Glad all is still well and on track.

Its all we can work for in our aftercare. Do our best.

I found as you go up in size it will take a little longer to reach depth. More of the dome that needs to be worked.

It is all normal.

Hugs
Isabell

Quote from: suzifrommd on July 03, 2014, 04:15:03 PM
Dr. Rumer called today for my two week follow-up. She basically asked how I was feeling (no major complaints) and whether I was having any problem with the dilation. I told her that the orange (narrower) dilator goes all the way in to the last spot as she instructed, but that the much wider blue one goes only to the second to last spot. She told me not to be concerned – more depth will be possible as the swelling goes down. She encouraged me to keep trying to work it in a bit further.

My next (phone) appointment will be four weeks from now, when I would be cleared for normal activity if all goes well.

I can't wait. Just can't wait.

When trying to work it in a bit further, as she said, is that painful?

Also I am very happy for you, things seem to be going off without a hitch.

Quote from: Hikari on July 03, 2014, 05:07:44 PM
When trying to work it in a bit further, as she said, is that painful?

No. There is no part of the dilation that is painful. It just stops. Won't go any further, like it's up against some barrier. I'll put a little more pressure on it, but won't force it.

The only physically unpleasant part of dilating is when I remove the dilator and it rubs against my clitoris and I get these unwelcome electric tingles. In a few months, I'm sure I'll love them, but I'm not allowed to test my sexual function yet.

When will you be able to test your sexual function? Just curious about all of that as I am looking into different surgeons

Quote from: Kassie on July 10, 2014, 01:03:12 PM
When will you be able to test your sexual function? Just curious about all of that as I am looking into different surgeons

She told me "six weeks to three months" post-op.

I already know my clitoris is sensate. I feel definite tingles there as I pull the dilators out.

I'm now 1 month post-op. Here's what's happening:
* I'm still in some pain (bearable, but unpleasant), both sitting down, and moving around. Only flat on my back is completely comfortable. The pain resolves itself into three major issues. (1) There is a raw, swollen area inside, just anterior to my vagina. The whole area hurts when I walk or sit. (2) When I stand or walk, my clitoris feels like someone has stuck a piece of glass in it (can't get Annie Lennox's "Walking on broken glass" out of my head). (3) There is still an area on either side where sutures are still dissolving that feels like I have a scrape. This is improving.
* Dilation is comfortable, but not as comfortable as it was initially. It's harder to get the biggest dilator in. I suspect because as the tissue heals, the area becomes more constricted. I still feel nothing once the dilator is in. I just lie back and relax.
* I still look hideous. "Cloven hoof" is what I've heard one woman describe the immediately post-op appearance. That's an apt description for me. I think I look like I've been shot there.
* The area right above my pubic hairline is sensitive. When there's pressure on it (like anytime I wear a belt, seatbelt or an article of clothing that fastens around my waste), the whole area feels painfully tight, and the "broken glass" feeling I described above intensifies.
* I need to go back to work in less than a month. Right now, that would be impossible. I'm hoping a lot of healing happens in the next four weeks.
* My stomach is back to normal. When I first got back from the hospital, it was so loose, I had to take medication. I suspect this is because of all the antibiotics they pumped into me that killed the natural microbes in my gut.

I've avoided taking pain meds. The Percocet they gave me made me loopy the one time I took one, and I'd rather be alert. The pain is bearable. But I wish it would hurry up and get better already.

They did a lot of work down there.  It will take time.  My best guess is 2-3 more weeks should show marked improvement.

HUGS!!!

Jen

Is it okay if we email? im having surgery with her in September

News is better this time:

* I'm home now. YAY!
* Before I left, I had a phone consult with Dr. Rumer. She was happy with how things were progressing. Was a little concerned that I seem to be tighter - now have to work the larger dilator in. She asked me to call her if things got tight. She also said to keep working the larger dilator in deeper if possible, but not to force it.
* She verified that eventually I might get down to one or two dilations a week. Everyone is different.
* Pain is much, much better. It still hurts, but no longer feels fragile. The feeling now is like painfully tight panties. I can walk at a normal pace (though I still have a bit of a waddle). Dr. Rumer believes the swelling will go down in time and I'll feel better. Sitting is still painful, especially without the doughnut cushion.
* I still have the "cloven hoof" look. Not sure whether that will improve. Dr. Rumer says not to expect anything like a final appearance until 3 months, so I have time left.
* I made a follow up appointment at approximately the three month mark.

Progress, Suzi! Progress! These things require patience.

I just had my 6 month follow-up with Dr. Rumer. Everything is going well, so I think I'm going to retire this thread and post my final review.

SUMMARY
I'm very happy with the results. I have full sensation, like the aesthetics, and have had no complications to speak of. Throughout the process Dr. Rumer and her staff were completely professional, accessible when I needed them, and helpful whenever we interacted. She was prompt for her appointments, answered ALL my questions with patience and understanding, and had a comfortable easygoing manner that made her approachable and easy to get along with. There were a few minor issues with the recovery facility (detailed below) and the hospital.

HIGH POINTS
* Every time I needed to contact her office, they got back to me promptly with a helpful answer to whatever question I had.
* The estimate she gave me was detailed, easy to read, and completely accurate. It included ALL the money I needed to spend, except things like prescriptions and supplies.
* The process worked exactly as she said it would. There was not a single broken promise, inaccurate prediction, or point of confusion.
* She and her staff were obviously putting a priority on making sure the entire experience was as pleasant as possible.
* Based on what I've heard about other surgeons, she took all the state-of-the-art precautions and followed all the best practices to ensure the best outcome possible.
* My level of pain post-op was manageable and my mobility was good only a few days after surgery.
* The recovery facility was easy to afford. Dr. Rumer put a lot of effort into making it as inexpensive as possible. I will say, though, that the TV there was state-of-the-art and had a wide selection of channels.
* At one point, in the recovery facility, the dressing got caught on my clothes, as I was trying to use the bathroom. I called and a staff member came within minutes and quickly fixed the problem (despite the fact that it was a tad gross).
* After the surgery, Dr. Rumer came to see me every day for the next week to make sure the site was healing and to ask if I had any concerns.
* Miraculously, I did not find my stitches in any way uncomfortable. I couldn't say when they dissolved because I honestly didn't feel them.
* The pre- and post- operative instructions were easy to understand and follow.
* From the start, dilation was comfortable and her schedule was manageable.
* My healing was steady. I was back at work with no problems 8 weeks post-op and exercising strenuously 6 weeks after.
* If there are scars at all, they are hard to find. I don't see them.
* I LOVE my new VJ.

ISSUES AND CAUTIONS
* The recovery facility was convenient (located upstairs from her office), but basic. There was no care at the facility - if we needed help we called down to the office or beeped Dr. Rumer after hours. I would HIGHLY recommend having someone there with you.
* The furniture in the recovery facility was also basic. The couch and the bed were both low - not optimal for someone recovering from surgery. I would also recommend bringing extra pillows. There was no shower mat in the recovery facility shower (which was shared by all patients). Again, not optimal for post-surgery patients whose footing is not sure.
* Delaware County Memorial Hospital was inconsistent. Some of the nurses were diligent and attentive, while others clearly wanted to be somewhere else. The procedures were chaotic. I was mistakenly served a hamburger a few minutes after waking up post-op. When I couldn't swallow it, I was putting on liquid food for days until I rebelled. I had to fight with a nurse to get her to look at my chart, after which she noticed that I could be given solid food as soon as I could tolerate it. TV access required physically reaching into my purse and handing them a credit card, something that was prohibitive while required to stay on my back.
* The billing department at DCMH was a nightmare, and several times gave me wrong information just to get me off the phone. They insisted on writing on my bill that they expected insurance to cover my stay, despite the fact that they knew it wouldn't. This complicated tax stuff.

@suzifrommd

Did you have professional electrolysis or laser hair removal of the gential area before surgery and is there NO regrowth?  I know Dr. Rumer technique does not require it.

But I wanted to know if you got it anyway.

You mentioned stairs, Suzi...is it difficult to go up or down? How's it feel re: straining, balance, etc?

I live in a third floor apt (16 steps), and was considering moving to a ground floor to avoid steps, if its too much for daily effort.

Quote from: MandyCali88 on December 19, 2014, 08:20:36 PM
@suzifrommd

Did you have professional electrolysis or laser hair removal of the gential area before surgery and is there NO regrowth?  I know Dr. Rumer technique does not require it.

But I wanted to know if you got it anyway.

Dr. Rumer said that it was only necessary for hairs on the shaft itself, which I did not have. I did not have any hair removal.

Quote from: Beth Andrea on December 19, 2014, 08:59:45 PM
You mentioned stairs, Suzi...is it difficult to go up or down? How's it feel re: straining, balance, etc?

I live in a third floor apt (16 steps), and was considering moving to a ground floor to avoid steps, if its too much for daily effort.

Even 3 days post up, the stairs were no issue. Nothing to worry about there.

Thank you! (I *hate* moving to a new place!)

I'm so happy for you I'm thinking about using her for my surgery. I just can't stop
Smiling for you!

Sorry to reply to an old thread, but I had an additional question I hope you don't mind answering.  I had SRS with Dr. Rumer recently.  One of the reasons I chose her was this thread so, first I want to thank you for the detailed write up.  I ended up having very similar experience as you did.  You mentioned you had a "cloven hoof" look after surgery.  Did that ever go away? I have that, too, and I am really hoping the appearance improves.

Hi zxlpx. Welcome to Susan's. 

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Quote from: zxlpx on September 05, 2015, 05:06:56 AM
You mentioned you had a "cloven hoof" look after surgery.  Did that ever go away? I have that, too, and I am really hoping the appearance improves.

Congrats on your surgery.

There is still a bit of separation in the middle, but nothing like it was. Labia come together well in the back and in the front, but in the middle, near the urethra, there still is a fingertip or so of separation. Not clear whether it is still going down, but I'd say it looks within the range of normal.

Hi Suzi... if your still around

I have my pre-op skype exam with Dr. Rumer this week and surgery at the end of November.

Now that you 2+ years post op, are you still happy that you went with Dr. Rumer?