What can I expect after surgery?

[Violet M]

T, if there's no tenderness to the touch, excessive redness, swelling, or pus coming out I would not worry. If you had an infection brewing you would most likely know it.

If you have some hard knots in the incision maybe you have some scar tissue that could eventually be softened up with cold laser therapy if it doesn't go away on its own.

[annm]

Reading your experiences helps me move forward- my surgery with Dr. Conway is schedualed for August 11th. He does the approuch through the vagania, I have bilateral pne, and have been getting worse- increased pain all day, urine incontince and decreased ability to have any sexual activity at all. So here I go getting ready by sorting through clothes, lining up a support tag team, ( I'm divorced and living with my 3 adult children- one 5 months pregnant, one newly diagnosed bipolar, one leaving the country in early Sept.). My goal is to be able to drive in November when my 2 , yes 2 grandchildren are due Thanksgiving week. Yes I work- but home matters most. Anyhow when can you manage stairs? Thanks for any tips- I'm anxious to get this done. Ann

[tvanderpool]

Hi Ann,

I was able to do stairs - one at a time from day 1. Released to do stairs - both legs - about 6 or 8 weeks? If you are doing bilateral surgery, that could be tricky for you. I would recommend you get a grabber to pick up things and a sock put-er on-er.

I'm 4 months post op, and feeling very good. I can sit probably 4-5 hours a day - that has increased in the last 2 weeks from 1-2 hrs day. Some days are good and some my pain goes to 3 or so. A year and a half ago, I was miserable, having a hard time with functioning and caring for my family, and just in pain all the time. Now things are looking up. I'm really glad that I had surgery - don't know if I'll keep improving or not, but so far things are going good enough that it was worth it.

One issue I have is pain in gluteal fold which comes and goes I was told not pudendal related but I'm not so sure about that. Anyone have suggestions on that one? I'm reluctant to seek out PT because the wrong kind of PT 1 1/2 years ago sent my pain into a place where I couldn't hardly function for a year.

I hope things go well with your sugery. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now.

T