Mucous discharges - and reduced inflammation

[Monkeymel]

Another short tmi (too much info) topic. Sorry for all the questions - post op life doesn't seem to have a dummy's guide... Yet. At time of writing I'm 6 weeks post op, and douching is due to start tomorrow.

Earlier thus week I had a some cliteral and labia fold bleeding which resolved itself. However as the week has progressed I've noticed a lot more mucous discharge. Yesterday from the labia fold which previously bled, and also today a lot more from the vagina (labia has been good). The color is creamy white, with a sweet smell, occasionally a light green tinge (?) but never with blood. And never bad smelling.

Today I had only two long dilations and a lot of walking (packing a car), sitting in the car (2.5hr) and train (another 2.5hr). The discharge seemed most this evening.

Is this the sloughing I've sometimes read about? It doesn't burn - but is sore if it leaks onto the external skin. At the same time there has been a large reduction in inflammation around the clitoris and pubis...

As nothing hurts I'm assuming all is ok but would like to check for the upcoming dummies guide

[LordKAT]

The green tinge is sign of infection. You probably should have that looked at.

[Jenna Marie]

Yeah, the greenish tinge is mildly worrisome. Not worth panicking over, but enough to ask a doctor. I also have never heard of the skin sloughing/discharge coming from anywhere but inside the vagina itself, to be honest.

A yeast infection is always a possibility with skin that is moist and not exposed to sunlight; although it's most commonly heard about in terms of inside the vagina, it *can* spread to surrounding tissues (and also happens in the mouth or nipples [thrush] or even skin folds like armpits or under breasts). There is relatively little odor usually, but does this description sound familiar? http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/yeast-infections/diagnosis-and-treatment.aspx Notice that a burning sensation is also mentioned... If it IS a yeast infection, that's totally treatable, but you want it taken care of before it gets really miserably uncomfortable.

FWIW, my own skin sloughing was yellowish to brownish, depending on whether some blood had gotten mixed in, and had a smell more or less like what you'd expect from dead skin and old blood (sorry!).

[mrs izzy]

Slothing is more like small section of skin bits. Mine came from inside ad Jenna said.

Has the doctor said to use any antimicrobial on your bits to clean?

I would call the doctor for advice.

It'd just a long drawn out healing process so breathe and keep track if new swelling and high temp.

Hug

[Monkeymel]

Well this morning it was significantly less... This afternoon much more; and definitely "fishy now". Cleaning the labia crease very carefully I found a disgusting smelling stitch which was stuck - but not attached. It had looked like a small healing scab. Cleaned it away; but the infection has already got inside the neo-vagina. Unfortunately.

The surgeon had recommended "mild concentration of steroid cream like 1% triamcinolone acetate" but not been able to get to a pharmacy today. I'll visit my GP in the morning to get something. Don't want this getting out of hand. Unfortunately my gyno appointment is in 10 days but hopefully the GP can help.

Does anyone know if it also makes sense to douche once or twice for the next day or two? Especially after dilation (K-Y gel or Q-C)? Since I'm also feeling exhausted I know my body is working hard - so is there anything to take to help it out a bit?

Thanks for the tips everyone. And it just shows that it doesn't matter how clean you try to be - infections can happen. So be safe, be wise!

[mrs izzy]

I did douches 2 times a day for the first 2 months and as needed after.

I was using the medicated ones after I found my body was no fond on the vinegar douches.

Edit, as always if you are unsure about anything check with your surgeon or doctor before starting any type of treatments.

[Jenna Marie]

I wouldn't *start* douching if the surgeon hadn't already recommended it, just in case. (In cis women at least, it can make a yeast infection worse, for example.) But I'd definitely put some antibiotic ointment on anything that looked inflamed.

Mel : You probably know this, but if you start spiking a temperature or see red streaks running away from the infection site, please do not wait any longer for treatment; that's an infection that's becoming systemic, which is dangerous. Otherwise, your GP should be able to clear it right up for you tomorrow.

[Dee Marshall]

Antibiotics won't help a yeast infection. You need an antifungal. If there's a bacterial infection, then you need an antibacterial.

[Monkeymel]

Short update: after douching and cleaning last night the three dilators came out looking clean. There was still mucus discharge overnight but no obvious mingling of blood.

Note: if you have a slight microtear (so some blood) and go walking then the mucus and blood will probably mix. So before getting worried - douche and clean yourself. Then check the mucus.

This afternoon I visited my GP who said it was a beautiful surgery - and wanted to know what went where. He took a swab for toxicology analysis (hopefully more on Wednesday) and a blood test that determined it is not a systemic infection (ie only outside of the body). Since there is only a slight itch and no pain he decided to wait until Wednesday results before prescribing medication. I've also contacted the surgeon as the doctor does not know what type of aerobic / anaerobic bacteria are typical for neo-vagina.

So keep myself clean - wash hands regularly - douche regularly (before or after dilation?) with betadine solution and see what happens in a few days.

[Monkeymel]

Another little update.

Betadine solution is formed from iodine and is a natural antibacterial. Although the clinic instructions said douche twice a week with betadine solution from now onwards (3rd week at home) it was perhaps slightly late for the mucous build up. Dr Chettawut emailed to say that mucous discharge is normal, but that I could douche after dilating of I wanted. I have been doing that regularly since and the discharge is significantly reduced. I also found that the douches dislodged grey decaying stitches as well as mucous...

Tuesday morning saw a large blood discharge - so certainly things changed inside. It wasn't repeated since fortunately. And douching three times - aiming the nozzle very carefully. If inside too far it can hit the skin and cause micro tears... It can also lead to a feeling of "drying out".

Other prominent stitches disappeared in the last day or two - although i found a raw area on the inside of the vaginal lips. It looks like two stitched together segments didn't join perfectly. This is in close proximity to where the discharge would build up. Regular cleaning and fresh air and it seems to be forming a scab and hopefully healing. I'm reducing to two dilations a day to minimize aggregation. And resting as it rubs if I'm not careful.

Still no word on the toxicology result - but overall I'm feeling happier and more relaxed. It also goes to show that your health and hygiene has to be monitored well. And always ask the surgeon for guidance - but remember they cannot see what you are experiencing so a second opinion is always important.

[Monkeymel]

Toxicology said straphocculus B - present in 25% of natural women and vagina's in general. In order to reduce agitation on skin within the mouth of the vagina I also reduced to dilating morning and evening (1h10 roughy). I then douched with betadine after each dilation. Whilst there was some traces of the mucus on Thursday - there was nothing obvious on Friday.

To help the natural flora take over I've reduced to douching after the morning dilation only. And so far it looks and feels much cleaner. More comfortable. I also know it is not going to be plain sailing so will be taking an even more active role in making sure the skin is cleaned regularly - especially the folds of the labia where this started.

Fortunately the labia and surrounding tissues are much less inflamed and it Is nice to touch and start feeling that I am now a woman. Of course touching softly with clean fingers... A beautiful new body growing.

[Julia-Madrid]

Hi Melissa

So pleased to hear that you're on the mend!

J/A

[Jenna Marie]

I'm glad to hear you got an answer, and are improving! There are various tablets and whatnot intended to restore a woman's "natural balance" out there, too, as an idea for once you're long healed if this is still an issue (but it probably won't be). For now, washing the labial folds with a gentle soap should help.

[mrs izzy]

Just a small word of caution.

Betadine solution is formed from iodine and should not be used by anyone with shell fish allergies.

As always read any instructions and cautions listed on any medication via OTC.

I used it myself in the early stages of healing.

[Donna Elvira]

I didn't get to see this thread until I got home and ,interestingly, I read it just as I got my own first post-op scare, a severe rash around the labia majora which had me wondering if I didn't have some sort of streptococcal infection, all the more so as I was also running a low fever.  Happily, it doesn't seem to be as serious as that as it has responded very well to to regular washing (at each dilation) with an antiseptic soap followed by swabbing with a 10% Betadine solution.
The origin of the problem seems to be the same as Melissa though, the folds in the labia majora which provide an ideal breeding ground for any sort of bacteria. Add in the fatigue of the 24 hour trip home and I guess it's not too surprising that the body took a hit.
Even if it already seems to be a lot better, it was a very useful reminder that it takes far longer than 3 weeks to recover from GRS and that you need to stay very alert to anything that looks in any way off compared to what you are used to seeing. Monitoring your body temperature is also a very good way to keep check as any fever is indicative of an infection somewhere and needs to be investigated.
Hugs.
Donna