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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I just had a rectopexy (surgery for prolapsed rectum) in May. The operation was successful and now the rectum is in place. I still have some problems with constipation and gut motility.
If you are willing to share, I would like to know what symptoms you had daily prior to your surgery that prompted you to consult a colorectal Dr in the beginning. I am so hesitant to get myself involved in all this as I have a redundant & torturous colon as well. Even prepping for a colonoscopy is a major awful experience for me…..every time!
Thank you so much.
@ejoy I'm so sorry to hear that. Do they give any reason why it was not successful? Were you happy with the surgeon and their exerience. I am going for a defaegraphy (sp) this Friday to see what can be done for my rectal prolapse that's causing severe constipation. It seems like an easy fix to pull things up and put them back in place but I guess not. I would love to know if you regret having surgery in the first place, although maybe you didn't have a choice. Thank you!
I had a rectocele repair along with a hysterectomy and repairs (for prolapsed bladder) back in 2012. Seems it "all" fell down after having two babies. I was unaware I had a rectocele and learned when I went in for issues with the prolapsed bladder.
My recovery from the rectocele repair was therefore all mixed together with the hysterectomy and repairs. The one thing I know for sure related to that surgery was that I was terrified to try defecating after it. But I did get through it, at last.
I may have a bit of a rectocele again, but not bad.
@peanutbutterhair - you mentioned you still have some problems with constipation and gut motility after your May surgery. Did you get to ask your surgeon about that? If so, what did he or she say?
@lisalucier i had the constipation problem before my rectopexy. The colorectal surgeon recommended a fiber supplement ,Metamucil, so I will tr y it and see if it helps.
@peanutbutterhair - that's a helpful recommendation to take a fiber supplement. My urogynecologist said the same thing, but that he also takes a daily fiber supplement and recommends it to everyone.
@cc510 Thank you for caring. I did not have any constipation before or while I had my prolapsed rectum. Pooping issues started after the procedure. I eat a plant based diet so fiber is not the issue. I do not want to take any OTC or prescription medication so I am using increased water intake and movement to help the situation.
My doctor was Dr. Laura Altom at UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. I was pleased with her. She fixes using suspension. She rarely does mesh fixes so we agreed to go to someone who has more experience.
I am now seeing Dr Sarah Vogler with Cleveland Clinic Traditions in Port St. Lucie, FL. She feels that I have bladder issue that did not get recognized before fixing the prolapsed rectum.
As far as being glad, I think it was necessary. Having a prolapsed rectum can damage the sphincters in the anus. Damaged sphincters can cause fecal incontinence. And I do NOT want fecal incontinence.
I wish you much luck in your journey. Sending you healing energy. Joy
@anniewee Sure, I can share. I had something that would bulge out when I urinated. And also had a mucous anal discharge when I exercised. I thought I had a hemorrhoid and treated it as such. Nothing helped. The bulge grew larger so I finally went to the doctor. He (Dr Kevin Kasten, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC) said to just live with it. This was the worst advice ever because anal sphincters can be damaged.
I am sorry to hear you have other issues which I know nothing about but I suggest you do tons of research and find the best doctor for the job. Please don’t allow some local yocal do it because of convenience.
I wish you the best in your journey. Sending you healing energy. Joy
@ejoy Thank you so much for replying. I have had a prolapse for 26 years and now it's giving me issues but am so afraid that if I get surgery things may be worse. How did you decide on a gyneurologist versus a colorectal surgeon? Anyway, I wish you complete healing and I hope and pray for you that at some point things are straightened out. I feel like I'm a strong person but when it comes to this, I'm not sure my psyche could handle going through surgery and having it come out worse. Thanks again for replying. I'm heading to Stanford for this defeaography MRI (sp) test on Friday. I guess I will see what comes from that. I've also at least decided to talk to a surgeon and see what they have to say about possible outcomes.
@cc510 Hi there! If I only need prolapse 2nd fix I will be using a colorectal surgeon. If I need my bladder fixed the urogynecologist will be in the operating room too. I would not have one or the other try to fix something not in their specialty.