I went for my six week post op check up yesterday. I didn't see the doctor but saw Brianna. I was actually very happy with the visit as she was able to spend a lot of time and she very pleasantly walked me through a lot. I am very fortunate in that things are looking very good. My behind is still swollen, but I figure this goes with the territory of healing, and I didn't mention it. She talked more about how things get rearranged in the surgery. The areas that turned black did so because it is impossible to retain blood flow to every tissue. With no blood flow, the tissue dies off. It turns black then white as collagen (and other stuff) forms around it. They left it in place earlier since it protects the new tissue under it. Now I am to stuff the coarser type gauze in that area in between the dilations and urinations. It is abrasive enough to start removing the white stuff gradually. When it is gone, I will be allowed to swim. I have been taken off lifting restrictions also. I did have some granulation and some small scar tissue that she found. She treated the granulation with silver nitrate which isn't painful but it does kind of burn a little later on. (The silver nitrate looks like the big wooden matches you start fires with.) After the silver nitrate treatment, the white stuff really started coming off. For the scar tissue, I am to put hydrocortisone on twice a day. The actual appearance of the vulva will be discussed at the 6 month follow up. They are correct that things do continue to change as time goes on. The big change is I can go to 3 times a day from 5 times a day with dilations. In 3 or 4 days I can start #4, orange. They wanted 2 weeks on the green before advancing. I will probably still do 4 times a day while I am off work in order to try to work up to the orange. It seems a bit scary to me to be honest. The other step ups in size have not been that scary. 4 times is so much different than 5 times.
I did see Terri at the hospital on my way home. It was weird because she had the same room I had with my surgery. We visited for a while til she kicked us out. She is tired just like I was. I will let her tell any more than that as it is her story to tell, not mine.
TechGirl, from the news I hear it is a good thing to be with McGinn if you are involved with the military.
Jacqui, if they miss my blinking sign they may see your neon beacon. Now that wasn't rude was it? lol
Sorry Laurie, I meant my new 'little' friend. I won't offend anyone who knows me with the sight of this naked body. Of course you and I might just be crazy enough or mean enough to do something like that to someone.
Moni