prolapse repair now have scar tissue

[Tipy122]

I am recovering from a hysterectomy and anterior and posterior pelvic floor repair nearly 12 weeks ago.

For the last few weeks I have become extremely sore at the vaginal entrance and can feel knotty lump’s which I think is scar tissue.

I cannot wear anything other than leggings as jeans etc make it much worse. I see the pelvic floor physio next week and gynae consultant in about 4 weeks.

Can anyone give any advice or suggestions as to self help measures and ultimately did it get better. I have tried having penetrative sex with my husband but found it too painful. Thankfully he is patient and understanding.

Thank you in advance for any replies

[gillianTS]

This sounds very painful for you and I hope you can get some help from both physio and Gynaecologist. They will I hope be able to access what you are feeling and why. I do think it is wise not to attempt intercourse until you have been given the all clear.

Trying to identify where exactly the pain is coming from yourself will be helpful to you, also to the physio & gyna.

When you feel inside yourself can you reach the top of the vagina and feel your cervix, does this feel any different, have they descended from the position prior to surgery. I have read the vagina can descend after hysterectomy.

Any scar tissue really require you to try and improve this through gentle massage with gel/cream several times a week, this will help break down scar tissue and improve flexibility on the scaring and all around the area. Using moisturising cream /gel providing everything has healed. This will also help you relax pelvic tension.

Be careful not to get constipated and not lift anything heavy.

Take care

[Tipy122 in reply to gillianTS]

Thank you gillian TS for your reply, it was very helpful.

I can feel to the top of my vagina although the cervix was removed when I had the hysterectomy. Nothing feels like it has descended though and from the hysterectomy point of view all seems well.

It is more from the prolapse repair is where the problems have started. I had a lot of sutures from the entrance of the vagina all the way up and it is since the sutures dissolved is when I could then feel these knotty lumps.

I have started massaging these with Estriol cream, not sure what I’m doing but hoping to get further guidance from the physio and gynae. I just hope it can be treatable .

Bowels and passing urine seem fine.

I appreciate your advice, thank you.

[gillianTS in reply to Tipy122]

Extracted from NHS hospital leaflet

During wound healing, fibrous tissue forms to repair the wound. This tissue is often referred to as scar tissue. The amount of scar tissue which forms can depend on the size of your wound, whether your wound healing was affected by infection, whether your wound opened up, and on how your body repaired the wound. Scar tissue can be less moveable and flexible, and can become attached to surrounding layers of muscle and tissue. For some women this can feel tight and be uncomfortable. You may feel uncomfortable during some activities and for some people, during sex. Massaging scar tissue can help it to break down and become more flexible. This can help reduce discomfort. Do not start massaging your scar until your wound has completely healed. The wound should be completely closed and covered by skin.

Massage will work best when the area is warm. Warmth helps the area to relax and helps blood flow. You can warm your perineal area by taking a bath or using a warm compress.

Use lubrication such as almond or olive oil, or any other oil you are not allergic to and does not contain perfumes. Wash your hands before beginning the massage.

Massage your scar tissue outside on your perineum, and inside your vagina. Use a variety of directions e.g. side to side, circular, zig-zag. It may be a little uncomfortable but shouldn’t be painful. Adjust your touch and pressure to avoid pain. You will be able to feel the areas which need massage, and will be able to feel the best pressure to use. You may want to try different positions, and use your fingers or thumbs, to be able to comfortably reach all of your scar tissue. Try and stay relaxed during the massage. If you feel yourself tensing, use your breath to help you relax, or stop the massage and try again another day. You can massage your scar tissue every day (aim for at least three times a week), for up to ten minutes each time. Stop before this if it is uncomfortable.

Hope you start to feel more comfortable soon.

[Tipy122 in reply to gillianTS]

Thank you so much for this information, very informative and helpful.

[EffieT]

It's really life altering to have in so much pain and be unable to lead a normal life. I do feel a good Pelvic Physiotherapist will be able to identify exactly where the pain is coming from and offer suggestions for special exercises. I saw so many specialists but I was finally prescribed a cream with amitriptyline and baclofen by my urogynaecologist which really helped calm down the pain.

Don't give up. Good luck

[Tipy122 in reply to EffieT]

Thank you for your reply EffieT,

Yes, it has been life altering as waited a long time for this surgery, rejected on the NHS as prolapse was mild and then got a whole lot worse! Ended up using my savings to go private and still not out of pain or discomfort.

Was the cream you were prescribed for something similar to me? I will certainly make enquiries and did it work straight away?

I have done my pelvic floor exercises religiously and just cannot believe that things are not improving.

I don’t regret having the surgery as the prolapse was a grade 3, I was just hoping that after years of discomfort I could finally see light on the horizon but remaining positive.

Thank you, again.