Need Advice about Post-Op Full Vaginoplasty (Pending)

[Charleigh Dakota]

Hi, I have fully decided to go with a full depth vaginoplasty and should be having surgery within approximately 6 months or less. I am very well educated about the pre-op process and actual procedure, and even some of the post-op stuff such as dilating and potential complications, etc. However, I have questions about the internal and external differences between a natural vagina and a neo-vagina and how a male may or may not be able to tell I was AMAB, particularly during sexual intercourse. Also, I am curious to learn about others post-op recovery experiences such as pain levels, discomfort, hygiene, sitting, walking and standing restrictions, after-care, the actual process of dilation, frequency of and as much info as possible on this topic. Notably, I am especially curious about how long before I can resume normal non-strenuous activities such as office work, house work, and spending many hours walking around at Pride as well as the 1.5 hr car ride there and back. I ask this because I want my surgery as soon as possible but I also dont want to miss my first Pride because of it. I know that sounds silly but I am okay with waiting an extra month or two or having my surgery earlier than planned if needed so my wife and I can still attend Pride. I am beyond excited to have been blessed with this currently attainable opportunity to fully become my real self on the outside too, Im just curious (not worried or concerned) about what life will be like, particularly but not exclusively, the first 3-6 months post-op.

 

If anyone can help me better understand what to truly expect....I would be so very grateful!! Thank you so much girls!! Much Love ❤️ 

[Mmindy]

Good morning @Charlie Dakota

 

I so happy for you and your opportunity to reach such a huge milestone in your transition. I’m sure there will be several people chime in to answer your questions. In the meantime have you read @Maddeeblogs? She has documented her experiences and is very helpful and open to discussing any questions. Check her out. 
 

Hugs,

 

Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋

[KatieSC]

These are really good questions. Some I can answer, and some I cannot. Depending on who does your surgery will dictate the post-op care. Most of the time you can expect a vaginal packing, and a Foley catheter. The packing comes out in 5-10 days, most often about 5-7 days. The foley will depend on the surgeon. I had my foley for quite a while. The dilation schedule varies with each surgeon. I have heard ranges from 3-5 times per day for the a specific time period, followed by decreasing dilations over a 3-6 month period. I had a 3x/day, followed by 2x/day, then finally 1x/day. A friend of mine had a vaginoplasty and even after a year, she was told to dilated 2x/day.

 

Invest in a decent lubricant. There are multiple types of vaginoplasty procedures. The oldest and most common procedure is the penile inversion technique. A more modern version is the peritoneal pull-through version where they still use penile tissue, but they go through the abdominal wall, and pull some of the lining from the abdominal cavity called peritoneum through the wall, and it gives additional depth of the neovagina. Regardless of procedure, you will need lubricant. Some who have the peritoneal pull-through report they get some lubrication from the peritoneal tissue, but many report it is not enough. When dilating, lubricant is your friend. Be diligent with your dilations.

 

You will need to <water balloon> as well. I bought some items through Amazon that made douching and rinsing much easier. They had me use povidone-iodine solution and water for the first 3-6 months, and then white vinegar/water. 

 

The one thing I found was that my bottom and pubic bone hurt a lot. You may want to get a doughnut or Kabooti pillow to sit on. Some programs will have you meet with a physical therapist to go over Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles, and also review the activities post-operatively. You will be tender and they do not recommend prolonged sitting post-operatively as it puts a significant stress on your labia and neovagina. 

 

Some programs will clear you to go back to work in as little as 3 weeks, and some 4-8 weeks. It depends on your size, healing, type of work, work restrictions, and general health. Some surgeons are more cautious than others. Walking is good, but prolonged sitting will be your enemy. From what I recall you saying, you are on the slender side, so you may do just fine. Honestly, I think a 1 1/2 hour ride would be pushing it depending on how far out you are after surgery.

 

I hope this helps you.

- Katie

[Charleigh Dakota]

Thank you girls for the great advice!! This was so helpful!! I never thought I would be so excited to be in pain but I know without a drop of doubt that it will so be worth it after I fully heal....I wish I could have my surgery tomorrow but I know that isnt possible...I just waited 48 years (I know thats not long comparatively to some others...but still way to long nonetheless)...and I am just so ready to finally have my fully functional vagina that I am willing to go through absolutely ANYTHING to have it!!! 

 

[Maddee]

A lot can vary. 
I have had two different full depth vaginoplasties.  Still not out of the woods.  At this point I’m looking pretty darn cis (V) though. I don’t have experience with penile inversion so don’t know about that.  

Probably at least 6-8 weeks before strenuous activities, but it depends on your drs orders. After both surgeries I was up and walking in days.  
 

yes lubricate and water balloon as directed.   Don’t rush or push yourself so fast that you might break and cause complicated expensive problems. 

They might  have you using donut pillows , and don’t sit too long until it’s ok to do so.  
Dont forget who your best friend is.  They’re looking back at you from the mirror.