Checking what i need before going to Thailand

[Layn]

Hi!
I'm getting a bit worried about not getting worried about the surgery and that because of that might end up forgetting something.
I'll be for the entirety of September in Chonburi and will have my surgery done by Suporn. I'll have my parents with me, which is great but i hope they'll take some time to tour around or else it'll probably be incredibly boring for them.

I've got a couple of letters from my my therapist (which also include HRT info) and i'm considering taking a copy of my birth certificate which already says female.
I've got my 3DS and more than enough games as well as a couple of books AND my laptop which should keep me entertained if need be (i'm also thinking on working on a personal game project of mine so i won't be entirely unproductive, but i think taking a wacom tablet with me would be too much).
I've got a few skirts and dresses (not all of them long though, but at least knee-length. Not many either), but as i hear i might just as well buy clothes there as i need them. (on that note, what about pyjamas? I wonder if some of the pyjama shorts i have might be too tight)
Oh i've just made an appointment with an OB-GYN, at about 2 months post-op. I imagine she has a better idea if what i have is how it should look like
I made sure my cat won't be alone during my time away (still need to buy food and everything to cover that time. TODO)
I still need to go out and renew my hormone prescription so i don't have to do that as soon as i'm back. It's on my todo list though.
I assuaged my parents fear about the whole experience with Adabelle's review video (thanks Adabelle! It really helped a lot )
I paid for the surgery already
I still need to update my music library on my laptop and phone! it's on the todo
I finally made my new passport (woo! with a "sex: F" and a bad photo and everything!)
My mother made sure she'll stay with me for the first two weeks back home in case i might need something.

Mhm that's all i can think of. I feel pretty prepared, but just because i think i've thought of everything doesn't mean i haven't missed something. Also i really didn't have much time to think about the surgery.
It would be great if you could help me complete my To Do list (and "to take to Thailand" list! very important)!

[mrs izzy]

If you are interested this is the supplies list i worked on before my GCS for when i got home. Combo list of what others have suggested for the first month post-op at home and doctors. As always try to get as much stocked as you can when there are sales. Keep in mind you might not be in much of a mood to shop so if you prep heavy nothing should go to waste. This should get you through first month with out any issues.

First month post supplies list
Tylenol
Maxi Heavy Flow pads x 20
Maxi Thin pads x 90
Panty liners x 40
Personal water based lube x 16 (4oz) tubes (i am thinking 4 a week x 4 weeks) or the type your doctor recommends.
Summers eve (Massengill) Vineger and water douce x 2 (clean and re-use applicator with your own mix)
hiciclens 4, dexidin 4 or hibitane (your doctor will advise to soak dilatators)
antibacterial soap x2 or (foam type)
Personal wipes (baby) No scent x 4 (soft of the bottom)
polysporin (with vit e) or Triple Antibiotic Ointment (or what your doctor suggestes)
Waterpoof Pads large size (bed protection)
4 cheap bath towels
Distilled water x 4 gal
Vinegar pure white 1 liter
betedine
Mesurement cup @ funnel
6 cheap wash cloths (face)
paper towels (bulk)
Mirror to prop up on bed (i use a hand mirror more then i used the one that had a stand)
1 container 12" x 5", 4" deep (storage of dilatators)
Panties (1 size larger then normal) pkg or 2
Re-useable cold compress (ice bag)

Adjust as you need if you get any suggestions from Doctors office or others you know who have been there.

Something i found after i did this list was lube. If you can buy it in bulk or when it is on sale get as many as you can. It is one thing that you will use a lot of over a very, very, very long time. I still now 4 monts post average 3 tubes a week to keep things comfortable.

Izzy

[Flan]

My 2 cents on the list:
A little overkill on medical supplies, especially if you're flying with it. Food will probably be the biggest issue since western take-out style food gets old fast depending on what the hotel room has cooking wise.

I almost got 10 days out of a 4 oz bottle (of lube) so figure only 4 bottles. That and they come usually in cases of 12.

In Thailand nobody drinks the water so locally sourced bottled water is easier to find. Wet wipes can substitute for paper towels. You'll probably use the container to clean the stents more than storage if using diluted hiciclens. It's also more than possible to clean the stents with foaming hand soap provided you rinse them to avoid irritation (that'll save some since you'll want the bottled water to drink).

For douching the blood/lube/gunk out, if possible a urinary catheter and oral syringe are more handy and gentler than commercial douche kits, especially if using diluted iodine. So the distilled water and vinegar probably will be wasted space.

Disposable chucks (bed liners) may be cheaper since after about 2 weeks (post) you can start reusing them.

And finally a box of nitrite gloves keeps you from having to get hands messy in the first place. The sekret of lube conservation is just spread a line on the stent and with gloved hand, roll a thin film over all the area expected to be in your vajayjay. Works every time for me and makes it pain-less.

[Elainagirl59]

Hello Layn,

Congratulations on your upcoming SRS.  I had my SRS with Dr Suporn in 2010.

You will not need any supplies for your stay in Chonburi.  The clinic will provide
all supplies.  When you return from the hospital your room will be stocked.
Towards the end of my stay some supplies were running low.  I just asked for
more when the "clinic girl" came by for my check up and things were restocked
to the point that I had enough supplies for my first 2 weeks at home.

The clinic also provides all the pain medication, stool softener, anxiety medications
you require.  Do make sure to bring any other medications, anti-depressant, blood
pressure, or whatever.  I would also bring your hormones, after discussion with the
Dr you may decide to restart with a low dose.

Definitely bring cheap cotton panties a size bigger than you normally wear.  I would also
bring a large plastic mug.  I used the mug to wash up after dilations, the angle from the
shower head never hit the right spots.  You will also need to wash up each time you
urinate.  The toilets have a spray nozzle right next to them but the water is cold.  It was
much nicer to have a mug of warm water available.

I don't know if I would bring my birth certificate.  I think your passport is sufficient.

You mentioned you have 2 therapist letters.  Have you had the clinic review these
letters?  The therapist I worked with was an LCSW, and "certified sex therapist"
but not a Dr.  Since her credentials were "borderline" under WPATH, I sent the
clinic a copy of her letter and credentials 2 months prior to leaving for Thailand.
This gave me time to get an additional letter if needed.  Make sure to bring
the original letters!

I agree with you, Adabelle's video was really helpful and provides a great
feel for life in Chonburi.

Things will be fine!  How long will you be in Chonburi prior to surgery?
I arrived 5 days prior to surgery.  I didn't do any sight-seeing, just spending
the time walking around the clinic and getting over jet lag.  I feel that it
is important to not overdo it.  There was another girl that had surgery a couple
days after me.  Her recovery was very difficult and I was spending time with her
in the hospital.  As we talked she showed me some pictures.  It turned out that
she spent 10 days "cramming" a sight-seeing trip to Thailand before arriving in
Chonburi with the minimal 2 days that the Dr requires.  I came to think that she
had really overdone it and that may have contributed to her difficulties.

Best Wishes,
Elaina

[Layn]

thanks for all the replies!
Although i'm a bit confused now.
as Elaina said i had understood that the medically necessary supplies would be given by the clinic, so i'm guessing that everything else is for added comfort, less of a mess and generally to make things easier? And Izzys recommendations i understood to be only for when i'm already back home?
Some things i don't even know how and when to use Yeah kind of confused

oh the birth certificate was for added documentation when i'm at the clinic. I have a couple of letters from the same therapist. One of them is pretty detailed and that's the one Sophie said was okay, although i find it strange that a single document with a translation to english done by myself is enough. So, i want to make sure i'll take anything that might help.

i'd have probably 2 1/2 days before surgery? My parents said they'd like to see bangkok with me before surgery but even if we weren't short on time then, my mind would probably be too busy thinking about the surgery. It'd kind of be a waste and exhausting.

[Adabelle]

I agree. Take as little as possible except for things to entertain yourself like a laptop, 3DS, or whatever. I think a camera is great to have.

The pads given to you by the clinic are totally adequate in my opinion, if anything you could bring one package of pads. But honestly right across the street there's a grocery store that has all that - soaps, shampoo, pads, EVERYTHING. It's not like you'll be in the middle of nowhere, there will be other girls there and modern stores around. There's even a pharmacy right across the street for any specialty medical stuff.

If there are things you really like (I brought some of my favorite chocolate bars) that can be nice. And I brought some little cards to give to some of the other girls and write notes to them on - this helped me make some friends.

But otherwise I'd just bring light clothes, things to sleep in, and then not worry too much. Keep in mind that it's totally normal to get nervous before this (and even have doubts) we all express our nervousness in different ways so maybe planning your luggage is helpful - but just know that you'll be well taken care of for all your medical needs.

Enjoy your time there - I was a little nervous but I ended up loving every minute! I made a little video review that shows what it's like to be there a little. It might be helpful for you.

[Layn]

hi!
the entertainment part i made sure to have covered. I've got plenty of games prepared, and i even bought a long JRPG and an endless game (Animal Crossing) to make absolutely sure (but i'm also absolutely sure that wasn't necessary ). I'm getting the feeling that an ebook reader would have been perfect for such an occasion... but i just can't get over the need to actually have a book in my hands when reading. Well i'll have to take that 1300 page monstrosity with me along with the other books. I think i might be over-prepared in this aspect . I hope i won't be a shut-in spending all the time trying to get through all the stuff i brought instead of socializing

i hope i'm packing the right clothes, since i've got no idea what i'd feel comfortable in in that weather. I imagine it's best to not take too much and just bolster my wardrobe once i'm there and know what i need (although it'll probably take a while until i can go myself).

I did watch your video! I mentioned in my first post that it helped my parents to worry less! Before watching it they thought i'd be bed-ridden for most of the time and miserable and that everything would be difficult and all in all a terrible experience. They were so relieved when they saw the opposite. I really liked seeing everything too! I had no idea what to expect before watching it! I'm probably going to watch it again before going and again when i get there to help me adapt.

I am getting nervous, but i'm also starting to really look forward to it. I really need a change of airs, since i've been stuck here for way too long, so it's kind of a long deserved vacation too! Just with a bit more pain and time than i'm used to.

[LauraGirl]

First month post supplies list
Tylenol
Maxi Heavy Flow pads x 20
Maxi Thin pads x 90
Panty liners x 40
Personal water based lube x 16 (4oz) tubes (i am thinking 4 a week x 4 weeks) or the type your doctor recommends.
Summers eve (Massengill) Vineger and water douce x 2 (clean and re-use applicator with your own mix)
hiciclens 4, dexidin 4 or hibitane (your doctor will advise to soak dilatators)
antibacterial soap x2 or (foam type)
Personal wipes (baby) No scent x 4 (soft of the bottom)
polysporin (with vit e) or Triple Antibiotic Ointment (or what your doctor suggestes)
Waterpoof Pads large size (bed protection)
4 cheap bath towels
Distilled water x 4 gal
Vinegar pure white 1 liter
betedine
Mesurement cup @ funnel
6 cheap wash cloths (face)
paper towels (bulk)
Mirror to prop up on bed (i use a hand mirror more then i used the one that had a stand)
1 container 12" x 5", 4" deep (storage of dilatators)
Panties (1 size larger then normal) pkg or 2
Re-useable cold compress (ice bag)

Izzy

Quite useful list. I am currently preparing my check-up list before I depart to Thailand

[Jamie D]

Best of luck to you Layn!   

And to you too Laura!   

[Zumbagirl]

I agree with Elaina, travel light and keep it simple. The first month after surgery is pretty much all about the vagina (or as I fondly remembered it frankenpussy). You will spend so many waking moments having it cared for and caring for it yourself you will lose sight of how fast time passes. I had a laptop with me and hardly used it. I found reading a good book or 2 was much easier. I would also recommend that whatever clothes you bring are clothes that you can dress and undress quickly and easily for the dilation sessions. Once you are back on your feet and dilating is no longer a full time job then you can work on your projects. There's plenty of time for all that then.

Enjoy yourself! The clinic is very nice and the people were all wonderful. I didn't have my SRS there but I met a few having surgery there and the experience was nice. Best of luck!

[Layn]

thanks you all

I just remembered another question! As i understood all power outlets have a voltage similar to europe, so that's not a problem, but it seems in thailand the plugs can be both round (like in europe) and flat (like in the US?). Does anyone know what they're like in the hospital and the hotel?

[Jamie D]

International adaptors are relatively inexpensive

[Layn]

but do i even need one? that's my question? I think we already have adapters, i just want to know if it's even needed

[Flan]

but do i even need one? that's my question? I think we already have adapters, i just want to know if it's even needed

Most modern hotels use US style 3 prong but there's the possibility of needing one for 2 prong, same size plugs. It's safest to bring an adapter in case although many hotels will also have adapters available for use.

http://www.whatplug.net/

[Layn]

thanks!

It's a few days, but it's weekend and i imagine i'll be a bit lost and busy then. But you know what? I keep forgetting my parents won't be bound to a hospital bed after MY surgery . They'll have a bit more time. I just like to make sure that when i get there and have to recharge stuff i wont have to wait a few days

[Layn]

urgh stopped taking hormones now because it said so in the guide. Can't i even take anti-androgens? it's making me nervous allowing my body to produce testosterone, even if it's only for 10 days.

[Adabelle]

urgh stopped taking hormones now because it said so in the guide. Can't i even take anti-androgens? it's making me nervous allowing my body to produce testosterone, even if it's only for 10 days.

Follow the instructions of the doctor. Many have gone before you and stopped antiandrogens and estrogen before surgery as the doctor instructs - don't worry, you won't grow a beard in 10 days.

[Layn]

i wasn't sure if anti-androgens were part of "hormones", because, well... they're anti-hormones! ... it makes sense! Specially if you wish really really hard for that logic to work.

I'm starting to have some doubts and fear, which i imagine comes from the surgery being next week. Oh well, i'll just trust past me that she thought really well about this and didn't send (present) me to a surgery i might regret.


mhm i wonder if anyone there plays Magic or Pokémon TCG

[mrs izzy]

Follow the instructions of the doctor. Many have gone before you and stopped antiandrogens and estrogen before surgery as the doctor instructs - don't worry, you won't grow a beard in 10 days.

I will agree with all this but day 11 omg........ LOL
Your lucky i had to quit 3 months out and i i was just starting to see some extra body hair growth. That went back away 2nd month post.

Relax, take a deep breathe and you will be fine. Just a walk i the park once they knock you out. I would start thinking of what you will do to relax through all the dilations more then the op.

Hugs
Izzy

[Layn]

a small update:
everything went super well. I was worried the night before (all dark and pessimistic thoughts) and a friend helped me through it. The day of surgery i felt really good, before and after surgery both. The only problem is that everyone wants me to rest, but then people keep coming in my room to check up on me or visit me . Hospital food has been much better than advertised (which made me eat faster and more than i should on the first day ). I also met a lot of nice people, who i hope to see again once i leave the hospital. And the staff is great.
I just wish the mattress was better. ouch.