Day 11

My sleep cycle's a bit messed up so I didn't sleep that well, but it was much more comfortable. I can sleep in my normal position now! (On my side).
Also, there's no bleeding! And everything's a normal colour and size.
Thankfully the itching has got a bit better; I'm obviously going to keep using my Canesten cream though, until it's completely cleared up.

Today I went back to work, armed with the new doctors note I got yesterday at the GP. I had already sent them the first one, which only gave me 5 days!? A bit ambitious perhaps.

So too, was the claim that my stitches would dissolve in 7-10 days. It's day 11 and they're not budging, so I assume they meant the stitches START to dissolve in 7-10 days. That makes more sense.

My labia are now less sensitive so I can touch them gently without causing much pain. This is not necessarily good though, as I need to touch the area as little as possible to avoid infection. But it makes sleeping and sitting much easier, which is such a relief. Walking for long periods is still difficult though as the two rows of stitches rub together and this is uncomfortable. It makes me walk a bit funny, and much slower than usual, so I would say if you're thinking of going back to work - leave it at least a week. Then give yourself extra time to get there (it took me about half an hour longer than usual - I have to walk between stops/ use escalators etc)

I'm still taking painkillers (1 paracetemol and 1 ibuprofen 3 or 4 times a day) and bathing 2 times a day. I will keep up this bathing routine for at least a month if possible, but I honestly hate it - I usually prefer to shower. I don't feel as clean after a bath. And it takes ages! Drying the area is becoming easier though.

Just to re-cap, the nurses on the day of my operation said don't have sex or use tampons for 2-6 weeks after the op. It's been nearly 2 weeks and I have no desire to do either - my labia might be healing nicely but to touch them feels horrible and scratchy. My period's not due for another week or so, so we'll see how that goes.