Keri's Story

On 1 May 2003 I had SRS done by Dr. Schrang, in Wisconsin, USA.

The research I had done to that point indicated that his work was quite good, though he does tend to lose quite a bit of blood during surgery.  He strongly recommends donating 2 units of your own blood in advance though, which is probably a good idea for any major surgery.  Dr. Schrang also keeps you in bed for 6 days after surgery, with the intent of allowing the skin grafts to "take" properly.... this must add to the risk somewhat, but I feel it's worth it. Being a low-risk candidate with no health problems, I decided the risks were worth the results. So far, they are.

Day -1 We stop at the hospital at 11:00 am for an appointment with the internist who draws blood, then drive over to Dr. Schrangs office, who tells us where and when I'm expected at the hospital.  I checked in at about 2:00 pm. with my best friend/chauffer as company.  It's off with your clothes, on with a gown, and then you start with drinking a gallon of solution (over several hours) that cleans out your digestive tract (ugh), resulting in many trips to the toilet. (ewwwwww)

Before leaving, my friend brings me a surprise from the gift shop, a small white toy kitten named Isis. I cried as we made our goodbyes.  The other occupant of the room has got me scared, as she keeps moaning "help me".... Am I making a mistake?  Dr. Schrang stops in to check on me... he seems much more at home in a hospital.  Next a final shower, then a nurse comes to shave the surgery area.

First thing in the morning, it's onto a gurney, and then  . . . . . .  lights out!

Woke up in the afternoon, feeling very weak but happy with little pain in the surgery area, but VERY sore heels and inner thighs (from the stirrups). Dr. Schrang stops in, and informs me that the operation went "perfect".  I slept most of the day too weak to move.  Only my right arm seemed to work at all well, which was probably due to the anthnestetic.  Air powered leg wraps to reduce blood clotting are used,  they're gentle, but a bit noisy.

Day 2 was encouraging.  I was still very weak, but not much pain at all. Still in a bit of a haze, but ability to move my legs and left arm is coming back. As I am cathetered, and had cleaned out my digestive tract, there is no bathroom issue. The food is good, and very welcome. Nurses come around occasionally, sometimes changing my huge maternity pads.  Also, the person in the other bed leaves, so I have the room all to myself.

Day 3  We stopped the Demerol machine (I was hardly using it), and I went on Ibuprofen.

Day 4 Nothing much happens. Good food, nice nurses, Cable TV. Isis keeps me company.

Day 5  I get a new roommate! I am determined to not scare her as my previous one scared me. We talk a bit... She's older than me, and from an Eastern state. I try to be encouraging.

Day 6  The big day comes before you know it. Feeling much stronger, they take out the tubes, then it's time to stand, and learn to walk all over again. A much needed shower, and a little lurching up and down the hall. First time on the pot, and I can pee! Wow! All over my butt! Oh, and I get to change my own sanitary napkins for a change. I had a nice rapport going on with all of the nurses by now... I was very, very happy. My roommate is taken for surgery,(in the am.) and is returned hours later. She sleeps a lot.

Day 7 (Discharge Day) Much practice walking. The nurses have me prepare my dialator set by soaking them in warm water. Dr. Schrang then came to remove the packing. (no biggie) He then grabbed the second biggest dialator (#22), lubed it with mineral oil, and OHMYGAWD! in it went!

He then removed it, and showed me how to dialate. Now my friend comes in to drive me to the hotel, it's off with the gown, on with my clothes, and time to say goodbyes all around. I'm very weak and unsteady, but manage to get around.

We stayed in town for 4 days, checked in with the Dr., got my papers and then my friend drove us home to Chicago.  Recovery was quite fast. Very sore to stand or sit for a few weeks, but so busy dialating it didn't matter.

Results:   7+ inches of depth on a #24 (1 1/2 ") dialator. Virtually no hair where it shouldn't be. I did have 7 months electro pre-op, which Dr. Schrang recommends, even though he does a hair removal procedure during op. Sensation is slowly returning to the area, it remains to be seen if I get the big O. I suspect that I will soon enough, as I am still in good health, and happier than ever.

My lesbian friend, (who knows what she's looking at) says that I've got the best SRS results she's seen. She is very impressed with the results, though not with the doctors’ charm.

Happy Hugzes,

Keri