Waking up with blood 3 & 1/2 weeks Post-Op SRS

[PostOpGirl2017]

Hello

On 19th December 2017 I underwent SRS with Dr Chettawut in Thailand & had a revision on the 5th January 2018 (packaging for 1 day & back on the catheter for a few days)  as I wasn't healing properly and things became loose.

I am now 3 & a half weeks post-op and I'm waking up in the morning with quite a lot blood that's run down from my vagina to my anus and in my first urination. This happens on and off so it's not every morning - is this normal? I'm still using the 0 dilator for 40mins and 1 for 10 minutes - but I struggle to reach my full depth of 'almost 6 inches' as it feels like I have to use even more pressure when I get to 5 inches, which I'm not sure is too much. Is this a result of me trying to reach my full depth? Could I have possibly loss depth after the revision and now pushing myself too hard?

Next week I move onto dilator 1 & 2 - would is this even be too much right now?

I'm back home in London, UK now and I'm quite worried. I'd really appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction as I'm very scared and not sure what to do.

Thank you so much!
Xx

[SadieBlake]

If it's not enough blood to be damaging your sheets then definitely don't worry. Very small amounts of blood can look scary.

Some loss of depth isn't uncommon and some of your perceived depth post op may be created by the swelling. I didn't dilate firmly enough in my second month post op and lost some depth due to that. I don't think dilation schedules are set I'm stone, most women seem to step up dilator sizes faster than required by their surgeons, I'm sure a bit slower is also ok.

[HappyMoni]

If it were me, I would probably see a local gyno. It would at least give you peace of mind, and it wouldn't be bad to start that relationship with a doctor since your surgeon is so far away. I won't speculate on what is causing your issue.
Moni

[KathyLauren]

Hi, PostOpGirl!

Welcome to Susan's.

I am sorry you are having problems in your recovery.  I would second the recommendation to see a local gyno.  Having medical reassurance that the issue is not serious, or having a diagnosis and a plan of action if it is serious, will greatly help your peace of mind.

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[echo7]

Some amount of blood is normal for girls who had SRS with Chettawut.  It's even possible to have blood for the first 6 months, and that would be normal as well, due to Chet's surgery technique.

However, since you had a revision during your stay in Thailand, it certainly complicates things.  I would recommend taking pictures of the amount of blood that you normally get on your bed pads and panty pads, as well as a few photos of your surgical area.  Email the pictures to Dr Chettawut's office, and ask for advice on what to do.  His patient coordinator, Som, will forward them to Chet and get back to you.  It might take several days for them to respond though.  Just be patient.

If the bleeding is excessive, then yes you might want to consider seeing a local gynecologist.  But there is a risk in that as well - Dr Chettawut usually cautions his patients not to see a gynecologist for the first 3 months, because the results from the skin graft technique leave the vagina very delicate.  It's possible that a gynecologist could inadvertently cause permanent damage while examining you with a speculum.  It's happened before, with Suporn patients as well, and they ended up having to go back to Thailand for a revision.

Carefully weigh the risks of seeing a gynecologist with the risks of not seeing one.  But first, contact Chettawut's office for advice.

[Sharon Anne McC]

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PostOpGirl2017:

As a Chettawut Clinic sister, I echo, er Echo7's comment.

Correspond with Dr. Chettawut as much as necessary; e-mail is probably best now that you are home.

It's too bad that you could not stay at Bangkok longer than you did for your daily post-op nursing visits. I can comprehend your concern.  Four of my Baan Siri neighbours required some form of touch-up before he released them to travel home.

What did you discuss with Dr. Chettawut at your final exam?  Continue that in your e-mail to him.

Also report your dilation progress to Dr. Chettawut.  Yes, you have your schedule; discuss with him that you are concerned that you need to modify your 'duty'.  You may need to continue on #0 rather than advance to #1 or #2.  You certainly do not want to cause damage by advancing too soon.

You can be examined by your local gynecologist.  Be quite certain that she corresponds with Dr. Chettawut BEFORE she examines you so that Dr. Chettawut can consult with her.

My best to you and for your recovery.

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