I started using the dilators today. I was advised to use them on the 6th week after treatment I know this is different from others that were advised to used theirs 2 weeks post treatment.
I started w the smaller one and it definitely felt so tight down there, it’s still kinda sore and As I insert halfway through, it’s like I hit a brick wall and I’m not sure if I should push through it or what. I’m sorry I know it sound silly but how far should the dilator go in? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Much love to you all. Xx
Sorry to hear that it’s still sore - I had so much going on with sepsis and recovery that I didn’t start mine until 8 weeks. The first thing is that you must use plenty of lube - and you need to find one you get on well with. I started with KY Jelly but found it was still ‘dragging’ and move to SYLK, which is made from plants and really suits me. Secondly, there are a couple of ‘brick walls’ in your vaginal, and they will feel like brick walls if you’re anxious. The CNS nurse actually showed me in my advisory appointment, and she told me to sit back, supported at about 45 degrees, try to relax and to COUGH to gently press past the ‘bumps’ as she called them. It worked. It’s actually, I think, easier to get a dilator in than a finger, as it’s solid - as long as it’s lubricated. You can also try turning it gently as you insert, to make sure it doesn’t stick - again with plenty of lube. Some ladies find they bleed a bit after using the dilator - possibly because they are still a bit sore. If you’re worried do call the CNS for advice - they should be supporting you with this. X
In terms of how far - you should be able to get the small one in up to the hilt… and then progress to bigger ones, depending on the length of your vagina. We’re not all the same. You will get used to what is right for you, but most women will (I am told) end up on a 3 or a 4, and not have it right the way in - because of course you need to move it gently from side to side to stretch the tissues and keep it all nice and elastic and healthy. If you can do it, this will help to keep the vaginal walls stay healthy. X
Thank you so much for your reply and support. It means a lot. I actually purchased the silicone ones from Amazon as the smallest one being about 5 1/2 inches in length. I was worried because I’m about 2 1/2 inch I encountered that “bump” and I can’t seem to push through it, I just thought my vagina has shortened I hope it’s not the case. Thank you for letting me know that it’s just a bump I will try again tomorrow. I had a couple of tiny blood specks afterwards. Xx
Please excuse me for being graphic here as I’m just worried. Having 2 inches in don’t seem enough as how far the dilator must go in, but at that point there’s like this hard ridge that I can’t seem to push through. Is it possible that my vagina is now that short? Anyone who had experienced the same? At this point I’m not even sure if it’s just a “bump”. I’m already 7 weeks post treatment and still sore down there.
Try different angles when you insert it worked for me. You are correct there is a bump and it is hard to get in. With repetition it gets easier. It is unlikely your vagina to have closed only in 8 weeks.
Thank you for your reply. I’m glad I’m not the only one who seemed to experienced this. My main concern is if it’s really like the end of the length and wasn’t just a bump. Were you able to get past it in a few tries? Maybe it’s the anxious feeling that it would hurt more or bleed that’s making me more anxious. Xx
It sounds like you’re still very sore and maybe inflamed from the brachytherapy. You cannot have ‘closed up’ in 6 weeks, but there could be swelling. Please do call your CNS for a chat and - ideally - make an appointment to see her so that you can have an examination. They will have dealt with 100s of ladies post treatment. Xx
When I first started it took me a while to get used to it. At the beginning it didn’t go at all inside you need to keep trying and pushing little by little and if it hurts to stop. It will be uncomfortable but it shouldn’t be very painful. Initially I had some pink spots at the top of the dilator after each use but after 6 months they have gone I guess I was fully healed by then.
I found lying flat on my helped get past those bumps. If im sitting mor upright its like hitting a ridge.
Don’t force it. I turn it slowly, in and out gently and wiggle it about slightly
Thank you for the tip Shammy. I will definitely try lying flat. I was almost on a sitting position when I tried it the first time. Everything just felt different. It’s like there’s no enough space to move around or push forward and in my case it’s still tender and a bit sore. So I’m trying not to irritate it but at the same time I want to persevere thinking maybe it’ll improve. Thanks for the input I really appreciate it.Xx
Thank you so much Maria, this made me feel a bit calm about the situation. It’s just I’m reading everyone’s journey here w same timeline as mine and they seemed to be doing ok w the dilators and so I got worried as I couldn’t even get the smallest one further in and had a good cry. Sorry for being dramatic. Everything down there was so different that I don’t recognized it anymore it felt so tight and tender and I was just so frustrated that I couldn’t seem to do it right.
It is totally normal to feel the way you feel I had a hard time for months. Just take it one step at the time as things down there are different . It is difficult at least it was for me but if you follow the medical advise you will be fine
Sorry to hear your finding it hard, hopefully you can use some of the advice others have posted to help. I don’t have any I was told to start at 3 weeks post treatment which is this week but as I’m literally just up on my feet again I thought I would wait until next week as I’ve only had a couple of days with no pain down below so didn’t want to risk it. I just thought I would comment so I can keep up and look back for when I start. Let us know how you get on. Xx
