His and Her Health

I would like to know what to expect from a vestibulectomy...like to they put you to sleep, is is outpatient, etc....So if you have any info it would be much appreciated!

Hi,
I am from the Memphis area. I see Dr. Nieves in Chattanooga.
I had the surgery in Mid-October of 08. I am just over 3 months out.
It is outpatient. I spent the night in a hotel nearby, so that he could check me the next day before I traveled home. (6 hours). Travel was not a problem the next day, as I was still VERY numb from local. (had general anesthesia, too) Had I waited a day to travel, it may have been a problem!
I did not have any problems with the surgery. I am a teacher, and took off one week. I probably should have taken another week, but really coming home in the afternoon and hitting the couch was just fine. Others say that they needed a month! I think it depends on the health and general fitness of the individual.
The jury is still out regarding success of surgery. Prior to surgery, my symptoms were ONLY burning at opening and major itching all over.
I was able to control symptoms with Gabapentin, but it has side effects for me. I do not like taking it at all, but it certainly helps. He told me that I would stay on med. for 6 months to a year. Right now, I still have lots of itching, BUT, I am not so sure that the Gabapenin is not the culprit. I am trying to adjust the dosage this week (decreasing) and I THINK that I am better! Side effects can be ITCHING!
I will email you, then you can email back if you have any questions. THIS BOARD HAS SAVED MY SANITY!! I have read and re-read every post!
Good Luck to you.
Jana

Jana,thanks for your response I know it will help all readers.

Hi there!!

I just had my vestibulectomy on the 17th - just over a week ago. I am booked off for 3 weeks, but already feel almost ok to go back to work.

I had to travel to another city by plane to see my specialist. I live in South Africa. I flew up on the Friday ( on my own ), booked into a hotel and on the next day checked into hospital for my surgery.

THe op took one hour and was done with epidural anaesthetic. It was not painfull at all, just uncomfortable for the first week. I had a modified vestibulectomy as only the skin from the clitoris to the vagina needed to be removed. I stayed in hospital for 3 nights and had to keep my catheter in for a week. When I booked out of hospital I took a cab to a hotel and stayed there for another 3 nights,then I flew home. I managed everything on my own and it was not nearly as painful as I thought it was going to be.

I am now in the second week of recovery and things are going well. I even took my dogs for a walk on the beach yesterday!! I am booked off for 3 weeks though as my dr said it would take 3 weeks for the stitches to heal. I am not taking any pain meds anymore and just have a sitz bath 2 - 3times per day, as well as iodene ointment at night. I only had very light bleeding(spotting) for the first 8 days. Didn't even bother to use a pad!

My pathology showed I had deep tissue infection and that it was all removed. I am hoping that this is the answer for me as I have been suffering for 7 years already!!

My medical insurance paid for the op once my dr motivated it in writing for them.

Please let me know if you have any more questions and I'll keep everyone updated as to my progress:-)

Hi, I am planning on having a vestibulectomy soon but just can't bring myself to make the appointment. I am a newlywed (5 months) and am only 24 yrs old. I have had pain during intercourse for about a year now and have recently completely stopped having sex b/c of the pain. Obviously this has caused a great deal of stress in my marriage. 2 months ago I went and saw a Urogynecologist and he recommended a vestibulectomy (after i tried creams, etc...and nothing seemed to work). I am very scared to have this surgery, I don't know anyone else that has gone through this and am wondering what to expect as far as pain and recovery? Also the Dr. told me I would only need to take 3 days off from work but I am reading that many people take at least a wk off maybe more, is that what I should expect?

Hi Sheena0943,have you done a search from the search button at the top of this page.? If not type in vestibulectomy then highlight all open forums. That should bring up all the posts with info on how some are coping with the operation and recovery period.The length of time for recovery is different for every one. It cannot be rushed or you defeat the purpose of the operation.