PA Stretching exercises

For about 8 months now, I have been inserting a 1/4″ SS rod  alongside my 8 MM ring; I could only leave it in for a few hours, because the pain was too much. However, as it got accustom to being stretched, the pain stopped except for the initial stretch.  I will be leaving the rod in place now until I get my 10 MM Tribal ring in.   The rubber bands hold the rod in place so I can wear pants and go out.