It has finally come to pass!!!

[Angelgrlsue]

I have finally completed my first stage of SRS and I am so so very happy that I am now a complete woman inside and out.  Words do not even describe how happy I am to have had this surgery. it is being done in two stages, the first stage was to create the vagina without the canal, after I have recovered fully from that surgery, then the second stage will be performed in which the canal will be built using part of my colon. 

 

I do have some questions about pain management for those of you that have had the surgery. What are some good ways to control the pain and swelling besides the pain killers they send you home with?  Also some good stool softeners, because I have bad constipation.  I am to schedule a post-op appointment with my surgeon for next week.

 

Susan

[MaryEllen]

Congratulations, Susan.   You're well on your way to fulfilling your dream.

 

MaryEllen

[ErinLeach]

Congratulations sweetie, this is such wonderful news.

 

Erin

[Charlize]

Congratulations;ations dear Susan.  i know how much this means to you.  

As to stool softeners i would certainly ask your doctor but at the same time i found after going vegetarian many years ago i have never had a problem in that regards.  fiber does a great deal all by itself.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Jani]

Congratulations Sue!  As to pain I was on acetaminophen and a few doses of morphine while in the hospital.  After that it was only acetaminophen.  Maybe I was lucky.  As for swelling, try not to be too active as this should allow the area to relax and heal.  As Charlize notes, a more veggie centric diet will help a lot in this regard, even if just while you're healing.  Also cereal that is high in fiber is good.  I like bite sized Shredded Wheat for breakfast and to nibble on during the day.  

 

Best of luck.  

 

Jani

[tamt]

8 hours ago, Angelgrlsue said:

What are some good ways to control the pain and swelling besides the pain killers they send you home with?

 

i've found curcumin - active component of the turmeric herb - to be exceptionally effective.  There's a lot of bad brands out there, though.  And by bad, i mean non-effective.  i personally use Doctor's Best curcumin phytosome.  It's pre-converted into a form that is extremely bioavailable (ie your body absorbs lots of it).  Super good stuff with plenty of good science surrounding it also.  i hear tell it's mildly anti-androgenic also.  

 

Best of luck.

[Cyndee]

Congrats Susan ! I agree with Mary Mary above, that walking is really good medicine.

 

Heal well....

 

C -

[Lorraine]

Post-op pain can be pretty intense necessitating some serious pain medications including those incorporating some combination of opioids. Unfortunately despite the blessed relief provided, the side effects are significant including, of course constipation, and the ever present potential for addiction. 

I found that l was able to kick the Percocet by the third day, using it rarely after that as needed to sleep. Tylenol in regular dosages did the trick after that.

For constipation, l found 4-500mg of magnesium daily, plus Sennecot, a natural laxative, as needed.

Drink as much water as you can, get lots of rest, to allow healing, as try to stay as active as possible. 

Good luck in your recovery. 

[Jani]

Thanks for your comments Lorraine.  Why don't you post a quick intro at the Introductions sub-forum?  We'd love to meet you.

 

Jani 

[Lorraine]

7 hours ago, Jani said:

Thanks for your comments Lorraine.  Why don't you post a quick intro at the Introductions sub-forum?  We'd love to meet you.

 

Jani 

For now l prefer to offer helpful hints or commentary rather than to focus on me or my past..