Dealing with the Pre-Op Appointment

[Dante]

Hey everyone! I'm happy to announce that I'm officially booked to have top surgery on July 6th! (I'm not patriotic at all but I do have to find it happily ironic that it's two days after Independence Day. ) I'm having a hysto at the same time, which seems to be pretty rare, so I'll be sure to write some notes for anyone who's thinking to go that route.

Anyway, I need to schedule another visit with the surgeon doing my top surgery so he can have a look at my chest and we can go over all the pre-op stuff. This is where I need some help; I really do not like being looked at or touched in general, and I understandably have a lot of dysphoria about that whole area. I also have social anxiety. I think I can make it through this, but it's going to be very difficult.

Any advice or tips on how to handle it? Any info on how these appointments normally work would be appreciated too!

[Cindy]

Hi Dante,
I know I'm going in the opposite direction but when I had my pre-op exam for GRS I was really not wanting my penis and testicles examine for the same reason as you quote. It was quite nauseating even thinking about it.

As it happened my surgeon totally put me at ease. He explained what he was doing, was very gentle and kept talking to me in a very reassuring way.

I was fine.

I hope your surgeon is as equally professional.

Cindy

[Arch]

I spent a few days psyching myself up. I got through it on sheer bravado. Did the same thing for a mammogram.

I kept telling myself that while I hated those monstrosities on my chest, some men are almost as big (and some men get mammograms). It sorta helped. And I told myself that if I wanted them GONE, then I had to go through this. That mantra helped more.

I am not as graceful about getting through gyno visits. Dysphoria has a way of building up until you can't really control it anymore, and there's something so much worse about the bottom half, for me, at least.

If you are not driving yourself home (or if you can wait around afterward), you might consider seeing if you can get a prescription for a tranquilizer. I have issues with dental work (I'm even tense for cleanings) because of a bad experience I had years ago, so my dentist prescribed some Valium. In retrospect, a whole pill was more than I needed because I don't like to lose control (I was really flying, and my social filters were compromised). I took a half pill for my second round, and that was about right. I might try that before my next Pap smear.

[FTMax]

It seems each surgeon has a bit of different flair with these. I would call the office and see if they can walk you through the appointment. Start with general questions and then get more specific: How long is the appointment? Do I need to bring any documentation with me? Should I wear anything specific for the appointment? Is there any testing that will be required that I can go ahead and schedule?

As far as getting undressed and being handled, I would imagine that most surgeons understand we have a lot of discomfort and try to make it as painless as possible. Mine had me change into a robe (leaving everything on below the waist). She looked at my chest for less than a minute and only touched me twice.

This was all at my consult though. During what my surgeon calls her pre-op appointment, we just went over pre-surgery rules/requirements, aftercare, my travel arrangements, and she gave me papers to take back to my doctor to sign off on. No nudity required.

My surgeon also prescribes an anti-anxiety medication to be taken right before surgery to help with the discomfort and put you at ease before the procedure. It may be something for you to ask about if your surgeon doesn't mention it off the bat.

[Alexthecat]

The only time Medalie touched me was right before surgery when I was already in hospital gown. He marked me up, rolled me into theatre, knocked me out, then I woke up.

[Konnor]

The only time Medalie touched me was right before surgery when I was already in hospital gown. He marked me up, rolled me into theatre, knocked me out, then I woke up.

He had to touch me during my consult to get an idea of density and skin tone/elasticity. My consult was over in maybe 20 min and I probably only had my shirt off for 2-3 min while he examined me then took the "before" photos. I didn't wear a gown or have to do a mammogram or any other tests. Then of course he had to touch me pre-op to mark me up for surgery. The pre-op appt was very simple and fast, so hopefully if he is your surgeon you won't have too much time to get nervous or dysphoric. Congrats on taking this step!!

[Dante]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, everyone! I think I'll get in contact with the office and see if I can get any details on what I'll need to do for the appointment.

I don't think I'll be able to have anyone drive me so meds are probably out of the question, but I'll definitely put an effort to keep my eyes on the prize, so to speak. Maybe I'll bring something to fiddle with too, since that's helped me in anxiety-inducing situations before. Hopefully I can get it over with soon!