Granulation, and How to Deal With it.

[ShelleyAMB]

Granulation is the healing tissue that is present after major surgery, however, it can cause complication when it comes to the use of your new vagina
It's been 15 months since my G.R.S. with Dr. Kathy Rumer.
There where complications, caused mostly by granulation.
The best I can currently manage is the second dilator.
Currently under treatment by doctor Deborah Thorpe in Minneapolis.
Dilating once a day followed by application of estrace creme to my clitoris and the interior of my vagina.
She is VERY happy with the results, and is hoping to avoid laser surgery (as am I).
I will say this.
MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE your surgeon mentions the possibility of granulation.
Also, have an ob-gyn lined up who is familiar with the problem.
Trust me.
Leaving it to heal on it's own is no fun and potentially harmful when it comes to future use.

[mrs izzy]

Very true on having either your GP or Ob/gyn lined up before hand is one of the best things you can do for your post op care.

Knowing if you have trouble there is somewhere to go for a check up with out having to deal with ERs and such.

Also it takes a long, long time to heal so do not rush things faster then your body heals.

Isabell

[Ms Bev]

McGinn's Granulation Queen here.  As an older patient, it does take longer to heal.  I have lots of granulation tissue, which I'm treating with estrace cream on the dilator.  Dilation has to be done every day or two or it becomes ouchy.  It's been about 15 months

[Vicky]

I had full releases going both from and to my surgeon and my HMO and an Ob/Gyn who had received a special training class in TS Post Op issues.  I did not have granulation as a problem, but did have a yeast infection that mimicked some parts of granulation in the discomfort area.  The was actually a phone consultation between the doctors, a mild change in my post op care, and good news today. 

[Jenna Marie]

I've considered myself very lucky that I had no granulation issues... but we definitely were warned repeatedly, and had the warning signs described thoroughly.

I hope you heal up soon!

[Flan]

I had the full kit and kaboodle of granulation tissue (also treated by Dr Thorpe). Laser surgery isn't really that bad but it's getting insurance (Health Partners in my case) to cover it which can be the fun part. Hoping a little poke and nudge by the county court will encourage them to see my way.

[tiger54]

Hey, this is my first post so please forgive any protocol foibles   I'm post-op only 2 months, GRS on 1/7/14 with Leis in Philly.  I've also been having some granulation issues.  The first was caused by one of the grafts not taking on the lower right side during the vaginoplasty.  He had me use silver nitrate tipped sticks on it and it's healed up nicely.  The other one is on the bottom of my vagina just after the opening.  That one isn't so easy to get at and it bleeds and hurts like hell when I dilate.  It's kept me from moving on passed the 2nd dilator.  Sigh, much frustration because my boyfriend is anxious to try out my new equipment.  Anyway, my question is what's the deal with the estrace cream.  What does it do to help heal the granulation?  Thanks - btw awesome forum!!!

[Vicky]

Unless you are driving distance to Dr. Leis office, I would suggest going and seeing a OB/GYN ASAP, it may not be just granulation.  you could also have a minor infection there that would be easy enough to treat, but the doctor would be the one to know.  I picked up a yeast infection which made my dilators feel like the were covered in coarse grit sand paper, but once diagnosed was over in 48 hours, and dilation was SOOOO MUCH nicer.  The bleeding or bloody discharge is about where I was a year ago, also at two months (I was Jan 15, 13) and going through pads several times a day, and panties at every dilation.

I honestly do not know what Estrace cream is, and never had it.  I did get topical lidocaine a few days before they diagnosed the yeast thing

[Nicolette]

I've considered myself very lucky that I had no granulation issues... but we definitely were warned repeatedly, and had the warning signs described thoroughly.

I hope you heal up soon!

Of course, I was warned too. I haven't experienced this granulation and hope this remains so!

Are some more predisposed than others?

[mrs izzy]

I have heard that using a saline douche sometimes will help with granulation. I guess you do not have a GYN or GP that can help putting on the SN.

I use Premarin cream but it is for helping with the elasticity. I used Xylocaine Jelly for 1 month when i moved up to the orange monster guage dilator to help. I have a great GP and she has helped so much.

Healing will take up to a year or even longer and there is no way to rush it. Just keep doing what your doctors post op orders.

Each dilator holds its own time to get use to. Just keep slow and easy and lots of lube.

Isabell

[Missy~rmdlm]

I am pre-op with weeks to go. But it's really my understanding that 80% of SRS surgeries require some level of granulation mitigation. It's just my anticipation of getting nasty with some silver nitrate sooner or later, and if not great.

[mrs izzy]

I am pre-op with weeks to go. But it's really my understanding that 80% of SRS surgeries require some level of granulation mitigation. It's just my anticipation of getting nasty with some silver nitrate sooner or later, and if not great.

I do not think it is anywhere that high. Yes it is something that could happen. One has to remember that area is not a good area to keep dry. It is always wet and humid, getting gel that is water and stuffed multi times a day.

Best thing is to keep it as clean and dry as you can the best you can. If you do have any trouble make sure you have a GP or GYN set up before hand.

Time does heal all wounds.

Lots of luck on your up coming surgery. I wish you speed in recovery and healing.

Hugs
Isabell