His and Her Health

Hi,

I am 8 weeks post-op. I am still taking gabopenten, and equally alternate between "the surgery was a success and it didn't work at all". The feeling is somewhat the same when the medicine wears off. Although, the med's effect seems to last for a longer period of time, now.
I am just freaking out in fear that the surgery did not work.
I will say that for me, the surgery was not that bad. I took a week off of work (should have taken two)
Can anyone fill me in on the recovery period? I know that it varies and there are many posts on recovery. Just wondering if it is normal to still feel sort of the same burning and itching 8 wks out!

I am 8 weeks post-op as well! It wasn't that bad for me either. I think recovery time is definitely different for everyone. It's completely understandable to be wavering between certainty and doubt at this time. Just remember that the surgery has a high success rate and you were really brave to see it through.
Also, I think recovery means different things to different people. I consider myself just about fully recovered from the actual surgery, but quite a ways away from being able to have intercourse or wear tampons comfortably (I can get a tampon in much easier than before, but once in, it rubs against an area that's still healing). All in all, I expect it to take 6 months to a year. My doctor has told me several times that the surgery is the easy part. It's how you care for the area during this time period that you and I are in that matters most.
Two things to consider: Have you seen your doctor yet for a post-op exam? If so, what's his or her assessment of your healing so far?
Second - Have you started using vaginal dilators yet? I notice from the boards that not all doctors have their patients use them, but honestly - I don't know where I'd be without them. They're supposed to help stretch you out and prevent scarring, but most importantly they have a psychological benefit as well. Even though the surgery takes a lot of the physical pain away your mind holds onto it. The dilators help you get over that and they also help you gauge your healing. Right now, 6-8 weeks post-op is about when to start using them.
I started using them last week. I use them every night and every night it gets easier. I can tell I'm healing well and feel pretty confident about the surgery because I'm using them. And it's not just penetration that's gotten easier. It's more comfortable to sit down now as well - an activity that was really still bothering me quite a bit last week. If your doctor hasn't mentioned them to you, I would ask about them.
Good Luck!