Mariah's GRS with Dr. Meltzer 10/27/16 and Post surgical journey.

[Mariah]

So the dilations with number 2 have gotten much easier and 3T is gradually getting easier to. I'm going to try again either today or tomorrow number 3 but looks like I'm on trend for the 3 weeks and not that is on the schedule. I suppose my not having been able to do 4 times a day after I got home is probably why. Hugs
Mariah

[Mariah]

It took a few days but I finally got number 3 in. The problem has been that muscle at the opening of the vagina has been super tight and I just hadn't gotten it relaxed enough to fit number 3 in before now. Hugs
Mariah

[Rachel]

Hi Mariah, congratulations. Do you mind if I ask how do you relax the muscle.

[Mariah]

A couple things I do that both need to be done or you end up tensing up. One is a comfortable position because if your arched or bent in any particular way it will tense the muscles up no matter what you do. Then the other is relax and slowly breathe through your nose and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Now while your doing that just white light kind of let it in gulf you but if that doesn't work then hopefully something out there motivates you enough to focus on while doing the breathing. Hugs
Mariah

Hi Mariah, congratulations. Do you mind if I ask how do you relax the muscle.

[Dena]

Some additional things. Bend your body at the waist holding your back up with pillows and have your legs straight on top the bed. Once you figure out where the dilator goes, bring your legs together and relax all the muscles in the lower half of the body.

[Rachel]

Mariah and Dina, thank you. I get to try #2 tonight.

[Mariah]

Yay, congrats Rachel Lynn. I get to try number 4 in about 2 weeks. I suspect it won't be that quick at going in thous. Hugs
Mariah

Mariah and Dina, thank you. I get to try #2 tonight.

[Beth Andrea]

A couple things I do that both need to be done or you end up tensing up. One is a comfortable position because if your arched or bent in any particular way it will tense the muscles up no matter what you do. Then the other is relax and slowly breathe through your nose and then slowly exhale through your mouth. Now while your doing that just white light kind of let it in gulf you but if that doesn't work then hopefully something out there motivates you enough to focus on while doing the breathing. Hugs
Mariah

"White light...engulf(s) you" suggests a moderate level of pain.

Could you clarify what you mean, and also is there much pain/discomfort in your dialations?

[Mariah]

It's not just that your focusing on something and removing the tension from your body. It's just an exercise. Hugs
Mariah

[Beth Andrea]

Thank you Mariah.

[Mariah]

So 3T is now going in the full depth that I need it too and things are stretching far easier than they were a week ago which is fantastic. Also everything is healing nicely and less areas require ointment now than before. So looks like three weeks was really what I needed to be ready for number 3 even though I was able to get it in before. hugs
Mariah

[Mariah]

3 is going in deeper than before which is a good thing. I'm waiting to hear back from Meltzer's office to determine if Silver nitrate is needed for some excessive granulation or if we are supposed to wait it out a bit more before taking action. One of the two spots with it isn't a surprise at all considering it is next to my urethra and all the surgical work done there in the past and that was done this time too. Hugs
Mariah

[Mariah]

Meltzer's office sending silver nitrate to help deal with the issue. There is to much granulation in certain spots that it has to be dealt with at this point. Hugs
Mariah

[Mariah]

It's been awhile so I thought I would update. It looks like based on feel that I now have reached full depth with dilator number 3. As was the case with 2, 3 started shy of 6 inches too, any but over time stretched back to 6. As long as I keep hitting all the way back I will be able to discontinue in the next day or so number 2 and just use 3 and 3T until I'm ready for number 4. Hugs
Mariah

[Beth Andrea]

So...tell us about the silver nitrate. Does a Dr apply it? What does it do to granulation?

What is granulation, and how does one know if it is present?

[Mariah]

Thread on granulation does a good job of showing it.The area is generally like red and bumpy. Key is though that in this case the problem is that I have to much in spot. high resolution photos I sent are what allowed them to know what is going on and where. They also are sending it to me with the instructions. Certain appointments are not to be done until after 3 months according to Meltzer so his office is handling since right now I'm in Kennewick or I would have been brought back into his office and had it done by him or someone on his team instead. As to how you do that I can't explain because I'm waiting for that to arrive. Weather and how the postal system set up these days results in things taking longer. I'm expecting it very early next week. Hugs
Mariah

So...tell us about the silver nitrate. Does a Dr apply it? What does it do to granulation?

What is granulation, and how does one know if it is present?

[Dena]

Silver nitrate is a chemical burn. Because it's a chemical, the burn can be carefully controlled and it only targets the desired area. Normally a doctor would do it because they know what they want done but it's like a paint brush so it's not difficult to do and with proper instruction, anybody could do it.

[Mariah]

I received the silver nitrate along with directions that includes the picture I took with a circle as to where to apply it. You got love something that can fix an issue but comes with a warning can permanently stain clothing. Hugs
Mariah

[Mariah]

I'm solidly on 3 without the need for 3T. I'm a bit behind schedule, but just barely. They are now tracking progress on 3 spots where healing needs to improve. 2 are being treated for granulation already with silver nitrate, but I suspect a third will join the list shortly. The spot right on top of the perineum at the bottom of the labia. So we will see what happens. I maybe able to move the Labiaplasty up, but only if they feel I will heal in time. I have a feeling it has to stay where it is scheduled already. Hugs
Mariah

[Mariah]

So we have stopped treating the spot next to the clit,but now we are treating the spot on the right on the bottom entrance to the vagina. Hugs
Mariah