[Mabel1226]

Yes! At my first GYN exam in my early 20s (years after not being able to insert anything on my own) I asked my GYN if everything was normal anatomically down there. I remember being both relieved and also upset. I think I wanted her to say “no” so that it could be a quick surgical fix. Over a decade later I discovered and had the Botox treatment and am currently dilating as I type this!

[Mabel1226]

Hi! I also had treatment on the same date and hope you’re doing well! I don’t see how Botox could affect a menstrual cycle; Botox does not effect the hormones involved in the menstrual cycle. I would imagine that the stress from that time may have delayed your next cycle. My second cycle after the procedure was about a week later than usual.

[Mabel1226]

I think it took about 3 weeks before I could walk around with the dilator in place and not “feel it” constantly. I remember that soreness that you’re referring to and I promise it will go away. I think it was about 1 month into for me, and one day I realized it just wasn’t there anymore. I was also obsessed about sleeping with it in the beginning, but do let yourself take a break at least every other night. It will go back in more easily than you’d believe!

[Mabel1226]

I think the best way to think about this is this: the muscles in our vaginal walls have never really been stretched before. I keep telling myself I wouldn’t expect my body to be able to run a marathon if it had been in a wheelchair for 20 years. I, too, felt “guilty” for starting back at the purple before going up again. I am now 54 days post-procedure and still can’t get the blue glass in unless the pink glass has been in for 2 hours. One step at a time. You’ll get there in your own time and in your own way. Don’t get discouraged!

[Mabel1226]

Heather-What oil-based lubricant do you use? Is it safe with the silicone dilators?

[Mabel1226]

I am 7 weeks post-procedure and I feel like a new person. It’s amazing that my mindset has changed so quickly from terror to almost no anxiety about vaginal penetration. The first few days will be a whirlwind of emotions. I remember getting frustrated on day 2 that I was still too scared to insert a dilator myself (my husband had to do it). Ellen and my husband gave me to courage to try with a smaller one all by myself and that moment was monumental: for the first time in my life (I’m in my early 30s) I had inserted something into my vagina. It had always been this place of terror and I had taken control. You’ll have a moment like that, too. Good luck!

[Mabel1226]

Heather-
Your letter really moved me! I, too, am a health care provider and have been married to my husband for 5+ years and together for 10. My PCP has already spoken to other patients about Dr Pacik so I’m spreading the word one doctor at a time!

[Mabel1226]

Definitely. Our monthly cycle begins on the first day of our period so you’re currently ovulating.

[Mabel1226]

I am 6 weeks post-procedure and I share the same sentiments concerning the glass dilators. When I left the office I wasn’t sure how I would get along with the glass set and didn’t purchase them until my last day there. I even remember Dr Pacik saying they were more comfortable one could even run errands in them and I thought, “He’s got to be joking!”. By day 30 I was running errands with the glass pink in place! When I’m at home I wear bicycle shorts to help keep them securely in place. This allows me to bend and move and not have to think about them!

[Mabel1226]

Thank you so much for your responses! It’s always helpful to hear someone’s specific story. Best of luck to you, as well!

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