Bartholins gland removal - Anyone had whole gland removed?

[BettyBaggins]

I have been dealing with this for far too long. Had 2 ops so far, the drain and the marsupialisation. Gland has always been blocked. So just fills up. Have been lucky to of never had it abscess. My problem is the size, discomfort and embarrassment. It gets so big I name it ffs! Currently apple size.

I decided to ignore it abit and try and accept the situation after the marsup. op didnt make a difference. But I have read about a case where a woman left hers and it got so big it developed blood vessels and was then extra dangerous to operate on.

Because mine doesnt drain naturally at all, at age 45, I am terrified I will have a gland hanging like a testical soon!! Surgeons seem very offish, not supportive of removal. I will go back to Dr in next week or so to plead but wanted to see if any of you have been through this or are in medical profession and can advise. I will cry when I see Dr, I have always known the whole damn thing will have to come out but trying to make Drs understand and not brush me off because the surgery requires a large amount of skill is utterly defeating. 25 years since it began.

When I say apple size I am not exaggerating! It throbs. Rubs on jeans. Gets larger when aroused or period due. I am avoiding a sexual relationship because of it. Sorry if tmi but knowing that every time I get aroused I am making it bigger is awful!!

[Tanfastic]

I have no knowledge of this op. It I just wanted to say how awful for you. It sounds utterly miserable and I cannot believe you aren't getting any proper help for this. I'd be insisting on seeing a different consultant or if you have the means pay privately for a consultation. You cannot live like this.

[stillvicarinatutu]

id never had any problems until last year then i got an absess and op you have my total sympathies. i had the marsupialisation and not had further issues though im aware of it now - never even felt it before last year.

id say you need a referral to a gynea surgeon asap to assess and it its apple sized it needs sorting out.
be insistent of getting a referral to gynea.

mine was emergency surgery - i turned up at A&E expecting them to send me home but i was in agony, blood pressure was up from the pain and i couldnt sit down - only lay or stand so they operated same day but not a complete removal. you really need to see a gynea surgeon.

[BettyBaggins]

Thank you for the support tanfastic, private op currently out of my budget so need to put my big girls (comfy!) pants on and fight for the rights of my fanjo it seems! You know when you feel like laughing and crying at the same time, thats me right now.

[InspiredByIntegrity]

www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/gynaecology/bartholins-cyst.pdf Implies excision is a good choice if you've made it to 40 years old?

I had one a year ago, large enough that the GP wanted me to go to hospital the same day. I was lucky that double antibiotics did the trick. The clinic were great giving me a letter which meant I could back anytime without seeing GP first as recurrence is so common. I'm wondering if you have been a bit unlucky in the professionals you have seen because I definitely felt included in the decision on way forward.

[Le1890]

Hi

I have had to have the marsupialisation twice. The first time it worked for a couple of years but the last time I had it done I feel as thought they left a bigger size drain and that seems to have done the trick. Would it be worth seeing about this?

Sorry can’t offer advice on glad removal. I think looked into that myself at the time but thankfully it worked second time around.

[Apocalyptichorsewoman]

Hi - I had the gland removed after 3 marsupialisations failed. I was getting pretty sick of it, and when it came back the fourth time I asked them to take the gland out.

It was straightforward - I did develop a haematoma afterwards, but that dispersed in time. I don't notice only having one gland down there in terms of normal lubrication etc, and am post menopausal now. I was 25 when I had the gland removed. Hope this helps!

[BettyBaggins]

Thankyou all so much. I have seen the Guys info online and find it encouraging, maybe I will print it off and take to Dr with me.

Re the 2nd marsop. op and bigger drain opening. But when it heals up the gland fills again. There is no exit. None. Zilch. 18 months since last op and maybe I ahem, have productive glands, but the last op made no difference, tis bigger than ever. I dont see the point of a number of ops vs one tbh. Treat the source of the problem is what I want not the degrading appointments where they say 'ohhh isnt it big, never seen one that big before, can I show my colleague, students, cleaner......' Etc!

Horsewoman, that sounds encouraging. Are you horse riding? I can't manage a bloody bicycle!

[Apocalyptichorsewoman]

I am indeed horseriding 😀 my operation was many years ago, but was cycling again quite quickly too! It's miserable isn't it? Mine kept coming back and staying back, getting infected, sex was awkward, walking was even an issue - walked like John Wayne I did! I hope you get it sorted - please let us know how you get on.

[BettyBaggins]

Lol at John Wayne, I hear you! Am lucky not to of had infection. I will see Dr in next fortnight and might wear my cowboy hat for confidence, yeeehahhh

[BettyBaggins]

GP appointment this afternoon, wish me luck!

[Footle]

I do wish you luck!

[BettyBaggins]

Thankyou @Footie 3.30pm. Bit nervous!

[mcdog]

Sounds horrendous!! Can you imagine if a man had this issue, no way would they fob him off. It's sad really.

[BettyBaggins]

Am writing a list of things I dont want to forget to say. This is the gp appointment to get referred to consultant again. Is the consultant always the surgeon? He was horrid, made me cry at last appointment, felt he wasnt listening, the nurses were lovely and hid me in a room with some tissues and had a nice chat.

[Apocalyptichorsewoman]

Hunky I was walking like John Wayne because of the bartholins cyst before they operated. My hips are fine. But Thanks

How did you get on Betty? how did it go?

[BettyBaggins]

Dr (female) was lovely, said she didnt need to look and referred me back to consultant who made me cry and dismissed my request for removal last time.

So, I need to go in armed and ready to fight for my fanjo! Tips welcome!