Chet in september

[Isabelle]

Personally, I brought my iPhone, iPad, and a laptop. Laptop for work (studying a new software package while I'm layed up) IPad for watching films online, phone for messaging... You could get away with just an iPad though with your iMessage acount set up for free texting other iPhone users,  messenger/skype/etc installed for anyone else.

The catheter makes dilating quite rough. I found pushing passed my prostate to be intensely painful, and holding it in causes it to burn... Other girls here I've spoken to don't seem to have the same issue so, maybe it's just me being pussy. Almost 5 years on E, I'm surprised my prostate is big enough to even feel..  Today Sri said something about the skin graft needing to heal more before the catheter comes out... I dont know. It's really not so bad anymore. To start with I couldn't dialate for more than a few minutes without a break. Now I can go for as long as I like with no problem. Having said that, I'm still only on the #1 stent.

[Joi]

Thz Isabelle!  Looks like an Ipad is in my future.  My surgery with Chett. is not until late Jan. so I have time to shop for one and learn how to use it.

I detect a positive attitude RE: the catheter.  That's important.
I'm sure I'll have some surprises in store for me post op as well.  Although at 1st pass just the thought of having something to dilate is exiting, however that's just the "pink cloud" effect. As I have read on these boards, dilation will be challenging and sometimes uncomfortable. All the years of wanting this will soon be a memory. I will just have to focus on the end game.   

I'm finally finished sending all of my docs. to Som for the final clearance. It was very extensive due to my age.  Just awaiting a msg from them to fix my date firm.

Hang in there!

Hugz,
Joi

[Isabelle]

Re dilating.... My experience has been you just have to push through the pain for the first few days, eventually it becomes manageable, then it becomes easy. I can dilate now, for over an hour with no trouble, just slight discomfort.... Also, fun fact, after surgery Chet told me he thought he got about 5"... First dilation found I was 6", after a few days dilating I'm almost 7"

[Joi]

Wow 'Bella!  Fantastic results

And your comments RE: how soon dilation gets easier is encouraging.

I know you're happy!

Hugz,

Joi

[bootifulone]

Re dilating.... My experience has been you just have to push through the pain for the first few days, eventually it becomes manageable, then it becomes easy. I can dilate now, for over an hour with no trouble, just slight discomfort.... Also, fun fact, after surgery Chet told me he thought he got about 5"... First dilation found I was 6", after a few days dilating I'm almost 7"

That is awesome!!! Congrats!! only two & half weeks til I'm there. What did you have done?

[Isabelle]

That is awesome!!! Congrats!! only two & half weeks til I'm there. What did you have done?

I had SRS and a BA

[bootifulone]

I had SRS and a BA

The same will be for me!

[Isabelle]

Ahh, cool you'll be a new woman

[bootifulone]

When do u fly back home?

[Isabelle]

Well kids, it's been educational... I leave in a couple of days. Everything went fine, no complications, great nurses, great Dr. I think I'll be back to chet in a year for some facial work, the only thing I'll change is I probably won't stay at the Rama cottages next time. The cottages are totally fit for purpose and all that but, because I came alone I was a bit dependant on the hotel room service food, which can only really be described as ghastly. Frustrating because there's lots of yummy food so close to you, but, not close enough when you're supposed to stay off your feet for so long. I'd totally recommend chet to others.

[Laura_7]

Well kids, it's been educational... I leave in a couple of days. Everything went fine, no complications, great nurses, great Dr. I think I'll be back to chet in a year for some facial work, the only thing I'll change is I probably won't stay at the Rama cottages next time. The cottages are totally fit for purpose and all that but, because I came alone I was a bit dependant on the hotel room service food, which can only really be described as ghastly. Frustrating because there's lots of yummy food so close to you, but, not close enough when you're supposed to stay off your feet for so long. I'd totally recommend chet to others.

Thats why some people recommended the dusit for coming alone.
They are supposed to speak better english and have a larger variety.

[SorchaC]

Thats why some people recommended the dusit for coming alone.
They are supposed to speak better english and have a larger variety.

The Dusit is a far better quality hotel and from reports I got from Noi The Vertical Suites is a step up again and includes the amenities such as kitchen that the Rama Cottages have. My friend Dusty stayed at The Dusit (that's why I nicknamed her Dusty Princess) She told me her biggest problem was loneliness due to not seeing anybody except me and the hotel staff for weeks. In the cottages you have others close by and sneaking out into the soi is always possible even if only for 5 minutes a day. The food at The Dusit is good and the rooms are small but nicer than The Rama and the cable TV actually works! The staff are wonderful if they know you've had surgery. I ate there one night and as soon as they saw my donut I wasn't allowed to even walk for my own food at the buffet Great service.

Well kids, it's been educational... I leave in a couple of days. Everything went fine, no complications, great nurses, great Dr.

I hope you have a safe trip home. I doubt it will be your most comfortable flight being so long but I hope all goes well for you Thanks for sharing your thoughts while you were over there, I'm sure they've helped those that are still to make that journey

Hugs

Sorcha 

[Isabelle]

Yeah, next time I'm here it'll just be for my chin and nose so, I doubt I'll here as long so spending money on a better hotel won't be that difficult. There's nothing wrong with the cottages at the Rama, just the room device food is dodgy. Makin friends though, you're right that is a huge positive. I met some truly wonderful, helpful people staying here.

[Joi]

Thanks for all of the tips and input regarding your experiences. 
Have a safe and comfortable and problem free trip home.

Hugz,

Joi