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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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erin123 | @erin123 | 1 day ago
In reply to @msksue "@erin123 check out Dr. Matthew Schultzel in Southern California/San Diego County. He is really good according..." + (show)
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@erin123 check out Dr. Matthew Schultzel in Southern California/San Diego County. He is really good according to my research and I am having an Altemeier procedure on September 16, 2026. Unfortunately, I am not a candidate for the robotic surgery because of other surgeries I have had. Good luck! MsKsue

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@msksue, it's so kind of you to loop me in! And wonderfully timely, as I just moved to Southern California last month (LA), and have been wondering where to reestablish care. Thank you so very much. 🙂

Do you know whether the Altemeier procedure is a good option for all forms of rectocele, or only the strangulated types that can't retract at all? Mine is internal and goes in the opposite direction from usual (technically, it goes in several directions, but the longest and most problematic bulge goes toward the pubic symphysis). I wonder if that procedure would work well?

I have learned to live with it by splinting aggressively--otherwise the stool just gets stuck and bulges out as big as a roma tomato between the anus and clitoris, where my pelvic body no longer supports it. I can do it, but it twists my spine and I wonder how it will go as I continue to age, especially with hEDS/HSD and severe L5/S1 disc degeneration. I'm in my mid 50s now. I'd welcome anyone's advice about that.

Msksue, I hope your procedure goes well in September and will be sending good energy your way! Will you please let me know how it goes? With all best wishes, - e

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msksue | @msksue | 20 hours ago
In reply to @erin123 "@msksue, it's so kind of you to loop me in! And wonderfully timely, as I just..." + (show)
Profile picture for erin123 @erin123

@msksue, it's so kind of you to loop me in! And wonderfully timely, as I just moved to Southern California last month (LA), and have been wondering where to reestablish care. Thank you so very much. 🙂

Do you know whether the Altemeier procedure is a good option for all forms of rectocele, or only the strangulated types that can't retract at all? Mine is internal and goes in the opposite direction from usual (technically, it goes in several directions, but the longest and most problematic bulge goes toward the pubic symphysis). I wonder if that procedure would work well?

I have learned to live with it by splinting aggressively--otherwise the stool just gets stuck and bulges out as big as a roma tomato between the anus and clitoris, where my pelvic body no longer supports it. I can do it, but it twists my spine and I wonder how it will go as I continue to age, especially with hEDS/HSD and severe L5/S1 disc degeneration. I'm in my mid 50s now. I'd welcome anyone's advice about that.

Msksue, I hope your procedure goes well in September and will be sending good energy your way! Will you please let me know how it goes? With all best wishes, - e

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@erin123 Nice to hear back from you. I have no expertise to answer any of your questions but here is what I believe. Dr. Schultzel resolves more complicated issues than other colorectal surgeons and he is uses the least invasive methods possible. I think it would be well worth your while to get an appointment/examination with him and see what he recommends. Tell him Katherine France recommended him. And, yes, I will let you know how my surgery goes. I am scared to be honest with you. Please stay in touch. Regards, Katherine

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