Gina's journey

[davina61]

They say old age dont come alone!! Feel for you dear as I have to be very careful not to put my back out. Get better soonXXX

[Gina P]

  I scheduled a hip replacement on Dec 3. Trying to get all my surgeries done before my deductible resets in January. Everyone tells me this is an easy one. Same day in and out of the hospital. Not looking forward to this one but the pain is unbearable some days. One leg is shorter than the other due to the bad joint so that could be throwing my back out of alignment.
   Also started my pelvic floor therapy. The doctor who did my GRS said I should do it. The therapist did a very thorough exam poking and pushing deep inside. Then suggested a bunch of stretching exercises to do at home.  Its supposed to limit scar tissue growth. One more thing to do.

[Emma1017]

Gina, just remember we are high-maintenance performance vehicles that need upgrades periodically.  I hope your surgery goes well and you have a quick recovery!

[Gina P]

Gina, just remember we are high-maintenance performance vehicles that need upgrades periodically.  I hope your surgery goes well and you have a quick recovery!

Gee, am I getting a new axle installed? 
  Worked on a ladder up and down most of yesterday. Pain in hip was quite bad. No doubt I have to get it fixed. The doctor was a bit uncomfortable with me being trans, not wanting to say anything that might offend me. He had examined me a few years ago as a man. I asked if we could install female hips to give me more curves to which I got a grin and an explanation of there are only 1 style. It relaxed him. 
  I voted yesterday. Early voting in NJ. The sample ballot was mailed to my dead name so I tucked my hair under my hat and wore a sweat shirt to hide my female assets. I felt totally ridiculous. Just another affirmation that I made the right decision to transition.

[Emma1017]

Gina, we are classy all-terrain vehicles!

I'm in NY and voted yesterday.  In this election, I wished I lived in a swing state...

[Gina P]

  My wife and I went trail riding yesterday. My horse was full of himself and wanted to go go go. After holding him back for a bit, he decided to start bucking. Very unlike him. Later on he had another spate of bucking and almost dislodged me. Now I find myself not wanting to get hurt and screw up the hip surgery. We cut the ride a little short, 8 miles. Both me and my wife were sore. It has been about a month since we rode which explains why the horse misbehaved.
  Saturday I went to a neighbors and brush hogged. I wish I was doing more feminine things but I have to do what I must.
  The back feels a little better today. I feel I might be able to resume fixing up the house. Cough still lingers though.
  I tried doubling my Progesterone for the last 2 weeks. Taking 100mg in the morning and 100 in the evening. I have seen my boobs swell a bit but my food cravings have went through the roof. I gained 10lbs. This will have to wait to try again until I shed a few pounds.

[Gina P]

   I had my blood work done yesterday. E is at 323 pg/ml. I wonder if taking more progesterone bumped it up. I'm sure I will her about it from the Endo next visit. She is one who believes in the least hormones needed are best. She also has me stopping all Progesterone for the upcoming hip surgery, so we will se if that lowers the E. I have noticed I have been a bit more moody since upping my P and food cravings are through the roof.
   I'm so glad the election is over! Now perhaps the media will get back to reporting the news instead of all this political doom and gloom we have been hearing of. So tired of the name calling and lies from both sides.
   Went for a pelvic floor therapy session per my plastic surgeon's advise. I was a bit surprised at all the stretching of the internal structures she did. And yes internally!! She also advised me on how to do it. But it was the first time aside from a quick exam that someone else was pushing, pulling and stroking around inside my vagina. It's supposed to loosen things up in there and prevent and decrease the scaring. I must admit I was surprised by the thoroughness of her work.
   Work continues on my home. Trying to get the outside stuff done before the weather turns bad. What a run of nice weather we have had but we need rain bad.  

[Gina P]

    Worked on finishing the skirt boards around the base of my log home. After almost 25 years since I built this, they are getting done. As always there is always some hiccups. I had to remove the outside faucets to install the boards then drill and replace with an inch and a half added to the pipe length. The shut off valve wouldn't close completely, forcing me to shut off the whole house and run to Home depot. Sweat a new piece on and was good to go. Next I have to bleach the boards and stain/seal. I hope they match the rest of the house.
   We had a walnut tree blown over in a wind. Posted the log on Market place and sold for a quick $100.
   Since stopping Progesterone, I have noticed my moods are a little better. Not a lot but a little. The doc also has me on a ton of vitamins for the upcoming hip surgery. My hip has been giving me excruciating pain lately. I am glad, as this removes all doubts as to whether I should be doing the surgery.
   Going to visit my son this afternoon after our weekly trail ride. He is going to fix my computer. It did an update now I am no longer have access my emails. I hate updates!
  Gotta ride. Gina

[Gina P]

 Stained my skirt boards with some left over stain from the last time I did the house. Wouldn't you know it they are much lighter in color. I will let them age over winter and try to fix the problem in the spring.
 Wen

[ChrissyRyan]

Happy Thanksgiving Gina!

Chrissy

[Gina P]

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Not sure what happened to my last post. Looks like only half was posted.

Went for pre-therapy for my hip replacement. I have been very nervous about this one. The therapist helped ease many of my concerns and explained the recovery process. He said many patients use just a cane after a day or two instead of a walker. Also with the newer anterior, or front approach, has no restrictions of what I am able to do after surgery. Of, course they don't want any heavy lifting for a few days.

I still struggle with the voice lessons. Many times getting sir on the phone. I do very well at the lessons then revert after. Its more of a mind thing than voice? Very frustrating.

I've gained a few pounds and it seams most has went to my breasts. Not a bad thing. Now a 46" over 40" I put on a button up shirt that I hadn't wore in a while and had to struggle to button it up over my bra. A very good feeling!

[ChrissyRyan]

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Not sure what happened to my last post. Looks like only half was posted.

Went for pre-therapy for my hip replacement. I have been very nervous about this one. The therapist helped ease many of my concerns and explained the recovery process. He said many patients use just a cane after a day or two instead of a walker. Also with the newer anterior, or front approach, has no restrictions of what I am able to do after surgery. Of, course they don't want any heavy lifting for a few days.

I still struggle with the voice lessons. Many times getting sir on the phone. I do very well at the lessons then revert after. Its more of a mind thing than voice? Very frustrating.

I've gained a few pounds and it seams most has went to my breasts. Not a bad thing. Now a 46" over 40" I put on a button up shirt that I hadn't wore in a while and had to struggle to button it up over my bra. A very good feeling!

I did keep a smallish shirt just to have that upstairs struggle!  A nice affirmation!

But it is better to have those better fitting tops for comfort.  I do wear occasionally a smaller stretchier top with no buttons to emphasize the look up there.  Otherwise I go for everyday looks and comfort.

Chrissy

[Gina P]

So tomorrow is the big day, I go for my hip replacement. 

[davina61]

Best wishes my dear, hope it goes okayXXX

[Lori Dee]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Let us know how it goes.

[ChrissyRyan]

Gina,

I hope the surgery went well.

Chrissy

[Gina P]

Hip surgery went well, according to the doctor. Some of the worst pain I have endured. I had one heck of a time getting on and off the toilet. Its bit better today, though far from comfortable.

[Northern Star Girl]

   @Gina P
Dear Gina:
Congratulations on getting your "new axle" installed !!!! 

Added to your list of body maintenance ...  Healing, Physical Therapy,
and eventually more exercises to get your new hip working as it should.   

An elevated toilet seat with handles will help you....  and a walker
and a cane. 

The golden years!!!

HUGS, Danielle[Northern Star Girl]

Hip surgery went well, according to the doctor. Some of the worst pain I have endured. I had one heck of a time getting on and off the toilet. Its bit better today, though far from comfortable.

[Lori Dee]

Congrats, Gina!

Hope it heals up quickly. There are horses that need to be ridden soon. 

[Gina P]

   I have a walker and a cane. Without the walker I would be totally immobile. I hope to get to just the cane tomorrow. Luckily the house is a ranch with no steps. The raised toilet seat and handles would be nice but I don't have any. So where is this Gold, Danielle?
Thanks for the prayers and well wishes, ladies.