So here's my long-winded surgery story because I really can't tell stories well. If you want a review of the Doctors, go toward the bottom.
(I live in the Baltimore, MD area.)
While I have known I was a girl since I was 8 or 9, but lived in a Catholic/Conservative/Closed Minded family setting for most of my life, I didn't start transitioning until 2012 (I was 26). Started with telling a few close friends and going to D.C. gay bars in drag. March 2013 I started HRT, told my sister in December 2013, told the rest of my family in early 2014 and finally came out at work and to the rest of everyone that I cared to tell in August 2014. I got lucky and love conquered fear and insecurity. Family = love.
In September 2014. after searching online for docs that would do it that weren't super far away I had my trachea shaved by Dr. Rachel Bluebond-Langner. In 2015, I had a breast augmentation and fat transfer to my cheeks and lips from my "love handle" area. Adding cheeks made my face soooooooooo much more feminine.
ANYWAY.
Time for GRS. I had been doing research for a while, and had set my sights on Dr. Marci Bowers in California because her practice would accept insurance up front, but I had to give a non-refundable deposit first. Was told that once my letters (one from therapist and one from a PhD level or higher) and deposit were in, there would be an 18 month wait period. 18 months seemed like forever to me and giving a deposit before I was absolutely sure I wanted to go to Dr. Bowers wasn't sitting well with me.
While getting my second letter from a psychologist, she asked why I wasn't going to Dr. Bluebond-Langner for my surgery. I looked at her quizzically as I had no idea that she even did the surgery. I made an appointment to see Rachel because I wanted a revision tracheal shave anyway (it's now very much flat and I'm happy.) This was probably around July-August 2015.
I asked if she performed GRS and she said yes, but that she didn't really advertise a ton online. She was pregnant and said she wouldn't be doing any until she had her baby and was back at work because she wanted to be available for patients post-op care when needed. She also said that in early 2016 she would be going back overseas to get more training as well as refreshing herself after being out so long on maternity leave.
I got the letters to her office, and the date of May 11, 2016 was set by her office and my insurance company (Cigna).
After getting electrolysis (if you're in the MD/DC area, I recommend Sally McAleer in Frederick) in my nether regions, and several doctor visits, May 11 was fast approaching. Rachel does the surgery with Urologist Dr. Karen Boyle. I had an appointment with Karen before the surgery and she was super pleasant. She told me that while she wanted me to be happy with the aesthetics of my new vajayjay, she wanted me to be happy with the sexual stimulation as well and was going to be there for clitoral placement etc.
Cool beans.
Day before surgery. May 10, 2016.
Bowel prep. I pooped. Lots. Magnesium Citrate is NOT MY FRIEND.
Surgery day. May 11, 2016. University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore City. (Not a bad area so don't freak out. Baltimore has a bad rep, but there are parts that aren't scary.)
Surgery was at 7 and I had to be there at 6. Was still pooping a bit from the previous day + nerves I would guess. Had to carry my IV bag a few times to the potty. Super fun.
Anesthesia team came in and asked me if I wanted a spinal injection that would essentially numb me for 24 hours. I figured it must be pretty painful (even though Rachel assured me it wouldn't be that bad) so I said sure.
Rachel and Karen walked in a few minutes later and asked why I was getting the spinal. I said I thought it would be a good idea, but Rachel told me that she has never had a patient get it. I changed my mind and declined it.
At this point, I started freaking out/crying. Not because of what the surgery would do, but because I was afraid of the pain, and the aftercare, the fear of a 6 hour surgery, and the this and the that and my mind was going 5000 directions.
Rachel had left the room, but Karen was still there. She put her hand on my leg and told me not to worry, that they were very good at what they did and I was in great hands. She said the team that was going to be in the Operating Room is the same team that works together all the time. I calmed down 90%. The bedside manner of these two amazing women is off the charts. A++++++++++++++++++++.
Some cute male nurse walked in, checked a few things and told me it was time to go. My mom and sister gave me a hug and kiss and wished me luck. Love those kids.
Cute nurse man wheeled me into the OR and positioned my bed. He then talked to the rest of the people in the room that I wasn't really noticing and said what surgeries would be performed. He asked if everyone was ready and they said yes. He then told me I'd start getting woozy. I told him, "Seeya later!" and off I went to LaLa land.
I woke up at some unknown time and was moved from the recovery room to another room in the hospital. I don't remember too much about it other than being moved from one bed to another.
I awoke at 7PM (I know because I looked immediately to the wall clock) because the food person was delivering my dinner. I immediately was in THE WORST PAIN EVERRRRR. My lower back was killing me. Apparently because I was in stirrups for 6+ hours (how you're positioned during the surgery), my back decided it wasn't happy. I was crying etc., so they gave me some pain killers and I was ok. It hurt a bit for the next 2 days, but nothing to that extent. Surgery was on a Wednesday and by the weekend I was fine.
Rachel stopped in a few times during my stay to check on me, even on Saturday! Seriously, a surgeon on a Saturday?! Super awesome.
Monday May 16, 2016.
Dr. Bluebond-Langner came in (with other DR/PA types.) She removed the catheter, packing, and gauze stuff. Felt SUPER WEIRD, but not painful. She then started cleaning up the area and I somehow pulled the gown over my head and covered my face. She brushed the cliotoris. Wow.
My mom took a peek and was amazed at how it looked. She said she didn't realize it could look so real.
Anyway. She showed me how to dilate and helped me do it for the first time. It wasn't painful at all, just felt different. Very different. She made sure I knew what I was doing and told me I could go home after I made sure I could urinate properly.
I hadn't been out of bed in 5 days, so my mom helped me to sit up straight on the edge of the bed. It was uncomfortable so I tried to stand. I got so light headed and had to lay back down for a few. I took it easier the second go round and my mom helped me to the toilet and then to the shower (hadn't showered in 5 days either. Ew.)
Peeing wasn't too bad, just smelled horrendous.
Time to go home!
Sister came to the hospital and picked my mom and I up and drove us back to my house. I sat on a donut in the car which made it much more comfortable, but still not wonderful.
Home = I really didn't do much for the first few days. Random bleeding here and there that I had to clean up. WEAR A PAD. It'll save you a ton of laundry headaches.
My roommate drove me to Rachel's office after about a week for follow up. I had some crazy weird scab a the top of my vulva that looked like a horn. I dared not touch it for fear that I would ruin something. Dr Bluebond cleaned me up and I took another look at my new vagina. AMAZING. THIS IS AMAZING.
She told me several times that I needed to do a better job cleaning behind the lips because of dead skin, gross stuff, etc. I wouldn't need to do it forever, just for a bit as it heals.
The left side near my vagina has been a little swollen, but is slowly decreasing in size. I don't have much "spray" while urinating, but it tends to hit the swollen area and run down my left butt cheek.
Dilating isn't the worst thing ever, but it's a little annoying to have to stop my plans and go to the bedroom.
Tomorrow is 1 month since surgery. I don't think I could have asked for a better outcome so far. While I've not been lucky all the time in life (not being born a genetic woman, having cancer, breaking my nose) I lucked out in finding Rachel and Karen.
Rachel has been a Godsend. I know she's my doctor, but I'd also call her a friend. I truly appreciate all she has done for me in my life and my transition. She has the brains and skills, but also is down to earth and has a wonderful personality. I wouldn't change a thing with this process.
Overall rating: 100/100
P.S. Sorry that was so long winded. If you have questions, feel free to post or message me. I will admit, I don't delve into the trans community too often, but I'm here if you need me. I'm sure I forgot some things, but I'll wait for questions.
