Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So, I had SRS with Dr. Gallagher at the end of March. Apart from really unpleasant inconveniences(like me rejecting a catheter) nothing's really gone wrong. But it would be good to ask a few things so I can understand what's going to happen in the next two weeks so I don't freak the heck out.

The surgeon said I should gain feeling in my clitoris soon. And I did, there was a pretty annoying needle like pain in it on occasion, but now it's become hard, numb and black. Is that part of this "healthy decay" that happens the first few weeks?

And dilation, I was doped up when the doctor helped me the first time, but according to my mom I made it past every dot. That seems absolutely ridiculous because I can only make it to the third dot now. I realize it's different for everyone, but should I try forcing it past that point? The surgeon said it was a miracle someone as thin as me had that kind of depth and I don't want to risk it closing up!

Welcome to Susan's Place. If there is anything you don't understand, you should check with your surgeon as surgical results can differ. If it's something visible you might consider sending your doctor an image so your doctor will know exactly what your seeing.

I am unable to answer your clitoris question because my surgery didn't create a visible one. Feeling can return within a few weeks for some and other may take a month or two from what others have reported. I know in my case I felt itching for about a year after surgery as nerves reconnected.

When your dilating you don't want to force the dilator. As your surgery is relatively new, you should be using between 2 and 4 pounds on the dilator. When you first insert the dilator it may seem shallow but as the session continues, you should reach your final depth.

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My clitoris started to bleed today, so it definitely is starting that decay. So I'm not worried for now. It also hurts quite a bit!

The dilation advice is a relief. I'll just keep at it and hope for the best.

I guess I was worried I'd bug the surgical team since I called so many times about the pain from the rejected catheter. I'll just call them the next time I panic, but not before half a Xanax.

Thanks a bunch, Dena!

One more thing, for anyone who can answer. What is the best position for douching and where should I be?

Some people suggested the internet, Mom suggests over the toilet. I use a hard, straight nozzle and have hurt myself twice already trying to douche while standing. My tub is kind of nasty(not like I've had time to clean it last month), so I'd rather not lay in it until I'm a bit better healed. And I tried once over a pad with a towel, and while that worked best it was too messy to do on the couch.

Hi, I douched while sitting on the toilet but it was not optimum. I then did it in the shower.

I only needed to douche a few times but I had the old fashion bag with a tube and a very nice rounded tip as part of the package. Normally dilation washes the nasty out and there is no odor on my dilator even when I dilate once a week. As your post surgical, the doctor may want you to douce a bit more often for the present. I also did it standing in the shower.

Alright, I'll just try to re-angle myself while standing. Until I find a way that doesn't hurt, I might skip a day on occasion. It feels like this causes discomfort later during dilation, when it should be making me feel fresh and awesome.

Thanks, ladies!

Bleh. Another thing, I guess.

I have Carpal Tunnel and was wondering if anyone had that after surgery and how long it took to clear up. It's mostly gone, but my thumb is still numb and arm is pretty weak. I was planning on using recovery time to hone my creative skills, so that's been a bummer.

I always douched in the shower standing up. Douching kills all the good bacteria in your Vagina so after getting a bacterial infection in my vagina at 3 months (fishy smell) I quit with the douching and haven't had an issue since.

After dilating 4x a day for a couple months I got bursitis in my elbow and a touch of carpal tunnel.  My GP prescribed an  anti-inflammatory and that fixed it.  I've now cut back to dilating 2X a day so that helped too.