Vaginal stiches hurt! Doesn't feel normal after 2nd sling procedure 5 wks later -

I had my second bladder sling procedure on Sept 25th, 2009. My first one was done in conjunction with my hysterectomy back in April of 2007. The first one was done using a mesh. I changed doctors, because I was being mislead. My new physician determined that he had to remove as much of the mesh as possible and replace it by using my own skin as my new bladder support. The whole procedure took about an hour. I went home with a pubic catheter. It took me two weeks before I can completely urinate on my own. That was pretty nerve-wrecking to go through. I finally had my post-op exam yesterday. I made sure I wrote down all of my concerns and presented it to the doctor. The skin between my anus and vagina where I had the incision is so tender to the touch.
It appears to me as if there is a small protrusion. The doctor said it looks normal and I can't understand how that is with all of the discomfort I am feeling. He said I do not even need to see him again until my next annual. I am just so confused! Of course, I plan on calling him if there isn't any improvement soon. Has anyone else had a similar experience. I really could use some feedback.

Hi,

I'm sorry you're still experiencing discomfort from your procedure and that your doc dismissed your concerns ....

I'm guessing the doc needed to cut here because the opening to the vagina too narrow to do the surgery without cutting the perineum...

I can tell you that I had a 4th degree episiotomy which took a very long time to heal (probably 8 weeks till I had no discomfort )... it could be that this is similar to what you're dealing with ....

How did he close the incision? If sutures, when did he remove? Is the incision closed/healed? I have rejection issues with sutures which cause pain and incomplete healing .... Have you looked at the incision (with mirror if necessary)? How do you think it looks? If it doesn't look right to you, then I think I'd go to another doc... but you may want to give it some time as well as it is an area that pending the depth of the cut may take some time to heal..

I hope that you find the pain dissipating very soon until it is no longer tender,
Kathy

Thanks for responding. I am willing to give it some more time to heal after all it is still 5 weeks later and the internal stitches are still not completely healed. It is difficult to even fathom another physician change right now. My doctor is supposedly one of the best in urogyn, oncology, pelvic disorders, etc... He was written up and voted best by his peers in 2008. I can only really take this one day at a time.. I know this. I am praying it isn't anything like enterocele because I have pain in my tailbone which is pretty severe since I cannot sit comfortably any more. I have noticed many postings about women having this problem after having hysterectomies, bladder repair etc...I just don't want to make the mistake of waiting too long for a second opinion if need be.

Hi Iamworthy
Your perineum has been through a lot and 5 weeks isn't a great deal of healing time, though I'm sure it feels like a long time. I also had a 'big' episiotomy with one of my children and it took months to feel really comfortable. It sounds as if your doctor might have been a bit more empathic - voted best by his peers doesn't guarantee that, but hopefully he knows his stuff and has done an excellent job of the surgery for you.

Have you tried an ice pack on the area? At the very least it numbs the pain and discomfort for a bit. Because blood rushes back into the area to warm it up, it can actually enhance the healing.

I'd also suggest you limit your sitting down time as when you are sitting all of your weight is on the perineum, stretching at the stitches, though you might not be directly conscious of it. You won't be the first Hyster Sister to stand or kneel while reading and typing.

I hope this improves soon for you.

J

I was encouraged to walk when I left the hospital and so I was counting down the days till I felt the strength again to at least hop on the treadmill and walk again for at least a 30 min stretch. I began walking about 3 1/2weeks down the line, (which was a week and half after the catheter was removed), and I slowly built myself up to 60 minutes with an incline of 3.0 at the speed of 3.0 up till about 5 days ago when this vaginal pain began worsening. I was going 3 days a week. The rest of my day is sitting on the computer at home, working around the house, shopping, watching t.v., etc..



I know 5 weeks is not very long time and I am truly trying to honor my body and respect the healing process. I pray that my walking hasn't damaged me in any way. But if walking and sitting are stress factors, what other alternative solutions do I have during this healing process. Is it too soon to try yoga?

Thank you to all for the advice so far..it is truly heartfelt.

In my experience, walking did no harm. It was well into my recovery that I worked out that sitting at the computer was a major problem. It didn't really hurt too much while I did it, but I felt much worse at the end of the day when I'd done lots of sitting. I was both spending time on the hystersisters website AND starting to get back to some of my paid work, so I was sitting at the computer for several hours a day. After the big episiotomy, I had to breast feed the baby lying down because I couldn't sit then either.

If your surgeon gave you clearance to resume normal activity, I would try a yoga class. I'm sure you'll go gently on your body and the relaxation could be good as well. It sounds like you are usually a very active person and you are looking forward to getting back to it. It's a bit depressing to feel your hard earned muscles going to jelly, isn't it . . . And if you get a sense of well being from exercise, it's hard to do without in recovery.

Let me know how your yoga class feels.

J

Hi again,

Since the doc has discharged you, I think that I would make the exercise choices pending how they felt... start slow just as you did with the walking and slowly work up to your previous routines based on your comfort levels...

I know I'll have a yearning to get back to the pilates following my surgery and will not attempt till given the okay and then just do what I can until I regain the limberness again...

Good luck!
Kathy

	Quote:
Originally Posted by iamworthy Thanks for responding. I am willing to give it some more time to heal after all it is still 5 weeks later and the internal stitches are still not completely healed. It is difficult to even fathom another physician change right now. My doctor is supposedly one of the best in urogyn, oncology, pelvic disorders, etc... He was written up and voted best by his peers in 2008. I can only really take this one day at a time.. I know this. I am praying it isn't anything like enterocele because I have pain in my tailbone which is pretty severe since I cannot sit comfortably any more. I have noticed many postings about women having this problem after having hysterectomies, bladder repair etc...I just don't want to make the mistake of waiting too long for a second opinion if need be.

Hi iamworthy,I am 4wks post TOT procedure,I spent one hr.grocery shopping 2day,and had to come home and take something 4 pain,Im sure you've probably had a lot more done than I,I too,at the end of the day am uncomfortable,only when Im laying down am I totally ok,I guess healing depends on one's own body.Good Luck with all.:hug

There was some bright red blood yesterday on that spot that is tender, red and swollen. Just not sure why this is happening. I put Neosporin+Pain Relief on the area and it does help.

To everyone who took the time to read my post and reply... A BIG THANK YOU!