Nerve damage after prolapse repair
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi Ladies,
I am just past 8 weeks post op and had visit with surgeon the other day. I have had significantly more pain on left side of my vagina since early recovery....basically since healing got underway and I could differentiate areas that felt worse, as opposed to whole area being scary and painful to me. I've mentioned in other posts that this surgeon and doctors that work with him have not thought much of the pain I experience. At my 8 week post op visit, the Boss, lol, (surgeon in charge) did not even plan to examine me, but rather have another doctor (I'm sure qualified) do it instead. It is a training hospital (Yale University) so I do understand. However, the examining physician saw nothing wrong and therefore, was in no way concerned about my pain. The Boss did come in to take a quick look. He poked around and asked where I felt the pain. Then said that it was were one of incisions was made and that possibly a nerve was damaged. He wasn't concerned and said it would simply take longer to resolve.
Since I'm also feeling a burning around my vaginal opening, (which first doctor who examined me could not understand), Boss prescribed a topical ointment - Fluocinonide. Wondering if anyone has experience or knowledge of such treatment.
This surgeon also cleared me to do any and everything other than lift "very heavy weights in the gym". I was very surprised since I made it very clear that I have major concerns about the pain and pressure I still experience. Before he left room, I remebered to ask about physical therapy, since I know I'd need referral for insurance purpose. He repied, "Oh yes, I'm glad you mentioned that, I always think it's a good idea". So he cleared me to resume all activity, even though I still have pain that prohibits me from resuming my normal life.
I wonder if the pain I feel, not the vaginal opeining area which is separate, might be nerve damage?? I simply have no idea. I worried since there is next to nothing to read about it. I just know that i have pain and, although the suregeon cleared me, I cannot resume my normal activity.
1 like, 4 replies
Jan999 debrar
Posted
Nerve damage is fairly common and I know I've mentioned this before on this forum. We have thousands of nerve endings so it's normal for there to be some damage. The nerves repair in time so try not to worry. The cream you've been prescribed is usually prescribed in the UK for eczema I think.
debrar Jan999
Posted
yes Matron, I read that it is prescribed for that. My Gyno gave me samples of Estrace cream just two weeks post op, but I did not use since the surgeon's office did not want anything used in vagina. This fluocinonide seems much more benign.
Jan999 debrar
Posted
Tats49 debrar
Posted
Hi, I experienced similar burning approx 1 week after my op in Feb.2016! I phoned the hospital and was advised to get some Witch Hazel, keep it in the fridge, and dab the affected parts several times a day. It didn't work. A further call to hospital...and a solution that worked! Salt baths 2/3 times a day. I was assured that although baths aren't recommended till after 6 weeks this would be ok. Here are instructions I followed:
A cup of salt poured under hot water to dissolve, then topped up with cold water till lukewarm. Enough water needed to cover " lower regions" when sitting in bath!
Sit in water 10 mins, then stand up and use shower head to rinse vaginal area.
Pat dry and use a hairdryer at gentle heat to fully dry area.
Lie on an old towel on top of bed to let air circulate around the area for as long as you like!
I always let my babies be nappy free after changing and they never had nappy rash, so maybe the same principle!
Now, as for taking up activities, PLEASE take your time. Post op advice for me was far too vague. I learnt far more from this great forum, but unfortunately too late. My op, for hysterectomy and anterior and posterior repairs lasted 5 months. I felt absolutely no internal pain after op so can only assume I did too much too soon. Should add here that it's the posterior repair that has prolapsed again. In N. Ireland, where I live, there is a minimum 52 week wait to see a consultant. I haven't dared ask how long after that for an operation. Just wish I'd known more about looking after myself at the time. Good luck, and take care.