Post operative nerve pain

[Kate3150]

I had major laparoscopic surgery 4 months ago where they cut out a chunk of my vagina (sorry TMI) I am doing really really well, however I get occasional sharp shooting pain where they performed the excision and it can go right down to the bottom of my leg.

Does anyone have any experience on this and can advise best way to “treat”it.

I’ve been doing loads and loads of exercise in the past couple of months.. I cycle 6 miles most days and do lots of classes. I’m wondering if I’m overdoing it and hindering the recovery?

I’d love to hear others thoughts and feedback.

Thanks so much!!!!

Katie

anyone please?????

Hi, I have post-operative nerve pain in my leg from spinal surgery. There are lots of drugs to treat it, including amitriptyline, nortriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine etc. However, if the pain is not constant, you would have to weigh up whether it was worth the side effects, which are significant, as all of them alter your brain chemistry.

You could be better off with topically acting nerve medications, such as capsaicin cream or lidocaine patches, but you might need a referral to a pain management service to get those, and there are long waiting lists most places (though better to get on it early)

I also do a lot of exercise. It is really beneficial for reducing chronic pain and fatigue. However, 4 months very soon post-surgery, and you need to make sure you are doing the right exercise for your body. I had some physio sessions (NHS), and worked with a personal trainer with knowledge of health conditions (still do). Another good option could be the GP exercise referral programme, which is great at my gym.

lyrebird1- thank you so much for responding. How long has it been since you had your surgery?

I’m thinking I may give it a bit more time before going on any kind of medication. I just hurt really, the pain goes right down my legs into my feet and in my groin. I’m trying to build my strength up but am possibly overdoing it by cycling and going to spinning classes which I know can be challenging for people who haven’t even had surgery.

I’m considering going to GP about physio etc, curious to know what the waiting time may be xx

Hi, My surgery was 2 years ago. My neurosurgeon said that he felt that we would be able to tell within 6 months and definitely a year whether the nerve damage was going to be permanent or not.

Where I am, you can self-refer to physio. If you look up your local NHS trust and physiotherapy you might be able to do it directly.

With exercise post-surgery, I wanted to improve functionality, so I am very goal-orientated. I look at weaker areas and try to improve them. At the moment it is balance and flexibility, but it has been strength (especially left side) and posture etc.

If you do need pain medications, please don't see it as a set back - I did, but it made life so much better - side effects are worth it for me. One thing though - try to avoid the opiates! I met a lady who got dependant scarily fast and apparently they are not that good for chronic pain anyway.

Hey everyone...

I’m now 7 months post op... things calmed down for a while but had a flare up the past week. Anyone been through the same? Any ideas what it could be? X