Swelling and dilatation // Week post-op

[La femme Nikitta]

Just in case anyone needs this, some surgeons prescribe Tramadol which is far stronger than paracetamol. It can cause constipation, but a high fibre diet and if necessary laxatives can fix that. I've never heard the prolapse and fistula bit before, but perhaps its related to a particular surgeon. I've mainly researched Suporn.

No tramadol either. I was on morphine for 12 hours after surgery, then they cut me off. I was allowed ibuprofin and panadol. This was what Mr Bellringer recommended. Prolapse is when the new vaginal wall can come out - which can happen with constipation. Apparently the bowel can generate 200psi. Fistula is a passage between the vagina and the bowel - from an infection or tear. Both are bad complications.

My partner was on tramadol at the time for her shoulder and i could have had some - but it was more important to me that everything healed well, so I followed the surgeons advice. It got better. The pain was transitory, and i would bear 10x the pain again for a positive result.

[Serenation]

Just in case anyone needs this, some surgeons prescribe Tramadol which is far stronger than paracetamol. It can cause constipation, but a high fibre diet and if necessary laxatives can fix that. I've never heard the prolapse and fistula bit before, but perhaps its related to a particular surgeon. I've mainly researched Suporn.

from that Article I was quoting the other day, He said his technique makes prolapse impossible. It also said had 2 cases of fistula in 2000 patients.

Though was under the impression it can only happened during surgery.

[La femme Nikitta]

Oh, ok. I only know what the surgeon said. He had reported his occurences of fistula's - i can't remember the number, but more than that. He said he had had one recently which occured post an infection in the labia that was not drained. Something about infection spreading to the bit of vagina which heals to form a union with the large bowel.

Another thung to help with dilating, i spent a good 2 hours each time during the first week - it took ages to get it in- giggling around with changing positions/technique and re-lubing etc. the hard bit was getting the dilator in.

[AnonyMs]

from that Article I was quoting the other day, He said his technique makes prolapse impossible. It also said had 2 cases of fistula in 2000 patients.

Though was under the impression it can only happened during surgery.

You're right of course. I didn't write what I meant to say; I've heard of fistula's in connection with SRS before, but I always though it was caused during the surgery as well. In truth I've no real idea what causes it.

[AnonyMs]

No tramadol either. I was on morphine for 12 hours after surgery, then they cut me off. I was allowed ibuprofin and panadol. This was what Mr Bellringer recommended.

That sounds really hard. I've had a relatively minor surgery under general anesthetic years ago, and the first  couple of days was extremely painful under something similar to Tramadol. I can't imagine what SRS would be like with only paracetamol. It's actually scary.

Again in Suporn's case they give you morphine for 7 days while you're in hospital, if you want it. Perhaps there's some cultural difference happening. I've heard some countries try to limit how long you're on these type of addictive painkillers for your own good. Personally I'd rather risk addiction.

[La femme Nikitta]

They said the reason they cut me off was constipation only - any other surgery I would have stayed on. Also, during surgery they gave me some sort of epidural too which probably helped. Also i got a shot of dexamethasone post op as an antiemetic. For some reason that always makes me feel good and heal well. The most painful thing in hospital was the catheter. When they put the free flow thing on - the bulb banging on my bladder end of urethra when i finished peeing - that did sting. Also getting it out and the drain out. They hurt a lot - but were quick and then over type pain.

The most painful thing was that first week dilating. Wowsers dis that hurt.

I was suprised as I thought I would be on tramadol at least too - but yeah - weird.

Still, i got out of hospital and went for a drive shopping in Portsmouth that very day, and then went to a punk rock gig in Liverpool during the evening. Got back in at 2am after being drunk on two beers. Was tired, but had the time of my life. After that - also - the only time i stopped was to dilate. Mr Bellringer told my partner to keep me active. So we kept active. Did something everyday. Lots to do in London! (I am from NZ)

For me, and the way they did the surgery, i think they made the right choices. Sure, i would have liked a bit more dexamethasone or prednisone and some tramadol - but, i am not a surgeon, and this is the only time I have done this, so I trusted them. They have done many surgeries. He did three others on the same day he did me apparently. Surgery was quick too. Jnder 2 hours from going in until waking up. That suprised me as well.

[AnonyMs]

I just remembered, I think its pretty standard to have an enema before SRS. I always assumed its in case there's a problem in surgery, but perhaps there's more to it. You're not going to have constipation for a while after having one of those.

[Kizzy]

I was on oxycodone after my surgery in the US. Constipation was a concern I my case as well, so I was given stool softeners/laxatives to counteract the constipation get effects. I can't imagine going without my serious narcotics. Coming off them was a bit difficult emotionally, though.