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Bartholin gland removal feedback

Posted , 8 users are following.

kmarin03
kmarin03

Hello, I'm 30 and have had at least 7 bartholin gland cysts (on both sides). Out of the 7, 6 have turned into horrible abcesses and had to be drained (so, so painful). I've finally been told it's best to just remove these as this is a high amount for someone my age, or anyone for that matter. I'm really nervous though given the pain people have reported during recovery and want to hear some peoples experiences. Also, what is it like living without them?

I know I need to do the procedure as they have even said they'll just keep coming back (it's been 1 to 2 a year the past few years). Any feedback is greatly appreciated. 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Debra900
    Debra900 kmarin03

    Posted

    I have been suffering from these things for the best part of 20 years, I am 49.  Finally - last July - I underwent a marsuipilisation op after being admitted to hospital as an emergency with a cyst that had turned into an abcess and had become so bad that I was on my way to developing blood poisoning.  Nearly all of the cysts that I have had have become infected and, whilst most have burst (with the help of extremely hot baths) this one wouldn't.  This was my second time in hospital for it to be drained, other times I have just put up with the pain and, as I say, burst them with the aid of hot baths/flannels (ouch!).  After the op I was very  "washed out" and tired for about a month (although I do suffer from low blood pressure so that won't have helped), I was bleeding for around a week and a little sore - but didn't need any pain killers at all.  I was completely back to normal after about 6 weeks and, since then, have been cyst free (yay).  I hope that reassures you about the op itself and wish you the very best in getting rid of your cyst and making a speedy recovery. x
    • renee1973
      renee1973 Debra900

      Posted

      Hi Debra900

      So happy to hear your surgery went well.

      I'm scheduled for the marpulazation April 5th

      My cyst is not infected and is on the smaller side like the size of a grape

      I'm so confused as to should I have the procedure marpulazation ? The dr said its my choice. I feel like it's giving me some discomfort. The dr said it shouldn't be and we won't know till after we do the surgery if that's what's bothering me ..

      What should I do ? How bad is the pain from marpulazation? I'm nervous to get general Anastesia.

      Hope to hear back.. They want me to decide by tomorrow 😳

      Renee1973

  • susan48682
    susan48682 kmarin03

    Posted

    I had the entire right-side gland removed.  Not marsupialization - complete removal.  This procedure is simple, but technically complex I think - and due to the location I wanted to go with the very best surgeon.  I recommend getting it done by a urogynecologist or a surgeon who is board certified in  "female pelvic reconstruction."  I had general anesthesa and the surgery was done out-patient.  I took heavy painkillers for one day, but then went down to prescription strength Motrin, then down to OTC Motrin.  I took it easy for a week.  I would recommend no work for one week minimum.  I gradually returned to normal - and felt completely free of any awareness of that area at about the 4 month mark.  It is worth getting these glands out - but it needs to be done by someone who knows what s/he is doing.  
    • Jc523
      Jc523 susan48682

      Posted

      Hi Susan,

      Are you in the US? If sof where abouts I'm 23 and have 4 in 6 months. 1 naural, 1 marsupalization and 1 cut open in the office. I want my gland removed. My doctor told me to go to an oncologist. But I want to go to someone I know hasome a great record with this kind of thing and I can't go around asking people because not many people have had the gland removed before.

    • susan48682
      susan48682 Jc523

      Posted

      Sorry I meant to reply to JC523.  Please see my reply below.

       

    • nina71705
      nina71705 susan48682

      Posted

      Hey Susan, 

      Can you tell me how your recovery is going so far? My dr. wants me to get my gland removed. This is my 4th cyst and I only had catheters twice. I am really scared of the thought of having a surgery there and have read some awful side effects of people who went through it. I would greatly appreciate if you can tell me about your recovery and if you had any sort of side effects; such as loss of sensation or problems with lubricating there. Thank you. 

  • susan48682
    susan48682 kmarin03

    Posted

    An gynelogical oncologist should be able to do this surgery, or refer you to someone.  I am in the US - NY area.
    • Jc523
      Jc523 susan48682

      Posted

      Oh my gosh same. I'm upstate NY. Not to sound weird but can I have the doctors name who did yours? How old are you as well? The reason I'm having such difficulties is because I'm only 23. They don't like to do it till around 40s.
    • susan48682
      susan48682 Jc523

      Posted

      Go to certificationmatters(dot)org and find a board certified urogynecologist or female pelvic reconstruction specialist in upstate NY.

      My surgeon is in Philadelphia.

  • kmarin03
    kmarin03

    Posted

    Thank you for the comments. I think, after 7 cysts/abcesses, I'm going to do the surgery and hope for a speedy non-complicate recovery.
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