Question for those who have had vaginoplasty.

[Guest amanda_s]

 

Question for those who have had vaginoplasty.

i have been approved for surgery and funding in ontario,canada. how did you feel before hand. I guess for me i am feeling everything right now. now my partner is also a trans woman she knows about my issues with my penis. we have been together for 9 months now we have talked about this but i was wondering how others felt. i am looking at the middle of january 2018 for surgery 

[KathrynJulia]

Amanda

I had vaginoplasty in 2014.  Bewildered, scared, excited.   I traveled alone to Bangkok and between Japan and Thailand I began having floaters in my left eye.  When I arrived, I was blind in my left eye.  I made it to my surgeon Dr Pichet that morning, and he told me not to worry,he would take care of me.  He sent me to Thailands best Retinal Surgeon.  I found out how good he was because I called my Opthalmologist back home to ask for advise.  He and his partner the year before had attended a seminar to learn the Retina technique, this doctor performed on me.  

Dr Pichet was an amazing surgeon who took great care of his patients.  Following my surgery, the anesthesia and pain Med's killed my appetite.  At Dr Pichet's hospital, for the evening meal, they pulled out the book with menus of about 100 resteraunts.  And you can pick whatever you wanted.  I picked a small pizza from Pizza Hut.  Dr Pichet super sized it.  He told me I needed to eat Miss Kathryn.  This huge pizza was delivered and I struggled with one piece.   I pushed the bed table out to the front desk to share with the nurses.  

We were laughing and joking when who should come in.  Dr Pichet shaking his finger at me.  Miss Kathryn, you need to be in bed,not corrupting my nurses.  I wanted you to eat that pizza.  You need to eat.  Did those nurses giggle at that.??  I couldn't have eaten that pizza in a week.  I was weak as a kitten.  It's a tough surgery.5 to 6 hours of surgery.  But you get through it.  And when you awake, you check down below and yell  Yes, Yes, Yes.  ???. The nurses come in with big Thai smiles, you happy Miss Kathryn????My smile said it all.

[Guest]

 I love to hear your story! You very much influenced me to go to Bangkok. No regrets about any of it. I was happy, a bit fearful (especially with $9,000 USD cash stuffed in my panties), looking forward to the best adventure of my life!

Not sure just what you are asking for? If I were giving anyone general advice I might say: 1. On one hand it can be a life changing event, on the other, if only changes the way you pee. 2. If you have problems and issues it won't fix a thing! If you are sitting on the fence about it, get down you are not ready and it's not a race. 3. Did you learn and think everthing through, have enough puberty time and are sure you have shed your rose colored glasses? Having done that you are probably as ready as you can be. 4. It's not a walk in the park! They are going to tear up a lot of real estate down there, YOU have to take care of yourself and heal. There may be a little bit of rollercoaster emotion to go with that. Sleep and not overdoing is your friend, couch potato is not. Get up and active as soon as possible but again don't overdo. 5. Love yourself because if you truly need this you will become your most comfortable best you! End of checklist.

Just a few other things about me. I had to battle with family and find another place while healing, life was still kicking my butt along the way. I surprised an old therapist with my news and also needed a little post op help. She commented I was no longer the strong confident woman I once was. True, but I discovered I feel vulnerable, like any other woman coming out of puberty. We grow and learn and become strong women again. I still feel the journey of transitioning (where ever you are or settle at) is not for a sissy!The rewards are far more than "normal" humans get. Giggle. You can do this!!!

Let me end with; I'm almost two years post-op, The old person has faded away I can barely remember who that was. I'm all healed up, have all the health and maintenace issues down there as any other woman. But I never, never ever want to trade it all back. I love strugglling in my new life. Can I get an AMEN? Hug. JodyAnn

PS- Most men to me are a PITA! I didn't loose anything when I cashed out my ticket from the Boys Club. I didn't loose a thing! JA

[Cyndee]

I enjoyed reading my friends posts above. This procedure is not for the weak, or the indecisive, you have to want/need it, there is no turning back, you are changed forever, like that hasn't happened already. 

Your question Amanda "how did you feel before hand ?"

My answer is simple - prepared. My surgeon had a 18 month waiting list, I had plenty of time to be ready. I put myself in the best physical condition I could be in, I prepared my work situation, I prepared my family situation and living conditions for afterwards, I had support lined up with therapist and Dr for afterwards. It's a major life event, it's like when you are in the queue, you don't want anything to happen to you, no car accidents, no bizarre circumstances unforeseen that could take your date away from you, I held on tight to my reservation as it became larger than life. I had anxiety beforehand, overthinking the "what ifs", I was so prepared as they rolled me into the OR that day, huge smile on my face as I am chatting with the anesthesiologist just before lights out... 

Now it's almost 9 months since the big event, I am healed up and well, I love my body, it's beautiful, it totally rocks ! I look back on that time with such relief and joy, transition is something you do for yourself, completely selfish, it has to be. 

Best to you Amanda. 

Hugs

Cyndi -

 

[Jani]

I have not had surgery but I am planning to soon.  I've read that it changes everything, and very little in your life.  

5 hours ago, JodyAnn said:

1. On one hand it can be a life changing event, on the other, if only changes the way you pee. 2. If you have problems and issues it won't fix a thing!

I believe this is so true.  We must have our "house" in order because it is a game changer.  Life will go on. Get your emotional well being in order.  The things that make you happy and the issues that bring you down will still be there after surgery.  Congratulations on getting approval!

Jani    

[VickySGV]

This is something I wrote on this four years ago, and it still fits everything

 

http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/topic/53791-its-a-bigger-decision-than-we-can-grasp-at-the-time-we-make-it

[Jani]

Very good.  Thank you for posting this link.  I understand surgery changes nothing except how you pee, but it also seems to change everything.  I have no grand expectations of how I will live differently afterwards, just how I think I will feel better about myself.  I would be doing this for me alone. 

Jani

[Guest]

13 hours ago, Jani423 said:

Very good.  Thank you for posting this link.  I understand surgery changes nothing except how you pee, but it also seems to change everything.  I have no grand expectations of how I will live differently afterwards, just how I think I will feel better about myself.  I would be doing this for me alone. 

Jani

You just live as another woman in a woman's world. All the old skills and experiances don't go away. It's more a shift in perspective thing. I am softer and weaker in some ways, hugely stronger in other ways. Quite a bit gentler in many respects. I fit in me much better, if that makes any sense? The only thing I have to wonder is what it would have been like, or been different if my childhood was female too. I'm sure I missed some things and were spared some things. I am most grateful to finally experience the genuine authentic me. I believe you will too.