Recovery Update - 5 Days Post Prolapse Repair Surgery & Vaginal Hysterectomy

In this video chronicling my pelvic organ prolapse repair recovery, I discuss several minor complications I experienced (hemhorroids, UTI, stitch pain, etc), frustrations with various aspects of my recovery (suprapubic catheter and vaginal packing), and things that were surprises about my surgery.
***The links below are affiliate links. If you purchase products using them, I may receive a small commission.
AMAZON LINK TO MY FAVORITE LEGGINGS: I recommend the “plus size” for anyone larger than a size 4. They’re much more stretchy and comfortable.
amzn.to/3EwErCj
PERI BOTTLE:
a.co/d/80I0KvV
PITCHER FOR DRAINING SUPRAPUBIC CATHETER:
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LINK TO THE TRAY TABLE I USED:
amzn.to/3ydEA9M
WATER BOTTLE/CUP/TUMBLER WITH STRAW:
a.co/d/eY32AGX
LINK TO MY FAVORITE COTTON ROBE (with the perfect quick-drying tie for showers):
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LINK TO MY FAVORITE FEMININE PADS (work great for urine or blood):
amzn.to/3UY4AQ7
LINK TO TUCKS PADS:
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LINK TO STOOL SOFTENER:
a.co/d/dt0ESZV
LINK TO SHOWER HEAD I BOUGHT:
amzn.to/3M3XchT
LOW CARB/HIGH FIBER RECOVERY SNACKS:
a.co/d/07AxT1C (FRUIT BARS)
a.co/d/07AxT1C (TURKEY STICKS)
a.co/d/gg4djj8 (CHOCOLATE FIBER THINS)
a.co/d/bJfLLAW (CHICKPEA SNACKS)
a.co/d/63umcll (POP CHIPS)
a.co/d/iTKeXEk (SMOOTHIE POUCHES)

[@makw29]

I had the same surgery. I had none of these issues, thank goodness.

[@personalprolapsestory]

You may have had similar repairs, but likely done in a different way. Perhaps with lots of mesh, rather than native tissue repair. Most of my complications were related to my suprapubic catheter, which isnt necessary without a TVT sling. All surgeries are done differently. Mine were done in the most effective way for long term and natural results.

[@KatieJoMikell]

Thank you for sharing this because I’m having surgery in two weeks and I don’t know what to expect I heard recovery is just supposed to be awful! 😳🥵

[@OnlyNaturally]

I'm 6 days post surgery and NO ONE tells you about a LOT of things! "Pisses" me off that I have to find out all of this from KZbin videos, but glad people are sharing that I'm not the only one!

[@saronpetros4553]

Oh it’s definitely totally worth it. I’m on day 5 post op and all I can say is that your videos keep me going. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@cathymurphy6065]

Thank you so much on your journey from prolapse surgery and hysterectomy. At almost 2 weeks since surgery I suffering with a the reality of the pain and full 6 six week recovery-plus. I agree we have gone into this blindly and I wouldn't wish this on my worse enemy. So I have found very helpful information on my recovery. I feel like I have a best friend I can relate to this same experience. There needs to be a support group for women who goes through this surgery so I feel your videos are so helpful. Love your honesty and I will follow you for the remainder of my recovery.

[@cristy1rocha]

I’m a little over 2 wks post op and I feel the pain is even worse now. My pelvic is still sore, the pressure when I stand is no joke. Trying to have a bowl movement is extremely painful, I’ve tried EVERYTHING, all the doctor said was to walk more, continue taking what I’m taking and if the pain gets worse go to the ER. I wish I wouldn’t have done the bladder sling procedure with my hysterectomy. We definitely go into this procedure blindly and the doctors don’t share much about the pain and healing journey. All they say is you will feel better after 2 wks, LIES! I feel worse! I’m definitely glad I’m no longer having the major gas pains but I still feel a lot of pain when trying to have a bowl movement.

[@Fabiolaalvarez159]

Wow i am so glad i Have 2 Amazing doctors! I am 5days in and no cath needed. I got a book of info and what to except. Experience depends on your doctors!

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi. I’m glad you like your doctor, but your experience is not just based on that. It’s based on HOW the procedures were done.. and frankly, if they were done right. The correct type of incontinence sling requires a catheter. The only way a catheter is not required is if they simply sling your entire bladder up, which is not a healthy or long term fix. A cath is also not required for a hysterectomy or vaginal repair; Only a urethral sling. Every woman’s experience is different, but I want to be clear that needing a cath IS THE CORRECT way to treat what I needed fixed.

[@moniquestrahan2477]

Thank you sooo much. Your updates are putting my mind at ease. As I waiting for my mri then surgery.

[@JeepGirl941]

Thank you! Very helpful video! On Day 5 now. Went into it blind. Did not have hysterectomy part. Can barely handle Prolapse surgery. Ugh!

[@enjoycamping7507]

Yes it’s totally worth it! You are helping me! Thank You, for your honesty! 😊😊😊

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi! I am so glad you’re finding my content helpful! I searched high and low when I was headed for surgery, and would have loved info like this. Reach out at at the email address on my main channel page if you have any specific questions. Good luck!

[@vickiemarie5314]

Thank you so much now I see this is a year old. I wonder how you’re doing now? You’re really making me think twice about having his surgery. I’ve been following you so far and I’m starting pelvic physical therapy tomorrow. I’m praying to God that that helps cause I don’t wanna go through what you’re going through but I’m going to keep watching your movies thank you young lady. I hope all is well with you now.

[@mikiahaywood2186]

I’m really appreciating this info. I have been researching for awhile and could not find anything like this. Thanks again my surgery next week I’m so nervous

[@KatieJoMikell]

How are you feeling? How was your recovery and do you recommend anything that I should buy for recovery? I’m having surgery in two weeks and I’m so scared!

[@phyllisclifton3919]

I will be having be having a complete hysterectomy and a 2/4 rectocele repair. My doctor is an urogynocologist. He emphasized more than one time of how painful recovery is. He didn’t say uncomfortable, he said PAINFUL. I appreciate your honesty. But I might have to think about b**ch slapping that nurse!

[@KatieJoMikell]

How are you feeling? How was your recovery do you recommend anything that I should get I’m having surgery in two weeks I’m so scared!

[@moniquestrahan2477]

😂right.. that’s all normal.😢

[@KatieJoMikell]

Yep you are correct I had the surgery three weeks ago yesterday and I’m still in freaking pain this is the most painful pain I’ve ever had in my life. For the first 12 days after surgery I needed strong pain medication every two hours until day 13 I took a turn so it wasn’t as bad but still pretty freaking painful!

[@Godlovesthiscutegirl]

I so appreciate your videos.

[@michellefullmer2596]

Dakin's Solution on the packing

[@journeygirl321]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I had a hysterectomy had no problems at least so far

[@personalprolapsestory]

I had much more than a hysterectomy. The hysterectomy portion of my surgery was a cake walk. It was the pelvic reconstruction, vaginal repair, perineal repair, and sacrocolpopexy that was so painful. I’m glad your recovery was smooth! That’s how a hysterectomy should be!

[@erikaramos3006]

Thank you this help me a lot I just got my surgery yesterday july16 2024 and I have to take the packing in 24 I’m so much pain like you say every day is a new pain omg thank you when you said it hurts I cried cause how I’m going to take it out omg 😢😅

[@personalprolapsestory]

Removing packing is not that bad!! It is strange for sure, and there is pressure, but the relief after is so worth it.

[@carlamarquette822]

Why do you have to take out the packing they should!!

[@audreystarr6166]

How can these people possibly obtain INFORMED consent if they never fully inform you???

[@trudyduggins7253]

Omg my packing was took out before leaving hospital, this is so wrong, but it must be different in the UK❤

[@KatieJoMikell]

How was your recovery and do you recommend anything that I should buy for recovery? I’m having surgery in two weeks and I’m so scared!

[@ellenjohansen5254]

Mine too. I had hysterectomy, bladder prolapse and rectal prolapse all done vaginally and it was such an easy recovery I couldn't believe it. And a catheter?

[@leahfranks5920]

This is so reassuring to me, Im due rectocele surgery in 3 weeks - from the uk! Any tips would be appreciated ❤​@ellenjohansen5254

[@trudyduggins7253]

Hope everything goes ok, just be careful about lifting, I was told nothing heavier than my hand bag and don't fill the kettle to full, which hospital are you going in, and I wish you all the best ♥️

[@leahfranks5920]

@@trudyduggins7253 hi! Thank you for responding! After care? What do you think i should pack in my hospital bag? Similar to vaginal birth stuff? Sorry for the questions ❤️

[@ireneflaxman9373]

I had two days with Catheter, they removed it and I wasn't weeing enough...so they put "another" in my already swollen euretha, very very painful. Had it removed 5 days later, will find out Tuesday if I am in retention with my urine.!!!😢

[@brendagibson9492]

Got my catheter out the next day

[@personalprolapsestory]

Then that wasn’t a suprapubic. I got my foley out the next day also. SPCs stay in for 10 days.

[@susanandres9278]

@@personalprolapsestory i got my foley out on day 2

[@carlamarquette822]

Omg why do you need a catheter? How long do you need that???

[@ellenjohansen5254]

Why on earth did you have packing days after your surgery! Mine was taken out at the hospital before they released me. This was the easiest recovery Ive ever had with a surgery.

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi! My questions and misconceptions video helps explain that… and other questions I’ve received.

[@caty603]

I’m surprised that tube doesn’t have a clip on it.

[@KatieRohlfing]

There’s “packing”?? I just had a vaginal hysterectomy 5 days ago and no one mentioned packing

[@personalprolapsestory]

My packing was because of my prolapse repair. Not my hysterectomy.

[@wendysproule4817]

I dont understand why you still have packing on day 5. Mine was removed on day 2

[@personalprolapsestory]

Every woman’s procedure is very different, but the reason I had packing for 5 to 7 days was because I had a complete reconstruction of my vaginal wall and a sacrocolpopexy. They needed to ensure that all of the stitching done to the walls of my vagina was able to heal properly without the sides adhering to one another. Mesh is sometimes used during hysterectomies or other vaginal procedures, but if there is not a reconstruction of the vaginal wall, it is removed within 24 hours or so.

[@michellepernula872]

I'm scared to even go to a doctor after watching you and another two ladies. None of you have anything but brutal honest things to share. I wish females were taught all this stuff early. I wouldn't have had children.

[@personalprolapsestory]

Hi! I’d check out my most recent videos (2 years post surgery). The surgery is totally worth it, but the recovery is no fun! Then again, most women don’t have ALL of the things done that I did. For most it’s not this bad! Also… I wouldn’t trade my kids for anything!!!

[@KatieJoMikell]

I have a friend that never had children and she needs to have this surgery!

[@Lorrainecats]

​@@KatieJoMikellI've never had kids either and was surprised to learn that I had a uterine prolapse.

[@KatieJoMikell]

@@Lorrainecats IKR! It can happen to anyone with a uterus 🙃

[@hyacinthh6900]

I'm still trying to get my courage up to simply go to the first gyn appointment for my prolapse. Been over a year and a half now. I push 'it all' back in there several times a day. No idea if I'm helping or hurting my situation. Never ever leaves my thoughts.

[@dinapalkowski8146]

Did you have a bladder test before surgery?

[@personalprolapsestory]

Yes. I was required to have a URODYNAMICS test. See my “how to choose a surgeon” video for more on that.

[@dinapalkowski8146]

Did you get a mesh? What kind?

[@personalprolapsestory]

Mine is actually TVT (trans vaginal tape). Much smaller. Much thinner. Designed to kind of “meld” with your own tissue over time. This is the preferred/safest method of treating urinary incontinence… but, it does require a suprapubic catheter during recovery in most cases. So, the recovery is a bit more difficulty, but the long term safety and results are preferable.

[@carlamarquette822]

A No that shouldn’t happen you go there or something