Denise's GCS Thread

[Denise]

Since when is sleep optional???
An hour and I woke up like I slept all night

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[LizK]

Since when is sleep optional???
An hour and I woke up like I slept all night

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First day out...walked 250m to get real coffee...came back and slept for 2hrs solid...lol I can relate....[emoji3]


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[Denise]

Since when is sleep optional???
An hour and I woke up like I slept all night

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I figured it out... I'm starving.  Dinner at 5:00 and nothing else.  Time to stock up on c cereal or something.

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[Dorit]

Hi dear, it seems like we share so much. It has been the constant lower. back pain that is rough. You are healing well, maybe the teddy bear helps! Could you put her on a flight to Philadelphia?

[Denise]

Hi dear, it seems like we share so much. It has been the constant lower. back pain that is rough. You are healing well, maybe the teddy bear helps! Could you put her on a flight to Philadelphia?

Send me an address.  She might have brothers and sisters that like to fly.  Mine is not a fan of flying so no airplanes for them.

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[Denise]

One more thing to pack, maybe.  A mirror.  Personally I don't want to look yet but everyone is different. 

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[JillianC]

Denise, I caught up on your thread this morning. I also want to add that attitude is huge in your recovery and how you perceive pain. Having a good attitude and smiling makes the world of a difference.

[Dena]

I figured it out... I'm starving.  Dinner at 5:00 and nothing else.  Time to stock up on c cereal or something.

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If you want food or something else, ask the nurses about it. Often they extra things at the nursing station should a patient want it. Sometimes medications need to be taken with food or a patient may wake up hungry after coming out of general. There may not be much of a selection but you won't know unless you ask.

[Denise]

That's exactly what the nurses said.  But, the pizza in two hours is sure to taste good

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[Denise]

Good morning.  It's 4ay of day post op day 5.  (Surgery Thursday, it's Tuesday)

Vitals every morning at 4am. (113/64 98.8 temp).  I sleep better last night.  I probably got 4.5 hours.  And in hospital, I'll take that.

Today is unpacking day which will include a shower and a very "hands-on" class they call "getting to know your new vagina" it will also include the use of a mirror.

I'll post later about each.

Now onto speculation and personal stuff.  YMMV on this. In fact it will vary, guaranteed..  this is my experience and I did this without asking for Dr permission but he was happy that I did it.

I get very emotional when I stop E (weekly injections) between days 10 and about 21 or later.  I decided I didn't want to go through hell week while I was in the hospital.  So I stopped the injections such that surgery was on day 29.  Yes I stopped a month prior to surgery.

My emotions here are 100% under my control;  no crying no weeping etc.

The other thing about me physically is I'm pretty fit.  I weigh 145lbs and I'm 5:6" tall (66kg/167cm) and most of that is muscle.  There's a little fat but mostly the weight is all in my legs.  I cycle, walk, rollerblade,...a lot.

Also I apparently have a high pain tolerance and good genes for recovery based on my history and other family members.

I mention this all because
1. I stopped pain meds after 36 hours post op
2. No bruising
3. Little swelling that is almost totally gone.
4. I was free to walk about all I walked on day 3.  And I did!
5. I'm a day ahead of this Dr schedule
6. I asked the staff and all say that's it's been a while since anyone has progressed as quickly.

The challenge is knowing why each of these occurred.

As I said YMMV. But if you're just starting your journey I suggest work on getting into better shape.  Your whole life will improve.  I lost 25 pounds (11kg) I'm the few years it took to come out and start to deal with my demons.  If I can do it, so can you. I'm not special.

More later

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[Denise]

Something else to bring or be ready for:  Note taking.

I've forgotten more questions I wanted to ask than, umm, I can remember.  Literally a dozen things I wanted to ask and forgot. I've seen my surgeon everyday for maybe 2 minutes.  You want your questions ready and easily accessible.

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[Denise]

Sad face.  There was a miscommunication between PA and surgeon.  The packing was not removed and I'm not being released a day early.  According to the surgeon (Loren Schechter) my patients will never be released early and packing out no earlier than day 6.  So that means I get another day of this, umm, awesome food.

Another day of healing under their control is good.

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[Northern Star Girl]

Sad face.  There was a miscommunication between PA and surgeon.  The packing was not removed and I'm not being released a day early.  According to the surgeon (Loren Schechter) my patients will never be released early and packing out no earlier than day 6.  So that means I get another day of this, umm, awesome food.

Another day of healing under their control is good.

QUESTION: How did it go when you finally got a look at yourself in a mirror?... if you found one?

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@Denise
My dear Denise:
Look at this extra day directly under medical supervision as GOOD NEWS....   it would not be a good thing to be released early and to have some kind of complication and have to return to fix it.

When you do get home you can treat yourself to all the delicious food that you can order in, fix yourself, or have friends bring to you......    I would go for that big home delivery PIZZA with all the toppings... and perhaps breadsticks or a salad on the side.   That will be something to look forward to for sure.

Many hugs.... and have patience, you will be home soon!!!
I will continue to be eagerly following your updates.... and any new photos are always a treat for me to see.

Best Wishes as always,
Danielle

[Colleen_definitely]

One more day with the packing in is probably a good thing for healing as well, despite being rather uncomfortable. 

If I were stuck in a hospital in Chicago, I'd be finding a way to get Portillo's delivered. 

[Northern Star Girl]

One more day with the packing in is probably a good thing for healing as well, despite being rather uncomfortable. 

If I were stuck in a hospital in Chicago, I'd be finding a way to get Portillo's delivered.

@Denise
Dear Denise:
Well now, our forums friend @Colleen_definitely has a great idea....   here are some tantalizing pictures.  Just pick up your phone and take care of your food cravings.
HUGS and HUGS....   and get ready to get out of the hospital soon.
Danielle

 

[Colleen_definitely]

Now that's just mean 

Besides, everyone knows you go to Portillo's for the Italian beef sandwiches.

[Northern Star Girl]

Now that's just mean 

Besides, everyone knows you go to Portillo's for the Italian beef sandwiches.

@Colleen_definitely
Dear Colleen:
I am not being mean at all, just trying to help @Denise while she is stuck in the hospital...
NOTE to Denise: Portillo's does deliver.

Oh, and you are right, their Italian Beef sandwiches are very famous... in my previous job when I traveled around the country extensively and to Chicago a lot, I had ordered and tried most of the items on their menu so all of their sandwich offerings are wonderfully tasty.
Here is the picture I should have posted in the first place... showing the Italian Beef Sandwich.
Hugs,
Danielle
         

[Donica]

@Colleen_definitely
Dear Colleen:
I am not being mean at all, just trying to help @Denise while she is stuck in the hospital...
NOTE to Denise: Portillo's does deliver.

Oh, and you are right, their Italian Beef sandwiches are very famous... in my previous job when I traveled around the country extensively and to Chicago a lot, I had ordered and tried most of the items on their menu so all of their sandwich offerings are wonderfully tasty.
Here is the picture I should have posted in the first place... showing the Italian Beef Sandwich.
Hugs,
Danielle
         

And how about a side of Italian sausage bread with that sandwich? Yum!!! Hang in there Denise! You'll be home soon. And then,,, PIZZA!!!

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[Denise]

And how about a side of Italian sausage bread with that sandwich? Yum!!! Hang in there Denise! You'll be home soon. And then,,, PIZZA!!!

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Pizza was Monday night
Sushi was Tuesday night
Probably Pizza again tonight

Today was unpacking day.  The whole process took 15 minutes.  I was glad I had a stress ball as the stitches were pulled.  I can take almost an unlimited amount of expected pain that's lasting a few days but really sharp "bee sting" type pain (think electrolysis) sends me to the roof!  There was a little of that.  BUT the weird part was pulling 12 feet of gauze out of my (MY!) new Vagina. 

The sensation was unlike anything I can describe.  Everything down there is numb so you can't actually feel the gauze coming out of the vagina's opening.  BUT what you do feel is the rough gauze and twists and lumps rubbing against the prostate.  It's like a tickler or vibrator on your prostate that lasts about 30 seconds to a minute.  My guess is people who partake in activities that excite the prostate may understand what I'm referring to.

Today is Shower day and then "Your vagina 101" from the really super awesome PA.

Pizza tonight maybe then the catheter is out tomorrow.  Shortly after the catheter removal I'll use the toilet for the first time without a pointing device.

[Kendra]

Denise, congratulations!

You moved into a new body, so it was time to unpack.