It's been 10 days since my surgery; brow lift, lip lift and vaginoplasty - Dr. McGinn worked almost nine hours on me. She is an incredible surgeon! I can't believe how good I look, even with the residual swelling
The whole process has been so smooth - from start to finish.
Thursday before the surgery we went to Papillon Center and spent ninety minutes with Heather reviewing all the legal stuff and the logistics of everything that would be happening. On Friday evening Jim had his "last supper" before switching to a liquid diet over the weekend. Sunday did the cleanse - the lemon flavor mixed with lemonade wasn't bad at all.
Arrived at 6 am Monday morning at Lower Buck Hospital and spent 10 minutes each in admitting, the lab and surgery pre-op admitting and said good morning to Heather. At 7 taken back into surgery prep and spent the next half hour meeting various O.R. nurses as well as my anesthesiologist. Everybody did the drill of asking the same questions over and over. A little bit before 8 Dr. McGinn arrived and drew lines all over my face and putting bunches of my hair in rubber bands before drawing all over my scalp. Ten minutes later and I was taken back to the O.R. and after transferring me to the table there was a discussion about tucking (my arms) for the surgery - I had just enough time to say "That's why we're here - no more tucking!" before the propofol turned the lights out on me.
My next memory was waking up, sore but not in pain and there were several ice bags between my legs. Being a surgery veteran I asked the nurse for my pain pump (it didn't leave my left hand for the next couple of days) and what the timer was set for (6 minutes). Blissfully slept for almost the next 24 hours with vague memories of nurses checking vitals, emptying drains, catheter bag, etc. Wednesday morning Dr. McGinn came in and checked me out; lips fine, bottom fine, scalp had some separation that was addressed. Got to eat - ugh! a liquid diet of 4 oz of jello, 6 oz of broth (chicken or beef), 2 oz of fruit juice (usually apple) and a cup of warm tea. That's for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But, i found out if you ask they will give you a 2 oz serving of Lemon Italian Ice - yum! Got out of bed Wednesday afternoon and took a trip around the room and then a longer excursion around the floor. Also, no more pain pump, switched to Vicoden pills as needed.
Two of the nurses were so kind to me; Jinette on days and Kathy at night were incredibly kind, caring and thoughtful and I can't thank them enough for their care.
Thursday more liquid diet, and a visit from Dr. McGinn with the news I could leave that night (and get a $1,000 back) if I was still feeling ok and could pee after they took off the catheter bag. Hell of an incentive
Everything went fine as far as walking and peeing so we checked into the Ramada Inn down the street before heading to our B & B in New Hope on Friday.
Checked into The Wedgewood Inn and had a ground room floor right next to the kitchen with an outside door for our dog to use. They delivered breakfast each morning to us; a wonderful assortment of fruit, melon, berries, yogurt, granola, rolls, spreads, coffee and tea so I didn't have to get out of bed as per Dr. McGinn's instructions (only up to pee). Of course I felt so well that I had to take the dog for a couple of walks around the grounds each day which led to edema and some minor bleeding - so do what the doctor orders!
Tuesday morning appointment with Dr McGinn and after getting comfortable in the chair she checked out my scalp, nose and lips before she said it was time to see how things looked down there. One look and she told me I had been up and about (embarrassment). She adjusted the chair and tilted me back to be more comfortable and before I even knew it my catheter was out and she was saying the packing is next - didn't feel that come out either. Checked my depth and had 5 inches and then checked to see if my clitoris was sensate - it is
Showed me how to dialate and sent me on my way to get started.
Thursday (day 10) met with Heather at Papillon Center for a follow up to make sure everything is ok and also check my my scalp issues. Everything inside nice and pink, incisions all healing nicely and I'm pain free.
I know I have been so very, very fortunate through my transition; I have been surrounded by so many wonderful, caring people. I get to add two more people who will always have a special place in my heart; Dr. Christine McGinn and her PA Heather Shupp.
