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Prolapsed rectum: living with it versus surgery
In December of 2018 I had a full hysterectomy at the recommendation of my GYN. That is another story but important to this post. In 2019 I started having a bulge protrude from my rectum and I thought it was a hemorrhoid. I started self treatment to no avail. I finally saw a GI doctor and was told I had a prolapsed rectum. I had multiple tests performed on my bladder and rectum (just awful) which were all normal. They could not see any link between the hysterectomy and my current issue. (This was the same healthcare system so I am guessing it was in their best interest not to find a link.)
So my question is does any other member have this condition and what is / was your solution? The surgery sounds horrible, the doctor said it is sometimes not 100% effective. 95% of the time it will retract when urinating or having a bowel movement. My greatest frustration is when taking long walks or hiking it and any fecal matter starts coming out.
I am 68 yo and don’t know whether to live with it and only do surgery if it becomes 0% retractable, which could mean being at an advanced age and not healing as well, or do the surgery now while in good health and healing would be easier.
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Could you please share the name of the company where you found the undergarment? I have had 3 surgeries for rectal prolapse. I am trying others options and this undergarment sounds like a good one. Thank you.
I want to do that but Mayo said because I am new to the forum I need to wait a couple of days before putting a name or website URL on here. ( spam) I am anxious to tell other women because so far I am finding them a God send. I have only been using them for a week, but I have been struggling with this for a long time and a year ago it took a turn for the worse. The pants are made for vaginal prolapse but they are working well for rectal prolapse. Lets try it: do a search for Underworks. I bought 523 and 521. So far I have only tried 523. They have 5 stars all 20 reviews,
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1 ReactionYes, marysue5, this is good information. Besides giving up cheese (I agree it is necessary), try putting slipper elm (inner bark) powder in liquid or food for just about every meal. I have some of what you have and I am surprised about how necessary and useful this step is in moving any hard stool.
Does slipper elm cause extremely loose stools?
I tried 321 yesterday and find the legs too tight. They are cut more like a regular pair of briefs with French cut legs like my regular briefs, but the elastic is not covered and binds. I am not overweight. My rectum is not out all the time, unless I strain or have a lot of stool backed up. Which is good. At times I have felt I had it figured out but then I get constipated and here we go again. I am going to keep trying to fix it with the right garments, Kegals and pelvic floor exercises, but the best I will probably do is control it, which would be acceptable. I have no desire for surgery. This is a complicated surgery with a lot of moving parts. I have had 3 surgeries for vaginal vault prolapse and now I also have a rectocele although I no longer have a bulge. That is with using hormone patches and vag creme. The problem is constipation caused it and I still have it so the surgery fails every time. So I would get the boy cut briefs and if you are heavy set talk to them about going up a size. I may do that with the other style, go up a size. Also, as I said, it is not always bothering me and when it isn't an immediate problem, I like to wear some tight shorts made by Marena. I wore them all the time until it got bad. The people at Underworks are really good. Good luck. Let me know if you try them.
It sounds like you have a mild case at this time. Think carefully about having this surgery. Read the posts of those who have had it. I have had 3 surgeries for vaginal vault prolapse caused mostly from constipation. The same constipation that caused it creates surgical failure. I finally no longer have this bulge but now have a rectocele, which isn't causing too much of a problem overall. At least with vaginal vault prolapse, there are no moving parts if you are done having children and can still have sex. The vagina doesn't do much after birthing. This is not the case with the rectum, which we still need for evacuation. Nerves are involved and can be damaged. About a year ago, a rectal prolapse, which wasn't too bad got very bad after a bout with food poisoning and another case of stomach flu caused diarrhea. As long as I don't let myself get constipated I'm OK, although I wear tight shorts over my regular underwear with a pantie liner or a sanitary pad. I bought these shorts from a company called Marena. They are expensive, but worth it. I recently found a company called Underworks. They make underpants for vaginal vault prolapse but I find when the rectal prolapse is acting up because of trouble evacuating which creates a large bulge. they work very well. I bought 2 types of pants, a French cut brief and a boy cut/boxer style brief. I'm not overweight, but I find the regular brief is binding my legs (I may try the next larger size) but the boxer style #523 is working very well. They come in different colors and I like black. These are well priced compare to competitive products and I am going to get more pairs. They are made in America, which I also like. Surgery is not a cure all and from what I have read from people who have had it can cause a real nightmare. It would be a last resort for me. I have prayed for a solution and these pants may be it. I am also working on the constipation (still) and finally willing to give up cheese, which is one of my favorite foods. I have been taking 1 tablespoon of Metamucil with 8 ounces or more water every day and doing Kegals and exercises to improve the tone of the pelvic floor. This may be helping. I wish every woman on this board knew about the Underworks product. If you go to a surgeon you are going to get surgery and in this case I think you are taking a big risk. I hope and pray I can avoid it.
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1 ReactionNot for me, marysue5. It just softens the stool so it passes more easily,
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1 ReactionHow can you know if you have pr. Or hemmroid
Stool can lodge is a prolapsed rectum as it is stretched out, often forming a pocket. I never (knowingly) had it protrude from the rectum.
The way to tell the difference, per Cleveland Clinic:
Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in the anal canal and around the rectum. Symptoms include bleeding, itching, pain, swelling, and bulging veins.
Rectal prolapse
A condition where the rectum slips down into the anus. Symptoms include bleeding, a bulge outside the anus, itching, and the feeling of sitting on a ball.
Here are some other differences between hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse:
Location
Hemorrhoids are located near the anal opening, while rectal prolapse involves a higher segment of the bowel.
Causes
Rectal prolapse is caused by weakened muscles that hold the rectum in place.
Treatment
Hemorrhoids can be treated to help patients feel more comfortable and avoid complications. Rectal prolapse usually requires surgery to fix.
Progression
Rectal prolapse tends to develop gradually, starting with the prolapse coming out after a bowel movement and then returning to its normal position.
Because neither condition has specific symptoms, it's important to see a medical specialist for a diagnosis. A doctor may perform a physical exam and request additional tests, such as an x-ray or anorectal manometry.
I had this surgery 3 days after my 70th birthday. Recovery was not pleasant but eventually I felt really well. I'd do it again if it was needed.
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