Dilators

Thank you Irene. 

Im now taking the oramorph and using the instillagel..my toilet visits remind me of breathing exercises when I was pregnant many years ago.. 

Im taking everyone's advice and taking the meds...and a movicol to keep the bm soft 

Xx

I’m so pleased you’ll be having someone there with you on your final day, my dear dad was with me when I rang the bell & it was a really emotional day, take plenty of tissues. 

Nicola 

Hello Squeak. 

I finished treatment on 17 January and honestly I am starting to feel like maybe it was all a bad dream.  My bottom is a tiny bit sore now and then - I'll stick coconut oil on.  My poops are now athe most three times a day and all done by 11 am and they do not hurt (kiwi before bed).  Pain feels like a distant memory!!!

And so I've moved into the dilator zone.. Ging to confess that I've not followed the advice to the letter, I've not been dilating twice daily - however within a week I've moved up to the second size (known technically as "bigger than a finger" lol). I've not had any problems other than my own lack of motivation - it's not very sexy - because you are focus on expanding the width...  I literally stick my timer on my phone to 5 minutes and don't even bother fantasizing about Tom Hardy lol. Anyway, I am going to make more of an effort as I'd like to have sex with the hubster sometime in the near future...  

But like others have said, I wouldn't be worrying about dilators right now... They advised me to wait at least two weeks after treatment to start - because everything has taken such a battering.  I am using the NHS gifted set as once you start having sex, you can use them less....  and I probably will never want to see them again!!

And congratulations on nearly completing treatment - whoop whoop!

Ali xoxo 

Hey Ali, 

I hope you don’t mind me jumping in on this post, but I also finished treatment on 17 Jan (woohoo) and feel similar to you in that it all feels like a bad dream. However I haven’t been able to use the dilators yet as it feels like there’s a wall up (or I’ve grown over, eek), did you feel this when you started? Maybe too much information but when I look in the mirror I can’t see any hole?! I’m seeing the Dr on Monday for a review but thought I would just hear your experience if you didn’t mind sharing? Thanks so much and well done for getting through this xx

Thank you for being so honest with all of your feedback..

I'm so pleased your 3 weeks on the otherwise of treatment and starting to feel you have some normal back.. it gives me such a lift to read this..

I'm seeing the nurse on Wednesday regarding the dilators..im not going to put too much pressure on myself though.. I want to fully heal first..

My hubby has been so great about not rushing..but like yourself I want that physical side of the relationship back..

I will keep you posted

Have a lovely weekend xx 

Good god I took a photo on my phone and nearly fell off my chair - anyway...  I've not looked with a mirror....Madd123 ...you are a braver woman than me!! 

I had a good old feel about with my fingers... I stimulated myself first by waking up my clit (TMI) and I used the lubricant provided to open myself up with my fingers. The next day I started with the smallest dilator.  I don't notice any discomfort during but I can feel it afterwards.  I've also started using my estrogen based pessary to help with recovery.

I'd suggest trying again when you are nice and relaxed, or even in the bath.  Don't panic.... and I'm sure the Dr will be help on Monday.  Good luck and keep us posted. 

Ali 

Xoxo

Haha, it’s not a pretty sight I must say, but found comfort in seeing the healing take place! 
Thank you for the advice, hadn’t considered turning myself on but you’re right that it would probably help. Hopefully they’ll be able to offer some help on Monday. Thanks for sharing xxx

I'm really glad that i have found this conversation.  I was given dilators before the end of treatment and told to start using 2-3 weeks after treatment has finished.  

I got to that time and couldn't think of anything worse, the NHS dilators are so hard and plastic.  I have used the smallest size and haven't really managed to progress over the 6 weeks of using.  It makes my vagina bleed and becomes really uncomfortable.   I am very reluctant to use daily because of the discomfort but also conscious that i need to use to stretch my vagina again.

Has anybody else experienced this? 

x

Im 3 weeks post and no where near ready to start to use the dilators..

Im hoping within the next few weeks I can start.. but im not putting pressure on myself.. we have all been through so much..i will keep you all posted..x

Hi PinkShells

I haven't had any bleeding from using them. Have you spoken to your medical team about it. I don't use them everyday either, I was told every other day or 3 times a week for 10 minutes each time. I would check with your team to make sure everything is OK. Sending hugs. Xx