Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

Canal or no Canal that is the questiion


Lexi C

Recommended Posts

Hey 

So finally meet with my Vaginal Plasma surgeon. I had to wait two year but it was a goal come true.

To tell the truth i had a hard  time concertation as he started to explain the different types of procedures cause i was so exited to be there.

He want into great detail about the recovery and the dilate period of each one. He it made clear that he was suggestion a Non Canal surgery. Although, he has done both. \

His best point was the recovery and dilate time . For Canal 3 to 6 months for Non Canal 6 to 9 weeks. He pitch the idea that with a  Non Canal  i would  not need to dilate for live.( 6weeks to 9), not to mention a 3 to 4 surgery compare to 7hr surgery, He also stated that the recovery time was almost double with a Canal pro then not. 

My question is has anyone had either and was there a big diff in the sex with a Canal or without

To be honest i am self employed. Six months of recovery  time would properly destroy me finically and send me back on to the street or a shelter which i am trying to avoid. So i could use a little advice if you have every found your self in a similar situation and if you regret  picking the wrong procedure  

Ty for the support

Lexi

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Well, I've got full depth and while I wasn't done HEALING for three to six months, I was fully active after six weeks and able to stand for long periods faster than that. Something like two or three weeks. I weathered a twenty-hour train ride a week afterwards (I hated it, but I got through it). Really sitting was the big hurdle. Dilation was a bigger pain because four times a day for the first month. That really eats into your time.

 

Surgical time depends on your doctor. Mine can do full depth in three to four hours usually (according to her anyway, I was out for the whole thing).

 

As for sex, well it depend on whether or not you want vaginal penetration. Your clitoris will work fine either way, but you need a canal if you're going to be using someone's penis from the front.

 

For me it was a non-issue. While I am very, very gay my dysphoria wouldn't settle for zero-depth despite the relative safety, ease, etc... Honestly, if I could have swung it, I would have gone for the abdominal pull-through method, but it's harder to find surgeons that will do it and I have additional medical concerns.

 

Even with the upcoming revision (and attendant scheduling nightmare), I'm solidly behind my choice.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment

I've been contemplating the same choices but have been leaning toward zero-depth. I just don't see myself dating a guy again. If I find myself in need of being penetrated I still have that other option.

But I'm there yet so I can't say that's my final decision.

 

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I had zero-depth vaginoplasty, a.k.a. vulvoplasty.  I am a lesbian, with asexual tendencies (or vice-versa), so I knew I would never want penetration by a penis.  I didn't want all that dilation hassle.

 

I thought the recovery would be faster.  But here I am, six months later, and still somewhat disabled.  Sitting is dificult,  I can't walk any significant distance, and I have constant pain or discomfort.  I console myself that it would probably be much worse if I had the full-depth version, but I don't actually know that.  I am probably looking at a revision, but that will be at least a year away.

 

I don't think my case is typical, so I'd suggest waiting for more responses before making a decision.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

Link to comment

I had full-depth vaginoplasty, but I am a straight female who will have penetrative sex. I will agree with Jackie that dilation absolutely does eat at your time as it requires a strict schedule and is just tiresome, but I do not regret it. Each option has its ups and downs of course. I am going on 8 weeks since surgery and I’m just now getting to where I can handle moving around easier, but no where near my normal self. I went in to my surgery at the best physical condition I had ever been in. 
With my full-depth vaginoplasty, my surgeon completed the surgery in about 4 hours. Good luck on your decision!

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Oh and that's an excellent point. No matter what option you choose, be in the best shape of your life (or as close as you can get) before you have your surgery. You will not regret the reduced recovery time.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment

When My time comes, I plan on going full canal. Whether I plan on dating a guy or not, I still want the option. And if I don't date a guy, there are things that two women can do that are just as much fun. lol. The thing is I want the option so that if I want, I can decide which I want at the drop of a hat. I know that makes me sound like a lose girl, but I've done my time alone on a Saturday night. I want to have some fun now. lol.

Link to comment

oh Thank you ladies so much. I just spoke to his nurse today. They require two letters so i am running around like mad to get then even do my appt is not until April 22. I am not sure if i am planning on have sex. I keep catch my self being attracted to women. So confused.

THANK YOU FOR THE HELP.

 

Link to comment

This thread is so interesting to read ... even though I feel like this kind of decision is a really long way off for me. So great to hear everyone's stories and thoughts. Such a valuable resource.

 

I think you are all so brave! I'm sitting here feeling sore and sorry from a really minor operation. The amount of .... determination? (Is that the right word?) ... to undertake what you have gone through is very inspiring.

 

Man, we trans girls are tough!

Link to comment

I am 65, pre-op, married to my soul mate and have no interest in penetration or dilation. So I guess that makes me lesbian. I also had my prostate removed with salvage radiation 2 years later (this year). That will make the surgery to install a canal more difficult and hazardous. If I was 30, I might go in another direction. The only thing that makes any sense for me is the Non Canal version. I have my GCS consult next month.

 

I don't have estrogen yet, but also don't have testosterone either, other than from the adrenals due to Lupron shots. My therapist told me she has never seen someone as happy as I am without any hormones. I can't wait to try estrogen. I don't ever want that poison called testosterone in my veins ever again! 

Link to comment
5 hours ago, HollyNoel said:

When My time comes, I plan on going full canal. Whether I plan on dating a guy or not, I still want the option. And if I don't date a guy, there are things that two women can do that are just as much fun. lol. The thing is I want the option so that if I want, I can decide which I want at the drop of a hat. I know that makes me sound like a lose girl, but I've done my time alone on a Saturday night. I want to have some fun now. lol.

 

Holly, girl, sometimes you remind me of myself! I love a pink headband, I'm completely in your boat on weight, I also have a winter/christmas-theme in my name (which I cherish), and although I'm nowhere near any point of choosing a vagiplasty procedure, I know without a doubt if I do ever decide to both transition and also opt for bottom surgery, for me personally, the ability to experience vaginal penetration, be it a guy (even though I'm not romantically attracted to them), or a trans-woman with or without SRS, or a...prop (with or without batteries ;) )...or...any other more universal anatomy...[sly grin]...For me personally, that's where my heart is, and huge part of what I've always envied from the female side.

 

Personally, I don't even care if it makes me look loose, or even downright slutty. For me, sexuality, along with its partner sensuality, rank among to absolute best top reasons for being alive!!! And I say to heck with any restrained haters!

Link to comment

? Thank  ladies. We are all brave regardless of the internal and external procedures  we are face with as Transgender humans. 

Link to comment

@Heathick Thank you. I love the pink headband too, I just wish it stayed up. It's forever falling down. lol. Yeah, I want the option when it comes my way. Right now I like girls but if given the chance I think I would jump on a big ***** just to see what it was like. Who knows, I might like it better. lol. Like my therapist told me, I've never had sex like a woman, I may like it. But I won't know until I try it at least once.

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...

More a question for those with  vulvoplasty   how is the post operative care like .   I assume the recovery period is much sooner .   

 

Thank You 

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Supposedly the recovery period for zero-depth is quicker. For example, I'm going back for a cosmetic revision of the outside bits and my recovery window is about half what they predicted for when they installed the canal. There's a lot of variability there though depending on your health, diet and age at the time of surgery and how well you follow the post-operative care instructions. I had full depth. I'm 50 and I was in decent, but not phenomenal, shape when I went in. I bounced back entirely within four months and was ready to go back to the gym after two. I watch what I eat, exercise frequently and followed the post-op instructions like they were delivered, in person, by an angelic chorus. For contrast, there are people on this site who had zero depth and had considerably more problems. So yeah, in general you'll have more recovery time with the canal but there are a lot of variables.

 

Hugs!

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
4 hours ago, Kris-Boston said:

More a question for those with  vulvoplasty   how is the post operative care like .   I assume the recovery period is much sooner .   

 

Thank You 

 

 

So they say.  It is killing me that folks who had the full depth procedure have recovered in less time than I am.  I am at seven+ months, and I am not recovered yet.  I am probably looking at a revision.

 

In general, yes, the limited depth surgery will have a faster recovery than the full depth version.  But everyone is different.  As the surgeon's office is fond of reminding me, it can take up to a year to recover.

 

 

Link to comment

Thank you - its just good to consider all the factors .   Glad last year I got to see the Fundy Shore its well worth seeing .

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   3 Members, 0 Anonymous, 127 Guests (See full list)

    • Wasylyna
    • DeeDee
    • MaybeRob
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,940
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Raelyn
    Newest Member
    Raelyn
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. **Angela Charlotte **
      **Angela Charlotte **
    2. Carlie
      Carlie
      (63 years old)
    3. Cbxshawn
      Cbxshawn
      (49 years old)
    4. HannahO
      HannahO
      (31 years old)
    5. JustKatie
      JustKatie
      (40 years old)
  • Posts

    • Ashley0616
      Wow that is a high number for Estradiol good grief! Testosterone levels are better than mine. I don't remember my Estradiol level but testosterone was 80. To me that is really high but it was in the two hundreds the check in before last one. 
    • Ivy
      I don't understand why this would make a difference being a "dad" I mean, as far as how they would grow.
    • Ashley0616
      I don't see why not. I have worn forms since I came out. 
    • MaeBe
      I have never worn breastforms, but I assume as long as they don't aggravate your nipples you could.
    • MaeBe
      Every week I've been excited to take my shot, so it's never been an issue. Yesterday, however, I woke up and started my usual "slow roll" and then suddenly realized I had breakfast plans that I had to rush out the door for. After, it was straight into work calls, and then I got the notification from the doctor about things being too high and all the while my mind had completely slipped that I needed take my shot.   Given that I am not asking for medical advice, but sharing my journey, I will note my results: Estradiol at 447 pg/mL and Testosterone was 23 ng/dL, up and down from 26 pg/mL and 526 ng/dL respectively before treatment. Almost flipped the bit! The doc would like my Estradiol closer to 300 pg/mL, so we'll see what Monday's tests state.   Oh, and I teased the dinner with old soccer teammates and never updated the thread! It went well. There were a couple funny moments. One guy, who I was worried about their response, greeted me with "Hey, you've lost some weight!" 😎 And a friend who lives near me picked me up on the way to dinner exclaimed, after we learned one of the invitees might show up with a date, "Wait! We could have brought women?!" To which I instantly responded, "You kind of did, bringing me!" Everyone got a good laugh out of that. 😁
    • Ashley0616
      To me there isn't that much difference other the measurement, which side the zipper is on and men's pants have bigger pockets. 
    • missyjo
      I hope this is not stupid question..I have yet to start n not sure if doc will approve..but once you start growing buds n such, can you still wear forms to get to the size you were?   I'm a dad, so when I start blossoms they will be smaller for a long time n probably need surgical augmented..that's fine. I don't want to go ddd to aa to ddd..   any ideas?   thank you
    • missyjo
      April sounds fun..I keep some boy jeans to visit mom in..fir now   hugs
    • Ivy
      I like them too.  We had them growing up.  But my father's family were Swedes.
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Oh my!  I guess it just goes to show how different tastes can be. Since we don't live near the ocean, Seafood is a rare luxury. We absolutely love pickled herring! Especially my husband and my GF, I guess it's a Ferman/Russian cultural thing.  But most of the kids like it too, and a jar wouldn't last in the pantry for long 😆
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      I think the key to that is just not minding eating the same thing repeatedly. Since we produce a lot of our own food here, we end up eating what is in season at the moment. So, when the yellow squash is ripening, we end up fixing squash 20 different ways. When the strawberries are ready, we eat lots of strawberries. It's kind of a different mindset to eat in season when it has become such a part of American culture but the grocery store has everything we want all the time. Like grapes in December.  My family does even things out a little bit by having a greenhouse so we have some fresh things in the winter, but it's not a 100% fix.
    • KathyLauren
      My brothers and I had to eat what was on the plate.  All of it, and nothing else.  Pickiness was not tolerated.  Some of our least favourite were liver and onions, sauerkraut, and especially rollmops (pickled herring).  We finally protested enough to persuade our mother not to serve rollmops, though she kept a jar in the pantry for years afterwards, as a threat if we didn't behave.
    • Carolyn Marie
      I'll go first.  My favorite team is the Yankees.  Loved them since I was a kid.  I was born in NYC so, yeah.  I know everyone loves to hate them, and that's OK.  I just love baseball in general.  It's a game of traditions, strategy, power, grace and skill.   Play Ball!!  ⚾   Carolyn Marie
    • Ashley0616
      I guess you do have a good point. It's just hard to try and not have the same meals over and over again. 
    • Willow
      Hi   I’ll weigh in on being picky about food.  Yes, and I was brought up that way.  We didn’t have to eat everything our parents ate.  They had a number of things they ate that they figured we wouldn’t eat, an acquired taste things or one or the other didn’t like them too.   even as an adult there are many things I won’t eat.  In my defense, there are different things my wife won’t eat.   the weird thing is that after being in E, my tastes have changed.  Sweet, sour, salty or bland, if I eat or drink too much of any one thing and I have to counter act it.   Willow
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...