Denise's GCS Thread

[Beverly Anne]

Denise,
Thank you so much for sharing your updates. As someone who will have surgery in July, others' experience is very helpful medically and emotionally. I'm excited and can't wait. I've been tucking since I was about 10 years old. I'd stand in front of my bedroom mirror or lie in bed looking at myself with boy parts tucked between my thighs and out of sight. It's my dream. It's what I was supposed to be from the start. I have tons of support from family and friends. I can't wait.

[Dorit]

I am one day behind Denise at five weeks.  I had no problem hiding my modest genitals, even in a bathing suit.  I have been full time for over one year.  I did GRS for me.  So I could feel complete as a woman and not have to look down on something that just did not belong when I would shower.   I love my beautiful, female body!   I do have to admit that even though I did a partial vaginoplasty, my recovery has been awful, including minor complications.   However, at no point did I have any regrets, just a bit of surprise at how much I am suffering.  Today I can say I have reached a milestone, I can sit for longer periods and my depression has lifted.  Denise, I hope I am adding to the discussion and not hijacking your thread.   I so much appreciate you sharing your experience.

[Linde]

I am one day behind Denise at five weeks.  I had no problem hiding my modest genitals, even in a bathing suit.  I have been full time for over one year.  I did GRS for me.  So I could feel complete as a woman and not have to look down on something that just did not belong when I would shower.   I love my beautiful, female body!   I do have to admit that even though I did a partial vaginoplasty, my recovery has been awful, including minor complications.   However, at no point did I have any regrets, just a bit of surprise at how much I am suffering.  Today I can say I have reached a milestone, I can sit for longer periods and my depression has lifted.  Denise, I hope I am adding to the discussion and not hijacking your thread.   I so much appreciate you sharing your experience.

This is so great Dorit, because if I have anything done, it would be the minimal depth version.  Do you feel that some of your complications could have been avoided? 
I know from my profession that any infection can be avoided, infections are always caused by breaches in sterile procedures. 

[Denise]

Denise,
Thank you so much for sharing your updates. As someone who will have surgery in July, others' experience is very helpful medically and emotionally. I'm excited and can't wait. I've been tucking since I was about 10 years old. I'd stand in front of my bedroom mirror or lie in bed looking at myself with boy parts tucked between my thighs and out of sight. It's my dream. It's what I was supposed to be from the start. I have tons of support from family and friends. I can't wait.

@Beverly.Anne it's more than my pleasure to share.  I find it therapudic.  Thank you for listening.

I offer myself, through PM, to anyone, to ask any questions you want.  There are no dumb questions.  I asked @jillianc some of the most silly questions that I didn't want to bother the doctor's office about.

Questions like:
When do you get real food?
What was physical therapy like on day one?
What did you bring to the hospital you didn't need?
What is the number one thing I should bring (a stuffed animal for comfort!)
Just silly personal worries I had.  Without Jillian's help I would not have slept the night before.  You know what?  Almost 5 hours of peaceful sleep.  I had no worries, no questions, I knew what was going to happen. 
If you can find someone who had surgery with the same surgeon recently and is open to questions, Jackpot!!  But I'll fill in otherwise.

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[Claire]

Hi Denise, I'm glad you're doing well. Exercising must make you feel more normal and back in your life. I know you will, but keep following what the Doctors say! We're all so pleased an proud of you!

[Rachel]

Hi Denise,

Exercise must feel good. Remember to still take it a little easy as you are still healing. Gaining 5 pounds, I gained a lot of weight. I went from 190 to 220 over a year period. I was 200 and was told to lose weight for GCS, not because of my BMI, but because I have extra fat in the GCS area. Now that you are regaining mobility and exercise you will be less board and use more calories.

I went back to work at 3.5 weeks post op and was dilating 5 times a day. I was so exhausted. So enjoy your last week.

It has been a little over 2 years since I had GCS and I just do the things I do on a daily basis and never really think about my past anatomy. I hope you find peace going forward.

[JillianC]

Aww, Denise, I'm glad I was able to help you out so much:D As you mentioned, it was therapeutic to write out those experiences and helped me process what just happened.  Good luck to us next week...I'm looking forward to feeling like I contribute to something again.

[Denise]

Aww, Denise, I'm glad I was able to help you out so much:D As you mentioned, it was therapeutic to write out those experiences and helped me process what just happened.  Good luck to us next week...I'm looking forward to feeling like I contribute to something again.

Thanks.  Good luck to you too

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[Denise]

Funny story...
I ordered a case of lube for dilation.  I think it was about $25 for 10x4oz tubes of lube.  Then I found online, bulk lube in 64oz pump bottle for about the same price so I ordered it.

It arrived today, a case of it!  Not just 1 jug but 4 jugs!  Two gallons!  I can lube the world!




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[Linde]

Funny story...
I ordered a case of lube for dilation.  I think it was about $25 for 10x4oz tubes of lube.  Then I found online, bulk lube in 64oz pump bottle for about the same price so I ordered it.

It arrived today, a case of it!  Not just 1 jug but 4 jugs!  Two gallons!  I can lube the world!


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There is a fitting German proverb for this:

Wer gut schmiert, der gut fährt! (anybody who greases well, rides well) 

[Donica]

That's good to know for my future GCS Denise. Would you provide the information about the Lube? What brand and where did you order it from? Was this information provided by your surgeon?

[JillianC]

Funny story...
I ordered a case of lube for dilation.  I think it was about $25 for 10x4oz tubes of lube.  Then I found online, bulk lube in 64oz pump bottle for about the same price so I ordered it.

It arrived today, a case of it!  Not just 1 jug but 4 jugs!  Two gallons!  I can lube the world!

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LOL...I found the same 64oz bottle. I didn't order the case but seeing as how I'm already halfway through and it's only been a little over 2 weeks I probably should have. BTW...Dr. S's office uses the same brand. I searched on Amazon for it when I was looking up cheap lube. The brand I bought is Aquagel it's a little bit stickier than other surgical lubes but it does the job.

[Denise]

LOL...I found the same 64oz bottle. I didn't order the case but seeing as how I'm already halfway through and it's only been a little over 2 weeks I probably should have. BTW...Dr. S's office uses the same brand. I searched on Amazon for it when I was looking up cheap lube. The brand I bought is Aquagel it's a little bit stickier than other surgical lubes but it does the job.

Jillian ordered the same as me.  It's from Aquagel.  At my last appointment it was what they used so I figured it's good enough for me.

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[Denise]

Ugh!  Back to work.

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[Northern Star Girl]

Ugh!  Back to work.

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@Denise
Dear Denise:
Ugh!   is right..... "back to work" ...back to the world that allows us to pay our bills, that in part allows us to continue to pursue our life goals, including our transition goals.

I have so much enjoyed following your journey as you have been feeling the liberty to share your transition details on your threads and on other various threads around the forums.

As always, thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I will be eagerly looking for your continuing updates as you feel so led to do.
Hugs and best wishes as always.
Danielle

[Denise]

You've heard of lactation rooms.  I have a private dilation room.
Locking door, no windows, space heater, couch... What more could a girl want?  okay, there isn't a TV.  But I do have internet service.

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[steph2.0]

You've heard of lactation rooms.  I have a private dilation room.
Locking door, no windows, space heater, couch... What more could a girl want?  okay, there isn't a TV.  But I do have internet service.

Very nice! Even stanchions and a tape to keep the spectators back!

[Northern Star Girl]

You've heard of lactation rooms.  I have a private dilation room.
Locking door, no windows, space heater, couch... What more could a girl want?  okay, there isn't a TV.  But I do have internet service.

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@Denise
Dear Denise:
Privacy is obviously very important but the room looks so sterile in appearance.   
It's great that you have internet but do you have important food and coffee service???

Thanks for keeping us all tuned into your continuing transition adventures.
Hugs,
Danielle

[Donica]

Wow Denise! It sounds like your employer is a wonderful person to work for.

Edit: I have to agree with Danielle. It does looks so sterile in appearance. No doubt you will be spending a lot of time there. Perhaps you can add a little personal touch and brighten it up with a few items from your employer.

A coffee table and end tables, an easy chair, some pictures and flowers, a TV and a restroom would be nice. The room does have some potential but I would think you'd want a place to get cleaned up?

[Beverly Anne]

That looks so, well, uninviting. I hope you have a comfy blanket with you.