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!

Kathy's big adventure


KathyLauren

Recommended Posts

  • Forum Moderator

Today, I remove my hormone patches in preparation for surgery.  Three weeks of menopause - Yippee!! ?

 

Yikes, this is really happening!

Link to comment
  • Replies 77
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • KathyLauren

    19

  • Jani

    10

  • Jackie C.

    9

  • Susan R

    9

Wow. I have to confess that I admire your courage.

I am a little skittish - make that a lot skittish, terrified really - of surgery in general, let alone major reconstruction.

So it's with a gentle hug and a real sense of awe I wish you a smooth journey forward.

TA

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Good luck Kathy ! it's an amazing journey. I remember going without the E, and when it was finally OK to start E up again, that first dose post - op was heavenly 

 

Best

 

Cyndee 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Thanks, @TammyAnne and @Cyndee!

 

Tammy, I have to admit that am more than a bit nervous.  I have never had any surgery, not even my tonsils out.  And this is pretty major.  Eek!  But, I am assured that I am in good hands.  Dr. Brassard is one of the most experienced GRS surgeons in the world. 

 

I will be having what is variously known as "vaginoplasty without cavity", "zero-depth vaginoplasty", or "vulvoplasty", so it is less invasive than the full-depth version.  And recovery should be faster, with no dilations to worry about.  I will have all the proper external bits, just no interior.  I am an asexual lesbian, so I really have no need for an interior.

 

I am also getting a trachea shave at the same time.  I am told that I could probably get away without that, but my adam's apple is a visible clue that I am trans, one that I could do without.  I don't care a lot about passing, but why give people more clues than I need to?

 

Regards,

Kathy

Link to comment
  • Admin

The first Postie Dose is really special.  My surgeon did not stop the E completely* except for 24 hours before and 36 hours after surgery, but I did stop the anti-T for the two weeks and that really turned me grumpy and stressed for the time.  The countdown begins!! 

 

 

*Lowered to her post op recommended level.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Its interesting to read of the various methods for reduction of E.  My doctor wanted 10 days but since I use patches I waited until my planned switch time and was off for only 8.  As for antigen, he told me I could take it up to the day of surgery unless I ran out earlier.  I ran out the day before!  A week after surgery I could go back on E.  I applied my full dose of patches and within a few hours I could feel it, but the next morning I was jittery and experienced a terrible uncomfortable feeling.  I took one of the patches off and soon was feeling better.  I waited until the second week to go back to full dose.   I suppose YRMV! 

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
51 minutes ago, VickySGV said:

The first Postie Dose is really special. 

 

@VickySGV When Dr Marci hands you that little green pill, she has this certain gleam in her eye, because she knows :)

 

I had the most trouble with stopping anti androgen also, my kidneys took a while to adjust (a few months). Don't miss having to use spiro, not in the least....

 

C

Link to comment
  • Admin
36 minutes ago, Cyndee said:

I had the most trouble with stopping anti androgen

 

I had to go back on it even before I got the "E" because mine was also for high blood pressure and the only other diuretic crashes my potassium levels. 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I will be taking my AA until the day before surgery.  I switched from spiro to cypro a year ago, so my kidneys have already adjusted.

 

Regards,

Kathy

Link to comment
12 hours ago, VickySGV said:

 

I had to go back on it even before I got the "E" because mine was also for high blood pressure and the only other diuretic crashes my potassium levels. 

I have been experiencing that too.

So I was hoping for a more anti-androgen version, but got something else instead.

I don't get to practice medicine, so I work with the doctors.

TA

Link to comment
  • Admin
1 hour ago, TammyAnne said:

I don't get to practice medicine, so I work with the doctors.

 

 

I'm not sure I know what you are saying there.  Before I was even on HRT I had been under treatment for high blood pressure and had been on a diuretic which had been taking my potassium levels down too low.  Spiro is a potassium sparing diuretic and I was put on it before I was put on other HRT meds.  It had taken my doctor two years to determine it was the best med for my High blood pressure.

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
16 hours ago, KathyLauren said:

Today, I remove my hormone patches in preparation for surgery.  Three weeks of menopause - Yippee!! ?

 

Yikes, this is really happening!

Wow Kathy...That’s exactly the time everything would start to feel real...but how incredibly exciting this all must be.  Congrats on your upcoming surgery, btw.  Hopefully, you’ll be able to give us a few periodic updates on your recovery as well...if, of course, you're willing and able.  Its so educational to get additional feedback from others due to all the differences in health, age, types of bottom surgery, and doctors techniques, etc...

 

My Best,

Susan R?

 

Link to comment
9 hours ago, VickySGV said:

 

I'm not sure I know what you are saying there.  Before I was even on HRT I had been under treatment for high blood pressure and had been on a diuretic which had been taking my potassium levels down too low.  Spiro is a potassium sparing diuretic and I was put on it before I was put on other HRT meds.  It had taken my doctor two years to determine it was the best med for my High blood pressure.

 

Sorry, I was trying for humor but obviously missed.

I was hoping for Spiro, but my primary care physician picked something else that spares the potassium. They've been fussing with my blood pressure meds for 8 years now.

 

Kathy, I appreciate the explanation of your surgery, as it makes great sense. Aside from possibly an Orchidectomy it's something I would consider as well.

TA

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I had my phone consultation with Dr. Brassard today.  Nothing exciting to report.

 

I have been looking for emotional changes from coming off E last week.  Mostly, my emotions feel "flat".  It's like my emotion module got unplugged.  Kind of like it was for the first 61 years of my life.  Well, almost: see below.

 

I did feel sad to learn that a member here who had offered to come to Montreal to meet me won't be able to make it.  I had been looking forward to the company, since I will be travelling on my own.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
On 2/19/2020 at 8:38 AM, KathyLauren said:

Today, I remove my hormone patches in preparation for surgery.  Three weeks of menopause - Yippee!! ?

 

Yikes, this is really happening!

 

Good luck with the menopause thing. That was brutal. I've sweat through... nouns. Sheets. Mattress. Clothing. Floorboards. You name it. It's finally starting to get back under control after about two weeks back on my Femme & M's.

 

It's an adventure! Enjoy the ride! Not the physical ride, you'll hate that, but the metaphorical ride!

 

Hugs!

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

In two and a half days from now, I will be on my way to the bus to go to the airport.  I'm pretty sure I have everything I need.  Just have to pack it all.  I have one carry-on and an extra-large purse.  I printed out all my airline stuff and bus stuff and hospital stuff.  I have some magazines to read, and I'll take my iPad with me. 

 

Logistically, I think I'm ready.  Emotionally, I'm way past ready.  But, still, EEEEKK!

 

Kathy

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

You'll be fine. You're prepared. You know what to expect. You've got this!

 

Prepare for adventure! Adventure!

 

Hugs!

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Safe travels Kathy, and see you on the other side :)

 

Hugs

 

C

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

@KathyLauren, My best to you, your spouse and the your surgical team.  What a great adventure you’re about to experience!  I know it’s scary...I feel this too and I’m not even having mine this year.  We’ll be thinking about you and sending prayers your way.

 

*Hugs*
Susan R?

 

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I tried calling the airline to book a wheelchair for the return trip.  Yesterday, their "voicemail hell" announcement said that they weren't taking calls and that they weren't even putting people on hold.  They didn't quite say to go away and stop bothering us, but it was implied.  Today, I actually got into voicemail hell and got put on hold.  An hour later, I was still on hold and had listened to their muzak track about 35 times, with no suggestion that a human was ever going to pick up the phone.  I tried emailing them yesterday, but if they aren't answering the phone, they probably aren't planning to answer their email either.

 

I'll have most of Sunday to kill at the airport hotel, due to slightly inconvenient bus and flight schedules, so I figure my best bet is to talk to someone at the airport.  At least I should be able to find an actual airline employee there.  I hope.

 

#$%^&!!

 

Kathy

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I could walk (admittedly a bit slowly) when they turned me loose from the hospital. I was up to walking between train terminals (again, maybe a little on the slow side) once they'd removed my packing and we set back for home a week later. Now I don't know your physical condition, but you're probably OK unless you need to move a long distance between terminals and you have to do it in a hurry.

Also, sitting on the surgical site REALLY sucks for the first four weeks or so. My undercarriage is still pretty tender.

 

No need to stress. This is fine. Everything is fine.

 

Best of luck sweetie!

 

Hugs!

Link to comment

I absolutely loved reading Jackie's step by step process and although I don't expect everyone to do the same I think it does help others prepare as well.

I can see this in my future and I want to learn and know as much as possible.

Good Luck to you and please keep us posted.  You got this!

Link to comment

Best of Luck @KathyLauren on your adventure and fast healing. I will be thinking of you and following you.

Lots of Love

 

Big Canadian Hug

JoniSteph

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   4 Members, 0 Anonymous, 99 Guests (See full list)

    • Betty K
    • VickySGV
    • Carolyn Marie
    • MaryEllen
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.7k
    • Total Posts
      768.4k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,029
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Selkimur
    Newest Member
    Selkimur
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Anyatimenow
      Anyatimenow
      (23 years old)
    2. Aria00
      Aria00
    3. Ava B.
      Ava B.
      (24 years old)
    4. Claire Heshi
      Claire Heshi
    5. CrystalMatthews0426
      CrystalMatthews0426
      (41 years old)
  • Posts

    • Abigail Genevieve
      I have read numerous accounts of trans folk no longer being welcome among evangelicals.   I am here for help and fellowship not to rebuke anyone.  I can take a pretty high degree of insult, etc., and you haven't insulted me, to my recollection anyway :) and I usually let it go.  But I thought I would let it all out there.   I am sure I disagree with you on numerous issues.  I appreciate other people's viewpoints, including those who radically disagree with me.  Intellectual challenge is good. One thing I appreciate about @MaeBe.
    • Abigail Genevieve
      Congrats!
    • Sally Stone
      Post 8 “The Ohio Years” We moved to Pittsburgh because of the job with US Airways.  The job involved classroom instruction and simulator training, but no actual flying, so I kept looking for an actual pilot position.  A year after signing on with US Airways I got hired to fly business jets.  The company was located in Cleveland, Ohio, but I was flown commercially from my home in Pittsburgh to where my aircraft was located, making it unnecessary to live near company headquarters.    My flight scheduled consisted of eight days on duty with seven days off.  Having seven days off in a row was great but being gone from home eight days in a row was difficult.  For the first few years the flying was fun, but after a while the eight flying days in a row, were taking their toll on me.  Those days were brutal, consisting of very long hours and a lot of flying time.  Usually, I came home exhausted and need three days just to recover from the work week.  Flying for a living is glamorous until you actually do it.  Quickly, it became just a job.    After five years as a line captain, I became a flight department manager, which required we live near company headquarters.  That meant a move to Cleveland.  Working in the office meant I was home every night but as a manager, the schedule was still challenging.  I would work in the office all week and then be expected to go out and fly the line on weekends.  I referred to it as my “5 on 2 on” schedule, because it felt as though I had no time off at all.   About the same time, we moved to Cleveland, my wife and I became “empty nesters,” with one son in the military and the other away at college.  Sadly, my work schedule didn’t leave much time for Sally.  Add to the fact that while Cleveland is an awesome city, I just never felt comfortable expressing my feminine side.  Most of my outings, and believe me there weren’t enough, occurred while I was on vacation and away from home.   One of the most memorable outings occurred over a long weekend.  I had stumbled across an online notice for a spring formal being held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, hosted by a local trans group there.  I reached out to Willa to see if she was up for an excellent adventure.  She was, so I picked her up and we drove to Harrisburg together.    The formal was held on Saturday evening and we had the absolute best time.  It turned out that organizers were a group named TransCentralPA.  Everyone was wonderful and I made a lot of new friends that evening.  We learned the spring formal was one of the group’s annual events but for the following year, instead of a spring formal, the group wanted to do a local transgender conference.  That local conference would become the Keystone Conference, and I would attend every year for the next 12.  My move to the west coast was the only reason I stopped attending annually.  I went to the first annual Keystone Conference as an attendee, but in subsequent years I served as a volunteer and as a workshop presenter; more about those in the next installment.   For my Cleveland years, the Keystone Conference would be my major outlet for feminine self-expression.  Yes, I did get out on other occasions, but they were too infrequent.  The managerial job just didn’t allow me the freedom I needed to adequately live my feminine life, and my frustration level was slowly, but steadily on the rise.  It amazed me how adversely not being able to express the feminine half of my personality was affecting my happiness.   However, a major life change was upcoming, and while it would prove to be a significant challenge in many ways, the events would ultimately benefit my female persona.  First, my mom and dad got sick.  They were in and out of the hospital and required personal care.  My wife and I did our best but living in Cleveland, we were too far from them to give them the support they both needed.  Second, I was experiencing serious job burn out.  I decided I need to find another job and I needed to be closer to my parents.    Things changed for the better when I got hired by an aviation training company as a flight simulator instructor.  I would be training business jet pilots.  The training facility was located in New Jersey, which put us much closer to my parents, and the work schedule was much better for quality of life.  Most importantly, this life change would help Sally re-emerge and once again flower.    Hugs,   Sally       
    • Mmindy
      I made a living talking about bulk liquids in cargo tanks transportation as a driver and mechanic. Safe loading/unloading, cleaning and inspecting, as well as emergency response scenarios.   Hazmat and fire behavior in the fire service as well as emergency vehicle operations and safe driving. "It was on fire when they called you. It will be on fire when you get there." Arrive ready to work. I could also talk about firefighter behavioral  heath and the grieving process.   The real fun thing is I can do this for people who are not Truck Drivers or Fire Fighters. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Citizen Tax payers about Public Safety Education.   I love public speaking,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • Mmindy
      Congratulations to the mom and family @Ivy on the addition of another child.   Hugs,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • MaeBe
      Congrats to you and yours!
    • Ashley0616
      YAY! Congratulations on a granddaughter!
    • Ashley0616
      I recommend CarComplaints.com | Car Problems, Car Complaints, & Repair/Recall Information. A lot of good information
    • LucyF
      I've got Spironolactone ___mg and Evorel ___mcg Patches (2 a week) going up to ___mg after 4 weeks 
    • Ivy
      Got a new Granddaughter this morning.  Mother and child (and father) are doing fine. This makes 7 granddaughters and one grandson.  I have 2 sons and 6 daughters myself.  And then I  switched teams.  I think this stuff runs in the family. Another hard day for the patriarchy.
    • Ivy
      Like @MaeBe pointed out, Trump won't do these things personally.  I doubt that he actually gives a rat's a$$ himself.  But he is the foot in the door for the others.   I don't really see this.  Personally, I am all in favor of "traditional" families.  I raised my own kids this way and it can work fine.  But I think we need to allow for other variations as well.   One thing working against this now is how hard it is for a single breadwinner to support a family.  Many people (I know some) would prefer "traditional" if they could actually afford it.  Like I mentioned, we raised our family with this model, but we were always right at the poverty level.   I was a "conservative evangelical" for most of my life, actually.  So I do understand this.  Admittedly, I no longer consider myself one. I have family members still in this camp.  Some tolerate me, one actually rejects me.  I assure you the rejection is on her side, not mine.  But, I understand she believes what she is doing is right - 'sa pity though. I mean no insult toward anyone on this forum.  You're free to disagree with me.  Many people do.   This is a pretty complex one.  Socialism takes many forms, many of which we accept without even realizing it.  "Classism" does exist, for what it's worth.  Always has, probably always will.  But I don't feel like that is a subject for this forum.   As for the election, it's shaping up to be another one of those "hold your nose" deals.
    • Ivy
      Just some exerts regarding subjects of interest to me.
    • Ivy
      Yeah.  In my early teens I trained myself out of a few things that I now wish I hadn't.
    • Abigail Genevieve
      I was thinking in particular of BLM, who years ago had a 'What We Believe' section that sounded like they were at war with the nuclear family.   I tried to find it. Nope.  Of interest https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/aug/28/ask-politifact-does-black-lives-matter-aim-destroy/   My time is limited and I will try to answer as I can.
    • Ivy
      Well, I suppose it is possible that they don't actually plan on doing what they say.  I'm not too sure I want to take that chance.  But I kinda expect to find out.  Yet, perhaps you're right and it's all just talk.  And anyway, my state GOP is giving me enough to worry about anyway. I remember a time when being "woke" just meant you were paying attention.  Now it means you are the antichrist. I just don't want the government "protecting" me from my personal "delusions."
  • 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...