Just joining this conversation. My colpocleisis surgery is scheduled for Nov 14, 2024... next week. The background is that I was a full-time caregiver to a disabled husband for 10 years. Eventually he was wheelchair bound. This took a toll on my bladder prolapse, all the lifting and supporting a person, plus getting the wheelchair in and out of the car. My bladder has been in my vaginal vault and bulging out for a couple of years but couldn't do anything about it because the surgery required 6 weeks of no lifting or bending, which was impossible as a caregiver. My dear husband passed away early this year. Now I am having the surgery. 68 years old; had a complete hysterectomy more than a decade ago, tried several different pessary devices (they would not stay in), pelvic floor physical therapy (not much help), and while I do not have urinary incontinence, I do have to go frequently, especially at night (for some reason). Surgery is same day (in at 10am, home by 4pm). Will give you an update after next week so others will know what to expect.
SURGERY COMPLETE!! Items of note: Anesthesiologist explained that they wanted total sedation (ie. general anesthesia) so the vagina would not resist the procedure making it harder to complete. Like muscle tightening in reaction to foreign bodies and the scraping & stitching process as they closed my vagina and pushed the bladder up and out of the vault. To get the pelvic area completely relaxed the rest of the body must also, hence the need to be intubated*. Of course I was not awake for any of THAT. Surgeon explained that after the surgery they would stick a camera into my bladder to be sure the urine was dripping from the kidneys/ureter into the bladder in its new position. Walked to the OR pushing an IV pole. A new experience to see the room . The operating table had Velcro braces that looked like they were going to strap me to the table at my midsection. Major league stirrups for my legs, foam donut cushion for my head. Once I lay down they cranked up the IV anesthesia. Woke up in the recovery room a couple of hours later. Walked to the bathroom with assistance where they pulled out the catheter as I sat on the toilet and I immediately started urinating into the "hat" to measure the amount. Called me an overachiever. Ha. Got dressed, slowly, with some assistance. Wheelchair to my ride and then home. Rx for pain, nausea (have not needed), and to activate bowels. After a couple of hours I was hungry again. Went to bed at the usual time, so not totally wiped out. Had an anesthesia headache all night and didn't sleep well. Sore with every movement. Stings to pee. The big unanticipated discomfort was COUGHING and after intubation* I had phlegm in the back of my throat and had to keep clearing my throat to get it up and avoid coughing because that really made it hurt down there! Drinking lots of fluid. They recommended someone spend the first night, just in case there was too much bleeding. Fortunately not. Doctor said stitches will dissolve in 3 - 4 weeks and that will be the weakest point in recovery because healing won't be solid yet, so be really careful then on the lifting and bending. Today - Day 1 Post Op - I am almost too sore to sit down. Just the pressure of sitting, even on a soft pillow. Spent most of the day laying propped up in bed and napping. It's better tonight, and staying ahead of the pain with ibuprofen, XS Tylenol, and half doses of Oxy (which I will stop after this weekend because it scares me). Appetite is fine, headache is gone, throat mostly clear, continued light spotting (have sanitary pads ready), and increased flatulence means the bowels are gearing up. Will give you another update in a couple of days. Let me know if you have any questions.
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SURGERY COMPLETE!! Items of note: Anesthesiologist explained that they wanted total sedation (ie. general anesthesia) so the vagina would not resist the procedure making it harder to complete. Like muscle tightening in reaction to foreign bodies and the scraping & stitching process as they closed my vagina and pushed the bladder up and out of the vault. To get the pelvic area completely relaxed the rest of the body must also, hence the need to be intubated*. Of course I was not awake for any of THAT. Surgeon explained that after the surgery they would stick a camera into my bladder to be sure the urine was dripping from the kidneys/ureter into the bladder in its new position. Walked to the OR pushing an IV pole. A new experience to see the room . The operating table had Velcro braces that looked like they were going to strap me to the table at my midsection. Major league stirrups for my legs, foam donut cushion for my head. Once I lay down they cranked up the IV anesthesia. Woke up in the recovery room a couple of hours later. Walked to the bathroom with assistance where they pulled out the catheter as I sat on the toilet and I immediately started urinating into the "hat" to measure the amount. Called me an overachiever. Ha. Got dressed, slowly, with some assistance. Wheelchair to my ride and then home. Rx for pain, nausea (have not needed), and to activate bowels. After a couple of hours I was hungry again. Went to bed at the usual time, so not totally wiped out. Had an anesthesia headache all night and didn't sleep well. Sore with every movement. Stings to pee. The big unanticipated discomfort was COUGHING and after intubation* I had phlegm in the back of my throat and had to keep clearing my throat to get it up and avoid coughing because that really made it hurt down there! Drinking lots of fluid. They recommended someone spend the first night, just in case there was too much bleeding. Fortunately not. Doctor said stitches will dissolve in 3 - 4 weeks and that will be the weakest point in recovery because healing won't be solid yet, so be really careful then on the lifting and bending. Today - Day 1 Post Op - I am almost too sore to sit down. Just the pressure of sitting, even on a soft pillow. Spent most of the day laying propped up in bed and napping. It's better tonight, and staying ahead of the pain with ibuprofen, XS Tylenol, and half doses of Oxy (which I will stop after this weekend because it scares me). Appetite is fine, headache is gone, throat mostly clear, continued light spotting (have sanitary pads ready), and increased flatulence means the bowels are gearing up. Will give you another update in a couple of days. Let me know if you have any questions.
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3 ReactionsFell better
Get better fast
I do t know if u received my first text
But I am terrified!!!!!! The procedure
Please help when I feel better to respond to me
Ty
Rest easy