Dilation - Depth & Pressure

[cheria]

Hi all,

I'm currently 10 days post-op with Brassard and things appear to be going fairly well. This has been an incredibly eye-opening experience and definitely one of, if not, the hardest things I've gone through.

Im doing my best to keep up with 4x a day per Brassard's schedule but at the very least do 3x a day, adding a few minutes on with #'s 2 & 3. I regret slacking a bit with #4 as I was able to get him in while in Montreal but now struggle. I still try to give him minimum 5 minutes a day on top of everything else. Admittedly, width is not my concern right now as that can be achieved (I believe) any time with practice as opposed to depth which can be lost forever. I intend on increasing time with #4 while decreasing with #2 over the next month or so.

My question is about depth and the amount of pressure needed to be applied on the dilator. I believe I am successfully reaching the vagina 'wall' at the end and, when pulling the dilators out, lube is covering all the dots. I know this isn't an accurate gauge of depth yet considering the amount of swelling but I'm happy all dots come out lubed up nonetheless.

When the dilators are inside, I'm applying a constant, firm pressure ensuring I always feel the 'wall' being pressed upon.

Now, is the purpose of dilating to merely hold at the wall or are we to push against the wall attempting to stretch it further?  The latter, naturally, causes discomfort but I'm wondering if I'm perhaps applying too much pressure as I feel like I'm hitting bone and my butt on the other side. It's not painful, just uncomfortable.

Any thoughts on this?

[Dena]

When you are dilating, you should have a mirror that you can check the depth with. There seems to be two standards for measuring with one to the floor of the labia and the other to the lips of the labia. Find out how your doctors measured your depth and what is is. Normally it takes about 4 pounds or 2 kilos of pressure to ensure the dilator is all the way in. On other thing to be aware of the the dilator may take a few minutes to reach bottom. This will become faster over time if you properly dilate now.

[HappyMoni]

I was surprised at how much the doctor allowed me to push. Not at first but after the initial healing was done. I went by the idea of pushing causing discomfort probably meant progress while actual pain might be causing problems that could complicate the healing. I ended up gaining a bit over a dot by pushing. Everyone's physical conditions are different. I can't believe you are doing #4 already.
Moni
Oh, Dr. McGinn was emphatic with me that extra time with one dilation does not make up for a missed dilation. Be glad you only do 4 times. I had to do 5 times a day. It was eat, sleep, shower and dilate and that was my day for a while.

[cheria]

Thank you for replying.

@Dena - I do use a mirror while dilating but figured that was only used to locate the vaginal opening, not gauge depth.  I suppose I need to adjust my perspective to use it for depth as, currently, all I see is the circular end of the dilator. The only measurement from here is it's diameter though. Brassard said he achieved 6 inches of depth, but I'm not sure which measuring standard he used.

@HappyMoni - I'm of similar mind in that discomfort suggests progress but pain suggests stop or else risk injury and complications.  I understand that adding some extra time doesn't necessarily make up for a missed session, but still feel it has some value, especially if I'm able to get all four sessions in. So you started at 5x a day?  My goodness, lady!  That must have been difficult!  May I ask how long each session was and which dilators you used?  I'm not perfect with #4, yet. Was able to get it to depth for 15 min while in Montreal but since travelling and adjusting to GRS Recovery: The Home Game, my canal tightened quickly and 15 min is too much now. Brassard's schedule says I can use 2&3 instead, but to get 4 back in ASAP within the first 2 months. I'd like to do sooner than that...but wow he's tough, I've aptly named him Thor and managed him for two 5 minutes sessions today (in addition to my other dilations), and he was actually slightly easier the second round, gotta keep it up so he gets even easier!

[HappyMoni]

Cheria,
   I certainly would follow your doctors direction. 5 times a day at 30 minutes at a time left little time for anything else. It made sense to me to be diligent while things were healing with the idea that as scar tissue forms it will tighten up. I picture dilation stretches things as they need to before things form more permanent bonds. I have benefited from being conscientious with it I think. I followed doctors recommendations on when to go up to the next diameter. The general rule was to use one size at least 2 weeks before going up to next size. Orange was tough at first so I did a bit at a time. I did not want a tear that could set things back healing wise. Orange is now pretty easy although there may come a time for you, a few months in, where  things tighten up some. It did for me at about 4 months. I go in Jan for my 6 month check up. Hope you are smiling with your new equipment.
Moni