Scar tissue post-surgery

[ashadyna]

I had SRS with McGinn 5 months ago. Initially, my healing was excellent, and after only about 2 months I felt almost all better. Dilation was easy, I was having sex regularly, virtually no pain, etc. My only issue was excessive discharge.

About 2.5 weeks ago, I started having pain again. It has become progressively worse. Now, I'm in noticeable pain with every step I take. Dilation is harder, but still not too bad. I've been keeping up with it pretty well and have not lost depth.

When I spoke with McGinn's PA, she felt confident that my issue was granulation tissue. I have an in-person appointment this Thursday.

I had some granulation tissue at my six-week follow-up. That tissue was hard and very red. I'm not seeing anything like that this time. The most painful areas tend to be white. This makes me think the problem is more likely scar tissue. The white areas are visible, but maybe 1.5 inches inside, so they're difficult to photograph.

I'm struggling not to panic. Has anyone had experience with internal scar tissue? How did it progress?

Thank you so much!

[Rachel]

Hi, I went to Dr. McGinn and had GCS 11/2016. I had a lot of scar tissue. The bottom of my graft in the vaginal canal did not make it. I had revision surgery 4/2018 and the scar tissue was removed. I have pain free dilation now. Do not stop dilating. Check with Kristal and ask if you can use super numb 4% lidocaine on the #1 dilator or rub the scar tissue. Then dilate. It should relieve the pain of the stretching scar tissue from the orange dilator.

With my revision surgery I had two injections of steroids a week after surgery and a week after that. That helped a lot. I go back 5/31 for a followup. I will request additional steroids on one spot.

[HappyMoni]

I have this as well in the opening of the vagina. The white is the scar tissue and it does seem to form a little later than the granulation in my experience. The steroid injections(had twice) have helped, but I am waiting to see if I need a surgical option to further address it. I haven't lost depth but it did get more painful for a while. I got the feeling from Dr. McGinn that this is not uncommon. Don't panic, it will be okay. 
Moni

[ashadyna]

Thanks for the feedback! I had my appointment yesterday.

After examining, the PA confirmed the presence of granulation. She also said that I had some minor scar tissue, but it wasn't enough to justify any treatment.

She said the most likely cause of my pain was a combination of the granulation and also contraction in the surgical site. Apparently, contraction is skin tightening that occurs towards the end of the healing process. This usually happens at 2-4 months, but was happening to me late for some reason. She treated the granulation with silver nitrate and told me to contact them if the pain hasn't improved within 3-4 weeks.

To my surprise, I'm finding my pain seems much much better today!!! I'm not sure if the contraction finally ran it's course or the silver nitrate treatment or it's just a big placebo effect...

Regardless, things seems to be looking up!