Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Well on Friday I had the first stage of radial arm phalloplasty. Since then I have been attached to my bed with my left arm in an elevated sling my right arm attached to various drips and electronic compression stockings holding both legs to the bed. Also a drain and catheter are in but to be honest I don't notice them. The nursing staff and the doctors down in London are wonderful but I can honestly say it is the feeling of helplessness that has got to me the most. Until last night I couldn't even scratch my own itches- if my wife hadn't been with me I seriously don't think I could have coped. The pain is more of a discomfort my left arm feels a bit like it's in a vice and my bum feels like it's got gravel rash!! Today they are going to get me out of bed tho hopefully so I'll see how I feel later

Quote from: Al James on May 04, 2014, 11:03:08 PM
Well on Friday I had the first stage of radial arm phalloplasty. Since then I have been attached to my bed with my left arm in an elevated sling my right arm attached to various drips and electronic compression stockings holding both legs to the bed. Also a drain and catheter are in but to be honest I don't notice them. The nursing staff and the doctors down in London are wonderful but I can honestly say it is the feeling of helplessness that has got to me the most. Until last night I couldn't even scratch my own itches- if my wife hadn't been with me I seriously don't think I could have coped. The pain is more of a discomfort my left arm feels a bit like it's in a vice and my bum feels like it's got gravel rash!! Today they are going to get me out of bed tho hopefully so I'll see how I feel later

Glad everything went ok.  I bet you will feel better as each day passes.

stay strong, think about the time when you discharge from hospital , you will feel a lot better ! :)

i had that same feeling when i was in hospital's bed during my car accident & SRS as well

time flies so fast , next thing you know , you will be sitting at home watching tv sipping hot coffee  :icon_geekdance:

Glad you posted. Hang in there. Soon the hard part will be past.

I'll try and post more details later or answer anyone who wants to pm me but I didn't realise holding a phone could be so tiring lol

Congratulations for doing so well so quickly.  I am interested in how the entire process goes for you, keep us updated.  Hope you do fine first time out of bed man. 

Got out of bed about half eleven this morning sat in my bedside chair for a bit. Managed to walk round once I realised I had to limp slightly to stop some of the tape from the packing around the phallus pulling. Needed an hours sleep after three hours out the bed though. Tomorrow the catheter should come out plus the drain in my stomach and the one at the end of the phallus. Plus all the packing that's holding it stable should be taken away. My wife has just had to go back home so I won't see her now til I'm discharged but I can honestly say I wouldn't have coped the first two days without her. It was such a mental hit- not being able to do anything- at one stage I couldn't even reach my nose to itch it. But every day it's getting easier and I'm sure I'll soon forget how bad I felt. Speak to you all soon

Well done mate! sounds like you're doing really well, let us all know how you get on

Glad to hear you are doing great. getting the catheter, drain, the slent in your phallus will definite make you feel better overall.  Having any tube in your body doesn't feel good and having 3 must be 10 times as bad, not being able to get them all in a good position to rest and sleep.  Just think in short time you will be able to stand and pee.

Only a quick post at moment. Yesterday had the two drains and catheter removed which certainly makes moving easier. Was also taken for three laps round the ward by the physio. Slight concern about some discolouration on the underside of the phallus but they marked the area out and it hadn't grown overnight. Today I'll be getting a shower not sure when they'll be taking the stent out and all the padding that's stopping the phallus flop between my legs. Then hopefully home tomorrow . At least I'm getting a lift so the three hour journey should be fairly comfortable

Today was the great escape from hospital. Was quite nervous about leaving cos the care you get at the London hospital is incredible. They made very sure to keep me informed of what was happening even when they had to call two doctors out to me last night because of some strange discolouration that appeared. Went from 6 hourly obs back down to four hourly and this morning wAs pronounced ok to oh home with strict instructions to send two photos a week of the phallus and if I was concerned about anything at all to stop eating and drinking and phone them to tell them I was on my way down. Fingers crossed that won't be necessary. The drive home was interesting/ a three hour journey with staples digging into your bum cheeks isn't pleasant. Struggled slightly getting out the car as I couldn't open my legs very wide and had no room to swing them both round. The dressing was changed on my arm today so I got a good look at that for the first time. I kind of hope that cos I've seen it at it's worse then any eventual scarring will look like an improvement. But I'm home and laying on the couch with my cat next to me who is very glad to have me home again

Which hospital in London was it?

Congrats mate!! Sending good healing vibes your way!!