Hi, I'm newly post-op - exactly 8 days to be precise and I'm still very new to dilatation and everything down there is still a swollen, bloody mess. Unfortunately I think I really need an advice about dilatation, because my doctors are pretty lax about my issue.
So I've tried to dilatate and got roughly 3-4inches deep on my first try, but every following dilatation was just so bad.. 1-2inches tops.
I've tried using my finger to dilatate and to find out what's wrong and I've found some tissue (probably swollen) which was blocking the path on the top side, roughly 2inches in. Fortunately my finger was able to squeeze around that and I got it whole in no problem, but it frightens me because of how everyone says a proper dilatation is important.
Is someone here experienced with such issue? Do you have any tips about what to do? :-)
Welcome to Susan's Place. Finding the correct angle is important and for me it's about a 20 to 30 degree downward angle. Going in level will prevent you from getting in properly. You might try gently moving the dilator up and down to find your entry angle.
Dilation is very important early on as you are still healing and you need to be sure that everything heals in the proper position. If you can't find the correct way to do it, call your doctor as soon as possible because the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to recover what the surgeon provided you with.
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Hi Dena, thank you for your reply. The issue isn't an angle, but simply something blocking a path for a dilatator to go in - it's both impossible to move it aside or go around it with dilatator. I wonder if it might be related to catheter which I still have.
Rough sketch:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fgz4n5sM.png&hash=c9648e68ee0c4e659d59f01003a71a13cf376180)
I've talked to roughly 4 doctors from my hospital and they weren't really concerned about it which made me doubt their competence to be honest.
Oh and thank you for the links :)).
It shouldn't be the catheter as that is in your bladder and while there is a balloon that keeps it in place it shouldn't be that big. Without knowing more about the surgery, I am not really sure what you are up against. It could be the pelvic bone you are running into and that's why I suggested altering the angle. I was the queen of swelling after my surgery but I had a different soft dilator I started with and it would have gone around most anything short of a total blockage. Others might have had issues like yours and it would help to know the name of the doctor. I know it wasn't mine but others might know more about your surgery.
By the way, I find it easer to get the dilator in if I lay flat on the bed with my legs down and as close together as possible. Any other position makes it harder to get the dilator in. I might start the dilator with my legs spread but after it's started, I bring my legs together.
Partially blaming catheter was because when they've pulled it out for the first time I was able to go a tad deeper. And yes, I know it shouldn't be it, but maybe it's pushing on something else. Pelvic bone was a really good guess, I thought it might be it as well at first, but it doesn't feel like a bone at all. Just a tough/swollen tissue.
My dilatator is 1.4inches thick and metallic, so it's not flexible. Maybe I should start thinking about something smaller, but that one was recommended to me by my surgeon who's name is Jarolim BTW, but I doubt you would know him, because he's from Czech Republic (here we have SRS fully covered by insurance, but only if it's performed by a local surgeon).
I'm getting the dilatator in just like you are describing :-). I thought it might be issue as well (at first I've kept my legs spread), but it only helped a little bit - I've felt few muscles to loosen up a bit, but it was inconsequential in the end.
It's difficult to get one like I had and it may not be the best one for your surgery as it was a balloon dilator. They still make them but they don't normally use them on us. A metal dilator could be a real problem and the soft rubber ones would be a better option if you can locate one fast. The one I currently use I obtained as the doctor instructed. I went to an adult book store where they sell sex toys and picked out one the right size. Mine is about 33 years old and still does the job. If you can't find one through normal sources, that is an alternative.
Hi Ashley, I had a lot of trouble dilating early on. I still do to be honest. When they first remove the packing it's always easier to dilate but after that it gets much more difficult.
I would have been 2 or 3 months before getting anywhere with a 1.4 inch diameter dilator. Some dilator kits don't even have one that big.
My surgeon got out the 5 dilators, and tried them himself till he got one that suited me, as everyones different and then said start on this one, ant it was no 2. and it was like finger diameter.
Surely you have more than one dilator?
Hey Serenation, unfortunately I only have that one, because it was the only one recommended by my surgeon. I didn't get any kit :-/. Hmm it seems logical for a surgeon to try out dilatators on you personally. :-)
And as for getting a smaller one quickly.. yea. I will most likely order one this Monday after my scheduled checkup if my doctor will still be passive about solving this issue.
Fortunately I know one alternative local surgeon who does SRS and he might help out, at least I hope so.
I think photos illustrating depth and dilatator's look might be beneficial.
Since it's rather "gory" I'm only adding it as a link -> http://i.imgur.com/kLrkAEF.jpg
I have run out of ideas without more information. Your doctors visit will be very important and bring what you need to dilate with you to your appointment as you may need to show the doctor what is happening and possibly work out a solution. With my surgery the rule was to use a dilator that was about the same size as you were before surgery. In my case, that was 1.5 inches so I could have used your dilator if it would go around the curves in my body. At that point, some blood is normal and I recall needing to wear a feminine pad to keep the blood and discharge from soiling my underwear.
Keep us posted on your status after the doctors visit.
I remember drawing almost that exact picture on my phone to ask my surgeon, as I seemed to be just hitting the pubic bone. I know I was told to start on small one, do it for so many minutes, then switch to next size.
Dr chettawut has a very detailed guide for his patients (just to show time frames and how much switching of sizes goes on)
Thats a soul source set, they make it a bit easier because of the curve.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.shopify.com%2Fs%2Ffiles%2F1%2F0967%2F9806%2Fcollections%2FRP-Full-Set-P1-4-210x210_grande.jpg%3Fv%3D1441649872&hash=576d9b795055b926c2f17185c29db4ef4a726cf8)
The one you are starting on is the green one, second last. I ordered one of these orange ones from America at 6 months to replace my less well made ones.
Hope you can a set very soon. Ideally you want to be using a thin one to get to your full depth then increasing size over the months.
From what Dena is saying, that having one dilator was something that did happen at least when she had srs but I've not heard of anyone not getting a set of dilaters other than that.
I remember seeing Chettawut's guide, unfortunately I'm unable to get this dilatation set in a short time (>3 weeks), so I can't use it right at this moment and the curve looks exactly what I need to get around that blockage! Thank you so much, Serenation, you're incredible!
It will be a challenge to find something similar in local sex-shops, but I will do my best.
---
So after today's checkup they've removed my catheter to see if I will be able to pee by myself. Long story short, I couldn't and got it back for another 2 weeks. Unfortunately no one wanted to touch the depth subject, but I guess if I'm still swollen so much, that I can't pee, it might be a contributing issue (along with huge dilatator).
Another solution is to get a soft wood and shape it to meet your needs. A few of the girls used Balsa wood and it should be available at a hobby shop. They would shape it as needed and then put something over it to protect it. A heavy condom could be used or possibly a few wraps of plastic wrap with a condom over that. The didn't wear well but it might solve the problem until something better shows up.
I was able to find this thingie (used for G-spot): http://www.vibratory-online.cz/g-bod-vibratory/vibrator-lulu-satin-scoop-pink/
So maybe? :-)
I am a bit nervous about it being to big on the end to fit. The one I have looks just like a male penis, made out of rubber so it would bend and was about the same size I was before surgery. You don't want to use the vibrator function until you have had plenty of time to heal.
If you are going to order on line, then just get the Soul Source complete set.
I already ordered mine. My SRS is next week.
Quote from: Dani on February 02, 2016, 07:36:24 AM
If you are going to order on line, then just get the Soul Source complete set.
I already ordered mine. My SRS is next week.
Congrats Dani about your SRS. Now you reach your final destination of your transition journey. Hug
Sent from my Z970 using Tapatalk
Thanks Luanneph.
Better late than never. I am 66 years old. I also have lost over 100 pounds and need a tummy & arm tuck real soon.
After my FFS which is not yet scheduled, I will post a B4&After pict.
I had GRS 7 weeks ago. The first week of dilation was hell. I cried and was awake until 5am in tears. It was the PC muscle which gets swollen and bruised where they make the opening (about 2-3 inches in).
My surgeon told me to push through the pain - i was only on paracetamol for pain meds as opiates can constipate you which can cause prolapse and fistula. It gradually got better in the second week of dilating, and after 2 weeks dilating it is totally fine. No pain for me. I was lubricating with a small dilator and then using a 30mm large dilator for 20 minutes.
I am sorry it hurts so much. I can tell you that it will get better - hopefully.
Quote from: La femme Nikitta on February 29, 2016, 06:17:26 PM
My surgeon told me to push through the pain - i was only on paracetamol for pain meds as opiates can constipate you which can cause prolapse and fistula.
Just in case anyone needs this, some surgeons prescribe Tramadol which is far stronger than paracetamol. It can cause constipation, but a high fibre diet and if necessary laxatives can fix that. I've never heard the prolapse and fistula bit before, but perhaps its related to a particular surgeon. I've mainly researched Suporn.
Quote from: AnonyMs on February 29, 2016, 06:27:42 PM
Just in case anyone needs this, some surgeons prescribe Tramadol which is far stronger than paracetamol. It can cause constipation, but a high fibre diet and if necessary laxatives can fix that. I've never heard the prolapse and fistula bit before, but perhaps its related to a particular surgeon. I've mainly researched Suporn.
No tramadol either. I was on morphine for 12 hours after surgery, then they cut me off. I was allowed ibuprofin and panadol. This was what Mr Bellringer recommended. Prolapse is when the new vaginal wall can come out - which can happen with constipation. Apparently the bowel can generate 200psi. Fistula is a passage between the vagina and the bowel - from an infection or tear. Both are bad complications.
My partner was on tramadol at the time for her shoulder and i could have had some - but it was more important to me that everything healed well, so I followed the surgeons advice. It got better. The pain was transitory, and i would bear 10x the pain again for a positive result.
Quote from: AnonyMs on February 29, 2016, 06:27:42 PM
Just in case anyone needs this, some surgeons prescribe Tramadol which is far stronger than paracetamol. It can cause constipation, but a high fibre diet and if necessary laxatives can fix that. I've never heard the prolapse and fistula bit before, but perhaps its related to a particular surgeon. I've mainly researched Suporn.
from that Article I was quoting the other day, He said his technique makes prolapse impossible. It also said had 2 cases of fistula in 2000 patients.
Though was under the impression it can only happened during surgery.
Oh, ok. I only know what the surgeon said. He had reported his occurences of fistula's - i can't remember the number, but more than that. He said he had had one recently which occured post an infection in the labia that was not drained. Something about infection spreading to the bit of vagina which heals to form a union with the large bowel.
Another thung to help with dilating, i spent a good 2 hours each time during the first week - it took ages to get it in- giggling around with changing positions/technique and re-lubing etc. the hard bit was getting the dilator in.
Quote from: Serenation on February 29, 2016, 11:25:41 PM
from that Article I was quoting the other day, He said his technique makes prolapse impossible. It also said had 2 cases of fistula in 2000 patients.
Though was under the impression it can only happened during surgery.
You're right of course. I didn't write what I meant to say; I've heard of fistula's in connection with SRS before, but I always though it was caused during the surgery as well. In truth I've no real idea what causes it.
Quote from: La femme Nikitta on February 29, 2016, 11:18:11 PM
No tramadol either. I was on morphine for 12 hours after surgery, then they cut me off. I was allowed ibuprofin and panadol. This was what Mr Bellringer recommended.
That sounds really hard. I've had a relatively minor surgery under general anesthetic years ago, and the first couple of days was extremely painful under something similar to Tramadol. I can't imagine what SRS would be like with only paracetamol. It's actually scary.
Again in Suporn's case they give you morphine for 7 days while you're in hospital, if you want it. Perhaps there's some cultural difference happening. I've heard some countries try to limit how long you're on these type of addictive painkillers for your own good. Personally I'd rather risk addiction.
They said the reason they cut me off was constipation only - any other surgery I would have stayed on. Also, during surgery they gave me some sort of epidural too which probably helped. Also i got a shot of dexamethasone post op as an antiemetic. For some reason that always makes me feel good and heal well. The most painful thing in hospital was the catheter. When they put the free flow thing on - the bulb banging on my bladder end of urethra when i finished peeing - that did sting. Also getting it out and the drain out. They hurt a lot - but were quick and then over type pain.
The most painful thing was that first week dilating. Wowsers dis that hurt.
I was suprised as I thought I would be on tramadol at least too - but yeah - weird.
Still, i got out of hospital and went for a drive shopping in Portsmouth that very day, and then went to a punk rock gig in Liverpool during the evening. Got back in at 2am after being drunk on two beers. Was tired, but had the time of my life. After that - also - the only time i stopped was to dilate. Mr Bellringer told my partner to keep me active. So we kept active. Did something everyday. Lots to do in London! (I am from NZ)
For me, and the way they did the surgery, i think they made the right choices. Sure, i would have liked a bit more dexamethasone or prednisone and some tramadol - but, i am not a surgeon, and this is the only time I have done this, so I trusted them. They have done many surgeries. He did three others on the same day he did me apparently. Surgery was quick too. Jnder 2 hours from going in until waking up. That suprised me as well.
I just remembered, I think its pretty standard to have an enema before SRS. I always assumed its in case there's a problem in surgery, but perhaps there's more to it. You're not going to have constipation for a while after having one of those.
I was on oxycodone after my surgery in the US. Constipation was a concern I my case as well, so I was given stool softeners/laxatives to counteract the constipation get effects. I can't imagine going without my serious narcotics. Coming off them was a bit difficult emotionally, though.