Hello girls,

Once again I need some advice from those who have been there and done that.

If you've seen any of my earlier posts, you know I had some terrible issues with my dilating. It has gotten to the point that I cannot even get a 1/4" lubrication syringe in without strong pain meds.

From what I read here at Susan's as well as some other sites, I need corrective surgery, deepening and widening to be specific.

Even though I really can't afford it, I am moving forward to put a plan in place. I have narrowed my choice of surgeons down to two given their reputations for these procedures.

Dr Marci Bowers in Seattle or Toby Meltzer, Scottsdale Az. Have any of you used one of these doctors and which one would you pick and why?

Anyway, it is a real tragedy that I'm now faced with a decision like this after already spending so much and dilating for over 3/4 of a year.

Your opinions  mean the world to me. There are too few resources for us but it's great to have a site like Susan's to turn to in times like this 

I can only wish you luck. I remember your story - I'm so very sorry that it's come to this. That is terrible. Does anyone have any idea why you ended up with that much scar tissue, and ways to prevent it from happening the second time? I'd go with whichever doctor sounds most convincing about that second point!

(I didn't use either of those surgeons, so I'm afraid I have no useful advice there.)

I have heard that both do good work. I like Marci for the fact she is one of us and also a OBGYN.

I wish you luck and hope they can make it better.

Izzy

I am one of Marci Bowers' SRS girls from 9 months ago, but my actual surgery was done in San Mateo CA.  I had excellent results and a wonderful experience with the in-patient nursing care staff.  It will depend a bit on what she finds actually needing revision, and from what tissue source if any grafting is done as to how it will work for you.  I am happy with life now, and I hear from her office every month or so checking on how things are.  Once I cleared up a yeast infection that got going at the end of my second week Post, dilation has been just something to do daily but I was only given up to 1 3/8 dilators, so pardon the quip, no big deal.

I had heard both Bowers and Meltzer give their infomercials at the Southern Comfort Transgender Conference and had spoken to both, and distance from my house was about equal, Meltzer was OK, but Marci gave me some personal attention that was the kicker.  Meltzer gave me generic information, Bowers took time to make it personal.

Caisie, hi. Firstly, I do agree that this is a wonderful site for us transgendered folk.  However, I don't like the way it allows ANYone to access it (and all it's detailed and in-depth discussions on sex, genitalia and other dreadfully personal issues).  A 'Guest' can access information like our dilation regimes in about 30 seconds, straight on from a search engine!  Not good at all.  I do think all people using this site should be 'screened' in some way or at the absolute least, be a member.  This site is dangerous potentially....


  Anyhow, sorry to go off there:  I know of  a few surgeons who can extend the vaginal canal. I know a girl who had this done.  It is invasive but I suppose if it needs to be done...  Assuming you didn't have a Colovaginoplasty, have you considered this?  I believe Bowers doesn't do it but apparently it is fairly common after inadequate depth from a non-colovaginoplasty operation.  Colovaginoplasty usually offers superior depth to other methods. However, do research this thoroughly please because Colovaginoplasty is very invasive and has potentially many serious complications, both short and long-term.  It is more risky than other SRS/GRS methods.      Who did the original surgery?  Is it not an option to have them extend your canal?

   Meanwhile, I hope you find this rather extensive link helpful.  Please don't take it by any means as listing only all the good surgeons: there are more still surgeons out there not included on these lists.   Good luck.    Link: http://www.tssurgeryguide.com/

Quote from: boddi on November 11, 2013, 02:43:59 PM
...Who did the original surgery?  Is it not an option to have them extend your canal?

   Meanwhile, I hope you find this rather extensive link helpful.  Please don't take it by any means as listing only all the good surgeons: there are more still surgeons out there not included on these lists.   Good luck.    Link: http://www.tssurgeryguide.com/

YES!  who did your original surgery? miss Caisie Breen