Is it possible to have PIV but not able to progress with dilating?

I was listening to a vaginismus podcast and the host was talking about dilators and normalising talking about dilators infront of friends etc and then made a comment that a friend of hers (who does not have vaginismus) tried to use a dilator to experience what is was like and found it extremely painful.

This made me think as I was on size number 3 intimate rose set (have been actively trying to cure my vaginismus for 1 year). I attempted PIV with my husband and was able to comfortably tolerate half penetration (using ohnut buffer rings) and would say pain was 2/10.

That was first time I have ever been able to have PIV. However when I try to dilate again I am still stuck on number 3 IR dilator.

My question is - has anyone else experienced being healed/able to have PIV without being able to progress with their dilators?