotten a little worse. I haven't experienced that since the first few weeks after my surgery. Now I'm concerned that I've messed something up in there.  My surgeon told me at my last checkup at 8 weeks postop that the only thing I needed to avoid is heavy lifting and that running would be ok.  I waited several months to try it. Has anyone else had any experience with this?  Should I return to my surgeon?

[UKlady1001]

At 5 weeks there will be some swelling still.  However, it sounds like you are doing well.  Remember to avoid any straining for BMs.  Most ladies use Miralax.  I use Laxido in the UK which is the same thing as Miralax.
Good to hear things are going well for you

[UKlady1001]

Great news to hear how well you are doing and I am sure what you have posted will be very helpful to many ladies who have had these prolapse repairs as well as the mid-urethral sling.  
Are you taking any laxatives like Miralax?  

[KatesGram]

I had anterior/posterior repairs and mid-urethral sling done Feb 2014 -- the rectal and sacral pressure were the worst part of the whole think. I have to sit to work and I would sit for and hour and then walk around for a bit. I found the anti-inflammatories very helpful. I took about 800 mg Motrin nightly. I think it was the worst from 5-10 weeks out. The internal stitches are resolving. I'm about 16 week out and dont give it much of a thought anymore.