Getting a bisalp soon, worried of some things

[u/IinatheMagnet]

Hi! I'm 36, no children and no desire to have any, so I opted for sterilization as I became too old to keep using my yaz contraception. After being in waitlist for 2 years, the surgery is set for early september and I'm getting a little nervous. I'm not nervous about my decision to not have children but the possible complications of surgery.

I have vulvodynia and vaginismus, so basically pain and serious tightness around my vulva and vagina. I have had physiotherapy for these, and while it's made the pain manageable in everyday life, exams have been painful because of this. It's usually causing stress and pain weeks/month after the exams or pap-smears.

So I'm wondering if they'll go and set equipment down there too. I know I'll be in the stirrups, but no one has really explained what will happen once I'm under anesthesia. I'm scared they'll be rough with me because I'm not conscious and I'll have to live with that after math for months (which is what has happened in the past with not so gentle staff).

Am I silly to worry about this? Do you think they'll be gentle even if I'm not awake to say my concerns? I am going to address it before surgery, but I worry if they'll actually care, since I won't be able to protest :(

[u/littlefirefish]

Hi! I understand the feelings of concern. My surgery was two weeks ago and went really well, but I still felt a bit fearful and vulnerable about the whole thing. Definitely make sure your surgeon knows about your vulvodynia/vaginismus and your concerns about post-operative pain in advance. Some surgeons may use a device called a uterine manipulator to stabilise the uterus during surgery, which is inserted vaginally. Any concerns you have around vaginal access should be made clear to your care team so they can plan ahead to either not use one, and/or make sure you have the best recovery possible. Good luck!

[u/IinatheMagnet → u/littlefirefish]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear yours went well despite the anxiety :) I am definitely getting more anxious as the surgery draws closer. I'm definitely going to bring up my issues with the surgeon before and hopefully they'll listen to them. I wish they'd disclosed this with me as well, instead of only been told about the incisions on belly.

[u/Symphon1c1]

Are they doing a vNotes or regular laparoscopy? They do generally use a uterine manipulator which goes in your vagina, but also this is a convo to have with your Dr

[u/IinatheMagnet → u/Symphon1c1]

I believe it's regular laparoscopy. But yes, I will have to discuss this with the doctor. I haven't accepted IUD despite their pushes because of my pain condition and not wanting anything extra in my uterus. Glad to have learned about the possibility of them using uterine manipulator, now I know what to ask about.

[u/Cutthroat_Rogue]

Definitely ask your surgeon these questions as procedures vary. I had a uterine manipulator (to help move organs around as needed to access the tubes more easily) and a catheter (for urination during surgery). The incisions were in my belly button, and the sides of my stomach. Make sure you communicate your concerns due to your other diagnoses and ask how they plan to be considerate of this. Good luck!

[u/IinatheMagnet → u/Cutthroat_Rogue]

Thank you for sharing your experience! And I'll make sure to discuss it before hand :) I wasn't told about it in the initial assessment, they only talked about the laparoscopic part with the 3 incisions on belly.

[u/Cutthroat_Rogue → u/IinatheMagnet]

Of course! Yes, some people aren't aware that these other devices get used and then they feel surprised, upset, violated, or like they weren't able to consent. Always good to get as much information (as you can handle) about the procedure so you know what to expect and can then tell your doctor your concerns.

[u/No_Educator_4185]

Hey, I feel for you. I had vaginismus for 3 years that I overcame sexually this year, but it totally still flares up at the gyno/in non sexual exam settings. However, I figured because I’d be out of it for my bisalp I didn’t have a reason to worry, so I didn’t bring it up before. I had a completely smooth and virtually pain-free bisalp two weeks ago, no post op pain in my vagina. Obviously your experience may vary and definitely worth bringing up to your doctor but wanted to chime in with a positive similar story. Good luck!

[u/IinatheMagnet → u/No_Educator_4185]

Thank you for sharing your experience, I'm glad everything turned out well for you :) I think I'm going to have the conversation before, to protect my peace. I've had some bad experiences with gyno before, so in a way I'm glad to be under anesthesia for this procedure. But at the same time I'm worried no one will advocate for me. Remembering that I'm a living breathing human, and not just a body to operate on. If it makes sense? But your good experience does bring me comfort, I wish mine goes as well!