Hello Ladies,
Well it's a while since I posted, sadly I am back sooner than I'd like. Second BC after only 4 months, well my surgery was 6 March 2013? I was GUTTED, but I had to come here and post to REASSURE yet again that if you have just googled 'second BC' I may well have a cure!
Okay so 4 days ago, during the afternoon I started getting aches in that area, then I got fatigue and bit of a temperature, after an uncomfy night's sleep I find an achy, red and swollen lump. It came about very quickly and to my mind was unprovoked. I went to see my doctor immediately as I knew that any time lapse would lead to it getting bigger, more sore and then eventually blistered (as before). I was prescribed anti-biotics (4 a day) and was told if it did not reduce in 24 hours, to return for a referral to hospital. As you may already be aware, the prospect of going through it all again really upset me.
Anyway, after 24 hours and 4 anti-biotics the fever had gone, the lump was still there but smaller and less painful, note still there and still painful to an extent. I hit the internet and read about TEA TREE OIL being a possible fix... I had no belief in it working but felt desperate to avoid surgery/time off work. NOTE my doctor also suggested buying some 'Magnesium Sulphate' as some say it helps to draw the fluid out.
I went to Tesco (any good supermarket) and bought the Tea Tree Oil for £4 and some Magnesium Sulphate cream over the pharmacy counter for around £2.
I took a shower (using femme fresh as it's not so abrasive), made sure I was totally clean and then ran a 4-5cm deep bath of warm water and sat in it for 20 minutes. I then got out and applied 4-5 drops of tea tree oil to a cotton pad and dabbed it on the swollen area. I went to bed that evening and nothing much had happened though the fresh feel of the tea tree oil relieved some burning pain.
The following morning I applied only the Magnesium Sulphate, again by the evening not a lot had happened. That evening I took my shower, applied the same tea tree oil regime and went to bed. This morning I woke up with dampness around the area, the lump almost gone and this afternoon, I cannot feel any lump, I THINK IT HAS GONE!!
Now the reason this blog is so scatty is that I cannot isolate which item cured it, certainly the anti-biotic must have gotten rid of the infection BUT for a normal, uninfected Cyst, perhaps one or all of the above may help you too?
For the sake of the time off work, surgery and upset, it may be worth trying for £6. I don't have time for lots of 20 minute baths but I know they are recommended several times a day, I note one forum also suggested sleeping with the Tea Tree Oil pad in your underwear so these are up to you.
I have also gone out and purchased some pretty yet more comfortable underwear, I normally wear lace/thongs and things with elastic but have tried to purchase briefs of 100% cotton that aren't tight... this may also help?
I HOPE you have found this and I hope it helps you.
BARTHOLINS CYST
RECURRENCE
SECOND CYST
JUST HAD MARSUPILIZATION
ANOTHER BARTHOLINS CYST
TEA TREE OIL CYST
MAGNESIUM SULPHATE BARTHOLINS CYST
HOME REMEDY CYST
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Contact
My Email Address:
bartholinscyst@hotmail.co.uk
Note that I can't give actual medical advice (I am not a doctor, just a veteran of the Cyst and Marsupialization) but maybe I can answer the questions you cannot find answers to on forums!
bartholinscyst@hotmail.co.uk
Note that I can't give actual medical advice (I am not a doctor, just a veteran of the Cyst and Marsupialization) but maybe I can answer the questions you cannot find answers to on forums!
Day FOUR
Today I woke up fine, very little pain to report, however, we are now getting closer to the afternoon and there is some aching where the lump was. I am getting a Brown discharge also.
I haven't needed to take pain killers but am wondering if this new hurt is due to the underwear/shower/lack of bathing and also that I have been walking a lot more and as usual.
Today I found myself getting exhausted, like tired mentally and physically, my advice is if you are able to, plan to do nothing apart from sleep and maybe read a book with the occasional short walk to keep you moving. I just took a bath and shower and feel much better. I have now advanced to a UK product called 'Femme Fresh', it promises to be soap free and of low PH which means it's good for that area, I am not sure if that's also good for intimate areas after surgery but hey, no aftercare, got to guess a little.
MORE IMPORTANTLY is the way I feel emotionally. I feel amazing, not having it there has just lifted a huge amount of insecurity off me, I feel more attractive, it's weird. I also feel like I have taken back control, am back to my usual self and such.
Without causing any actual pressure or irritation, I cannot help but touch the surrounding area and get this huge sense of 'oh wow, there's nothing there', it's magical. I feel an enormous sense of gratitude to all responsible for getting me to surgery.
The strange thing is instead of feeling like things are back to normal, I have felt like things aren't quite right not having a huge lump aching me. I have just returned to sitting normally as even though I have had little to no pain for four days, I am habitually used to sitting carefully because pre-op it was so agonizing to move with.
I get the idea that you want to avoid surgery, that if it's not bothering you, why put yourself through it, but for me it was totally worth it.
I would also like to note, because I have seen on forums that a lot of women ask 'when will I be able to have intercourse'... I have no plans of doing so yet! My Doctor said 2 weeks and I thought that would be too soon but there has been a huge improvement in comfort in just four days so I think two weeks may well be realistic if you take care of yourself and if it feels right for you and your body.
I haven't needed to take pain killers but am wondering if this new hurt is due to the underwear/shower/lack of bathing and also that I have been walking a lot more and as usual.
Today I found myself getting exhausted, like tired mentally and physically, my advice is if you are able to, plan to do nothing apart from sleep and maybe read a book with the occasional short walk to keep you moving. I just took a bath and shower and feel much better. I have now advanced to a UK product called 'Femme Fresh', it promises to be soap free and of low PH which means it's good for that area, I am not sure if that's also good for intimate areas after surgery but hey, no aftercare, got to guess a little.
MORE IMPORTANTLY is the way I feel emotionally. I feel amazing, not having it there has just lifted a huge amount of insecurity off me, I feel more attractive, it's weird. I also feel like I have taken back control, am back to my usual self and such.
Without causing any actual pressure or irritation, I cannot help but touch the surrounding area and get this huge sense of 'oh wow, there's nothing there', it's magical. I feel an enormous sense of gratitude to all responsible for getting me to surgery.
The strange thing is instead of feeling like things are back to normal, I have felt like things aren't quite right not having a huge lump aching me. I have just returned to sitting normally as even though I have had little to no pain for four days, I am habitually used to sitting carefully because pre-op it was so agonizing to move with.
I get the idea that you want to avoid surgery, that if it's not bothering you, why put yourself through it, but for me it was totally worth it.
I would also like to note, because I have seen on forums that a lot of women ask 'when will I be able to have intercourse'... I have no plans of doing so yet! My Doctor said 2 weeks and I thought that would be too soon but there has been a huge improvement in comfort in just four days so I think two weeks may well be realistic if you take care of yourself and if it feels right for you and your body.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Day THREE
Today I woke up feeling fine and again have not required any pain killers.
I have had a light stinging when I urinate but nothing major, I find it can be reduced by 'sitting' at a slightly different angle. I have had minor tingling/pain today but then I haven't been resting a lot and have walked a fair bit whilst running errands. I am now laying and sitting with relative ease, minus my own slight paranoia and cautious behaviour. Thus far by my own examination there appears to be no lump.
I did take my first full shower today, by that I mean stood up and washing hair as normal, however, I am still sticking with Baby products only. I have been wearing seamless underwear today and have also been changing panty liners every few hours to avoid any old fluid staying in contact with the area.
I am feeling a little tired, I can do more walking with less tiredness but even still, I am not quite feeling my usual self.
I have had a light stinging when I urinate but nothing major, I find it can be reduced by 'sitting' at a slightly different angle. I have had minor tingling/pain today but then I haven't been resting a lot and have walked a fair bit whilst running errands. I am now laying and sitting with relative ease, minus my own slight paranoia and cautious behaviour. Thus far by my own examination there appears to be no lump.
I did take my first full shower today, by that I mean stood up and washing hair as normal, however, I am still sticking with Baby products only. I have been wearing seamless underwear today and have also been changing panty liners every few hours to avoid any old fluid staying in contact with the area.
I am feeling a little tired, I can do more walking with less tiredness but even still, I am not quite feeling my usual self.
Friday, 8 March 2013
Attention!
This blog is not recommending this surgery to everyone, it may not even be necessary and it's never a guaranteed fix. Like anything, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. If you aren't getting any trouble then do not rush for the surgical option, it may be an unnecessary amount of effort, for me it made sense, I was in agony, anything was better.
In addition I appreciate that everyone's experience will be different, this blog is solely here to be informative and ideally positive for others scheduled to have this or who have just had this or are thinking about having this.
In addition I appreciate that everyone's experience will be different, this blog is solely here to be informative and ideally positive for others scheduled to have this or who have just had this or are thinking about having this.
Day TWO
It has been nearly two days since the Marsupialization and I am feeling better.
Pain has increased in frequency but it is still manageable without pain killers, I'd say it doesn't even come close to period pains on a heavy day. Although I am still taking all movement slowly, I am able to walk a little more 'normally' with my legs closer together and a little faster. I can also it cross legged and lay on my side, I wasn't able to do either yesterday. There is some packing hanging out slightly but I daren't pull it, I will wait, though it is a little irritating sitting there, rather like the feeling of a tampon being inserted not quite deep enough.
I took another warm bath this morning, this time I used some Johnson's Baby Bubble Bath 2 in 1 stuff. In my two baths I've made no attempt to clean the area, just to sit, I a unwilling to touch it, equally when drying afterwards, I am cautious of being abrasive and prefer a dab dry technique (this may be me being paranoid).
Hmm, so during typing the above, something awesome happened!
The packing came out! I was sat cross legged so presumably that was enough pressure to gently nudge whatever was hanging out to come out. It was a small gloop of surgical gauze, about 2cm by 2cm (in lump form), it felt fleshy in colour and texture but it's just because it's all soaked. I called the ward who confirmed this is completely normal, they said that they used to make patients bath before leaving so it came out before discharge. It has left a mixed feeling. Emptiness, like there should be something there, but also a much easier way to walk and sit... It feels nice.
Admittedly, if you weren't aware this was meant to happen, it looks more like a piece of you than any surgical stuffing, don't freak out and do not rush to remove it yourself. It will come out on its own. I was worried I'd be some unique case where it never came out... as I think everyone else worries in their own situation. Cool.
I am laying down now, I thought it best given the now lack of support in there.
I read online that it's good to take some constipation relief medication, to make that element easier to pass as you don't want to be pushing/tensing. I don't know if this may be good for some but for me, I waited until I needed to go and this morning was able to go for a number two with ease and no discomfort. This was my first time since the operation. Again I read online that this would be painful but it wasn't.
Pain has increased in frequency but it is still manageable without pain killers, I'd say it doesn't even come close to period pains on a heavy day. Although I am still taking all movement slowly, I am able to walk a little more 'normally' with my legs closer together and a little faster. I can also it cross legged and lay on my side, I wasn't able to do either yesterday. There is some packing hanging out slightly but I daren't pull it, I will wait, though it is a little irritating sitting there, rather like the feeling of a tampon being inserted not quite deep enough.
I took another warm bath this morning, this time I used some Johnson's Baby Bubble Bath 2 in 1 stuff. In my two baths I've made no attempt to clean the area, just to sit, I a unwilling to touch it, equally when drying afterwards, I am cautious of being abrasive and prefer a dab dry technique (this may be me being paranoid).
Hmm, so during typing the above, something awesome happened!
The packing came out! I was sat cross legged so presumably that was enough pressure to gently nudge whatever was hanging out to come out. It was a small gloop of surgical gauze, about 2cm by 2cm (in lump form), it felt fleshy in colour and texture but it's just because it's all soaked. I called the ward who confirmed this is completely normal, they said that they used to make patients bath before leaving so it came out before discharge. It has left a mixed feeling. Emptiness, like there should be something there, but also a much easier way to walk and sit... It feels nice.
Admittedly, if you weren't aware this was meant to happen, it looks more like a piece of you than any surgical stuffing, don't freak out and do not rush to remove it yourself. It will come out on its own. I was worried I'd be some unique case where it never came out... as I think everyone else worries in their own situation. Cool.
I am laying down now, I thought it best given the now lack of support in there.
I read online that it's good to take some constipation relief medication, to make that element easier to pass as you don't want to be pushing/tensing. I don't know if this may be good for some but for me, I waited until I needed to go and this morning was able to go for a number two with ease and no discomfort. This was my first time since the operation. Again I read online that this would be painful but it wasn't.
Marsupialization
I had the Marsupialization procedure 6 March 2013 in the evening under General Anaesthetic, the procedure itself takes very little time, however, I was out for 90 minutes, presumably because the Anaesthetic lasts longer.
I found this website which details the procedure, it has sketched images of each stage so if you are easily squeamish or feel it might alarm you, don't look. I found it quite reassuring and interesting:
http://www.atlasofpelvicsurgery.com/1VulvaandIntroitus/3bartholinsglandcyst/chap1sec3.html
I was kept in overnight, I believe this was because I didn't wake up until 9.30pm. I was in very little pain, I want this known as I have seen a lot of negative feedback from others after this operation. I was able to pass Urine without any sting and could walk (in an E.T like fashion), I wasn't ready to start doing gymnastics, obviously, but I was comfy. I was in a lot of pain pre-op so perhaps, in my case, the pain seems less as anything was better than the plum and blister.
Day ONE:
The following morning I was discharged and was able to exit the hospital to be picked up, I could walk but again slowly and in an ET fashion, standing got tiring quicker than usual.
I have been very careful with getting in and out of cars/sitting/getting up/laying down and tossing and turning during sleep as I believe any quick/sudden movement/impact might hurt a bit.
Only 18 hours after surgery, I was able to run a warm bath, I sat in this for approx. 30 minutes with no soap/bath foam.
During this operation they insert 'packing' which is gauze, some sort of netty surgical material, I don't know why but I guess it's to keep stuff in place or absorb drainage? Anyway, I was told that after a bath it will usually start to dissolve its way out. A few bits came out but not a lot. The warm bath did make walking feel comfier in the short term. It's VERY important to keep the area clean.
I spent most of the day laying down, ate well and drank a lot of fluids, I also took some Vitamin C supplements to help with the immune system side of things. I required no pain killers and found the occasional sting, tolerable.
In the evening I took a ten minute walk outdoors which left me a little exhausted but in little pain.
I spent the day in PJs/Joggers with no underwear to keep anything from rubbing against the area.
I should say at this point that nobody in the ward gave me any after care advice besides 'keep it clean', that was after me asking questions, requesting a leaflet and such. There was very little out-patient help. Everything above is guess work thus far but judging by the lack of pain or horror story, it may be working. Most of it is common sense.
I found this website which details the procedure, it has sketched images of each stage so if you are easily squeamish or feel it might alarm you, don't look. I found it quite reassuring and interesting:
http://www.atlasofpelvicsurgery.com/1VulvaandIntroitus/3bartholinsglandcyst/chap1sec3.html
I was kept in overnight, I believe this was because I didn't wake up until 9.30pm. I was in very little pain, I want this known as I have seen a lot of negative feedback from others after this operation. I was able to pass Urine without any sting and could walk (in an E.T like fashion), I wasn't ready to start doing gymnastics, obviously, but I was comfy. I was in a lot of pain pre-op so perhaps, in my case, the pain seems less as anything was better than the plum and blister.
Day ONE:
The following morning I was discharged and was able to exit the hospital to be picked up, I could walk but again slowly and in an ET fashion, standing got tiring quicker than usual.
I have been very careful with getting in and out of cars/sitting/getting up/laying down and tossing and turning during sleep as I believe any quick/sudden movement/impact might hurt a bit.
Only 18 hours after surgery, I was able to run a warm bath, I sat in this for approx. 30 minutes with no soap/bath foam.
During this operation they insert 'packing' which is gauze, some sort of netty surgical material, I don't know why but I guess it's to keep stuff in place or absorb drainage? Anyway, I was told that after a bath it will usually start to dissolve its way out. A few bits came out but not a lot. The warm bath did make walking feel comfier in the short term. It's VERY important to keep the area clean.
I spent most of the day laying down, ate well and drank a lot of fluids, I also took some Vitamin C supplements to help with the immune system side of things. I required no pain killers and found the occasional sting, tolerable.
In the evening I took a ten minute walk outdoors which left me a little exhausted but in little pain.
I spent the day in PJs/Joggers with no underwear to keep anything from rubbing against the area.
I should say at this point that nobody in the ward gave me any after care advice besides 'keep it clean', that was after me asking questions, requesting a leaflet and such. There was very little out-patient help. Everything above is guess work thus far but judging by the lack of pain or horror story, it may be working. Most of it is common sense.
My Bartholin's Cyst
I first noticed my Cyst approx. two years ago. It started pea sized but quickly became and remained about the size of a marble. It caused no pain and didn't really interfere at all with any activity, my only hang up was that it was a little unsightly. It was at this point that I may have been able to use home remedy to keep it smaller, my GP did suggest warm baths to temporarily make it smaller in appearance.
It stayed this size until November/December 2012 when I developed my first infection, it shot up to approx. 4.5cm in length, it was very red and very sore, it would ache when lying on my side and was a little uncomfortable to sit on/drive with. I quickly went to my Doctor, she recognised it as an infection and put me on a 7 day course of Antibiotics, I took 4x 500mg Flucloxacillin daily. The infection went away within 2-3 days and the lump decreased to its usual marble size. All pain went.
More recently in late February 2013 it flared up again, this time to the size of a Plum. I was on my period at the time and did not wish to be examined, I waited 4 days longer to see the GP because of this. I believe this may have made things worse as the Antibiotics were so effective during my last infection when I went to the GP immediately. Take my advice, GO, straight away, do not let any embarrassment or period delay you.
When I visited the Doctor she said it was an abscess and prescribed the same course as before, she said if it persisted, then it may need draining. The Antibiotics did not work, the size stayed at Plum, if larger, it got more painful until eventually I could hardly walk/sit/lay/drive. I began to develop a blister which started to cause burning pains, I believe this was due to chaffing. It was at this stage that I went to the Gynaecology unit by referral of the out of hours doctors.
The Doctor agreed that a Marsupialization was my best option, it was completed on the same day, several hours later. I have been told there is a 30% chance of it reoccurring. I don't care, I feel miles better and am now equipped with the knowledge to try and handle any future instances of another BC.
It stayed this size until November/December 2012 when I developed my first infection, it shot up to approx. 4.5cm in length, it was very red and very sore, it would ache when lying on my side and was a little uncomfortable to sit on/drive with. I quickly went to my Doctor, she recognised it as an infection and put me on a 7 day course of Antibiotics, I took 4x 500mg Flucloxacillin daily. The infection went away within 2-3 days and the lump decreased to its usual marble size. All pain went.
More recently in late February 2013 it flared up again, this time to the size of a Plum. I was on my period at the time and did not wish to be examined, I waited 4 days longer to see the GP because of this. I believe this may have made things worse as the Antibiotics were so effective during my last infection when I went to the GP immediately. Take my advice, GO, straight away, do not let any embarrassment or period delay you.
When I visited the Doctor she said it was an abscess and prescribed the same course as before, she said if it persisted, then it may need draining. The Antibiotics did not work, the size stayed at Plum, if larger, it got more painful until eventually I could hardly walk/sit/lay/drive. I began to develop a blister which started to cause burning pains, I believe this was due to chaffing. It was at this stage that I went to the Gynaecology unit by referral of the out of hours doctors.
The Doctor agreed that a Marsupialization was my best option, it was completed on the same day, several hours later. I have been told there is a 30% chance of it reoccurring. I don't care, I feel miles better and am now equipped with the knowledge to try and handle any future instances of another BC.
Introduction
I am a 23 year old female living in the UK.
I have had one Cyst for two years and previous to my recent troubles, for 18 months it remained marble size with no pain and with no complications.
Two days ago I had a Marsupialization.
I have set up this blog to hopefully share information and positive commentary on my experience as there are a few gaps online when it comes to the details, I found some need to knows absent on the large amount of forums regarding Bartholin's Cysts. I also felt that there was a lot of negative feedback, I hope that during my recovery, I have some positives to offer. It's an unpleasant enough experience just having a BC, let alone wrestling with the negative outlook portrayed online.
For the purpose of this blog the Cyst will be known as BC as I dislike the full word and typing it.
First and foremost, if you are in the UK and your Cyst is not causing you any serious bother, I highly recommend reading the forums! I believe due to the medical system in the US, or lack of, that they offer a lot more home remedy information and tips as unfortunately, there is no NHS to do things for free on a whim. I found the following useful, well, had I found them whilst in my early stages, they may have been invaluable:
-Sitz Baths - google them, they can reduce the size and often assist you in self-draining at home
-Silica - a supplement you can buy in Holland&Barratt (or similar) which helps keep BC at bay
-Warm Towel Compress - Like the Sitz bath - helps with self-draining
^These are just a few tips I found that may apply to those who haven't reached infection/abscess stage
I should note that if you experience ANY pain, redness, tenderness, increase in BC size, to immediately go to your Doctor. IMMEDIATELY. Antibiotics can work very quickly and successfully. In my next blog I will detail my own BC experience, I just felt that the information contained in this first blog may be more useful to the initial viewer as I appreciate not everyone gets to infection/abscess/draining/surgery stage.
I have had one Cyst for two years and previous to my recent troubles, for 18 months it remained marble size with no pain and with no complications.
Two days ago I had a Marsupialization.
I have set up this blog to hopefully share information and positive commentary on my experience as there are a few gaps online when it comes to the details, I found some need to knows absent on the large amount of forums regarding Bartholin's Cysts. I also felt that there was a lot of negative feedback, I hope that during my recovery, I have some positives to offer. It's an unpleasant enough experience just having a BC, let alone wrestling with the negative outlook portrayed online.
For the purpose of this blog the Cyst will be known as BC as I dislike the full word and typing it.
First and foremost, if you are in the UK and your Cyst is not causing you any serious bother, I highly recommend reading the forums! I believe due to the medical system in the US, or lack of, that they offer a lot more home remedy information and tips as unfortunately, there is no NHS to do things for free on a whim. I found the following useful, well, had I found them whilst in my early stages, they may have been invaluable:
-Sitz Baths - google them, they can reduce the size and often assist you in self-draining at home
-Silica - a supplement you can buy in Holland&Barratt (or similar) which helps keep BC at bay
-Warm Towel Compress - Like the Sitz bath - helps with self-draining
^These are just a few tips I found that may apply to those who haven't reached infection/abscess stage
I should note that if you experience ANY pain, redness, tenderness, increase in BC size, to immediately go to your Doctor. IMMEDIATELY. Antibiotics can work very quickly and successfully. In my next blog I will detail my own BC experience, I just felt that the information contained in this first blog may be more useful to the initial viewer as I appreciate not everyone gets to infection/abscess/draining/surgery stage.
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