Also had episiotomy repair also...not healed at 3 months

Hi,
This is my first post. I am 3 months post op and still not healed. The hysterectomy and cystocele repair went fine but I also had an episiotomy repair (I am 54 and my children are all grown). Maybe because I was post menopausal and not on HRT I am just not healing well. I had to have silver nitrate on some open areas (called it granulation). Anyone else have "extra" surgery and how long did it take to heal?
Thanks.

Hi Peachy, I am 57 and I had "extra" as well. I had a posterior repair that extended into the perinium, and the suture line had a small fold in in (a mistake) which turned into a shelf of skin that was constantly irritated and prevented intercourse (it would tear and bleed and was very painful). I have had a couple of surgical proceedures to correct this (last one was 6 weeks ago) and am waiting to get clearance for intercourse.

What I have learned at this site is that everyone heals differently, and that healing takes time.

Granulation seems to be a fairly typical post op event, and the silver nitrate treatment is standard, and it works. Some women need more than one treatment to remove all the granulated tissue (I had three) but eventually that will heal.

Hormone status is certainly a factor in healing and in everything else. Does your Dr. have you on any hormones at all? I had already finished menopause (at 51) when I had my VH (for a prolapse and rectocyle), so I didn't need hormones for hot flashes, but I am using Vagifem for vaginal estrogen replacement. It is a suppository that is extremely easy to use and it provides a very small dose of local estrogen, and it improves circulation to the vaginal tissues (important for healing).

You've certainly come to the right site, I have to say that I have learned so much here, and there is always someone who has experience with whatever question I have. Remember to ask your Dr. ALL of your questions, none are too silly, that is what you pay them for. Good luck to you. Mindy

Thank you Mindy for your reply. The doctor does have me on vagifem and I am hoping that this helps with any further exams and also intercourse. Sorry to hear that you needed further surgery but I am glad that they were able to fix that for you.