Bladder Infections and vaginal pain

I had my vaginal hysterectomy June 8, 2006 - six months ago now. I have had recurrent bladder infections since the surgery despite all the usual precautions. Also I have had pain both in the left side of the vaginal wall and in the perineal area. The surgeon burned off hyper-granulation tissue twice, but says there is no more tissue to burn off, but the pain persists especially with sexual intercourse. I have also had an aching along the left side internally and in the inguinal area. The surgeon is perplexed and says that it is a rare scenario, most patients have no pain and he can't figure it out.
I just want to know how many others have similar symptoms of pain and recurrent bladder infections. Am I that different or is he just out of touch with that kind of result from the surgery. I have even had some difficulty convincing him that I am feeling as sick as I have been with the bladder infections because the last two urine tests initially came back with a result of multiple organisms growing which they assumed were contaminated samples.
I took my husband along to my last doctor's visit to give me "back-up" and he seemed to take it a little more seriously this time. I am now on some significant antibiotics to try to finally kill the bacterial infection and after a couple of days on it am feeling more human again with some energy - hard to function at this time of year, with all that the Christmas season requires, with no energy and on the edge of a fever all the time!
The doctor has prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication for the vaginal and inguinal pain. I wonder if it is a solution to the problem or covering up the reason for it? The symptoms must be coming for a reason, right? Perhaps it is only inflammation, but from what source, six months later.
I am thoroughly frustrated, especially since the surgeon is so perplexed and makes me think that I am so unusual in my presentation of symptoms. How many other women have similar symptoms?

I had lots of problems with stitches which refused to dissolve and got a bad infection which spread to the bladder.My gyn put it down to dryness due to low oestrogen in the tissues and vaginal lining and prescribed vaginal oestrogen cream, which cleared it up.It is healing, but very slowly.I am now nearly 10 months post rectocele repair.It might be worth asking your surgeon what he thinks about trying vaginal oestrogen?

You could check to see if you have Interstitial Cystitis.

I am already using vaginal estrogen cream - was using it before my hysterectomy. I am currently on new antibiotics and the bladder infection symptoms are clearing up - you don't realize how sick you are until you start to feel better! The vaginal pain may be a separate issue because I haven't had long enough on the meds to know for sure - I suspect that it is completely separate and co-incidental. Any other ideas?

Oh I can't even imagine the pain and discomfort you are in. I have never in my life had a bladder or urinary tract infection....until now. I didn't even know what it was at first. Until I felt like I had to pee every few minutes. I am known for my industrial size and strength bladder. I called immediately on Friday. I am feeling much better today. Amazingly. I read the symptoms as it can progress and I feel so badly that you are in so much pain. They have to get a handle on the infection. I hope they are on the right path. Why do we have to have a man with us for the doc to take us seriously? So pathetic. Hugs to you, hope it gets better soon.

Thanks for the support; I appreciate it. I am thinking of asking for a referral to a female physician. I think a female might be more sympathetic of the situation. I sort of think that if a male doctor had to endure similar symptoms as I have been going through he would be pretty quick to prescribe meds or to investigate it more thoroughly! He would know what it felt like then. A female at least has some idea what it feels like, I hope. I know there are no guarantees, but the chances are better. With the state of medical services where I live, it is often hard to find a physician let alone get one you really like. I am hoping I can get to the bottom of it all soon.