Vestibulectomy

Hi ladies,

My vestibulectomy operation is scheduled for Wednesday the 2nd August; I'm really scared!
I'm going to post updates throughout the healing process- I keep having second thoughts but I've tried so many different medications that have failed me, this is my last chance. I'm only 17 so I am pretty young for this sort of operation AND I have exams to get into Med School this year - terrible timing!!

I'm super passionate about battling all types of chronic vulval pains such as vulvodynia and I hear it is something not widely recognised amongst medical professionals. My own GP told me that I am completely 'normal' and the pain is merely psychological . It seriously saddens me that people don't understand and are not supporting us....

I know it sounds crazy and idealistic but I have been working my arse off to get good grades so I can get to medical school and kick some ass about chronic vulval pain. It cannot be ignored for much longer

I am lucky that I found Miss Gabrielle Downey, who I have mentioned before; she is a gynaecologist who specialises in this stuff and she is honestly as frustrated as me about it all. She works at BMI hospital in Edgbaston(private) and Birmingham City Hospital (NHS). I really think she is fantastic so if you are suffering and can make it up to Birmingham, I would recommend that you do. If you want to be treated quickly like me, I had a consultation privately for diagnosis and then was referred to NHS for surgery.

I have a very supportive family and a very supportive boyfriend- I won't let this get me down even though it is constantly at the back of my mind. I am excited yet terrified for the surgery and if anyone has any tips to help me, I'd be really grateful!!

Love,
infinitelywondering

Hey man, good luck! That sounds so scary but I'm glad you're working on things, have a great medical team, and the support of your family. It's really hard having this problem when you have goals like med school. I'm trying to get into PT school and sometimes I wonder how I'll do it. Like how am I going to have a career where I have to walk around all of the time. Some days I feel great but others I want to curl up in a ball and not move. Either way, I really hope all goes well. Know that you aren't alone! Maybe you'll end up in the research field after med school and can help all of us ladies out <3

<3 <3 Brave brave lady.

Hi ladies I'm really worried...

I've started having this horrific burning since my vestibulectomy. I had a look and it appears that I must have some sort of infection as on one side my skin is bright red and burning hot shall I contact my GP asap?

X

you probably have a yeast infection or a UTI. contact your gp immediately tomorrow. Nothing to worry about though, they're quite common post surgery xx

Hello,
I hope you contacted your doctor and are feeling better already. Thanks for sharing your story with us
I am sure with this positive attitude of yours you will overcome this pain ans will be a successful dr and will help a lot of women

I hope you contacted your doctor and it's going away. I had a Vestibelctomy recently also and I'm so worried it will get infected. Thanks for sharing your story!

Hi ladies,

Thank you all for your lovely and kind responses.

The burning has calmed down, I'm not entirely sure what it was ? I'm feeling fantastic at the moment, I'm back to driving, my normal life style and going out again- one week after surgery!

I'm still taking things slowly though but I do seem to be healing really nicely. I think for me the thing that has helped lots is bathing in a bidet and recently I've been using salt water to help the wound (I thought that would hurt but it didn't). I've continued using the manuka honey and I'm sure it's working.

I've been off my pain killers for two days now and I feel great. I don't know why I've suddenly started feeling better but I am certainly not complaining ! Who knows if the surgery has worked, but at least for now everything is looking good

Thank you!

X

I am so happy for you!

How are you? X

How is your recovery going ?
I hope it's all okay

I'm doing well! The only pain I have is from healing. I have been taking it easy but I did go to dinner and lunch with my husband. We went shopping and it was nice to get out. But when I overdo it I start to feel it. I'm still walking slow. Still hurts if I sit directly on it. If that makes sense. I sit kinda on one but cheek. But I am so happy I don't have V pain! After 10 yrs of constant pain I am speechless! I stopped the pain meds 4 days ago. It still hurts to wipe when using the bathroom. I'm still taking baths or sitz baths at least 2 to 3 a day. I have no signs of infection but itchiness comes and goes.

Very happy to hear both of you doing better. Keep us posted

Love

That's absolutely brilliant, you're right to keep taking things slow.

I hope this positivity continues for us

Hi guys,

I think I have an infection because I've experienced lots of swelling and yellow-green discharge from the wound....

Shall I contact my GP for antibiotics?

Thank you x

Oh No! Keep us posted.

How is the infection now? X

I've been taking augmentin and had quite bad side effects ! However the infection has cleared up and I feel much better now