HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Rectopexy with Resection

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/22/2008 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all!

It has been awhile since I have posted here! But, I know you all will be as welcoming as always. :-)

After I was diagnosed a few months ago with my chronic constipation and rectal prolapse, I started to ask around on the forum about anyone having this (abdominal) rectopexy with resection surgery. I began to feel very scared reading things that others had to say... I know everyones' experiences are different, but nobody I talked to seemed to have a "successful" story about this procedure so I decided it was best that I just let come what may, and hope for the best. I very much appreciated everyone's honesty about their own experiences, I just felt it was best not to freak myself out about something that I could not change and just hold-off on researching and questioning myself to death.

So, I have now had my procedure! Ahhh... And thank god it's over! My surgery was last Monday (15th) and I was in the hospital until Friday... so I've only been home for a few days now. Everything went very smoothly in the hospital, and I didn't have any "unexpected" problems. Though, I wish somebody had given a little more warning about having that drainage tube pulled out... wow... hahaha. Probably the worst part of the whole thing.

But, I was wondering if those having had the surgery could help me out on a few post-op questions... And those with colectomies would maybe have the same problems...

I had my surgery last Monday, and have yet to really have a bowel movement... I took some MOM last night (per my doctors suggestion) and passed SOME liquid this morning, but I'm one week now with nothing solid. I'm passing a little bit of gas, so my doctor aid there was no need for alarm... that some people just took a little longer to "wake-up" all the way. So I'm not worried about that...
But, I am curious.. When I do have a bowel movement, will I really not have to strain?? I've spent the last three years of my life straining, and I feel like the slightest little push is going to disconnect something that they did in the resection?? I felt like I could have maybe passed a little bit more this morning if I had pushed.. But I was too freaked out. But, maybe I'm just being paranoid??

Also, in the little bit I was able to pass this morning.. I noticed it was pretty on the red side?? Is this normal?? I figured maybe there was some blood build-up from the surgery, so I'm trying not to let that worry me. Like I said, this is the very first thing I've passed since the surgery. And, there was no pain or anything... So, am I right to not be concerned??

Anyway.. I appreciate ya'lls support as always!!! And thanks for any help!!

oh, and ps... I'm digging the spell check in the posts now... haha.

Abby
Posted 12/22/2008 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
I reread my post and let me stress!
I in no way meant the first part of my post in a negative way, and I am very sorry that those who did undergo this surgery and had unsuccessful results had to go through such a troubling ordeal. And I truly did appreciate everyone's feedback when I was first diagnosed... Just for my own stability/sanity prior to my surgery... I felt I needed to just stop reading posts, googling everything that crossed my mind, and visiting numerous med-help sites. I just needed to accept everything s it came and come to terms with the fact that this was going to happen regardless of my own insecurities.

But anywho, I just wanted to say that. I look forward to sharing stories and advice with everyone once again... and appreciate all the information everyone on this forum has has to offer! :)
Posted 12/22/2008 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
hello

i was interested in your post -- im suffering from severe constipation for a year now and i find myself straining -- i swear that my rectum feels differently now ( i ve been battling fissures and hemmorhoids as of recent) im worried that im beginning to prolapse too! what are the signs of prolapsing?

im scared to death of having rectal surgery... and i know i have to stop straining but its so hard not too when you know you have to go but cant!

thank you
Posted 12/22/2008 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!

At first, I would only notice a protrusion every once in awhile... especially if it was a period that I was using laxatives more than usual. Laxatives were the only way I could have a BM at all... which over time, made my prolapse worse. Darned f you do, darned if you don't kind of thing.
But as gross as it might sound, you really just need to feel... Early stages of prolapse won't actually protrude out from the rectum... When you're straining, you'll feel a bolbous (sp?) veiny structure pushing against the exit of your rectum, though maybe not extending out. This is what I misinterpreted as internal hemorrhoids. But anytime I would strain, my rectum would get blocked off by this structure and stool could not pass through. So even when I had waste that was trying to exit my body, my prolapse would block off the opening and keep it locked inside.
But, try pushing with your rectum muscles like your straining to have a BM and feel the area directly inside your rectum. If you feel a slick structure kind of blocking off the area inside you're rectum, then you are experiencing prolapse.
Doctors can also perform a test called a Defcagram, which is designed to diagnose prolapse. They push barium inside your rectum and monitor you rectum as your release the barium, while also taking x-rays of the process to see any internal loosening of the rectal walls. This is not the most pleasant of tests, but this is what doctors use to diagnose prolapse. If you are currently seeing a colorectal specialist then I would suggest mentioning this test if you are worried about prolapse.

Hope that helps at all!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply