4 Months Post-GRS - What I've learned

[Julie Marie]

I just passed four months being post-op and I realized what I know now is far more than what I knew then. While I know personal experience can teach you a lot it seems with all that has been written I should have learned a bit more before surgery than I did.

I never realized how acutely aware you will be about practically every movement you make.  I had no idea how many things you do in the course of the day are felt in the groin area.  You take those things for granted and just don't think about it, unless there's a problem down there.  GRS will highlight all that for you quite well.

Sitting has been the 'activity' that has had the longest lasting discomfort, especially when I lean forward.  Wearing denim or similar type material that doesn't flex much can bring about some discomfort, especially if it is snug.

There's still some swelling but Brassard said that can last a year or more.  The swelling, combined with snug fitting clothes, will make you aware there's still healing going on downstairs.

By far the one aspect that stands above all after surgery (in the impact to your every day life category) is dilation.  I'm only doing one a day now but it still takes up about two hours of my day. Nothing I read prepared me for how much dilation will impact your day.  I know a few girls who gave it up because it was such a hassle and I can now understand why.  Get psyched to do something and then you realize, "I have to dilate first!" 

The post-op care instructions say to stop douching two months post op.  My experience says this is too soon.  Without going into detail I'll just say I had to douche every day for almost two weeks for things to "freshen up" again.  I now do it every couple of weeks.

But what has had the most positive impact is the overall sense of peace.  I used to be self conscious about having the wrong parts between my legs, even though I knew no one else knew.  Now, I do things without having that weighing on me.  I didn't realize how much this was hampering my ability to enjoy life.

I now know everything will be just fine.  Recovering from surgery can be depressing but this was the one surgery that is proving to have made my life better than I ever imagined.  Now all I have to do is figure out how to build a device that will dilate me while I sleep! 

Julie

[finewine]

I've got to say, not just to you Julie but to everyone who's gone through this sort of thing, that I think you folks are incredibly courageous.

Even with an understanding of why - I have to say the thought of an op this major, SRS or anything else, gives me the willies (metaphorically ironic, given it takes them away from you ).

Seriously though, I'm so impressed with the bravery and determination you all show to get through this.  I wish I had half the strength of character y'all do.  Respect!

[Renate]

... I should have learned a bit more before surgery than I did.

The problem is, that before surgery you don't even know what questions to ask.
I think many are unprepared for recuperation.

I'm concerned because many don't know exactly what results are promised.
When they leave the surgeon's hand the end result is not visible.
After months of recuperation, how is someone to know if what they got was the intended results?
I think that quite a few people get sub-standard results and don't know enough to insist on a revision.
I'm not blaming the surgeon here, it's simply that recuperation and healing is a large part of the total SRS package.

[FairyGirl]

Thank you Julie. I have my first initial consultation with Dr. McGinn next month and I'm trying to gather information about what to even ask on that visit, as Renate pointed out. I am depending a lot on what the girls here that have already been through this have to say about it.

[Sandy]

Now all I have to do is figure out how to build a device that will dilate me while I sleep! 

Julie

I usually dilate before I go to sleep.  I have had occasions where I have fallen asleep in mid dilation.

I wake up in quite quickly when I turn over though!   

-Sandy(that pinches!!!)
Post Merge: July 30, 2009, 04:07:08 PM

Thank you Julie. I have my first initial consultation with Dr. McGinn next month and I'm trying to gather information about what to even ask on that visit, as Renate pointed out. I am depending a lot on what the girls here that have already been through this have to say about it.

FG:

Feel free to ask anything.  Also many of us have posted our experiences in our blogs.  Feel free to check them out.

Here's mine:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,31348.0.html

And part two:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,34031.0.html

If you have something of a personal nature that you would like to ask, feel free to PM.

-Sandy

[FairyGirl]

Thank you Sandy! 

[Janet_Girl]

Girls, the only thing your stories have done for me, is to make me understand that SRS is so right for me. 

And one of these days I shall follow you through the looking glass.  And I shall think of all the girls who have went before.

Janet

[Sandy]

Girls, the only thing your stories have done for me, is to make me understand that SRS is so right for me. 

And one of these days I shall follow you through the looking glass.  And I shall think of all the girls who have went before.

Janet

And when you get there, dear Janet, I will be waiting for you, if not in body, then certainly in spirit.

I can't think of anyone who is more deserving than you.

May you soon look back on this time as a memory of the time before.

-Sandy

[Tammy Hope]

Bump for future reference.

I need to get around to checking out those blogs.