Hi Rosemary. I just turned 48. I had the robotic sacrocolpopexy three years ago, along with a partial hysterectomy. I was able to keep my cervix and ovaries. I too had apprehensions about the mesh. My mom had a terrible experience and had to have the mesh removed and lost a third of her bladder. I ask my doctor about it, and he showed me the mesh they use today. It is a far better product than what was used on my mom 40 years ago. He did tell me that it is important to use vaginal estrogen cream once I hit menopause in order to keep the tissue around the mesh healthy. As far as bladder control, I didn't have any issues with that, but was tested prior to surgery to see if I would need it once the prolapse was corrected. If I had needed it, he would have been able to do that repair at the same time. Over all, my quality of life has been far better. I do second the advice to find a good Urogynecologist who specializes in this field. Recovery does take a bit, and you may have some nerve issues (loss of feeling) for a bit. But, ultimately the decision I had to make was, do you want to continue living like this? I didn't. And I don't regret the surgery. I can't imagine living the rest of my life the way it was. Praying you find some peace and clarity on your decision.
Thank you so much for taking the time to tell of your experience. It makes such a difference to hear positive things about women who have been through this experience. Glad all went well for you. Our mothers definitely did not have it as good. Mine had to do surgery twice as her first surgery failed. At least she didn't have to have mesh removed. How awful for your mom! Hope she did well after that experience.
In reply to baxtersmom and rosemary77: Thanks to all for your discussion about your experiences with considering and then having a sacrocolpopexy. I'm a physically active 69 year old and have been dealing with increasing stages of uterine and bladder prolapse for about 4 years. The pessary didn't work for me. But I've been diligent about getting pelvic physical therapy and doing my exercises daily over the last 3 years. But this spring, my prolapse reached the point where I couldn't do my normal activities (walking every day; gardening; beekeeping; lifting grandchildren) comfortably, especially at the end of the day. My recent visit with my uro-gynecologist ended with her recommendation that I get a sacrocolpopexy. At first I thought getting a hysterectomy as part of this was excessive but my doctor convinced me the results to correct the prolapse would be better. Especially for someone who is physically active. I was worried about the mesh, but it sounds like those issues have subsided with the newer meshes. I'm 15 years past menopause, but am wondering what hormonal changes can I expect after the hysterectomy part of the sacrocolpopexy? I had severe hotflashes (one per hour for 24 hours a day) for several years after menopause. Those have subsided. But could hotflashes come back after this surgery? Other hormonal reactions? Any thoughts from others with recent experiences with sacrocolpopexy? Are people generally still glad they had the operation?
Is anyone axing the same or similar bowel symptoms after surgery for a rectocele as before? I had surgery 4 months ago , at 6 week all seemed well cording t the surgeon, but i am still having defecation problems.
Hi, @letsgo. Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I’m glad you’ve found this community. Thanks for the background on your surgeries and the repairs done. You have some good ideas about offering tips and information from patients who have been there. We have seen that this site and the community here can provide just that, as well.
Had rectocele repair and sacrospinus fixation. Surgery was frankly a piece of cake. Just wondering why my defecation symptoms haven’t improved. Howeve intercourse is better.
Had rectocele repair and sacrospinus fixation. Surgery was frankly a piece of cake. Just wondering why my defecation symptoms haven’t improved. Howeve intercourse is better.
Hi I was wondering did you ever have your surgery? If so how did it go and how do you feel now. I hope it went well I am thinking of having it and am looking to hear of other women's experience with it? My dr.is suggesting to sew up the bladder no mesh
In reply to baxtersmom and rosemary77: Thanks to all for your discussion about your experiences with considering and then having a sacrocolpopexy. I'm a physically active 69 year old and have been dealing with increasing stages of uterine and bladder prolapse for about 4 years. The pessary didn't work for me. But I've been diligent about getting pelvic physical therapy and doing my exercises daily over the last 3 years. But this spring, my prolapse reached the point where I couldn't do my normal activities (walking every day; gardening; beekeeping; lifting grandchildren) comfortably, especially at the end of the day. My recent visit with my uro-gynecologist ended with her recommendation that I get a sacrocolpopexy. At first I thought getting a hysterectomy as part of this was excessive but my doctor convinced me the results to correct the prolapse would be better. Especially for someone who is physically active. I was worried about the mesh, but it sounds like those issues have subsided with the newer meshes. I'm 15 years past menopause, but am wondering what hormonal changes can I expect after the hysterectomy part of the sacrocolpopexy? I had severe hotflashes (one per hour for 24 hours a day) for several years after menopause. Those have subsided. But could hotflashes come back after this surgery? Other hormonal reactions? Any thoughts from others with recent experiences with sacrocolpopexy? Are people generally still glad they had the operation?
In reply to baxtersmom and rosemary77: Thanks to all for your discussion about your experiences with considering and then having a sacrocolpopexy. I'm a physically active 69 year old and have been dealing with increasing stages of uterine and bladder prolapse for about 4 years. The pessary didn't work for me. But I've been diligent about getting pelvic physical therapy and doing my exercises daily over the last 3 years. But this spring, my prolapse reached the point where I couldn't do my normal activities (walking every day; gardening; beekeeping; lifting grandchildren) comfortably, especially at the end of the day. My recent visit with my uro-gynecologist ended with her recommendation that I get a sacrocolpopexy. At first I thought getting a hysterectomy as part of this was excessive but my doctor convinced me the results to correct the prolapse would be better. Especially for someone who is physically active. I was worried about the mesh, but it sounds like those issues have subsided with the newer meshes. I'm 15 years past menopause, but am wondering what hormonal changes can I expect after the hysterectomy part of the sacrocolpopexy? I had severe hotflashes (one per hour for 24 hours a day) for several years after menopause. Those have subsided. But could hotflashes come back after this surgery? Other hormonal reactions? Any thoughts from others with recent experiences with sacrocolpopexy? Are people generally still glad they had the operation?
Had surgery for cystocele and rectocele 2weeks ago. Refused mesh repair after research showed 25 percent mesh damage could occur. Has pigskin graft instead. Anyone else have this done? Amazingly no pain just discomfort
I have had a grade3 rectocele repaired and a sacrospinus fixation about 5 months ago. All went well. There is no real pain. Can No mesh ,( it is banned here in Australia) just stiches. All dissolved so far so good. Complete emptying of bowels is still a bit difficult.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to tell of your experience. It makes such a difference to hear positive things about women who have been through this experience. Glad all went well for you. Our mothers definitely did not have it as good. Mine had to do surgery twice as her first surgery failed. At least she didn't have to have mesh removed. How awful for your mom! Hope she did well after that experience.
In reply to baxtersmom and rosemary77: Thanks to all for your discussion about your experiences with considering and then having a sacrocolpopexy. I'm a physically active 69 year old and have been dealing with increasing stages of uterine and bladder prolapse for about 4 years. The pessary didn't work for me. But I've been diligent about getting pelvic physical therapy and doing my exercises daily over the last 3 years. But this spring, my prolapse reached the point where I couldn't do my normal activities (walking every day; gardening; beekeeping; lifting grandchildren) comfortably, especially at the end of the day. My recent visit with my uro-gynecologist ended with her recommendation that I get a sacrocolpopexy. At first I thought getting a hysterectomy as part of this was excessive but my doctor convinced me the results to correct the prolapse would be better. Especially for someone who is physically active. I was worried about the mesh, but it sounds like those issues have subsided with the newer meshes. I'm 15 years past menopause, but am wondering what hormonal changes can I expect after the hysterectomy part of the sacrocolpopexy? I had severe hotflashes (one per hour for 24 hours a day) for several years after menopause. Those have subsided. But could hotflashes come back after this surgery? Other hormonal reactions? Any thoughts from others with recent experiences with sacrocolpopexy? Are people generally still glad they had the operation?
Is anyone axing the same or similar bowel symptoms after surgery for a rectocele as before? I had surgery 4 months ago , at 6 week all seemed well cording t the surgeon, but i am still having defecation problems.
Had rectocele repair and sacrospinus fixation. Surgery was frankly a piece of cake. Just wondering why my defecation symptoms haven’t improved. Howeve intercourse is better.
BTW I am the same age as you . I have nine children and had a grade 3 rectoele. We don’t se mesh in Australia. It was banned. Cheers.
You don’t need mesh. I have had rectocele repaired and sacrospinus fixation. Mesh is banned in Australia
Yes the operation itself is easy. Can’t see why you would have more hot flushes.
I didn’t have a hysterectomy. They don’t use mesh at all in Australia where I live.
Frankly the surgery for this is very easy. The thought of having this stuff is very frightening, until it’s over.
I have had a grade3 rectocele repaired and a sacrospinus fixation about 5 months ago. All went well. There is no real pain. Can No mesh ,( it is banned here in Australia) just stiches. All dissolved so far so good. Complete emptying of bowels is still a bit difficult.