QuestionHi. I had an anterior and posterior repair to the vagina 2 weeks ago for a rectocele and cystocele. My question is a few days ago I sneezed several times and it hurt! Could I have damaged the surgery? Or is this pain just normal for the recovery? Thanks
AnswerHi Becky: I wouldn't worry too much about your sneezes. These repairs are generally pretty "sturdy" and able to withstand the occasional sneeze, cough (such as they have you do in the hospital following general anesthesia), or even a vomiting episode or two! I would be concerned only if you were sneezing/coughing repeatedly on a regular basis; that could compromise your repair. If allergies are a problem for you, treat those seriously.
And yes, the pain is completely normal and you can expect that to continue to plague for some weeks yet, unfortunately. Any stress "pulls" against the sutures and this DOES hurt.
Be diligent about keeping bowel movements as soft and easy to pass as possible. My personal fav for discomfort following that particular repair -- Dermoplast spray. It's an anesthetic spray that can be found in the first-aid section of any drugstore, is completely safe, and will numb the area up quite well.
Best of luck to you -- take good care!
Warm regards,
Cat
