1. < Digestive Health

Prolapsed rectum: living with it versus surgery

Posted by ejoy @ejoy, Apr 24, 2023

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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shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | 6 days ago

I'm glad your surgery & recovery went good. My prolapse was from stomach distensions bearing weight. Was this your experience? Or how else you get it?

REPLY
shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | 6 days ago

KY jelly. Retracts prolapse. I said to my GI doc, what did you just do!!? It was gentle & soothing. Then I got some jel for tender bum, they use on babies. Keep baby wipes in bathroom. I used kleenex to push my back in place & I tore skin. Be gentle & take care. There's no way you cannot go on without this surgery. Recovery is easier than dealing w it

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vicscats | @vicscats | 5 days ago
In reply to @researchmaven "Stool can lodge is a prolapsed rectum as it is stretched out, often forming a pocket...." + (show)
@researchmaven

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.

Jump to this post

It sounds like prolapse. Came on rather quickly. Specifically after a fall on my left hip and bum
I’m concerned it could be from my severe lumbar stenosis wreaking havoc with nerve function. I’ve made an appointment
Thank you for your information
Vicki

REPLY
1 reply
shawnkthryn | @shawnkthryn | 1 day ago
In reply to @vicscats "It sounds like prolapse. Came on rather quickly. Specifically after a fall on my left hip..." + (show)
@vicscats

It sounds like prolapse. Came on rather quickly. Specifically after a fall on my left hip and bum
I’m concerned it could be from my severe lumbar stenosis wreaking havoc with nerve function. I’ve made an appointment
Thank you for your information
Vicki

Jump to this post

Vicki, I'm glad you made an appt. I was afraid that my intestines was going to hit the cold toilet water & I'd go into shock. Keep me posted abt what happens w you. Wishing you complete wellness. shawnkthryn

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