Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

The next step, surgery.


Jani

Recommended Posts

On 4/20/2017 at 0:32 PM, Jani423 said:

Kathryn Julia, thank you for your wonderful post.  I was speaking with my therapist about the upcoming event and mentioned that I was mostly anxious about the actual surgery.  I've had major surgery before where I was under anesthesia for several hours.  I find this to be difficult to think about.  The end result not so much as I've been waiting so long for it.  I wasn't sure how much more I was going to write as it was hard to gauge interest in it.  I'll try to do my best. 

Jani

Just FYI, I certainly want to hear your process. :) 

Plucking my eyebrows is much easier for me than threading. But haven't tried was. However, I can remember my wife coming home with burns from the wax.

Yesterday, I was trying to imagine electrolysis on my eye brows :o And the southern area for possible future SRS :o:o  LOL

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I met with a counselor two weeks ago for my second letter recommending me for surgery.  I received a copy in the mail today as the original was faxed to the doctor.  I recommend starting this discussion as soon as you decide this is a procedure you wish to pursue.  Things came together for me quickly and I didn't have them when I met the doctor.   I've heard some doctors won't schedule an appointment without them in hand.  

I am inside five weeks now and it's becoming real that soon I'll be "on the other side".  Pollen season here is in full swing and I need to be careful as it does negatively affect me.  I'm afraid of getting congestion and a runny nose as I'm sure that would be an issue that might hold things up.  I really want to get out and do a lot of walking to build up my lungs after a long winter but as I'm in the middle of a heavily wooded area there is no escape from the "yellow dust".  We have an old treadmill that I will try again.  I never enjoyed it but as a last resort...

Once I'm inside four weeks I'll have the last blood and urine labs done.  Payment to the doctor will be due then as well.  

Thanks for your support.

Jani 

 

Link to comment
4 minutes ago, Jani423 said:

I met with a counselor two weeks ago for my second letter recommending me for surgery.  I received a copy in the mail today as the original was faxed to the doctor.  I recommend starting this discussion as soon as you decide this is a procedure you wish to pursue.  Things came together for me quickly and I didn't have them when I met the doctor.   I've heard some doctors won't schedule an appointment without them in hand.  

I am inside five weeks now and it's becoming real that soon I'll be "on the other side".  Pollen season here is in full swing and I need to be careful as it does negatively affect me.  I'm afraid of getting congestion and a runny nose as I'm sure that would be an issue that might hold things up.  I really want to get out and do a lot of walking to build up my lungs after a long winter but as I'm in the middle of a heavily wooded area there is no escape from the "yellow dust".  We have an old treadmill that I will try again.  I never enjoyed it but as a last resort...

Once I'm inside four weeks I'll have the last blood and urine labs done.  Payment to the doctor will be due then as well.  

Thanks for your support.

Jani 

 

It's something that is really weighing me down, thinking about SRS vs.........

I know what I want, but I also have to think of my wife, so we're working through..........

Link to comment

I got a nasty head cold 10 days before my septo/rhinoplasty and my surgeons response was, "we'll reduce the swelling with antihistamine once we get in there".  Uggg!  That was fine for him but it made my recovery awful!  If a cold wont stop nose surgery, I'd be surprised if seasonal congestion or allergies would stop your surgery - at least I hope not for your sake.  Your date with destiny is set.  Let's hope that all goes as planned.  I wish you peace and calm in the coming weeks. 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
2 hours ago, DenimAndLace said:

If a cold wont stop nose surgery, I'd be surprised if seasonal congestion or allergies would stop your surgery - at least I hope not for your sake.  Your date with destiny is set.  Let's hope that all goes as planned. 

I surely hope so.  I don't even want to think about the possibility.

5 hours ago, Fiona said:

I know what I want, but I also have to think of my wife, so we're working through.........

This is so true if you are committed to each other.  

Jani

Link to comment
31 minutes ago, Jani423 said:

This is so true if you are committed to each other.  

Jani

Indeed. I once thought the biggest/hardest decision was where to go from me epiphany. Until this. Indeed....

Link to comment

Well, I've talked with my significant other and they don't really care what's down there. Of course I had this conversation with my girlfriend (also MTF), very early in the relationship. Just so she knows where I am headed. She is going to help me recover after the surgery.

Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...
  • Forum Moderator

I'm going to get my lab work done tomorrow.  I've stalled on it a bit.

Also on Monday I received a call to say I'm being moved out one day to the 15th.  Something about the hospital overbooking operating rooms.  I didn't ask more.  In the big scheme of things, not a big deal.  I was talking with a friend yesterday and said before E this would have driven me crazy.   What a change in life perspective...

I send my check to the Anesthesia doctor next week.  Getting closer.

Jani

Link to comment
  • 3 weeks later...
  • Forum Moderator

My journey to the other side is almost complete.  All my pre-surgery requirements are met.  I'm preparing for the flight on Tuesday to Philadelphia.  We'll be there a day early since we didn't change flights due to expense.  Time is speeding up as I expected as I add to my list of things to pack and what I'll need in the recovery facility.  I'm going grocery shopping again on Sunday to stock up on dry goods.  I have a list of perishables I need for when I return home.  

I planted a couple flats of Marigolds along my front walkway today.  It's brightens up the walk and will cheer me up upon arriving home!  I need to go visit my son to drop off my granddaughter's birthday gift since I'll be away on the day.  I even have a small consolation present for her sister, so everyone wins!  I have a few other personal loose ends too.  My mother called today to see how I was and if I was nervous.  When asked if she's sad about my change she told me she's happy that I'm happy.  I also received a nice email from an aunt wishing me her best and that she'll be thinking of me.  

When I stopped my estrogen I expected a reaction.  I was fine for four days when it hit hard.  I couldn't sleep and felt a mild nausea for a day.  I was encouraged that it seemed to go away after 24 hours or so.  I'm not focusing on it though as I look at it as temporary and the patches will be back on soon enough.  I can stay on Spiro until the day before surgery which is helping. 

Today I had my last electrolysis appointment for a while.  I am having chin work so I know it will be off limits for some time.  I'm not happy as I'm making great progress but it's a moment in the continuum.    

I may not have much more to write until I am in recovery so this may be it for a while.  Thank you all who have offered kind words of support.  It means so much to me.  Laura's is an enjoyable place because of you.  I will certainly log back in when I'm able to let you know how I faired.  Keep me in your thoughts.  

Jani 

Link to comment

I'm so happy for you Jani! I'm still a few years away from the milestone that you're about to experience, but it warms my heart to see anyone living their dream.

Best of luck!
 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

You are in my neighborhood by now.  Best of luck with the surgery.  if there is anything i can do please PM me and i'll do my best to help out. 

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I don't know how far you are from Bala Cynwyd but if you have some free time I'll be without any company throughout the week.  I'd love the time to chat.

Jani

Link to comment

Hi Jani, best of luck.  You're gonna do great.  Just don't stay in bed.  "Bed rest" is not your friend.  As soon as you can get up and move about, do it.  :-)

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
  • Forum Moderator

Yesterday I flew into Philadelphia and got an Uber car for the ride to Dr. Leis's office for my first post-op check up.  Everything looks good and sensation is fine.  I received instructions for further care.  Unfortunately the plane rides to and from were terrible due to long delays, once we were on the plane.  Argh.  Overall I am a happy girl!

Jani

Link to comment

Awesome!  And yes, plane delays can be the worst, especially if you're already seated on the plan.  I have little patience for that and it drives me crazy.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Unfortunately our transportation system on the east coast is falling apart.  The roads aren't good and rails have been ignored by the government for years.  I was amazed at the quality of the roads in much of the country and they had no tolls!  I doubt that privatizing the air comptrollers is going to help that form of transportation either.  At least the rich in this area have their helicopters to commute with.  I can't complain i just work the farm but seeing the outside does make a girl get up on her high horse sometimes.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Glad to hear your recovery is doing well Jani, keep it up, it just keeps getting better :)

Hugs

Cynthia -

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Thank you all for your support in getting me through this very personal milestone.  

Jani

Link to comment
  • 2 months later...
  • Forum Moderator

I flew to Philadelphia again this morning for my second post-op check up with Dr. Leis.  It's been 16 weeks since my surgery.  All is well and function is good.  Any issues I had resolved themselves with no sign of distress as the doctor noted the area looked natural, which is what I wanted to hear since that is how it looks to me.  I will go back one more time next May or June for a one year check up.  I'll most likely travel with my wife and we'll stay a few days to visit the area since she has never been to see the historic sites in Philadelphia.

 

I want to say that my experience with Dr. Leis has been exceptional.  I keep hearing and reading that there are only a handful of good doctors that do this surgery and that wait times are long.  That is incorrect.  I know Dr. Leis has trained many other doctors, including some of the most popular ones.  There are many good surgeons in this country, with reasonable schedules and costs.  They don't all aggressively "advertise" their services but if you talk to them and/or their patients you may find a good fit for you.  

 

Jani  

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

When you came back down come visit our area where Washington crossed the Delaware just a bit not of Philly.

Glad things are going well for you.  I like Dr. Leis and considered surgery with him.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

Link to comment
  • 1 month later...
  • Forum Moderator

I was at an appointment with my Endocrinologist yesterday when I realized it was 5 months to the day since my surgery date.  My life has become normal and I'm happy about that!  

 

Jani

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   7 Members, 0 Anonymous, 105 Guests (See full list)

    • Ashley0616
    • VickySGV
    • Charlize
    • Maddee
    • April Marie
    • MaryEllen
    • Betty K
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,939
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Chaidoesart
    Newest Member
    Chaidoesart
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. **Angela Charlotte **
      **Angela Charlotte **
    2. Carlie
      Carlie
      (63 years old)
    3. Cbxshawn
      Cbxshawn
      (49 years old)
    4. HannahO
      HannahO
      (31 years old)
    5. JustKatie
      JustKatie
      (40 years old)
  • Posts

    • Ashley0616
      I hope that there is some kind of justice. It's very sad and it doesn't even mention the family and I could only imagine how they feel. 
    • Ivy
      It's kinda weird how these people are so worked up over making these laws.  They would have no effect on cis people either way.  Yet they are the ones with the obsession.  They ought to just stay out of trans people's business.
    • Maddee
      ❤️   He deserved truth.    I told him.     🌈🌈    
    • Ivy
      Bean burritos are still popular in my family.   Black eyed peas are the one legume I'm not fond of.  I need to add lots of onions. And of course always cook your pintoes with fat-meat.  And for y'all yankees, navy beans with a big ol' ham bone are hard to beat.
    • Betty K
      Seek out community, not just online but in person if possible. Making trans friends is a pretty quick and easy way to gauge if you have much in common with them.
    • Adrianna Danielle
      Glad to be home and did go out for a walk this morning.Good thing is that went good.Still taking it easy
    • Charlize
      It certainly could be classed as dark humor.  Unfortunately the sentiments alone must hurt young trans folks.  Decency and reality doesn't seem to be in the GOP's vocabulary.   Hugs,   Charlize
    • Mmindy
      Good morning all,    It’s a frosty morning here the lawn looks silvery, and the uncovered spring flowers have icy edges on their leaves. The only flower bed I covered was my tulips. As nice as it is here during the day, our clear wind free nights allow the temperatures to drop into the mid twenties. Here in our growing zone it’s recommended that you not plant delicate plants until Mother’s Day. Central Indiana can have snow as late as the third week of May. The birds are active at the feeders, I’ve had my cup of yoghurt and morning meds. So I’ll sit here, drink coffee and watch the as the sunrise chases the frost from the yard.    @awkward-yet-sweet I could eat black eyed peas as a side for every meal. Boil them plain or with fatback. Served as a leftover, just add in a little Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies.  Make the best of your day,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋    
    • Mirrabooka
      I hope y'all look at this one. A catchy tune released at the end of Covid lockdown. Scarlett is so cute!!!     
    • Heather Shay
    • Mirrabooka
    • Mirrabooka
      Had a weird dream last night.
    • Mirrabooka
      Morning, y'all. Evening here; we had the regulation three mugs full today. Now it's time to drink something else.     No big plans here either, eldest daughter and granddaughter will be arriving on Saturday, and we will have our granddaughter to ourselves for a week after that. We still have plans though. Tuesday we'll go to the swim center, Wednesday we'll take a road trip to visit my mom, Thursday we'll get some mulch delivered to top up the gardens.   I still make other small plans on a daily basis though. The things I do plan nowadays, which is a bit new for me, is that after pinching a nerve and ending up in a bit of pain and getting some treatment from the physio, I am more motivated than ever to exercise more regularly. Tuesday for example, I went for a short (15 minute) early morning walk, went to the pool for some hydrotherapy, and mowed the lawns. Yesterday I did my exercise reps and spent some time on the exercise bike. Today, I went for a 45-minute walk, tomorrow I will do my reps again and go for a long bike ride. As long as I do at least one thing every day, right? The pleasing thing is that I'm losing weight! I blew out to above 95kg early in the year and I'm just under 91kg now. Yay me!
    • Heather Shay
      What one piece of advice would you give to beginning transitioners or considering transition?
    • Heather Shay
      Positive side of the mixed bag.
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...