Dilating after srs, pain level

[Guest jordynolivias]

So I just had srs last Wednesday (thank you all so much for your wonderful support btw! (: ) and have started dilating 3 times a day for 15 minutes each time and I've been noticing that the pain level each time (even after I tried taking double the dose of the really really strong pain meds they gave me after leaving the hospital) is absolutely excruciating and at times even unbearable and is probably some of the worst, if not the absolute worst, pain I've ever felt in my whole life :/ :/ :/

I'm sort of not sure if I'm just a wimp lol and for whatever reason have a really low pain tolerance or what's going on lol and I was just wondering what any of you have maybe experienced as far as pain level during dilation, particularly after only a week or so post-surgery? (:

Thanks!!

Jordy

[Guest Leah1026]

A couple things that will help.

Pain causes you to tense up, which in turn makes dilation more difficult.

You need to find a way to relax the lower part of your body as much as possible.

Be it through listening to music, meditation or breathing exercises, relaxation will make things more tolerable.

Also, are you using enough lube? Do you dab some lube into the vaginal opening before starting? Don't skimp on the lube.

I find insertion during exhalation easier. It just seems like everything relaxes down there when I breath out.

Follow the natural curve of your body. When I first insert, my dilator is pointing down at about a 45 degrees angle.

As I go in I follow the contours of my vagina and the angle becomes smaller and smaller.

By the time I'm at full depth the dilator is basically parallel with the bed. (YMMV)

During the 20 minutes I leave my dilator in I occasionally move it around. In and out as well as rotating the base in a circle. This helps those pelvic floor muscles relax even more.

Another exercise I do off and on is flexing those same muscles. I use them to "grab" the dilator and pull it in a bit. You can also do the opposite. Again, all the activity is good for the pelvic floor muscles.

Next, swelling is the major cause of discomfort in the first month. Take it easy, do not overdo anything and do not do any exercise. Many times quick warms baths before and after dilation can also help sooth things.

Hang in there, things DO get better.

[Drea]

Pain that severe would make me ask the doctro.

Other than Leah stated about lube or wrong angle, I can't imagine what would cause so much pain.

[Kyla666]

Makes me want to go out and get my SRS right now........ NOT!!!

[VickySGV]

Jordy -- You are NOT HELPING me!! I have only 37 days to go before its my turn!!! Same Dr.

Leah-- I will keep your advice at hand.

[Guest jordynolivias]

Thanks so much everyone for your replies (: ! Leah, your advice about moving the dilator seems to have been exactly what I'd been missing!

The last time I dilated, I tried going slower and also making sure I kept the dilator moving (by twisting it) during the whole 15 minutes and I literally didn't feel ANY pain at all! [:

Vicky, I definitely recommend Leah's advice 100% for when you start dilating (: It seems to have made a tremendous difference! Btw, congrats!! You're in really good hands with Dr. Bowers. I've been really really happy so far with my experience (:

Thanks again!!

[elliemckay]

When I had my SRS, dilation was so painful it was discouraging at first. When they made me dilate at the hospital, I played my favorite music and sang to it out loud to get my mind off the pain. They made me dilate to a certain depth, no exceptions, and it hurt like nothing I'd ever felt. The music definitely helped, and the nurses got a kick out of my singing. It hurt pretty bad for about a month, but then I ditched the extremely hard, non-flexible dilator with a flexible one and that helped a LOT.

[Guest Protoman2050]

This is exactly why I don't want SRS...all the pain, having to dilate, not being able to pee standing, etc. Plus, in case the biotech industry goes south, I could make money by, um, making films.

[Guest Leah1026]

This is exactly why I don't want SRS...all the pain, having to dilate, not being able to pee standing, etc. Plus, in case the biotech industry goes south, I could make money by, um, making films.

1. That is not an option for many of us; we must be whole.

2. It's not really a pain once you get beyond the initial recovery period; it's just a chore that has to be done.

3. If you have a male partner and are sexually active you don't have to dilate because you have a human dilator.

4. I don't consider sitting to pee a handicap.

You don't want SRS, fine. But for a lot of us it wasn't a choice.

[Guest Protoman2050]

This is exactly why I don't want SRS...all the pain, having to dilate, not being able to pee standing, etc. Plus, in case the biotech industry goes south, I could make money by, um, making films.

1. That is not an option for many of us; we must be whole.

2. It's not really a pain once you get beyond the initial recovery period; it's just a chore that has to be done.

3. If you have a male partner and are sexually active you don't have to dilate because you have a human dilator.

4. I don't consider sitting to pee a handicap.

You don't want SRS, fine. But for a lot of us it wasn't a choice.

I know, just stating my personal reason about why I choose not to get SRS.

[Cyndee]

Your opinion does matter Protoman2050 and we are all individuals, however this thread and sub forum is more about providing support and discussing post op care. The person that started this thread was no doubt in a lot of pain, we are here to support this person in her life changing event, not use it for pontification purposes. There are many other sub forums and threads where you can state your personal preferences regarding transition.

Hugs

Cynthia -

[Guest Protoman2050]

I hope the OP feels better soon, and I'll pray for her.

Love,

Lexi