rectocele repair

Hi read your feed I am 4 weeks into my post op twice I have to return to my doctor last time an infection in the stitches in my bowel, which cleared up just a week ago now I have whiteish  smelly discharge coming from my front passage they tell me I might have my stitches always have you ever heard of this as my surgeon told me they were dissolvable I would be so grateful if anyone knows if this is true or not thanks

Hi Barbara, just seeing your message now. I would imagine that the discharge is related to the healing of the repair. The healing takes time as there are a lot of stitches in there. If you think you have an infection, you really should have it checked and may need an antibiotic. I personally remember having similar discharges which was an infection and the antibiotics cleared it. The stitches are dissolvable but I noticed some people on this forum have seen them come out down below. Take it easy as the healing takes time and that is something you really must do..No lifting or hoovering or any housework for that matter. Hope all be well in good time.

It's the dissolving sutures that drop out. As the wound heals the sutures fall out. The non dissolving ones are not used for obvious reasons.

Hello pat. I expect you are pleased it's all over with. Don't worry too much about having your BO it will get easier but it's a shame you can't tolerate the Movicol. If you speak to your GP he may be able to prescribe something a bit different. Remember to get lots of rest and don't go lifting. Your appetite will return but drink plenty of fluids and eat when you feel like it.

Thanks. Movical  seems to bloat my stomach and cause  sick feeling..

hello matron,  have felt very low  tearful last couple of days.  When I was told I could go home I was pleased and surprised as it was  only 24 hours after my op. Pleased to go though. Late in the evening the hospital phoned to say I needed antibiotics and that the surgeon was surprised I wasn't on  strong painkillers. A mistake had happened in  letting me home so quick. My son collected the prescription from the hospital ward and had to go to sainsburys pharmacy to collect as they're open till 11pm the doctor told him!........... I am 70 and live alone.    worried about bowel movements, don't know if emptying properly. Have taken two senekot tonight so will check in tomorrow, lol  I'm hoping this op will change my lifestyle.   

 

Hello pat. I agree the hospital did make a big mistake in discharging you without medication. I'm very concerned about you being on your own after having this surgery because you're going to need a lot of help particularly in the first couple of weeks. Is there anyone who can stay with you because you shouldn't be on your own when having a bath or a shower? You must not lift even a kettle full of water at the moment. Don't get too anxious about your bowels, the first time will probably be a little bit painful but the Senokot will help. Have they given you stool softeners? They would help a lot.

well no result on the two senekots last night. shall I take two more tonight ?  feel  better in myself however,  But concerned.  I'm drinking plenty of water and although I'm only eating small meals, they are plenty of greens and fruit! .. My son  pops in after work each day  and a daughter inlaw shops!  

Hello pat. Yes it will be ok to take 2 Senokot tonight. You probably won't have a large appetite at the moment but it's good that you're driving plenty of fluids. You may find it helpful if you take a stool softener every day. You can buy it from any pharmacy and Senokot actually do a combined tablet as well.

well  they 'worked ' and all well, so feel so much better now! on road to recovery. Thanks for your advice.

So pleased pat so continue resting and doing as little as possible.