Vaginal Pain / Clitoral Atrophy / Dryness (Updated 3/25/09)

Haven't been here in awhile - found this new forum, and thought I'd post something that has bothered me for awhile, and never got a good answer to previously.

I am 1.5 years post-op. I have experienced several unpleasant things since my surgery (although I secretly thank my lucky stars when one of my dear friends describe their period problems).

One of these things is clitoral atrophy. I don't want to be too graphic, but I have noticed not only a change in size, sensation, but a change in color as well. I used to be a nice, plump, healthy-looking rosy color, and now it's almost grayish and noticeably smaller. Anyone else experience this?

I had pretty extensive surgery, and I seem to have pretty severe scarring on the vaginal walls - I have had internal MFR (myofascial release), and the therapist noted the tightness. I have attempted intercourse numerous times since surgery, but never seem to get beyond initial penetration because of the pain. Anyone have success with MFR or other internal PT for this?

I am not on any kind of estrogen for several reasons. I was using compounded estrogen creme, but stopped b/c it didn't seem to do much good. I also have no health insurance, and finances are a real struggle for me now.

Anyway, I have other questions that might be better answered in another forum (?) like:

I didn't experience any hot flashes until about 5 months after my surgery. They were pretty severe for about 8-10 months, then tapered off unless I had a glass of wine or was really stressed. Just recently, they started up again, with the mood swings, and tendency to cry at the drop of a hat. Is this normal? Again, I am not taking anything.

Hmm - I just thought of something, though. The one factor that has changed a bit is my diet. I recently bought a house that has needed extensive remodeling. I don't have much of a kitchen yet, and have been eating a lot of fast food and microwave food. I usually eat pretty healthy.

Any help, or just reassurance would be nice. It doesn't help, either, that my dog is staying at my ex's house until I get my floors refinished, so I REALLY miss her.

Thanks even for listening, ladies. Good to see some familiar names here!

Esme

Hi!
It was good to see your name again! I know that you say finances are tight, but you really should see your gyn. The crying/hot flashes/mood swings are most probably hormone related, the vaginal atrophy & dryness shouldn't be ignored. The bladder and related "tubing" can also be affected by dryness, the last thing you are looking for is incontinence issues. You might also need a vaginal estrogen, which is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. Please take good care of yourself and get to your doctor....your well being is of the upmost importance..
P.S. Good eating habit are always important to our health, but sorry they won't bail you out of this!

Hi Esme,
I'm new in this forum even if it's now 4 years ago I had my hysterectomy done. I am completely "dried out" - cannot have sex because of the pain. But regarding your hot flushes: I started noticing them 2 days afteer the op, and still have them. But I can control them (more or less) with capsules of soya and red clover. If I forget my tablet one day I notice later ine the day! Can really recommend it for anybody who's not allowed to take estrogene.

liberia

I'm 12 yrs post op, but was on hormones for 10 yrs. I just turned the big 40. but i found one thing that worked for 80% of my symptons was essential oils. Wisdomsprings.com has a bunch of different formulas designed for whatever symptoms you have. they made a believer out of me. Im still having a problem with vaginal dryness. Has anyone ever heard of vitimin E capsules used for that?

Hi Deeanlan,
Thanks for tip. Will consult web-adress to see if I can find anything suitable....... Because of the tumors I had, I'm not allowed to have any kind of estrogene, not even vaginal. Am only 41, and too young to not have any more sex ever! Getting a bit desperate. Will keep you updated!

Hi
Im the same way. no more estrogene. I've had Ovarian & thyroid cancer. Im starting to find there are a lot of nat'l remedys. good luck.

My gyn (not the one who performed my surgery) told me that the vaginal pain I experience is due to a thinning of the tissues. I had a total hysterectomy and was told afterward by the doctor that I had the worst case of endometriosis she'd ever seen. My current gyn prescribed Estrace and it does help when I get into a regular routine of using it! I'm also planning to purchase a vaginal dilator kit to stretch things a bit since intercourse is excrutiating. This after ten years! I accepted the pain until now and I'm determined to get this situation resolved. As far as the clitoral atrophy goes, I've noticed that mine is smaller and more sensitive than it was pre-op, but it's still as rosy as ever. My advice is don't give up until someone really listens to you and takes you seriously. Good luck. We're all here to help and support one another!

Fiftieslady

	Quote:
Originally Posted by deeanlan I'm 12 yrs post op, but was on hormones for 10 yrs. I just turned the big 40. but i found one thing that worked for 80% of my symptons was essential oils. Wisdomsprings.com has a bunch of different formulas designed for whatever symptoms you have. they made a believer out of me. Im still having a problem with vaginal dryness. Has anyone ever heard of vitimin E capsules used for that?

Yes i just started using vitamin E a week ago and it works so well i insert it vaginally and it has helped me so much.Just poke a few holes in the capsule with a needle and then insert the capsule vaginally i use it twice a day.good luck it does work char

Hi, Ladies -

Just want to update you on my progress. My doc said that my tissues look healthy, but I still felt like I had sandpaper inside. I've been working with a PT doing internal work (including dilators and "the crystal wand") with a nod to MFR, and the progress is amazing! a year ago, I couldn't stand a digital exam (with one finger) and now they can use a speculum with barely a wince from me. I still have a granular or sandpapery pain ful feeling at the entrance, but I am using estradiol with lidocaine (I imagine lidocaine alone would be helpful as well for those who can't have any kind of estrogen), trying to 'retrain" those nerves not to fire.

Just started that, so I'll come back and post my results.

Best of luck to you all - gotta run!

Esme

Esme: Boy, do I relate to what you've gone through.

My bio-I cream has been working like a charm.... but I've never considered internal PT and MFR for my so very much changed body down there. Will seek. Thank you so much for posting your progress!