NEW MEMBER_ Recent Vestibulectomy

Hello,

I am new to this and I wanted to know if anyone can tell me what to except over the next few weeks.

I had surgery on 9/11 and it has been about six weeks since my surgery. I had a post-op appointment on 10/7( 4-week mark).

He stated that I was healing very well! And that I should not stress every little pain or sensation at that point because it is too early to determine anything. That is a lot easier said than done.

Recently, I have been experiencing a low-grade burning sensation(over the last week) and I'm afraid that this is yet another failed treatment. Is this normal after surgery? Is this a sign of healing? I also still have stitches in some areas( I have dissolveable stitches) .

This is the most stressful thing ever.. recent grad, no job and stitches in my vagina. Oh the joy!

Hi Ashley,

I had a full vestibulectomy about 5 years ago. From what you're saying, it seems like you're doing just fine! Don't let the little pains and burns here and there discourage you. As your doctor said, it's too soon to tell. Just keep doing everything the doctor tells you. The low-grade burning is normal - I had that too! I also started to feel very itchy soon after that. That's just your surgery healing. Trust me, you're ok!

Have you been taking sitz baths? If not, they're very soothing - easier than trying to lower yourself into a tub! I did them about 3-4 times a day to keep it clean and sooth the area. Also, rest as much as possible! Just take it easy! Let your body heal!

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have!

-Jen

That's what people keep saying.. I am currently in week 7 . Sadly, at this point I have no clue how to relax. I just keep picturing myself alone for the rest of my life with a defective vagina.

Question: I thought you were just about fully healed at 6 weeks? I guess I am freaking out because the pain is in the area I had the most trouble..

Ashley,

I felt the same way, but TRUST ME, you're on the right track! Keep resting and taking it easy - it's key to your recovery. Don't exercise or do anything too strenuous.

The healing period after surgery is usually about 2 months - meaning you can start going back to normal activities with caution. Your stitches should be gone by then and you should be able to wear regular clothes again, so on and so forth. It can take up to 8 months to a year from surgery to be fully healed. It just depends on the rate your body heals. It's worth the wait TRUST ME.

Don't lose trust in your body. It will heal! You can't make any conclusions until your body is done healing. You won't be alone forever! I felt the same way. I had set backs at first. Now I have a new guy and we have sex on the regular and it doesn't even hurt. Just wait it out!

-Jen

Thanks for replying Jen!

I will TRY my best to kind of relax. It's just stressful when you looking for a job and about to run out of insurance (because I turn 26 in December). I am concerned that the surgery will fail and I won't have a job/insurance (though I have been interviewing a lot) to pay for doctors visits and the costly medications.
Ugh, I just want to get back to normal. I used to be pretty fun lol. I don't know if I will ever see that fun girl again. Plus, when you have a condition like this maintaining friendships can be hard. Mainly, because they don't understand and are just happy that their vagina is not burning or in pain.
Welp, I TRY my best to ignore this burning and pain area.. And stop looking at it in the mirror. I am guiltily of looking at my vagina as soon as I got out of surgery. Crazy I know. lol . I could not help myself. November 17th ( 10 week mark) is my next appt and I hope all of these strange sensations will be gone..

I hope this is coming to a end because I am pretty hopeless at this point. Congrats on being pain free for FIVE YEARS.