Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Firstly, I'm putting this thread here to get as many responses as possible from post-srs girls. If this is a problem, mods, please let me know!

So, I have my surgery scheduled for the end of November (it's currently the end of October) with Suporn. I scheduled it months ago and now, a month from surgery, I'm suddenly/finally getting nervous! First I started freaking out about dilation (will I keep up with it, etc) and then, while googling about it I came across the "Suporn's Failure" thread, which freaked me out even more.

I've heard from lots of folks that they suffered after surgery due to expectations- they expected life to change, relationships to improve, sex to be fulfilling et cetera. Well, I'm not too worried about that - I love my life the way it is. I love my job, I really love being single (and have for years), I'm not that interested in sex. So, I'm also not too concerned about depth (lesbian and not very sexual) or even about ability to orgasm (I currently get aroused once every few weeks, and even then I could take it or leave it - though I really would prefer to be sensate!)

My real concern has always been whether SRS will effect my daily life. Problems like incontinence, pains etc would really be bad for me. Reading in "Suporn's Failure" about the labia majora rubbing against the leg when walking really freaked me out. Chronic pain really scares me. Basically, I don't need the ability to have mind blowing penetrative sex - I need the ability to live a normal life with female genitalia.

And now I'm all scared. I know it's probably pre-surgical jitters, but I even looked at what the procedure is to cancel surgery. I definitely want SRS - I've known I'll need it since I was a little kid. I've planned it since transition eight years ago (health and life got in the way until now) and now I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I know I'll never feel whole/at peace in my body until I have the correct genitalia. I can't think of any other surgeon who would magically make these fears disappear. I know the vast majority of Suporn's patients are quite happy, and my lower bar for success probably makes it even more likely that I'll be pleased with the results. I know that I'll probably be okay about dilating properly, and even if I screw up a little the fact that depth is relatively unimportant to me makes that less critical (though still important!)

I guess I need reassurance so I don't spend the next month freaking the f**k out. I really am a level-headed woman - but this is MAJOR!


So... can anyone help me down? Please?

BTW, if its relevant to anyone, I'm 28 years old.

Signed,
Israchick

Really hope some here can reassure you. You're almost over the finishing line now. Be such a shame to lose your nerve.

I recall some others, at your stage, expressing similar last minute doubts.

While I am not familiar with the details of the Suborn's Failure thread, I can say, speaking as someone with some limited surgical experience, that problems arise for some people. All ops, all surgeons. The variable is the individual patient.

Incidently, I'm non-op. I deeply regret it. But am so utterly happy for those that have succeeded and those, like yourself, who are about to.

Good luck.

I was nervous as I got closer to mine but when i got there, the fear went away.  I used Dr Bowers and my life was pretty much like yours, always a girl.  So I was already presented to the world as a female and the surgery just was a removal of a wart.  Will your life change superfically, NO. because u have been a woman too long but sexually and in your subconcious it will.  You will FELL whole.  It didnt hit me til 6mths later.  I was getting out of the shower and i just started screaming when i looked in the mirror.  It was by no means fear, it was a feeling that over took my body and that feeling was JOY.   You will be alright.  The fear is normal because what u have wanted for so long is now becoming a reality. 

You are right to understand that when u walk down the street, no one sees your vagina but YOU know its there and you will not walk anymore, u will FLOAT!

the psychological changes after surgery are as important and life altering as the physical one.  It comes down to your motivation and what its worth to you.  For one thing you have to know that even if you don't count dilating for the rest of your life,  it's a simple fact that just having a vagina is a lot more high maintenance than that other thing.  This is true whether you were born transsexual or not.  But it can be oh so worth it, if surgery is right for you.

I was willing to give up everything, feelings, orgasms, whatever, to finally become complete.  The burning desire to be complete is a noble reason to seek the surgical cure, and why we do this in the first place.  I really didn't care about anything else.   I had reasonable expectations, but was also aware of all the risks.  Any competent surgery will make sure you know these things going into it.  I have to say I would do it again a thousand times over, and fortunately everything came out fine for me- I have full orgasmic sensation in both my clitoris and my vagina, and the visual results are amazing.  But most of all, even if no one else ever saw what's between my legs, I know what's there, and that's what makes all the difference.

What you're going through is normal and it will pass.  Remind yourself of why you're doing this, and then imagine how you would feel if something were to happen at the last minute to prevent it-  If you can't live without it, then you are doing the right thing.  Best of luck to you.

Israchick, you are so lucky to be getting surgery at your young age, what you are going through is normal, i had my surgery almost 6 months ago at the age of 59 i think everyone is nervous the closer they get to surgery, i know i was, after all this is major surgery, 4 - 5 hours worth,  i was nervous as to whether i would wake up from surgery, but even if i did not it was better than living the rest of my life with a penis, i had no expectations going in that having GCS would wipe out my debts or make me a model, i knew nothing material would change afterward, what i did not fully expect is how dramatic the psychological changes were going to be, when i woke up in recovery my first thought was that i survived, my second thought was that i was now complete, at that point a calmness came over me like i have never felt before.

I did not get allot of depth due to being diabetic and Dr. Mcginn not wanting to push the envelope due to blood flow issues in the surgical area, what she said that i will always remember is "at least it is not a penis" i am fine with the depth i have, i was sensate right after surgery, my only complication, which is fairly common was quite a bit of granulation tissue that has since been treated with silver nitrate, i am very pleased with the results.

Dilation the first few months can consume allot of your time, i dilated 5 times a day for 30 minutes for the first 8 weeks, it ruled my life, i think Suporn requires less, i may be a pain to do but following your doctors dilation schedule is very important, before you know it you will be down to once a day then once a week, missing a dilation here and there is inevitable, i did a few times with no impact on depth.

Complications from surgery can happen, not only from this surgery but any kind of surgery,  the surgeon should have gone over what complications could happen. As far as pain, everyone's pain threshold is different, i have a high tolerance to pain, 24 hours after surgery i was off the morphine pump and took only pain revilers if i needed them, another person i know had a low pain tolerance and had quite a bit of pain for weeks after her surgery.

To keep from freaking out, try keeping yourself occupied, read a book, listen to music, play a computer game, take walks or exercise, go out with friends, i am sure you will do fine.

Paula

QuoteI really am a level-headed woman - but this is MAJOR!

Hi Israchick.

Yes, this is major and life changing. Complications can occur but this is a very, very successful surgery. Being nervous ahead of time is natural and happens to just about everyone, so please have some peace of mind that we all go through this. At some point as it gets nearer a calmness sets in and you will be at peace with yourself. Whatever happens happens. You are doing what you believe in your heart is the right thing for you. You have to trust that.

Thats the best input I can give, to trust your heart. And trust in your surgeon, your nursing staff, and those who have gone before you. There are many, many of us and if we can do it, so can you.

A vagina is a very wonderful gift you can give yourself. I cannot recommend it enough. I, myself had difficult complications, but have no regrets at all.

hugs,

Valerie

Hi israchick,

Now for the good news   -   Guess what?  -  So am I !!!!

Congratulations on being where you are. If you turn around and look down the queue, I'm the one waving lol.  You need to be proud of where you are. What everyone before me has said is  -  110% true. Yes I said 110%.

They have walked the talk.

Do not be afraid.  Your feelings are legitimate.    It's normal to feel this way before major surgery.

I freak out, giving blood. But  -  GRS;  -  BRING IT ON!!!!!

What Valeriedoeswcs said really pushed my button: "A vagina is a very wonderful gift you can give yourself"

Yet the wisdom of Paulault, FairyGirl and missyzanta go directly to the core of our existence, and the need for this life changing event.  -  It just CANNOT be denied.

At the end of the day  -  you will be fine.

Go forward  -  in the peace and serenity   -   of a life unimaginable to come.

Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa luv
Catherine
P.S.  Ensure you have a strong network of close friends to support you in this time  -  and beyond. That is critical.

Thank you all so much. You're right - This is something that's important to me, and being scared is natural. Still, it's something I've always needed and now it's going to happen.

Several of you said that you would prefer to die than to not have a vagina, which I'm not sure if I really feel. I certainly need it to feel whole, but I've found fulfillment in my job, my friendships, my family that my crotch isn't necessary for, but I certainly would prefer it. Years ago I felt that way - that life without the proper genitalia wasn't worth living. Certainly life as a male was hell - I'd rather die a thousand times over than ever go back to that (it feels like another life, all those years ago). On the other hand, what FairyGirl said was true - if at the last minute I were to find out that I couldn't have SRS, I'd be crushed.
I guess SRS was always a step I was going to take (a less significant one than transition) - it was always in the future, when I was ready in mind, body and soul (not to mention financially!) So I was always on the path to get it, ever since I was 15 and came out to my parents and they agreed that someday it would be a good solution (now my mom is coming with me to Thailand!) But if I were unable to get it, I would be destroyed.

I need SRS, yes. But because it's been less urgent for me than other parts of transition (which have all been quite successful), I think that I'm also less likely to be disappointed after I get it done if it's not EXACTLY what I imagined. I mean hey, at least its not a penis!


Thanks so much,
Israchick

QuoteBut if I were unable to get it, I would be destroyed.

The bottom line is we do it because we need to, it is a medical necessity due to our condition. And that overrides everything. Otherwise it just wouldnt be done. It is not cosmetic in nature nor is it elective. What can be more vital than the correcting of your own body? When I said gift, for me it was the gift of life.

Hi Israchick! I was in the same boat as you about six months ago. I felt very nervous about the surgery. I think it is a normal thing to feel nervous in anticipation of such a life changing event. Congratulations on your date! I'm sure you will be fine as the chance of anything going seriously wrong is extremely unlikely (I remember saying 'take good care of me' many times to the anaesthesiologist several times, haha). I emailed Sophie about being nervous and the advice she gave me was to just anticipate a quick recovery and understanding the seriousness of the surgery along with the excitement of having it and looking forward to it. This is very good advice and you will be in good hands. After the surgery just remain relaxed and you will find you will quickly adjust to the daily dilation and the little pain will be managable. I had surgery with Suporn (at age 24) so I speak from own experience. Best of luck!

Sweetie

All surgeons have their fans and detractors. I've heard more good things about Suporn than bad things.

The biggest problem I found when I was out looking for information was in the honesty of the patients. Online, trying to get a somewhat dissatisfied patient to express their disappointment, or anger, is pretty difficult.  There is an unspoken rule you never dis a doctor who will do what we need him or her to do.  "Don't scare them away!"  I think that's BS.  They make too much money off us to be scared away.

After I had GRS and told of my dissatisfaction, I started to hear others express theirs.  And almost all the girls I know personally told me, after the fact, that they weren't all that happy either.  "Thanks girls!"

But had I been able to get everyone I asked to be completely honest, would I still have gone ahead and had the surgery?  That's a tough question because I don't know anyone who was totally satisfied after her GRS.  I suppose I would have kept looking.

The reality is this is major surgery.  A whole lot of nerves are cut and nerves take a very long time to heal.  Dilation is for life, be it organic or inorganic.  Or the "wound" just closes up.  Yeah, that's how your body sees the neo-vagina.

Recovery is months and maybe even years, if you are talking getting all the feeling back down there.  You should be ready for that.  And also be ready for the possibility of going back to "fix" something.  Most of the girls I know who could afford it, did that and the rest would like to do something, if they had the money.

This is not something that should be taken lightly and it should not be seen as something that is going to take care of all your problems.  It is one step along a very long path.  That path, like life, has a lot of great things and a lot of challenges.  That you're on it means you're taking control of your life.  That's a good thing.

Israchick
You'v got a lot of honest answers to your question, I had my surgery in 1985, 26years ago, I had a few problems at the time, but things are much better now, surgery has inproved when I look back now, I would say ''girly problems'' having a vagina is high maintenance but well worth maintaining, its all part of being a woman, you'll be fine, this time next year you'll look back with no regrets, would I do it all again, absolutely YES! Take care and keep us updated, welcome to womanhood.
Pauline

well meet someone who is totally satisfied with her surgery.  ^-^  If you ask me is it perfect?  Hmmm... I'll answer, define perfect?  What is the perfect vagina?  Would I change anything?  I'm not sure that I would; it is part of my body and my soul now, and nothing in my life has ever been more important to me than this.  I have good depth, sensation all around, wonderful orgasms (though they took a while to re-discover), and I even slept with my boyfriend for 2 months before I told him and he never knew I wasn't born with it.  All the girlfriends I've shown my results to have been amazed.  And hey, that's the thing-  No two vaginae are the same, whether born or made.

Sure there are risks and dangers, and not all the surgeries are successful; there are complications.  I needed 6 units of blood after surgery, but it didn't really adversely affect my outcome.  You have to have realistic expectations.  As I said before, the psychological change is every bit as intense and significant, if not more so, than the physical change, and because that is not immediately evident it can come as a shock to some.   To me that is part of why we do it: for all the changes it yields, not just the physical ones.  That aspect is certainly something to consider and I did consider it, despite the fact I realize now that there is no way I could have known beforehand the actual extent of the differences it makes.   By the time my date rolled around, I was more than ready.

All things then considered,  you could not pay me all the money in the world to ever go back to that deformed body with that dangly birth defect.  If something had happened at the last minute to prevent surgery, yes I would have been brutally crushed.  But even if it were possible to go back,  I can say for certain that as I see it now I'd rather die first - and I mean that.  That's how much it means to me now on this side of the scalpel.  Part of the everlasting joy of it has been the fact that it is permanent and irreversible, mine forever more, and no one can ever take that away from me.

Oh yeah, increase your weekly budget for toilet paper.  Not just after surgery, for life.

Ever heard of drip dry, hon :-)

It works for some, unless you have lots more issues with loose stool post-op?

That be new to me so far...

Axelle
PS: Though I'd have no issue with new budget item for panty-liners. Hey, one can not have it all, now can't one?

Quote from Julie Marie:   That's a tough question because I don't know anyone who was totally satisfied after her GRS.

Hey, there is some good news, now you have met someone who is totally satisfied after grs..........me.
I wouldn't like to  miss my vagina even for a day and it's a very old one, back to '84 but it's still working properly.
Dutch manufacture from the old days but when I was examined by a doctor, I had tot tell that is was all because of plastic surgery, the doctor couldn't see the difference with a cis one when i  was having a cystoscopy for kidneystones.
I have had relationships with men and women, never had any complains from  my bed partners and I don't complain either.
Feeling is good, no problems with peeing no dribbling or leaking, what else can one wish.

So, totally satisfied

Hugs from a happy person
Annette

I love my vagina!!!!

...and on Saturday night my date is going to love it too  :P

Hugs from another happy person

You see, now you know two of them who are totally satisfied.
I think there are more, I invite them to post.
It will give Israchick some encouragement and make her less nervous for the SRS.

Well, to follow Annette's invitation, - I had a very GOOD experience at Phuket International Hospital [PIH] with Dr. Sanguan Kunaporn. At US$ 11k, the best treatment, service, AND ambience [yes, no typo] I ever had in a hospital to date and ALL inclusive, diltor set, post-op meds, doughnut cushion, etc.

Also, I am very satisfied with my results both visually and functionally. Dilating is not a big issue - apart from the very time it takes.

There seems a big difference with folks reporting dilating pains that may be based on the dilator-set step-up sizes alone!
Mine is in 1/16" steps, starting at 1".
Steps of 1/8" and starting at 1 1/8" will for certain be LOTS more 'uncomfortable' [speak painful], at least at the early post-op stages/months.

Regards,
Axelle

SRS will affect your state of mental health, it will greatly improve.  but I warn you, after about 6 weeks or so, you may fall into a state of minor depression...meaning that all of a sudden your goal has been reached and there is a void.

SRS is a major surgery and you have every right to be concerned.  I'm a Saran girl so I cant really comment on Suporn.
the first week, your vagina wont look like a vagina at all due to the swelling (at least mine didnt), when my vaginal packing and catheter were removed and I looked, the first thought was some kind of camel toe or animal hoof!! lol
It's not as painful as you might think.  dont get me wrong, it's painful but tolerable.  I'm pretty sure that my post op medicine was plain tylenol.
1 day after surgery, I was up and walking around.....very minimal though, 1 or 2 trips up the hallway and back 2-3x each day. 
I was so excited when I left for Thailand, I didnt sleep for about 40 hours before and during the flight.

PM is off line... and Jamie now sporting Gender: male... really?

Hey, anything I have missed that last few hours?

Axelle
PS: sorry to side-step the subject but PM is not working at present

Quote from: israchick on October 25, 2011, 05:18:42 PM
Firstly, I'm putting this thread here to get as many responses as possible from post-srs girls. If this is a problem, mods, please let me know!

So, I have my surgery scheduled for the end of November (it's currently the end of October) with Suporn. I scheduled it months ago and now, a month from surgery, I'm suddenly/finally getting nervous! First I started freaking out about dilation (will I keep up with it, etc) and then, while googling about it I came across the "Suporn's Failure" thread, which freaked me out even more.

I've heard from lots of folks that they suffered after surgery due to expectations- they expected life to change, relationships to improve, sex to be fulfilling et cetera. Well, I'm not too worried about that - I love my life the way it is. I love my job, I really love being single (and have for years), I'm not that interested in sex. So, I'm also not too concerned about depth (lesbian and not very sexual) or even about ability to orgasm (I currently get aroused once every few weeks, and even then I could take it or leave it - though I really would prefer to be sensate!)

My real concern has always been whether SRS will effect my daily life. Problems like incontinence, pains etc would really be bad for me. Reading in "Suporn's Failure" about the labia majora rubbing against the leg when walking really freaked me out. Chronic pain really scares me. Basically, I don't need the ability to have mind blowing penetrative sex - I need the ability to live a normal life with female genitalia.

And now I'm all scared. I know it's probably pre-surgical jitters, but I even looked at what the procedure is to cancel surgery. I definitely want SRS - I've known I'll need it since I was a little kid. I've planned it since transition eight years ago (health and life got in the way until now) and now I'm as ready as I'll ever be. I know I'll never feel whole/at peace in my body until I have the correct genitalia. I can't think of any other surgeon who would magically make these fears disappear. I know the vast majority of Suporn's patients are quite happy, and my lower bar for success probably makes it even more likely that I'll be pleased with the results. I know that I'll probably be okay about dilating properly, and even if I screw up a little the fact that depth is relatively unimportant to me makes that less critical (though still important!)

I guess I need reassurance so I don't spend the next month freaking the f**k out. I really am a level-headed woman - but this is MAJOR!


So... can anyone help me down? Please?

BTW, if its relevant to anyone, I'm 28 years old.

Signed,
Israchick

Hi! Well I see your post and I went to Dr Suporn myself, I had my freakout moment after my surgery I was scared of dilating and all that, After reading the  forums while I was over there after my surgery I wished I had`nt I was so afraid of the 2- 3 month and all that. Well I am past month 3 and my dilations have been great, I dont feel any vaginal pain for the most part, I have all the pain killers I was given to use while in thailand and sent home with. I am actually able to start with the largest dilator that was given to me. ( I was able to fit that in first 2 weeks after getting home ) Before that I was dilating with the standard dilator for 10 mins and then 5 mins with the largest. My depth was 7` when I was checked in the hospital. After I emptied my bowels and all that my first dilation in the hotel was 7 and a quarter which I have maintained. I dilate with the largest to just about 7 and then I use the standard one to get my full depth. I met so many women who had been there for there srs who were so beyond happy with there results and they were back for face work ect.. I asked them all about dilating and they all said it was so easy for them now and they were all very happy with there results and depth and everything. The journey is different for all of us. You just need to mentally prepare yourself. Dont just read horror stories, read hopeful stories. I knew suporn was the dr for me since I was 15 years old, when you know, you know! My vagina at 4 months post op looks just SLIGHTLY more puffy version of my mothers, So my results are great I already have sensation. The key with dilation is, YOU HAVE TO HAVE TO HAVE TO RELAX. What works for me is watching a nice positive happy tv show or I go on netflix and watch stuff. Dilation is not at all uncomfortable for me unless im having a mental breakdown. Also make sure you have a support system in place. I get anxiety and panic attacks from time to time of where I just freak out even though everything is great.  Also consider a supplemental enzyme like serrapeptase which speeds healing after surgery and actually disolves scar tissue and helps get rid of pain. I read about it while I was over there and started taking it right when I got back home. Also bring your own colon cleanse or herbal laxative tea, probiotics or digestive enzymes or something to help your digestive system cleanse after you get out of the hospital. The laxatives they give were too hard on my system. And make sure you eat a healthy diet, If you skip on eatting thinking itll make dialtion easier you`ll just have to fix the digestive issues once you get back home on your own.  and just go into it knowing this is what you want and EVERYTHING is going to be OKAY!

I had my surgery a week after my 23rd bday btw incase that helps. Also Another tip, Rest LOTS when you are there. Dont do alot of walking lay flat in your bed and you will heal sooo much faster.

You're all so sweet! Thank you!
My real concern hasn't been pain in the month or two following surgery - it's long term stuff. Chronic pain. That really does worry me.

But I think I'm okay now.

Keep the stories coming!

Quote from: annette on October 28, 2011, 04:21:04 AM
You see, now you know two of them who are totally satisfied.
I think there are more, I invite them to post.
It will give Israchick some encouragement and make her less nervous for the SRS.

Annette I posted before you that I was totally satisfied as well.  Wait a minute, let me check.... yep. Still totally satisfied.  ;D  (that's at least 3 of us)

Was just walking in town, a beautiful warm Spring day, wearing my wrap skirt and a singlet top, my little b-cup boobies thrust proudly forward and the indescribably wonderful feeling of my vagina between my legs.  Oh yeah, I can't imagine ever being unsatisfied with that.

Quote from: FairyGirl on October 28, 2011, 06:55:58 PM
Was just walking in town, a beautiful warm Spring day, wearing my wrap skirt and a singlet top, my little b-cup boobies thrust proudly forward and the indescribably wonderful feeling of my vagina between my legs.  Oh yeah, I can't imagine ever being unsatisfied with that.

Hey FairyGirl ease up ......... ease up girl. You're creating some serious queue jumping here  :laugh: :laugh:

You'll have me googling DIY GRS 101. I've got time this afternoon.  ;D ;D

I'm just back from Avoca beach and that breeze is up here and I  -   D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E-L-Y  -   want my bikini THIS year

Keep that fun going.  -  You're amazing

Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa luv
Catherine

Quote from: israchick on October 28, 2011, 05:52:39 PM
You're all so sweet! Thank you!
My real concern hasn't been pain in the month or two following surgery - it's long term stuff. Chronic pain. That really does worry me.

But I think I'm okay now.

Keep the stories coming!

honestly for me every week is insane how much better and better I feel, but what you want to make sure of is you dont create the idea that the pain is forever so that even when its gone you still feel it - like a mind trick. You have to go into it just KNOWING your going to be okay and everything will be fine. Because it will. Deep down you know if this is the right thing for you. You will have your own unique experience and you should enjoy every second of it. The beauty of finally being complete, and your vagina is YOURS So dont get an idea of exactly how you want it to look because you will get the perfect vagina for YOU and its going to be so special. Just go into it as positive as possible and you`ll be just fine :) 

i'm a little nervous also......scared of the anesthesia and not waking up

Quote from: FairyGirl on October 28, 2011, 06:55:58 PM
Annette I posted before you that I was totally satisfied as well.  Wait a minute, let me check.... yep. Still totally satisfied.  ;D  (that's at least 3 of us)

Was just walking in town, a beautiful warm Spring day, wearing my wrap skirt and a singlet top, my little b-cup boobies thrust proudly forward and the indescribably wonderful feeling of my vagina between my legs.  Oh yeah, I can't imagine ever being unsatisfied with that.

+1

I'm totally satisfied as well so that's 4 of us and I love the way you just described walking in town. Just the feeling that it is all yours and no one can ever take it away is just great, finally being a girl and complete gives an awesome feeling of freedom. In my country it is autumn and cold now but your post makes me want to wear a singlet top and skirt anyway and feel great about it :) YAY  ;D

Girls, I love your poesy :-) now that aught to  take care of some of all theses pre-op nerves?

What more can one say,
Axelle

I am little bit over 2 months post op and I'm living every minute. No worries about tucking, no worries about wearing a more tight skirt, no worries when in the female rest room, body and mind and soul all walking together, side by side.

I will be lying if I say I was painless. I had pain, and I still have some waves of pain along the day, that comes very suddenly. But nothing that will disturb me very much. And even those 10 days I stayed at the hospital, the 1st week of yuck liquid food, I would repeat all over again. I was a bit anxious, yes, but most of all I was so excited that the diazepam they gave 1 hour prior the surgery had no effect at all. I entered the surgical room super alert (well, actually this is more because I was curious to see how it is a surgical room in a big hospital and because I had some professional curiosity and questions to ask the anesthesia team). 

Quote from: missF on October 29, 2011, 01:05:04 PM
I am little bit over 2 months post op and I'm living every minute. No worries about tucking, no worries about wearing a more tight skirt, no worries when in the female rest room, body and mind and soul all walking together, side by side.

I can't wait for this.

Sorry Fairysweetie

Was never good in counting and math's.
But you're right, and I think more will follow.
The poor girl who is going under the knife will know that things will be okay with her on the long term.
Coz, that's what she needs to know, the op is nothing compare to the amazing live that's waiting for her.
After all, we are here for support, don't we?

XX
Annette

Quote from: aphrodite on October 29, 2011, 01:54:59 AM
i'm a little nervous also......scared of the anesthesia and not waking up

That is the greatest fear for everyone having any op, be it dentistry or anything else.

The only thing to say is billions of people have had anesthetic and recovered completely.  :)

Don't be affraid for the anasthesia Aphrodite, you will be guarded every minute during the op and after it.
We do have excellent machines and highly educated employees for that.

It's quite simple, you go to sleep praying that you will be a woman when you wake up and the amazing thing is........sometimes wishes do come true.

hope this will help.

Annette

Quote from: israchick on October 28, 2011, 05:52:39 PM
You're all so sweet! Thank you!
My real concern hasn't been pain in the month or two following surgery - it's long term stuff. Chronic pain. That really does worry me.

But I think I'm okay now.

Keep the stories coming!

No long-term pain here.  And even in the short-term, it was more discomfort than pain really.  It was hard to sit without shifting in my chair for a few months.  No incontinence either, and I'm sensate including orgasm (which took a while, but I'll save that for another thread).  The Suporn's failure thread concerns me as well and I feel for the girl that had to go through that.  I never saw the pictures, but a lot of that sounds fixable.  Certainly it's better to leave too much tissue than to take away.  Even if she can't get Suporn to do a revision, she should be able to find a surgeon that will.  Meltzer does a lot of revisions, so do others (I'm partial to Brassard for obvious reasons).  So, there's always that possibility, but it seems most gals just do the one-pass and either don't need or don't bother with the touch-up. 

It's OK to freak out, you are permanently changing your body.  I freaked out too the closer the date got, that's normal.  But at the end of the day, no regrets, I love it.  Good luck to you, enjoy the journey and your new body parts!!

Hi Israchick,
It is pretty normal to be anxious. I remember been quiet pessimistic too about the all thing at your stage.
I somehow, managed to pass over it saying to me among other things: (can sound stupid but in fact...)
That´s what you been looking for since early years; it´s time to positivate now that you´re so close to the end of the tunnel!
Note that beeing confident plays for the recovery too! Due to the fact that surgery makes changes physicaly but mentaly too, so if you´re feeling relaxed it´s all for the best (:
Doctor Suporn is one of the best surgeon you can find for this type of surgery; you´re in good hand, so congratulate yourself to have choosen him!
One thing I did before surgery, visiting Bangkok; went to one of the many temples and had a monk bless me; that definitly helps (:
All the best!
Ps : i remember saying "rák" to the anaesthesiologist just before closing my eyes (means love) hihi...
Pps : sorry for my "frenchy english"

I felt the same and worried about not being able to do a lot of things i normally do... But i recovered so quick when back home and at just 6 weeks post op i had a saturday night out and danced as if i never had surgery :p the only hard thing was fitting a dilation schedule around other activities and events.

It does have a certain appeal, even for a non-op like me.

-Lef

Quote from: JenJen2011 on October 29, 2011, 01:15:56 PM
I can't wait for this.

Regarding satisfaction/dissatisfaction with genital surgery, this is from The World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care, V.7 Appendix D, page 107 (http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf) (emphasis mine):

Quote from: WPATH Standards of Care V.7
Since the Standards of Care have been in place, there has been a steady increase in patient satisfaction and decrease in dissatisfaction with the outcome of sex reassignment surgery. Studies conducted after 1996 focused on patients who were treated according to the Standards of Care. The findings of Rehman and colleagues (1999) and Krege and colleagues (2001) are typical of this body of work; none of the patients in these studies regretted having had surgery, and most reported being satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results of the surgery. Even patients who develop severe surgical complications seldom regret having undergone surgery. Quality of surgical results is one of the best predictors of the overall outcome of sex reassignment (Lawrence, 2003). The vast majority of follow-up studies have shown an undeniable beneficial effect of sex reassignment surgery on postoperative outcomes such as subjective well being, cosmesis, and sexual function (De Cuypere et al., 2005; Garaffa, Christopher, & Ralph, 2010; Klein & Gorzalka, 2009), although the specific magnitude of benefit is uncertain from the currently available evidence. One study (Emory, Cole, Avery, Meyer, & Meyer III, 2003) even showed improvement in patient income.

I would NEVER, EVER go back to pre-op, ever!

The very though put tears in my eyes, it would be the unhappiest thing EVER to happen in my life.

I say this whilst I'm sitting on my still achy vulva (clit, lips & company)...
My vj is > 90% fine already 7 weeks post-op - AND 1 1/2" starts to go in too.

Going back to male parts... - never, Never, NEVER! NEVER - never.

Be a woman with a penis? Not for for me! Really not, yet YMMV.

Sorry, got a bit carried away... :-)
Axelle

An update: things went alright! It's all goooood.

It's so nice not having a penis. Tummy sleeping is so much nicer now. Glad your all better now.

Quote from: israchick on March 04, 2012, 07:06:44 PM
An update: things went alright! It's all goooood.

yay, congrats!