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   9 Members, 0 Anonymous, 94 Guests (See full list)

    • Susie
    • April Marie
    • SamC
    • Penrose-Pauling
    • Karen Carey
    • VickySGV
    • Birdie
    • YellowStone
    • MaryEllen
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.6k
    • Total Posts
      767.7k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,008
    • Most Online
      8,356

    BeautifulMistake
    Newest Member
    BeautifulMistake
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Alik222
      Alik222
      (24 years old)
    2. AvaWill
      AvaWill
      (37 years old)
    3. Drewies
      Drewies
      (50 years old)
    4. JackJerryJohnTheTreeWorker
      JackJerryJohnTheTreeWorker
      (28 years old)
    5. jgram22
      jgram22
      (37 years old)
  • Posts

    • Sally Stone
      ss,   I can't say that my image in the mirror has helped me understand why I am bi-gender.  I'm pretty certain the reason I identify as bi-gender  has to do with how I feel inside.  About mirrors though, I do clearly see my inner woman when I look at myself in the mirror.  
    • MaeBe
    • Abigail Genevieve
      The tornado called Taylor ripped through Bob's apartment. After a trip to a laundromat, two trips to grocery stores for cleaning supplies and what Taylor opined were Basic Staples, everything was scrubbed within an inch of its life.  A new dish  drainer with a new hand towel and dish cloth were by the side of the scrubbed out sink; motorcycle parts were in a box under the newly made bed.  Floor, shower, toilet, sink had been hit in the bathroom and new towels hung there the way Taylor liked them. "I don't recognize the place/" "So move out." Taylor was sitting on one of the new kitchen chairs.  There were four of them around the little wooden table.  In the middle was a flower arrangement.  Bob had made his last trip to the dumpster.  Not a pizza box remained. A row of card board boxes with books had been replaced by shelves full of neatly arranged books. "Look at this." "I am not going to do this all the time.  You clean your own place from now on. I am bushed." "Many thanks, babe." "No problem, Big Guy." "Hey, I wanted to talk to you about exercise.  Karate in particular."  He pronounced it ka-ra-tay. "I am a second Dan black belt and there is a certain obligation there to teach other people." "Kara-tay? I don't know." "A friend of mine runs a dojo here and needs my help. He talked to me already.  Tuesday and Thursday night and Saturday mornings." "Oh.  So you will be there then." She looked disappointed. "I'm hoping you will be there." "Sounds dangerous.  But I could use the exercise." "And self-defense would be good. It might help." "It might. Huh.  Saturday morning?" "8 AM I need to be there. Classes run until noon. I don't need to be there the whole time." "Is there an intro class or anything?" "Yes. 10 to 11." "How about if I try that."  She was not very enthusiastic.  Punches and kicks and stuff.   Saturday morning they arrived together.  She wanted to watch the Green Belt class that met then just to see what she was in for. Sensei Mark came to the front of the room, before the big American and Japanese flags. Between them was a picture.  "I am honored to introduce to you Sensei Bob.  He is a second Dan black belt.  He has actually beaten me in tournaments.  I have known him through tournaments.  You will listen to him as you listen to me.   Sensei Bob, take the class. The two sensei bowed to each other.  Sensei Bob pointed out that Sensei Mark had beaten him, as well. Taylor was sort of standing against the back wall, scrunched up, a mouse in her crisp new beltless gi.  Her t-shirt was off white underneath it and she was hoping no one would notice. "I am Sensei Mark. You are Taylor." "Yes, sensei!" she stood at attention and shouted it. He laughed.  "This is not Cobra Kai and we are not in a Karate Kind movie.  You do that here only between bows.  Bob tells me you are a complete beginner." "That is an understatement." "Here, let me fix your gi."  She had it on a little incorrectly.  She drew back. "What's the matter?" "I am pretty touchy." "Okay.  Untie the straps in front and tie them the other way, like mine." "I don't have a belt." "There. That is right. You will get a belt after three months and passing tests on kata, kumite and karate knowledge." "I don't know what that is." "And we touch a lot here.  Not romantically. You see how Sensei Bob is going around and adjusting people's stances and arm locations." "Yes, I see that." No enthusiasm. "You are Sensei Bob's girl, right?" "Yes.  What is important to him is important to me, so here I am."  He wished her well and told her to go see Margie, who handled registration at the little table. "Hi, I heard about you." Margie began. "What does that mean?" "It means we treat everyone here with respect.  That was the wrong way to start." "I'll say. Try again." "Good morning. How can I help you?" "I want to register for the beginner class." "You are Taylor, right?" "Right." "Sensei Bob paid for your lesson today." He would. She gave name, address, age, height, weight, and they came to gender. Margie asked it twice. "Put down female." "The only other choice is male." "Then that is it." "Earlier I was thinking about tournaments, which are big here. The rules are that boys fight boys and girls fight girls - there are Men's and Women's Divisions.  I know you look like a woman, but they go by the birth certificate." This was awkward.  Really awkward.  Down at the other end of the room they were moving in unison when Bob said HAI!, turning, punching, kicking, etc. "I don't plan to go to tournaments.  One step at a time, shall we?" "Okay.  And I meant it when I said respect.  We bow to each other.  You will see. As a sign of honoring other people." Margie bowed slightly, sitting down.  Taylor returned the bow and smiled. The class moved into sparring, breaking into twos and practicing moves against each other.  Bob was moving among the pairs, adjusting positions of hands, hips, feet.  Taylor was unsure about someone touching her like that, her hips particularly.    The green belt class ended as new students came in for the beginners' class. Down at the other end the brown belt class began.  The room was large enough you could do two classes at the same time.   The other beginners, nervous, lined up at Margie's table.  People got into gis, the men in their big area and only woman in the little restroom that was for them.   Sensei Mark greeted them and showed them where to stand: on the little x's on the floor. He explained the School Code.  They would recite it at the beginning of class and they needed to memorize it for the white belt test, at which time they would, of course, receive a white belt. He explained some terms.    They warmed up with some basic, easy stretches.   They learned a kata called Taikyoku Shodan, involving blocks, punches and some movements. This was not bad.   She was now paired off with Judy.  Things were going well and this was not too bad. Judy was sixty years old and had been told to exercise by her doctor.  Taylor said her boyfriend was teaching the other class, which was impressive, and he wanted her involved.   "You remember the gedan barai - downward block?"  They did. Everyone showed him and he went around and made sure everyone had it down. "And the lunge punch?"  They did. "Now we are going to put them together. One of you will punch and the other block it. Okay?"   Taylor squared off against Judy.  Her heart was pounding.  She practiced her gedan barai as Judy practiced her lower lunge punch.  Then they faced each other. "Okay, first partner, lunge punch.  Second partner, lower block.  Slowly.  Go!" Taylor saw the punch coming at her, but instead of blocking it her eyes welled up with tears and she dropped to the floor, weeping uncontrollably. "Oh God, Oh, God, Oh God, make it stop, make it stop" she shouted to parties unseen. Fetal position, rocking back and forth. Crying hysterically. "I didn't go near her," Judy said, bewildered. "Taylor?"  this was Sensei Bob.  Both classes had stopped and were looking at her. She kept crying. "I am here, "Bob told her, not touching.  "Oh Bob you need a wife who can be a real woman to you. I am making you into a monk or something." And she continued crying at full volume. "You need someone better than me, someone who can give you kids." Everyone could hear this.  They were turning away, trying to pretend they could not hear this. "I need to get her out of here and take her." Bob said, and he and Mark bowed to each other. He scooped her up and she bawled into his shoulder.  She clung to him.  First hug ever. Death grip, more like it. "Judy, would you get her things?" "I did nothing," Judy said, and moved towards the restroom, stunned.  "Nothing." "I know what she was wearing," Margie said, and got them. "I've got a gym bag. It 's red and it says Roosters on it. Can you get it? Mark got it.  He accompanied them to the car.  Taylor was non-stop crying deeply, clinging to him for dear life. Mark unlocked the car and together they managed to pry Taylor off of him, even though it took both of them to do it.  She was in the car seat and they managed to buckle her in it. "I am going to take you to your apartment," he said. "No. Emergency room," she said. "Maybe the psych ward."  He didn't doubt it. She calmed down in a few minutes on the way. "Well, that was embarrassing." "Everyone remembers their first day of karate class." "Bob, what I love about you is your sense of humor." "I love everything about you." "Even this?" "Yes. Even this." She managed to walk into the ER.  They were both still in gis. "Karate accident?" "No. I am Taylor and I am a nut. I wear a gi all the time. I make my boyfriend wear one, too." "She had a triggered event.  She's had some difficult times." "I see. Do you you know are bleeding?" "No."  Her crotch was wet with blood and the blood was seeping down both legs. She was wheeled away. "Sir, please wait here." He did.  He had no legal right to see her right now. After a while a nurse came out and said he could come on  back. There she was in a hospital gown.  "Seems like old times." "yeah.  We gotta stop meeting like this." The nurse buzzed around and left them. "They are running tests." "I bet they are." "I got an MRI. On a Saturday morning, too."  First ever. "You rate.  But why?" "They figure some of the old scar tissue - you know, from the- from the past - ripped open and they need to see what is going on." "We know what is going on,"said a doctor, stepping in. He looked at her. "I am Doctor Michaels.  They called me in.  I just happened to be in the building and they wanted me to see this and take the case.  My specialty is Disorders of Sexual Development. But what I am seeing is little in the way of disorder.  Look at this." They looked at the image. "This is a perfectly ordinary uterus." "Uterus?" "Yes, your uterus." "What?" "That is not all.  This is a cervix, and this is a vagina." "It's blocked up." "Yes.  It looks like you had surgery to do exactly that when you were an infant.  They used to do that." "This is me?" "You." "Really?" "I imagine this takes some getting used to. "Can it be undone?" "Absolutely. I mean, I cannot guarantee it, but it is more than likely. I would like to run some tests." "And the bleeding?" "It looks like the hormones you have been taking have kicked of a regular monthly cycle. Then you did a whole bunch of exercise.  Not surprising." "What?" "I want you to come to my office next week for follow-up.  Have you ever had a genetic test of any sort?" "No." "Well, your testes - one looks at first glance more like an ovary." "Ovary. Can I have kids?" "Too soon to tell.  You look happy." She did.  "Bob, you look stunned." "I am." "Given what happened earlier today we want to keep you overnight for observation.  I understand you are a trauma victim and something triggered it." "I got a punch thrown at me in kara-tay class, is all. I am a wimp." "Well, I will let you two talk for a minute and they will come and get you shortly.  No bad news here." "They are coming to take me away, hah-hah, they are coming to take me away," Taylor chanted. "Bob, I am not done with kara-tay.  I want to at least finish a first class. I mean, you paid for it and I want you to get your money's worth." "I think I got that." "Kiss me, you fool,"  she said, and he did, with energy.        
    • April Marie
      These arrived in yesterday's mail. I'm out working in the yard today so just old clothes. I'm looking forward to wearing this t-shirt dress when the weather warms up a bit more.  
    • missyjo
      Ashley I've known busty girls who wore b nice bras tl work n such then like a sift sports bra to lounge or sleep in hugs
    • missyjo
      your nails b hair came wonderful  congratulations  enjoy
    • Willow
      The one thing about this position, if you want more hours just wait and be flexible.  I’m now working until 7:30 pm instead of 4:30.  
    • Ashley0616
      I hope your head cold goes away soon! Sorry you have to cut grass with that.   Love the new t-shirt   I love that one.    What Jeep would you want to get? That is awesome about your wife getting better!
    • Ashley0616
      Welcome Mattie! I would recommend the first step is finding a gender therapist and see if you are or aren't. Then one of the biggest steps if you are do you want to start hormone replacement therapy. The decision should be thought long and hard. There are irreversible effects. Looking forward to your next post! Take care!
    • Ashley0616
      Congratulations on being able to pick up a cancellation! I hope to hear more updates about your transition. 
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
      Getting a dog maybe next month
    • Ashley0616
      Spending time with my kids and eventually will be adopting a dog next month. 
    • KymmieL
      Well every girl needs a play toy. I just happen to have 7 of them.   My hoses finally came in. have the passenger front installed. Now trying to figure out how to do the drivers side when the tire is still on and there is no room to do it.  I'll figure sumthin out.  I is smrt.   Well have the wife home with me. She wound up falling back asleep after turning her alarm off. I woke her up at 6:20. She is due to work at 6. She decided to just call in.       MaeBe that is what this thread was started for. A chat place to share our days and thoughts for the day.   Hugs   Kymmie
    • Ashley0616
      simplicity:  : the state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded : lack of subtlety or penetration : INNOCENCE, NAIVETÉ : FOLLY, SILLINESS : freedom from pretense or guile : CANDOR : directness of expression : CLARITY : restraint in ornamentation : AUSTERITY
  • 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...