Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi all. It's been forever since I posted anything around these parts. I won't wont bore you with life updates here, since I'm in need of some advice.

I currently live in Osaka, Japan due to work, and looking to get my surgery in August/September. I will be going to Dr. Garramone, so I know I'm in for a long trip and a most likely a very hellish time as far as coming back to Osaka. My questions are more geared toward guys who have traveled to have their surgeries, but general advice is, of course, welcome.

I work at an international language school and while I have some older students, I mostly (four days a week) work with little ones in preschool between the ages of 2 and 5. I know I will need to take time off to have the procedure, but I have no idea how long I should take off after I get back. I imagine traveling will extend the length of time I need to recover, so I was thinking to request an additional week. My employers know that I will be having surgery, though I didn't tell them what I am having done. Since I work for a very small school (we only have 10 teachers) I would like to take as little time off as I can manage. My bosses have been really amazing and I know they would bend over backwards, but they are stretched thin as it is. I was thinking to take 10-12 days in florida before traveling, the flights back will likely be 24-26 hours, and then an additional week. Since the bosses know that I will be recovering I will likely have one of the office staff in the class to help with the younger kids, so I don't need to worry about picking them up (though a few of my kids love to rough house with me so that I will be keeping them off me as much as possible). At least I hope. One of my boys is pretty darn attached to me...

My questions:

How long before you felt that you could return to work?

Did travel hinder recovery, and what should I bring with me? I'm planning to pack as lightly as possible, but since I won't have the comforts of home do you have any recommendations as to things I should bring along?

There is a real chance that my partner will not be able to come with me, as he is a university teacher here. I have the option to fly a friend down from northern Florida to help me. How essential was it to have help after your surgery and for how long? My friend is already planning a visit and if I need to, I can bring her back, but we would like to avoid doing so since its the hot season here and I don't want her to be a caretaker; I'd like to show her the sights.

Motion wise I know that Dr. G says it varies and to give it 4-6 weeks, but how long before I can wash and dress myself, in your experience? Facial hair is also a no go at work (for all guys, not just me) so was shaving a problem afterwards?

During the flight back I will have medical papers stating that I may need help, but I would ideally just be carrying a very, very small shoulder bag back. How much were you able to tolerate carrying?

I've had experience with anesthesia and hard narcotics, but I know that sour stomachs are a hazard. What kinds of foods did you eat during recovery? If I need certain things, I'd like to know ahead of time. I've acclimated to a Japanese diet so I know to avoid grease and oil, but I have no idea of what I should bring or pick up before I travel.

I know that constipation and fluid retention are both side effects of surgery; did traveling make these worse?

As far as compression binders- I know I will be given one by the doctor, but I also have a tight wrap around one that I've kept just in case. How long did you need to wear the binder before you could go without?

Also, a general question- how long before you could return to a daily routine? I know it differs, but I want to make sure I get anything I can out of the way before my trip. My partner will be able to handle things, but I tend to be a bit on the neat freak side and I'm the chef in the family. I love my partner, but he can cook about 3 things without my help. XD

I know I have other questions but I can't think of them. If my questions are unclear, I apologize. I just got off work from having 14 preschoolers (it was a holiday, I normally have 5) and I'm pretty wiped.

Thanks in advance, and I will give a life update soon. Feel free to pm me if you want/ have any questions about anything.

I traveled but it wasn't exactly from Japan and back. It was pretty much an all day trip (with the airports) and I went from New Mexico to Florida. I stayed at New Beginnings Retreat. I think there are a lot of guys from other countries as when I was there tehre was a family from Ireland. So I'd recommend it. Some of the folks that go from some other country like this stay another week. I think it would be a VERY good idea. It would give you a little more healing time.

You MUST have someone with you in some way or Dr G won't do the surgery. He does take New Beginnings as that person. It works, but you need to keep in mind that if you tend to need a lot of help for this kind of thing it might not be so great. They did take good care of me right after surgery (that day). I didn't need help after that. I had a friend and they dropped him off in the house, no help or anything. I told him he should say something, as I am not sure that was what was supposed to happen. They have phone numbers out, and he was fine. I was very out of it the day OF surgery but not otherwise. So it kind of depends how you are in such situations. I think it is SAFE to go without help, but only if you stay there.

Beside that NBR, takes you everywhere; takes you shopping so you can buy groceries; they go out as a house (to dinner); and you will meet people and can either be with people or have privacy or a bit of both.


The trip which was all day, was pretty unpleasant going back. I got dropped off early (might not happen anymore as they are really close to the airport). I got stuck, as I was alone, with carrying a small overnight type bag with an iPad and a handful of other stuff. It might have been 10-15 lbs, which is definitely over the recommended weight limit. It was rather painful, but I was ok. I tried not to carry it much and sat down and watched Netflix most of the time.

I had no constipation and fluid retention except for the first day or two. I didn't take Vicondin so that made a difference I suppose. But I kind of doubt you'll be that bad by the time you leave. I don't have a problem using the men's room, so if I had to go I went. So if you have a problem with that...

I did all self care stuff even the day after surgery. I had someone do the litter box and the garbage (only things I couldn't do really) the week or two after surgery. I could do everything else. I made some frozen dinners and really didn't cook either. It was nice not to do that. I don't shave much but I could have done that. I had to adapt how I did different things like driving (you can drive 2 weeks after your reveal). Like washing hair is a little bit tricky but you learn how to do things, at least my experience.

Dr G has you use a tensor wrap for about a month (???). I don't, tbh, think I used it that much. I took it off a lot and used it to wrap up before I went to bed or on errands. It is definitely helpful if you go to the airport and are around other people. I got very worried about getting pushed or touched. I thought about wrapping myself on the OUTSIDE. Might have helped Jack.
I don't know that you will need a different binder. I am not sure that it matters as he had hundreds of patients that never did any binding. He tells the story of someone jet skiing two weeks after surgery, so since then he has asked people to bind. NOt sure if this whole story is apocraphal actually. :)

I could have done a sedentary job 2-3 weeks after surgery. People are all different. I felt very well, but my chest annoyed me a LOT about the 2nd week. I have been a teacher and I think the older folks wouldn't be too hard. I have never considered teaching a sedentary job so I think preschoolers would be pretty hard. I had normal energy for regular activities but some people do not. And it's hard to predict that kind of thing. Perhaps your very nice employers can adapt this after you get back.



--Jay

Jay,

Thank you for sharing. It's good to hear that your recovery went so well. I will make sure that I have someone with me. I've budgeted aside money to get my friend or my spouse with me.

Teaching is definitely not a sedentary job in the least. My preschoolers have a lot of energy, so I know I will need help with them. My bosses have offered up one of their two sons as my helper (much to the dismay of one and excitement of the other).

I've been taking steps to get into better shape and I will be cutting out alcohol and tobacco well in advance. Are there any health things I should keep in mind? I've read from other guys that they were told to build up their chests and lose some weight. I'm 5'7 and 171lbs right now, but that's down from 220. My goal is about 160-165, and if I lost 50 in a year, I can drop another 10 well before my procedure.

Did you have a DI done? I'm a little concerned about nipple grafts, but I tend to heal really quickly. I will make sure I'm careful during travel. I don't want to have any trouble. Fortunately once I get back to Asia I don't need to worry about getting touched. Being a blonde, blue eyed foreigner means that I usually get a lot if leeway when I'm out and about. And wiry restrooms, I'm not concerned. I used the women's room once after I had been in T for six months and had security called. That was a mess to deal with. It's the mens room for me all the way.

Thanks again, man.

Dr G pretty much ONLY does DIs. The website may say he does peris, well in theory, but I've never heard of it.
Wrapping yourself on the outside might be a good plan, but I didn't even get knocked in the airport, but I feared it. I also felt this really sharp pain in one nipple and I was really afraid I screwed up royally by carrying so much weight. But what could I do. It took me hours before I felt I could look at it, but no. I am sure sharp pains are typical early on. EVERYBODY worries about nipples. It is like a no. 1 top fear. After about two weeks I think you are fairly home free (even though you need to cover for three). You'll see they gradually start taking. It's great when they turn pink. :)

I think it is to be expected that you will be lower in energy initially and gradually gain in this. I wasn't exactly, but well everyone heals differently. I think the little kids will be tough going.

The trouble I had with going by myself was really the airport, and I think anybody would say that who has been in an airport!!


--Jay

Hi, Ayden.  I was going to respond, but I see that Jay really said everything I was going to say.

I would take off as much time as I could if you will be moving around.  However, if you can make it clear that you really need the office assistant to do all physical activities with kids, you can go back earlier.

Dr. G does not give you a binder, he gives you an ace bandage that he suggests you wear for two weeks after your reveal (therefore, you will be wearing it for 3 weeks total..it is the same bandage you were wearing from surgery to post op day).  The purpose of it is not to bind, but only to remind you to not use your arms much.  There is no medical reason to wear it, so you don't even need to make it tight.  I only wore mine periodically the first week.

In terms of the airport, I didn't have to carry anything.  My partner and I used one bag that we checked.  She could then roll it to/from the car and I didn't have to carry anything.  If you partner comes with you, I would definitely recommend that approach.

Hi guys, I'm kinda curious about a few things regarding Dr. Garramone...

Those who have had their surgery done by him, did you get good results? Anything about the end result that bothered/bothers you? Was it a good experience overall? Did you have to go in a second time to fix something?

How much does it usually take to get Double Incision from him? How much did the whole thing cost for you (including surgery, plane, hotel, etc.)?

I'm not currently on T and I don't plan on going on T, at least not before getting top surgery. Which surgeons aren't okay with doing top surgery on someone pre-T?

I live in New Jersey and am planning on getting top surgery the summer after I graduate. I will most likely have someone who can come with me, I've already had quite a few friends say that they'd be there 100% and even offered to help raise money for it. Are there any problems with the person who comes with me being either 18 or under 18?

What things (other than having somewhere to live in case my parents kick me out, getting a job and saving up for everything, doing research on different surgeons, seeing gender specialists for a while and getting letters for surgery, losing weight, getting healthier, and building up upper body muscle) can I do in order to plan ahead and prepare to get top surgery?

Edited for personal info.

Quote from: Rían on January 28, 2014, 06:24:18 PM
Hi guys, I'm kinda curious about a few things regarding Dr. Garramone...

Those who have had their surgery done by him, did you get good results? Anything about the end result that bothered/bothers you? Was it a good experience overall? Did you have to go in a second time to fix something?

How much does it usually take to get Double Incision from him? How much did the whole thing cost for you (including surgery, plane, hotel, etc.)?

I'm not currently on T and I don't plan on going on T, at least not before getting top surgery. Which surgeons aren't okay with doing top surgery on someone pre-T?

I live in New Jersey and am planning on getting top surgery the summer after I graduate, when I'll be 18. I will most likely have someone who can come with me, I've already had quite a few friends say that they'd be there 100% and even offered to help raise money for it. Are there any problems with the person who comes with me being either 18 or under 18?

What things (other than having somewhere to live in case my parents kick me out, getting a job and saving up for everything, doing research on different surgeons, seeing gender specialists for a while and getting letters for surgery, losing weight, getting healthier, and building up upper body muscle) can I do in order to plan ahead and prepare to get top surgery?

I had my top surgery with Dr G. I had no complications or any trouble of any kind. I think the scars are nice and thin. I suppose I wish I had pecs. Don't think this is Dr. G's fault. I'm kind of sorry he had to almost make a line all the way around. This isn't really common, but if your chesticles are too close together he might need to do this, and it would reduce having to do revisions. I doubt I would need revisions. Other than that, I'm happy.

I think the whole thing maybe was $8000-$9000. I'm including surgery, airfare, staying at New Beginnings, food, etc. I flew from New Mexico and got my ticket more than one month ahead a time.

I think Dr G is fine with people not being on T. I think many surgeons will do surgery without being on T, and I think this is way the minority that would care.

I don't know about the thing about someone being under 18, perhaps because the you have to have a responsible person with you. I'm not saying your friends aren't responsible, but not sure if they consider someone under 18 to be an adult. If you stayed at New Beginnings it doesn't matter much, they can be your "responsible party". They also will drive you all over, take you shopping, etc. Saved me a LOT of money.

I think anything getting you healthier-- diet and exercise is helpful.


--Jay

Quote from: aleon515 on January 28, 2014, 10:07:04 PM
I had my top surgery with Dr G. I had no complications or any trouble of any kind. I think the scars are nice and thin. I suppose I wish I had pecs. Don't think this is Dr. G's fault. I'm kind of sorry he had to almost make a line all the way around. This isn't really common, but if your chesticles are too close together he might need to do this, and it would reduce having to do revisions. I doubt I would need revisions. Other than that, I'm happy.

I think the whole thing maybe was $8000-$9000. I'm including surgery, airfare, staying at New Beginnings, food, etc. I flew from New Mexico and got my ticket more than one month ahead a time.

I think Dr G is fine with people not being on T. I think many surgeons will do surgery without being on T, and I think this is way the minority that would care.

I don't know about the thing about someone being under 18, perhaps because the you have to have a responsible person with you. I'm not saying your friends aren't responsible, but not sure if they consider someone under 18 to be an adult. If you stayed at New Beginnings it doesn't matter much, they can be your "responsible party". They also will drive you all over, take you shopping, etc. Saved me a LOT of money.

I think anything getting you healthier-- diet and exercise is helpful.


--Jay

Thanks so much for the answers! It's good to know that the results were generally good. The only reason I ask about my friend possibly being under 18 is that I have had a few friends volunteer to come with me when I do end up having surgery, but they're younger than me. One girl is a year younger than me, and two grades below me, and the other girl is one grade above me but still technically younger than me. So, when I get surgery the girl who is a grade above me will be in college, but depending on when her birthday is she may or may not be 18...

Anyways, I've heard some good things about New Beginnings. Plus, even if they wouldn't count as a responsible adult, it'd be nice to have the help and support of a friend or two.

And $8,000-9,000 is a lot of money, but it's not as bad as I was worried it might be. Still, I'm going to try and save up as much as I can while I'm still under my parent's roof so that if worse comes to worst, I would be able to support myself without the support of my parents, at least for a little while.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMHow long before you felt that you could return to work?

As my surgery was interstate from my home state, my surgeon requested that I stay in Sydney (the place of the surgery) for 2 weeks minimum after my operation.  So in total, I took off just over 6 weeks from my work.  My breakdown:

1 week off before the surgery - getting last minute things at home done, etc.
2 weeks off for the actual surgery interstate - stayed in hospital for 3 days and the remainder spent at a rented apartment
an additional 3 weeks off after returning home to recover and heal. 

I could probably have returned to work sooner, but because there's always the unpredictable nature of some of my work (i.e. lifting heavy boxes unexpectedly), I just don't want to chance it.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMDid travel hinder recovery, and what should I bring with me? I'm planning to pack as lightly as possible, but since I won't have the comforts of home do you have any recommendations as to things I should bring along?

I don't think that travel is hindering my recovery (I'm only 6 days post-op and still interstate).  I think it's actually a good excuse to rest and take it easy.  You could do all the touristy things, but I'm honestly not ready to push myself into all of that and my wife and I are enjoying just hanging out and spending time together.

As for what to pack, I think it will depend on how long you're staying and where.  Our apartment here has all the amenities of home really - a kitchen and laundry, so there was no need to pack 2 weeks' worth of clothes.  So what I packed was basically:

1 weeks' worth of clothing
Laptop and pad for entertainment
Books and art supplies
Camera
Phone and charger, etc.

My wife and went shopping to stock up on groceries and other things like toiletries once we arrived, so we didn't need to worry about packing everything but the kitchen sink.  Just basics.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMHow essential was it to have help after your surgery and for how long?

I honestly think that it was essential for me personally.  Not to mention the fact that I couldn't carry the enormously heavy luggage on my own, I struggled and am still struggling doing things that my wife is happy to help with.  I think it can be done alone, but I don't think that I personally could have.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMMotion wise I know that Dr. G says it varies and to give it 4-6 weeks, but how long before I can wash and dress myself, in your experience? Facial hair is also a no go at work (for all guys, not just me) so was shaving a problem afterwards?

I'm 6 days post-up and can now wash and dress myself with no issues.  I would say that it was about 3 days before I was able to dress myself.  I was able to gently sponge-bath myself the day after surgery, but it wasn't comfortable.  I don't shave much, so that's not something that affects me - but if I did shave often, I would be able to now at 6 days post-op.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMDuring the flight back I will have medical papers stating that I may need help, but I would ideally just be carrying a very, very small shoulder bag back. How much were you able to tolerate carrying?

I'm able to carry a laptop bag around on my shoulder, but I honestly wouldn't feel comfortable pushing it beyond that.  I think it depends on how heavy your bag is, not how small it is.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMWhat kinds of foods did you eat during recovery? If I need certain things, I'd like to know ahead of time. I've acclimated to a Japanese diet so I know to avoid grease and oil, but I have no idea of what I should bring or pick up before I travel.

We've stocked up on really basic things.  We bought a little pile of chicken breasts and froze them.  Things like canned beans and veg and frozen veg to cook up.  Frozen fish fillets.  Bread, peanut butter and lunch meat.  Cheese, pastas and sauces.  High fibre is good - I learned all about the horrors of constipation and would have to say that it has been one of the most unpleasant parts of this whole experience.

Also, not sure what it is, but I've not had much appetite.  I'm able to eat, but just not really a great desire for food.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMI know that constipation and fluid retention are both side effects of surgery; did traveling make these worse?

Well, I'm stationary now - but the constipation was very alarming for me as I ended up with a massive impaction and had to be treated for it.  Laxatives are a godsend - I've never been so happy to have it.  5 days without a poop and I am only just today able to have a normal BM.  I've not been travelling as in moving around much, but I think it's more to do with what you're eating and how quickly after the surgery you're passing stools rather than travelling.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMAs far as compression binders- I know I will be given one by the doctor, but I also have a tight wrap around one that I've kept just in case. How long did you need to wear the binder before you could go without?

I've been told that I'll need to wear the one I have for about 6 weeks, but I suppose it depends on how your chest is looking and what your surgeon thinks.  The one she gave me is just a wrap-around kind that they use for abdominal binding.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMAlso, a general question- how long before you could return to a daily routine? I know it differs, but I want to make sure I get anything I can out of the way before my trip. My partner will be able to handle things, but I tend to be a bit on the neat freak side and I'm the chef in the family. I love my partner, but he can cook about 3 things without my help. XD

Well as I'm still recovering, I don't really know.  I know that at basically a week post-op, I'm feeling okay and am able to do most basic things around that don't involve lifting, stooping and reaching too high.  But basic functions are there - I can imagine I'll be fine in about 4 weeks.

Kreuzfidel;

Thanks for the response. I'm glad to hear that you're recovering well. That's awesome that you were able to get a place that has everything you need for recovery. It's also awesome that your wife is with you. I hope you two have a wonderful time. Husband and I are very busy normally, so if he can come it will be wonderful to spend the time with him, even if I'm bandaged up and a little helpless for a few days.

Hi, Rian, I too went to Garramone (10/2013).  I couldn't be more pleased than I am.  I would suggest going on transbucket.  You can see a lot of Garramone's pictures there, as well as many other surgeries.  Additionally, a lot of his "reveals" are on youtube.

Garramone will do your surgery while you are not on testosterone.  He did mine. 

The surgery takes him 90 minutes.  He does 5 per day, twice per week (sometimes 3 times).  The surgeries are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  It takes 6-8 weeks to get scheduled from phone consult.  He does consults on Wednesdays.

It cost me about the same as Jay (aleon), somewhere between $8,000-9,000 all told.  I too stayed at New Beginnings.  I would recommend it, espcially for someone younger.  You don't have to worry about a thing, then!  They are also used to younger guys coming.

I assume Garramone would require the person who is with you for 24 hours be at least 18.  If you stay at New Beginnings one of the owners will represent being your companion if your friend is under 18 years old.  Plan to stay 8 nights at New Beginnings, per their suggestion.  You can find information on their website and I think that there is a thread on here with the title including their name.

To prepare for surgery be as healthy as you can, which includes eating healthy, whole foods (not processed crap, as much as you can) and regular exercise (do cardio at least 3 minutes 3 times per week).

$8000-9000 *is* a lot of money. The only way you could do better and be out of state like that is if you stayed very low end (Motel 6 type), took public transportation, and so on. I was young once, but this is a rather big deal. It's been done, but you have to ask if you would feel comfortable doing all that right after surgery.

I think it would be nice to have a friend or two. I managed really well right after surgery and did not need a lot of help (this was good as I was by myself-- and NBR was my responsible person). But people are different on this. It would have been nice for someone else to come and have a pretty much free FL vacation. LOL. I probably would have gone out more.

Well someone could eat more  healthy stuff while you were recovering than I did. I tried. But I had lots of stuff like frozen dinners and so on. I also did the peanut butter, bananas, yogurt, etc. I was very bored by the food. You could actually cook up a big pot of something more healthy and live on that for awhile. I made a few healthy meals which i froze for when I returned, which was really smart.

For what to pack-- I didn't use a lot of clothes. I sat around in pjs and a button down shirt for a few days. You might think more about packing slip on pants and a bit over large button down shirts. You are also going to have dirty hair for days so get your hair cut short. I was very happy for an extremely short hair cut.

--Jay

I do not have experience of flights after surgery.
I got on an 8 hour greyhound trip the next morning after top surgery and I was fine.
I was able to carry my lightly-packed backpack without any discomfort or pain.
I did have friends with me because the hospital would not discharge a patient without companion, but I did not actually need their help with any chores I guess. Once I got home I was all alone and took care of myself just fine. Just prepare your place so you have foods in fridge and put everything you need at reachable places.
I had my surgery during summer vacation which allowed me adequate time to recover but I felt like I was able to do most of the daily chores after a week (when the drains were removed). Putting on a t-shirt was tricky because I could not raise my arms too high for the first two weeks or so. By the time of four weeks post op I was able to do any physical work but I did not try to do heavy exercise. I think you will be fine to go back to your job 2-3 weeks after surgery, as long as you don't need to lift those kids or don't get punched by them.
Garramone does not give patients a binder for post op but will give a compression bandage. Medalie asked patients to wear a special compression vest for about two weeks or slightly longer.

Definitely would NOT have wanted to take an 8 hour bus ride the day after surgery!!
I would wear button downs. It's just a lot easier. When I came home I had someone do the litter box and take out the garbage, pretty much the only things I couldn't manage because they involved carrying heavy stuff.

--Jay

Quote from: SX0877 on February 01, 2014, 05:25:42 PM
I do not have experience of flights after surgery.
I got on an 8 hour greyhound trip the next morning after top surgery and I was fine.
I was able to carry my lightly-packed backpack without any discomfort or pain.
I did have friends with me because the hospital would not discharge a patient without companion, but I did not actually need their help with any chores I guess. Once I got home I was all alone and took care of myself just fine. Just prepare your place so you have foods in fridge and put everything you need at reachable places.
I had my surgery during summer vacation which allowed me adequate time to recover but I felt like I was able to do most of the daily chores after a week (when the drains were removed). Putting on a t-shirt was tricky because I could not raise my arms too high for the first two weeks or so. By the time of four weeks post op I was able to do any physical work but I did not try to do heavy exercise. I think you will be fine to go back to your job 2-3 weeks after surgery, as long as you don't need to lift those kids or don't get punched by them.
Garramone does not give patients a binder for post op but will give a compression bandage. Medalie asked patients to wear a special compression vest for about two weeks or slightly longer.

SX, who took out your drains, your primary care doc?

@Brett
A general surgeon in my town removed the drains 7 days post op. Theoretically any nurses would be able to to do this but the problem is they probably wouldn't dare to.

@Jay
Right, I definitely didn't want it either and hope that no one will need to do so, but at that time I absolutely could not afford stay in a hotel any longer. I was not worried about the surgery or results at all but thinking about an 8 hour bus trip scared me. I guess I was just very lucky to feel well after surgery.

Quote from: SX0877 on February 01, 2014, 07:08:57 PM

@Jay
Right, I definitely didn't want it either and hope that no one will need to do so, but at that time I absolutely could not afford stay in a hotel any longer. I was not worried about the surgery or results at all but thinking about an 8 hour bus trip scared me. I guess I was just very lucky to feel well after surgery.

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right?  I am glad you felt well enough to ride and that the trip didn't set you back any in your recovery. 

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
How long before you felt that you could return to work?

I was in-between jobs at the time of surgery.  I can't see your original post so I don't remember what you said your job was. I don't remember how long you have to wait till you can work out at the gym again, but if you have a very physical job I would wait that long, but I would say maybe 2-4 weeks for a typical job, maybe 2-3 weeks for a desk job.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
Did travel hinder recovery, and what should I bring with me? I'm planning to pack as lightly as possible, but since I won't have the comforts of home do you have any recommendations as to things I should bring along?

Let me try to not make this a huge list. Travel was no problem for me because I had my bf with me to carry my bags, I do recommend wearing your ace bandage or medical binder while traveling, this may have prevented the hematoma I developed once I got home.

list of things needed
-typical toiletries, perhaps a dry shampoo
-baby wipes
-BUTT WIPES!
-milk of magnesia
-fiber powder
-nutrition drinks (I used ensure)
-straws
-loofah
-loose(ish) tank tops, if you have a helper and feel up to it you can "t rex" your arms into a tank top, this will press your drains against your body so you look less silly with them poking out so much
-compression socks

there must be more I just cant remember it all, sorry

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
There is a real chance that my partner will not be able to come with me, as he is a university teacher here. I have the option to fly a friend down from northern Florida to help me. How essential was it to have help after your surgery and for how long? My friend is already planning a visit and if I need to, I can bring her back, but we would like to avoid doing so since its the hot season here and I don't want her to be a caretaker; I'd like to show her the sights.

Well, I obviously was required to have someone with me to drive me home after surgery, and it helped having someone around to carry my luggage, but other then that I didn't really need any help with that much, my bf helped me do my drains. But I was perfectly fine to walk around and get things I needed.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
Motion wise I know that Dr. G says it varies and to give it 4-6 weeks, but how long before I can wash and dress myself, in your experience? Facial hair is also a no go at work (for all guys, not just me) so was shaving a problem afterwards?

I was able to dress myself almost immediately, I needed help with my socks and my shirts, but I could easily step into underwear and pants and could have gotten button down shirts on myself if I had to. I am an OCD germaphobe so I bathed right away, same day as surgery. I filled the tub enough so that it would cover my bottom, and then I KNEELED in the tub, I did not lay down. This way you don't have to worry about not being able to get up again. Kneel in the tub and you can use your loofah to clean your legs and intimates. I didn't wash my hair right away, but when I was a bit more healed I turned on the tub faucet and moved my arms sparingly as possible to shampoo and rinse being careful to not get my ace wrap wet.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AMDuring the flight back I will have medical papers stating that I may need help, but I would ideally just be carrying a very, very small shoulder bag back. How much were you able to tolerate carrying?

You should have no problem carrying a lightweight bag, but you may want to carry it in your hands rather then on your shoulder where it could rub the wrong way

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
I've had experience with anesthesia and hard narcotics, but I know that sour stomachs are a hazard. What kinds of foods did you eat during recovery? If I need certain things, I'd like to know ahead of time. I've acclimated to a Japanese diet so I know to avoid grease and oil, but I have no idea of what I should bring or pick up before I travel.

I was glad to have brought a bunch of ensure (or boost) it was a way to get some calories for when I wasn't that hungry

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
I know that constipation and fluid retention are both side effects of surgery; did traveling make these worse?

I would definitely recommend milk of magnesia, it gave me only one bout of diarrhea and then It got me pretty regular, you could also use fiber powder. I have used regular laxatives once and it gave me the worst burning diarrhea for the longest time, never again! I had a LOT of trouble peeing after surgery, it was much worse then constipation. I could hardly pee at all the first 5-7 hours after surgery and it gradually got better but it took about a week to be able to pee normally. Traveling didn't effect either.

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
As far as compression binders- I know I will be given one by the doctor, but I also have a tight wrap around one that I've kept just in case. How long did you need to wear the binder before you could go without?

Well I was kinda strapped into mine for the first 7 days, I did end up having to loosen it a bit, several times, wearing the binder was the worst part of recovery, but its much less uncomfortable then binding with breasts. I took off the binder after my reveal, I did not wear it on my plane ride but I regret that as I developed a HUGE hematoma a few days after returning home, I saw a bunch of drs and was gonna have to have surgery to get it drained but I ended up wrapping myself back in the ace bandage once the hematoma appeared and I ended up wearing it for umm... maybe 3 weeks until my hematoma drained on its own. (that sucked)

Quote from: Ayden on January 16, 2014, 02:33:41 AM
Also, a general question- how long before you could return to a daily routine? I know it differs, but I want to make sure I get anything I can out of the way before my trip. My partner will be able to handle things, but I tend to be a bit on the neat freak side and I'm the chef in the family. I love my partner, but he can cook about 3 things without my help. XD

Put all of the things you need for your day to day activities on the counter or tables where you can reach them. I was able to move about and do most things, but then i got the hematoma so my bf made me stop doing pretty much everything and I ended up taking it easy, provided nothing bad happens after surgery you should be able to do most things as long as you aren't lifting really heavy things or stretching your arms too far.


Hope that helped