I have two little girls aged 4 and 7. Both my girls were born vaginally. My first daughter came sunny side up, was stuck in the birth canal for 3 hours, required an episitomy which turned into a 4th degree tear, and vacuum assistance. After her birth I seemed to heal fine and didn't really have any issues. My second daughter was born a few years later and came much more quickly, but did result in tearing. After her birth, I noticed I became severely constipated. I tried diet changes, exercise and everything else the doctor recommended but it didn't work. In fact, increased fiber made me feel even more backed up. I then started taking laxatives for the first time in my life and have had to take them ever since in order to have any BMs.
I went to a colon doctor and had tests done and they found that I have a rectocele and also required biofeedback therapy to teach my muscles to stop clenching when trying to have a BM, apparently this was from the trauma of childbirth. After biofeedback it helped a little when I actually had to go the bathroom, however, I still require laxatives to go to the bathroom. I had rectocele repair surgery scheduled but canceled it out of fear after talking to other women who had used the vaginal mesh to correct similar problems and heard about all of their complications.
I did some research on my own and came across the j pouch surgery. I had feared I would eventually require a colostomy or would have no choice other than to do the vaginal mesh surgery, but after seeing the j pouch ostomy, I became interested. I know the j pouch can't be a walk in the park, however, compared to having a bag colostomy, having the vaginal mesh surgery or continuing on with my extreme laxative use and only being able to go the bathroom once per week or less, I am considering the j pouch.
Has anyone else gotten the j pouch after being in a situation similar to mine? Are you happy with your decision? Was it difficult to find a surgeon willing to do it?
I appreciate any advice!!
