Gee, I don't know, but a vaginal dilator kit seems sort of kooky to me, since all but the smallest ones would be inappropriately large for your needs. I've heard of doctors prescribing a hegar dilator, or even using a taper candle, but not what amounts to graduated dildos!
http://www.amazon.com/Vaginal-...-Shape/dp/B000FU107C

Hegar dilators are cheaper too.
http://www.amazon.com/Hegar-Di...ds-SET/dp/B00535KE8K

Jan

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, it does sound of kooky but he said that if you type in anal dilators you get a lot more kooky stuff. I just don't know myself. This is my second dilation and I am not a fan of having a stricture, it seems to affect all aspects of life. So, if I can do something to avoid the pain, I will.

hi, I have been self dilating for almost one year and I use a rubber glove and a lubrificant gel. That's what the ostomy nurse suggested to me because the anal dilators are too big.Also because you use the finger you can do gently and feel the pain and stop.

Sure, using your own finger is fine too, unless you have trouble reaching. Plus, no equipment needed!

But yeah, you definitely do not want to wait for the stricture to begin reforming. You must have a very fibrosed stricture if your doc is worried about it reforming after only two dilations. Seems like most doctors are not thatproactive and bring their patients back many times before offering self dilation maintenance.

Jan

Jeane, the vaginal diltors are for anal dilation, not vaginal dilation. The doc just recommended using them because of the ease of ordering.

Jan

Ooh my ignorance. Sorry.

I am sure it would be more fun, but you are correct that it would not help the anal stricture.

Jan

Which ever finger fits. You would not perforate, as pain would prevent you from going beyond your level of comfort. The idea is to dilate daily to prevent the stricture from reforming. Once it is there, you really do not want to be forcing anything in there. If you cannot get your smallest finger past the stricture and you are having symptoms, it is time to make another appointment. It is better for the doc to dilate again early than wait for it to become critical. At that time, you can discuss the possibility of home dilation to preserve your opening. If it is tight, you can expect some pain while dilating, but there is a limit and you need instruction.

Each case is different, and your doctor may feel that in your case periodic office dilations will eventually stay open. It all depends on the quality of the stricture. Plus, not all doctors are in favor of home maintenance. But, still worth discussing. My thought is the old proverb:
"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Jan