Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I'm about to buy a pressure-push gauge to measure dilation force.  The NK-30 by M&A Instruments ($50-$70 USD on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/NK-30-Mechanical-Analog-Gauge-Force/dp/B00L5VP93G/ref=sr_1_3)) measures 30 Newtons (3 kilograms, 6-1/2 pounds).  I've heard Dena and others say 2kg/4lb is the goal or reasonable limit for dilation.

I've never heard of a surgeon requiring or providing this type of gauge, but it occurred to me I have no clue what 4 pounds of dilator pressure actually feels like.  I might have been under- or over-applying pressure since starting dilation a half year ago.  I know the common-sense advice is apply firm not excessive pressure, but I'd like to check with more accuracy than that.

Any thoughts?

I think it's total overkill but the geek in me is intrigued.

Digital with bluetooth upload and 15 minute timer would be nice.  This one's old school mechanical, like me. 

A remote display would be handy, but I suppose a mirror could work in this case.

I somehow doubt the surgeon used one of these when working out what pressure to tell you.

After you heal you can exert more force and I suspect that I probably use about 8-10 pounds. It's enough pressure that at the end of the session it feels good to stop pushing as your fingers get sore. On the other hand, I started dilating with the equivalent of big orange (1.5 inches in diameter) and that probably takes more force than a smaller dilator. The smaller ones in some of the sets look like they could be painful if inserted with to much force.

Dena in that case the model NK-50 (50 newton / 5kg / 11lb) has the correct scale range for this. 

Quote from: Colleen_definitely on August 08, 2018, 12:13:19 PM
A remote display would be handy, but I suppose a mirror could work in this case.

Reminds me of a T-shirt I saw, it said:

"I'm not a gynecologist, but I'll take a look."

;D :D

Hey umm this is a bit awkward but Devlyn, could you check my pressure gauge.  ;D

Quote from: Devlyn on August 08, 2018, 06:19:32 PM
Reminds me of a T-shirt I saw, it said:

"I'm not a gynecologist, but I'll take a look."

;D :D

Thats a great line!   I burst laughing when I read it. 

Hm... I have to think of my dentist when putting a screw in my jar for an implant: He said he is using "120 Nm" to tighten the screw.

I looked at him in disbelief... 120 Nm is what I use on my car tires. With a huge torque wrench.

Is there actually guidelines on dilation pressure? Do you get some kind of label attached during surgery? Similar to a tire pressure label on cars? 😂😂😂 Maybe under your left arm?

I don't have any tattoos.  Yet.