Post-vestibulectomy (partial) recovery- going back to work?

Hi,

I have a partial vestibulectomy and hymenectomy scheduled for Monday. My doctor has said that I will need about a week to recover, but I haven't seen anything less than two weeks on Internet forums, and I've seen one comment that said you shouldn't go back to work before six weeks!

I know that some of the comments have been for full vestibulectomies; if you've had a partial, how long was it before you went back to work? I've seen people say that doing too much too soon can make the surgery less likely to work, so don't want to get it wrong, but have to try to convince my Dr, so wanted to know what people's experiences are of recovery from partial...?

Thank you!

Hi! I don't really have much to add in terms of your questions but I have suffered from Vulvodynia from the age of 15 and I'm now 21. I'm looking into getting surgery and I was wondering which is the doc / hospital you are hoping to get the surgery from?

Thanks, Sarah

Hi Sarah, I saw Dr Hutchon at Solihull Hospital. As far as I understood I was her first vestibulodynia vestibulectomy. Surgery and recovery were fine, and the area she operated on massively improved.

My pain was all primary provoked. I still have a lot of pain in other surrounding areas of the vestibule that weren't removed.

I would also recommend the Face book group 'vestibulectomy surgery and vestibulodynia support group'. If you look through the historical posts ppl also recommend Dr Gabrielle Downey in bham.

Hi Gill,

Thank you for your very speedy response. I have found the one in Birmingham you suggested, she seems to be very experienced. Was your surgery on the NHS? How did your surgery go as I know you had it in January? I have unprovoked vulvodynia as it just burns constantly, do you think she would be likely to operate on me?

Thanks

Hi, I haven't seen her, and as mine is provoked I don't know whether surgery is a viable option for unprovoked, sorry. I just know that provoked is ideal.

My surgery was on the NHS. It was partial, 3pm to 9pm on the clock face. Surgery was smooth. Done in the morning, over by mid morning, went home the next morning (some ppl go home the same day), recovery for 2 weeks at home. The pain was never as bad as it was from vv! It just got itchy when the skin started to knit together between days 4-11ish. There's a lot of advice about how to deal w surgery on the Fb page I mentioned.

Spoke to dr recently and she said I'll need to wait a few more months before we know completely how well it's worked, but I have had massive improvement in the area that was removed. The tissue on either side (1-3pm and 9-10pm) is still a serious problem but not as bad as the tissue that was removed, and the surgeon said this can happen in the short-medium term with vaginal tissue. She said there may be further improvements over the next few months.

I truly hope you make a full recovery x

Thank you. Same to you!

Hi there,

I am having surgery in about 2 months by Dr Gabrielle Downey. I originally saw her privately but my operation will be on the NHS (You don't have to initially see her privately, I was just tired of waiting). I haven't had the surgery yet but she is brilliant and very knowledgeable. She assured me that she has an 80% success rate of being totally cured; the worst she said would be that my pain would just remain the same.

I'm hoping it all goes well! And I would definitely recommend her!

Hiya! I have requested an appointment with her! How long did it take for your first appointment to now? Also do you have provoked or unprovoked vulvodynia if you don't mind me asking? I hope your surgery goes well and that you get the results you want.

Hi girls! Such promising news of an experienced surgeon in England. Infinitelywondering, how much was the private appointment? I think I want to go down this route too. I've literally been waiting years and im sick of it now. After your private appointment did she suggest that you then go public for the operation? Also are you girls from Birmingham? My gp told me she couldn't refer me to anyone outside London on the nhs (i live in London) but I feel like she's wrong. I want the surgery so bad, i have provoked pain during sex.

Thanks gals xxx

Hiya Kezz. I rung up the BMI hospital yesterday where the expert consultant is supposed to be at. It costs £180 for an initial consultation and I've had to wait around 2 and a half weeks (so still not that fab). It is a load of bollocks that your GP can't refer you to anybody outside of London. Demand it. Not sure how long you will be waiting for though - perhaps ask for an urgent referral or if you can afford it see her privately. I'm from Manchester and will be travelling down specially to see her. I will probably be going on the NHS for any procedures after that as it will cost thousands -- again each to their own though and depends what treatment she offers you. If you need any more info or help or advice PM me and I'll be happy to help xx She will definitely be able to help you for your provoked pain.