Vulvodynia after hysterectomy

[ShetlandTony]

Hi all

I recently had a hysterectomy on 12th Aug. I kept my ovaries and recovery has been straightforward. Since that time I've been having vulvodynia like pain.

The consultant has suggested to me that this could be being caused by the scar tissue at the top of the vagina (called granulation). This could be removed if I want.

However there could be other causes of the vulvodynia like recent UTIs and vaginal infection. Therefore it's difficult to pick apart what's going on.

So.... Has anyone else experienced vulvodynia triggered by hysterectomy alone?

By the way I am on systemic HRT and vaginal estrogen.

Thanks in advance xxx

I have/had vilvodynia on and off throughout my late twenties onwards although not caused by hysterectomy.
It is an awful condition and you have my immense sympathy, the most difficult thing is suffering so much pain and not really being able to talk about it! On really bad days when I couldn't hide the pain at work I used to tell them my back was really bad (explained the constant shuffling in my seat, it is second nature now to tell people I have a bad back!).
I am now permanently taking cocodamol and gabapentin which seems to keep things steady, lichen sclerosis seems closely linked to vulvodydia so I also use a barrier cream down below after every wash to keep the skin as healthy as possible.

Controversially I also remove all of my pubic hair, I found it incredibly irritating when I was having flair ups and it prevented the barrier cream from being as close to the skin as possible.
If I were you I would have the scar tissue removed just so you can eliminate that as a potential cause, if it isn't that you probably need to write down your circumstances when it feels worse (ie are you wearing tight jeans, sitting in a certain position at work, using a strong bubble bath etc) to try and rule things out. If you sit on an office chair or do a lot of driving sit on a cushion designed for people with piles, it takes the pressure off your undercarriage (again, blame a sore lower back if necessary!).
It took me a very long time (I was in constant daily pain for about 8 years) but I am finally mostly pain free, doctors are useless so keep going back and badgering them until you get some help.
Wishing you the best of luck💐

Thanks @RosesAndGin - what a horrible thing for you to suffer for so long! I am glad you are doing better now. Good tip about telling people you have a bad back!

Hopeful bump...