Hi, I just wanted to share my experience with dilation. I honestly never thought about this before my surgery but after surgery it was part of my instructions for recovery. I had to start one week after I had double flap surgery. I initially thought my doctor was crazy because it really hurt. I did reluctantly follow his instructions. It wasn't easy because I have to do it every day. I'm now almost 10 weeks out from surgery and the dilation really made a difference. It's keeping the muscle stretchable and it's getting easier to do. I just go slowly. I have to thank jr2 for the recommendation of the pediatric dilators. I use the largest one now. I guess the dilation helps keep the scar tissue (which in unavoidable after surgery) from becoming tight. Whatever is does it's been a godsend for me. I don't know how long I will have to do this but if I have to do it everyday forever it's a small price to pay to stay healthy and pain free.
PS, I had my dental implant yesterday and today I look like a chipmunk. Pain is manageable. Thanks for the well wishes.
Suzy