Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey all:

I'm so excited. My surgery with Dr. Suporn is in a few days. I meet up with him for pre-op consultation and then Ill get a full examination/blood work. I'll keep you all posted!  :)

Jen

Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery.

Hugs.

Yay, that's awesome :icon_flower:

Congratulations, light and love for healing and safe travels.

Seems forever we were both getting FFS done by Dr. Z.

Best wishes!

:)

Good luck!

Good Luck

Thanks all.

So, this morning I met Dr. Suporn for my consultation. It went by pretty quick and he was straight to the point. I took off my panties and he examined me. He then explained his technique in detail. Even though I'm small and circumsized, he said I'm lucky to have enough scrotal skin. He said that because I'm circumsized I may not have a pink inner labia like natal women which is a bummer. He asked me how much depth do I want. I replied 6 inches and he said that he can guarantee at least 5 inches. I asked him about complications and if I am at high risk since I'm small and circumcized. He replied no, however, he said aesthetically it may not be the best because I do not have enough penile skin to work with. This does have me a little bummed out too.

Afterwards, I went to the hospital to get my blood drawn, a chest x-ray, and an EKG. I'm hoping everything turns out fine so that we can proceed with the surgery. What if they say, "sorry you're not healthy enough". That would crush me!

So far so good though. Most people are nice. I love their orange/tangerine juice. I wish more people would speak English. It's so difficult to communicate around here.

Anyways, that's it for now. Til next time.............

Quote from: JenJen2011 on January 30, 2015, 04:07:44 AM
Thanks all.

So, this morning I met Dr. Suporn for my consultation. It went by pretty quick and he was straight to the point. I took off my panties and he examined me. He then explained his technique in detail. Even though I'm small and circumsized, he said I'm lucky to have enough scrotal skin. He said that because I'm circumsized I may not have a pink inner labia like natal women which is a bummer. He asked me how much depth do I want. I replied 6 inches and he said that he can guarantee at least 5 inches. I asked him about complications and if I am at high risk since I'm small and circumcized. He replied no, however, he said aesthetically it may not be the best because I do not have enough penile skin to work with. This does have me a little bummed out too.

On the positive side of that it sounds like he told you the truth. I always get worried when everything is too positive, because I really don't trust people who are lying. Its not ideal, but I'd find it somewhat reassuring.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on January 30, 2015, 04:07:44 AM
Afterwards, I went to the hospital to get my blood drawn, a chest x-ray, and an EKG. I'm hoping everything turns out fine so that we can proceed with the surgery. What if they say, "sorry you're not healthy enough". That would crush me!

I think it must be incredibly rare for that to happen. I've probably read most of what's been written about Dr Suporn and I'm not sure I've ever heard of it happening.  I suspect its more the other way around.

Keep up the posts, and good luck.

Quote from: AnonyMs on January 30, 2015, 05:45:44 AM
On the positive side of that it sounds like he told you the truth. I always get worried when everything is too positive, because I really don't trust people who are lying. Its not ideal, but I'd find it somewhat reassuring.
I think it must be incredibly rare for that to happen. I've probably read most of what's been written about Dr Suporn and I'm not sure I've ever heard of it happening.  I suspect its more the other way around.

Keep up the posts, and good luck.

You are right. He was very honest. I like that! I will just hope and pray for the best. Thank you.

Hi all. So, yesterday we checked out central plaza which is about 10 mins away from the Chon Inter Hotel. It was a very nice shopping mall! The food on the 2nd/3rd floor, I think, was amazing and super cheap. If I remember correctly we paid $5 USD for 3 people. Spicy in Thai is so different from spicy in the States. I grabbed a little bowl full of hot sauce with the hot red chili peppers. OMG! That thing had me sweating bullets and my body instantly got HOT!!! But it was good LOL. So far I'm having a good time w/my parents. Tomorrow we plan on doing some more sight seeing and then Monday I'm off to the hospital for pre-admission. I have to be honest, after reading the whole post op care instructions booklet and looking at all the gals walking around with a painful look on their face, I am quite terrified.

Instead of thinking "they're in pain", think "they're hurting because they're going to miss the best Super Bowl ever"...

;)

Hi all:

I met with a psychiatrist and anesthesiologist last night. All my examinations and tests came back normal. So, I'm good to go. They made me get an enema last night in preparation for SRS. I'm here on my hospital bed. In about 1 hour and a half I will get up, shave, use some type of red solution that they gave me to scrub/shower myself with and put on my surgical robe. I will be going under in less than 4 hours now. I was very nervous and scared last night but after talking to God, my husband, friends, and family I feel a little more at peace. And it also helps to know that I am in good hands.

I will write again once I feel capable and up to it.

XOXOXO

*HUGS*

Today is post-op day 2 of my SRS with Suporn. The surgery was a success. I am currently recovering in the hospital. Right after surgery, I had a lot of nausea and could not take anything in, including morphine. I vomitted all night basically but was in no pain at all. Day 1 after I was in a lot of pain and discomfort. Trying to find the best position in bed as I can't get out of bed for 5 days. Day 2 I am feeling better. Minimal pain but still discomfort of course. I am just relaxing and recovering. I am so happy. Can't wait for the packaging to be taken out and for me to see what down there looks like. Not looking forward to dilation though. But I'm thinking positive thoughts and taking it one day at a time. I can't believe it. My SRS is actually complete.  ;D

Til next time... ;)

Yay!

Quote from: Beth Andrea on February 04, 2015, 10:13:59 PM
Yay!

Thanks Beth :)

Congratulations Jen!

I have such wonderful memories of Chonburi!  It sounds like everything is right for you.
You have the right attitude.


Best wishes,
Elaina

Quote from: JenJen2011 on January 29, 2015, 09:41:47 AM
Hey all:

I'm so excited. My surgery with Dr. Suporn is in a few days. I meet up with him for pre-op consultation and then Ill get a full examination/blood work. I'll keep you all posted!  :)

Jen

How many letters does Dr Suporn require and what are his fees?

Quote from: Elainagirl59 on February 05, 2015, 07:35:15 AM
Congratulations Jen!

I have such wonderful memories of Chonburi!  It sounds like everything is right for you.
You have the right attitude.


Best wishes,
Elaina

Thank you Elaina!

Quote from: Amy1988 on February 05, 2015, 08:10:25 AM
How many letters does Dr Suporn require and what are his fees?

Hi Amy

I only had to give him 1 letter from my psychiatrist. I paid $550,000 BAHT which is around $17,000 USD.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 04, 2015, 09:40:19 PM
Today is post-op day 2 of my SRS with Suporn. The surgery was a success. I am currently recovering in the hospital. Right after surgery, I had a lot of nausea and could not take anything in, including morphine. I vomitted all night basically but was in no pain at all. Day 1 after I was in a lot of pain and discomfort. Trying to find the best position in bed as I can't get out of bed for 5 days. Day 2 I am feeling better. Minimal pain but still discomfort of course. I am just relaxing and recovering. I am so happy. Can't wait for the packaging to be taken out and for me to see what down there looks like. Not looking forward to dilation though. But I'm thinking positive thoughts and taking it one day at a time. I can't believe it. My SRS is actually complete.  ;D

Til next time... ;)

So give us an update!!  ;) Day 3 now...or 4? (Int'l date line confusion) Still not allowed out of bed? When does the packing come out?

I'm just so jittery and curious, since mine is a few months away...not in Thailand, but in a neighboring country, "Arizona"...hope I won't need shots! ;) (Speaking of which, are shots needed for Thailand?)

:)

Update: I had surgery on Tuesday. Today is Friday. Dr. Suporn told me the outer packaging will be taken off tomorrow and then Sunday I will be able to get up and walk and take a shower. YAY!!! :) I believe the inner packaging will be removed on Tuesday of next week which is when dilation will start. Could be wrong on that. Dr. Suporn is a busy man, visiting all the gals in the hospital but will keep everyone posted.

actually catheter will be removed on tuesday..dilation should start tomorrow. fun stuff.

Update: Had surgery on Tuesday. Today is Saturday. Dr. Suporn came in this morning. All of the outer packing was taken off. OMG!!!!! I took one look with the mirror they gave me to see it and while Dr. Suporn was explaining everything to me, I got so emotional. At the initial consultation, Dr. Suporn said that because I'm small and circumcised, my vagina would not look the best aesthetically and also that my lips wouldn't be pink, they would be skin color. As he was checking it out, he said it looks very good (and it does!!!!!!) and my lips are pink!!!!! He looked very pleased. Even though it's very swollen, it looks PERFECT to me! He said there may be some separation so to becareful. Try not to move too much and always lift my butt when getting up. Do not slide it across the bed. I told Dr. Suporn thank you and gave him a big ole' hug while tears were running down my face. After he left, I couldn't stop crying. I am soooooo happy!

Tomorrow I will walk and shower myself for the first time. On Tuesday, the catheter will be removed.

Wow that's exciting. So happy for you.

Congratulations.

Quote from: Monika1223 on February 06, 2015, 10:21:37 PM
Wow that's exciting. So happy for you.

Congratulations.

thank you monika

Hi, kinda shy on this, but soooo happy for you.  I wish I could get that far someday but I doubt it being on immunosupressants for life.  If I may ask, do you feel the hospital and surgery are more or less sterile than a normal American hospital.  Sitting there with a catheter and not moving much to make sure everything turns out perfect, do you see anywhere that infection could be a possibility on a person doing the same as you, but with a compromised immune system?  If you ever get the chance to tell us the whole experience, doesn't have to be now:)
Again, congratulations;)  I'd be in the bed next to ya recovering if I could..

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 07, 2015, 12:14:13 AM
do you feel the hospital and surgery are more or less sterile than a normal American hospital.

I honestly feel they are the same.

QuoteSitting there with a catheter and not moving much to make sure everything turns out perfect, do you see anywhere that infection could be a possibility on a person doing the same as you, but with a compromised immune system?

This question seems more like a clinical question which I don't feel comfortable answering sorry. I, personally, haven't had any issues with infections yet but I also don't have a compromised immune system.

Thanks for congratulating me! I'm very happy and I wish all the best to you!  :)

Np:)  i do wish the best for you:)  you should write a book or memories of this experience after its all done.  Not all experiences are the same, as we each are different.   But your experiences can help others.  But this is if you want to, or have the time after you now get to go enjoy you hopefully fulfilled life;)  take care!

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 07, 2015, 02:01:56 AM
Np:)  i do wish the best for you:)  you should write a book or memories of this experience after its all done.  Not all experiences are the same, as we each are different.   But your experiences can help others.  But this is if you want to, or have the time after you now get to go enjoy you hopefully fulfilled life;)  take care!

Thanks!

So, today is post-op day 5. FINALLY! They disconnected me from all the tubes. Well, not quite. I still have the catheter and vaginal packing inside of me. But I have more movement ability nonetheless. Today I will be able to get out of bed and walk for the FIRST time and take a shower in the wash room rather than having two nurses come in and sponge bathe me on the bed (so awkward). I'm very excited about that.

I am currently in minimal pain which is stated in the handbook that the clinic gave me. According to the handbook, months 2 and 3 will be the most difficult. We shall see. But right now I'm feeling pretty good. The hospital experience, IMO, is terrible. And I'm not referring about the staff. Some of them are very pleasant and I like it that they check on me all the time. Plus, I have a little buzzer whenever I need something. I'm referring to having to stay in bed for 5 whole days. That may sound very relaxing, however, when you've had major surgery and you're experiencing pain/difficulty and have limited mobility, it's the worse feeling ever. And the bed is not that comfy. I'm so glad I'll be able to start walking today. Have I said that enough yet? Lol.

Another downside, IMO, is the hospital food. There seems to be quite a few selections on the menu but don't go trying something you've never heard of. I did that twice and regretted it both times. And the food gets very old very fast. For me, it got to the point where I felt nauseous and didn't want to eat anything. For example, yesterday I just had two yogurts and several grapes. I know, that's not healthy but I just couldn't take anything in. The smell of food made me nauseous. And the hospital has a distinct smell that makes me nauseous as well. Can't wait to get back to the hotel!

That's it for now..I'll keep ya updated as things arise. And please feel free to ask me any questions you'd like. I'm sharing my experience to help those that may be considering taking this big step.

Jen

Sounds like you're right on schedule! Good deal!

Iirc, what you describe is about normal for hospitals, even here in the States. They're not known for fine quisine...queasy cuisine maybe, but not fine! ;)

Quote from: Beth Andrea on February 07, 2015, 06:37:57 PM
Sounds like you're right on schedule! Good deal!

Iirc, what you describe is about normal for hospitals, even here in the States. They're not known for fine quisine...queasy cuisine maybe, but not fine! ;)

Tell me about it. And I don't know what it is but I haven't had any appetite since surgery .

You are doing great describing the place.  Thank you:)  what's months 2 and 3 if I may ask?  And the handbook, is it online?
Sorry to hear about the nausea, I have this big fleece blanket I take with me if just to the er.  I lace it with cinnamon to drown out the hospital smells..  are they giving you medication for nausea like Zofran?  I'd ask for it if I were you.  But eating fresh fruit if it makes you feel better, eat away;)  better than starving.  But only as long as your not diabetic, which in that case could raise your bloodsugar and cause bacteria to flourish.   
Get well soon, and enjoy the shower.  I know your pain of being stuck in bed waiting for that shower, I swear time stops!  Nothing wrong with a long shower in a hospital, so enjoy as long as you want!  Laters;)

Update. I just got up from my bed for the first time YAY! With nurses help, I walked into that bathroom like a champ, lol. I sat on the seat with tube thingy in the shower. I was washing myself with the assistance of a nurse. I was scared to sit and put down all my weight on the seat but I ended doing it mid-wash, no problem. I washed my freshly made vajayjay gently. Then I stood up, took a lil slip (shower was slippery and luckily nurse was holding my hand). I looked at myself in the mirror. A full body shot and wow. I was mesmerized. Finally, me. I brushed my teeth. Went back to bed and nurses applied two different solutions to my vagina. The weird thing is, I felt no dizzy spells and no pain at all. I don't know if that's normal for most girls during their first walk/shower. I felt so good I asked the nurses if I could go home now and they laughed. After laying down nurses told me "look very good" and I just smiled smile  :) It's so good to finally be me! Dr. Suporn came in prior to, to tell me what to expect for today. He said I could walk around in the hospital room about 3 times but I'm just going to take it easy and lay in my bed. I want this swelling to go down asap. When my butt hurts, I'll get up for a bit and then lay back down. The future is looking bright ya'll  :)

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 07, 2015, 09:33:10 PM
You are doing great describing the place.  Thank you:)  what's months 2 and 3 if I may ask?  And the handbook, is it online?
Sorry to hear about the nausea, I have this big fleece blanket I take with me if just to the er.  I lace it with cinnamon to drown out the hospital smells..  are they giving you medication for nausea like Zofran?  I'd ask for it if I were you.  But eating fresh fruit if it makes you feel better, eat away;)  better than starving.  But only as long as your not diabetic, which in that case could raise your bloodsugar and cause bacteria to flourish.   
Get well soon, and enjoy the shower.  I know your pain of being stuck in bed waiting for that shower, I swear time stops!  Nothing wrong with a long shower in a hospital, so enjoy as long as you want!  Laters;)

Hey there! I meant months 2 and 3 post-op from surgery. The handbook was given to me when I arrived to Thailand. No, no meds for nausea. I'm already taken too many. I just cover my nose, lol. I just posted an update above about the shower. Thanks  :)

I think this would be the handbook. I've no idea how old it is, but it's been there a long time

http://www.scribd.com/doc/214947831/SRS-PostOp-Care-Add-Pic

Post-op day 6: I've been having a very difficult time situating myself in bed not only during the night but also during the day. It seems that I have to re-position myself every 20-30 minutes or so which I don't like doing because I don't want to cause my vagina too much movement. Early this morning I was feeling pretty bummed out. This surgery is not easy but I didn't expect it to be, being that I've had other surgeries in the past. But it can get to you, unfortunately.

I tried to get up this morning because my butt hurt and when I looked at the sheets, there was blood. Not a lot but a significant amount. I freaked out. I was like OMG, I'm having all this discomfort and there's blood on the bed. I went from being optimistic to pessimistic.

Dr. Suporn came to visit me a moment ago and the first thing he did was open my legs, of course, with a flash light and he said you are going to have a very good result. While he said that, his facial expression was that of a pleased and proud man like, "this is my art piece". He didn't say that but that's what I got from his facial expression. I asked him about the blood-stained sheets and he said that it is very normal and that even if there was more blood, that would be normal too. I asked him why I don't have an appetite and he said that was normal as well but that I should eat anyway to get more energy. He looked at my catheter and said I'm a little dehydrated and so therefore should be drinking lots more water.

Tomorrow Dr. Suporn will take out the catheter and I will be put to the test. Will I or will I not be able to pee. He told me that this is all mental. That no matter what, think happy thoughts and relax. That will help to pee. If I'm all scared and tense I may not be able to pee If I can't pee, I have to return to the hotel with the catheter on. So, I hope that I will be able to. He also told me for the first week back at the hotel, to only walk when necessary.

In the end, his words made me feel soooo much better about how things are going. Yes, I'm in discomfort. Yes, I'm bleeding. Yes, this is difficult but it will all be worth it in the end. So, HAPPY THOUGHTS from here on out  :)

Glad to see things are progressing;)  how long do you have to stay in a hotel?

He is right, blood flow is a good thing as long as there are not pools. 
You maybe going through mild shock?  That's why the loss of interest in food and drink.  But you need to keep especially fluids going if just water.  If he doesn't think you are getting enough fluids, hopefully he catches it ahead of the curve and puts you on an iv.. 
Good luck and take care..
Sending Happy thoughts your way;)

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 08, 2015, 09:46:22 PM
Glad to see things are progressing;)  how long do you have to stay in a hotel?

He is right, blood flow is a good thing as long as there are not pools. 
You maybe going through mild shock?  That's why the loss of interest in food and drink.  But you need to keep especially fluids going if just water.  If he doesn't think you are getting enough fluids, hopefully he catches it ahead of the curve and puts you on an iv.. 
Good luck and take care..
Sending Happy thoughts your way;)

Thank you! After I go back to the hotel tomorrow, I will be there for 17 more days. On the 18th day, I will fly back home.

Yes, must be a mild shock. I've experienced this before when I had other cosmetic surgery done. I'm looking forward to losing some weight  ;) I've started to drink lots of water so that hopefully by tomorrow morning my urine is clear.

Thanks again for your post.  :)

Not a good way to loose weight.  You need some proteins right now for your body to heal.  After you heal, then think about the weightloss:)  I have no idea what foods are over there or I'd help ya on good foods to heal with.  Right now, I'd just say if it makes you feel good eating it, go for it!  Don't think too much sugar could hurt at this point (but I could be wrong).  At least it's better than nothing..  Get well soon!

Post-op Day 7. Today was a big day. Dr. Suporn removed all the vagina packing and catheter. He spread my legs and first added some water to the area. He started pulling out all the packing, which was a lot by the way. It didn't really hurt, just uncomfortable. It wasn't until the end that he was taking out the last piece that hurt. I had to breathe in and out. When he took out the catheter, that did hurt! But it very quick so no biggie. He then asked me to lift my butt and put some sort of pan underneath me. With a syringe, he squirted bottled water 3 times into my vagina to clean the insides. No pain, just a cool feeling. He grabbed the medium size dilator, put lube on it, also he put lube at the entrance of my vagina with his finger. First he fingered me to kind of release tension I guess. Then he started sticking that thing inside me. To be honest, it really wasn't painful, just uncomfortable. He was able to insert the dilator 6 1/2 inches deep. He told me he could guarantee 5 inches so 6 1/2 is great.

He put a blue plastic belt under my bum and up and over my belly to hold the dilator in place. I held it in for about 30 minutes. I had to pull as much as I could bare. Getting to the back of the vagina wall and putting pressure on it feels very uncomfortable. After 30 minutes, I went to the wash room with a clinic nurse and took a shower and washed my vagina. Then I had to use the syringe to clean it out 3 times. The 4th time I had to mix water with some type solution (don't recall the name right now). Then went to bed and two solutions were applied to my vagina. One for the scars and the other for the clitoris and opening of the vagina.

Now I'm here drinking lots and lots of water hoping that I'll be able to pee to avoid getting the catheter put back in. I've drank like 8 bottles so far. They told me it'd be easier to pee once I feel my bladder is completely full. So, we shall see. I'm leaving back to the hotel at 1 pm today and then the nurse will stop by around 3 pm or 4 pm to help with a second session of dilation.

Final thought: I can already tell this will be hard, meaning dilations. It will consume my day and eventually will start hurting more and more as the nerves re-connect. But it's important to dilate. I will think happy thoughts and relax as best as I can. As far as how the vagina looks now, it looks disastrous, lol. But it's only been 7 days. The clinic says don't judge until about 6 months to a year. Either way I am happy and have no regrets with choosing Dr. Suporn.

Til next time.

Quick update: I was able to pee, YAY! Took me a while though. After drinking 8 bottles of water or more (I was so bloated), I sat on the toilet for about 20-25 minutes. I had a strong urge to pee but nothing. I told the nurse and she said another catheter will need to be placed. I cringed at that and she said, try again for 10 more minutes. So, I went and sat on the toilet again. At this time, I was getting frustrated. Then, I turned the faucet on and stood up and looked in the mirror. I was trying to picture myself pee. All of a sudden I said this is it. I sat down and sure enough, I pee'd. :)

I can only imagine the stress involved in that first pee. I've often wondered why they don't give people some kind medication to help relax.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 09, 2015, 10:08:00 PM

Quick update: I was able to pee, YAY! Took me a while though. After drinking 8 bottles of water or more (I was so bloated), I sat on the toilet for about 20-25 minutes. I had a strong urge to pee but nothing. I told the nurse and she said another catheter will need to be placed. I cringed at that and she said, try again for 10 more minutes. So, I went and sat on the toilet again. At this time, I was getting frustrated. Then, I turned the faucet on and stood up and looked in the mirror. I was trying to picture myself pee. All of a sudden I said this is it. I sat down and sure enough, I pee'd. :)

Well done  ;D Anyone who's ever gone with their pregnant partner when they were having an ultrasound scan will know that the last thing the partner wants to hear is running water as it makes the urge to pee all the more intense. Glad you don't need the catheter back in

Sorcha  ;D

Very good, it's always the first time.  Your mind has to learn this again, it's in shock.
I can imagine there is a little pain urinating?  I've never had a catheter pulled out that didn't hurt for a few hrs later.  Never had an std, but if they are comparable, ouch!

The way you described the dr is kinda scarry though..  but I guess they loose the compassion after the 100th vagina.  Just make sure that everything he says that is ok, really is!  After so many, drs can get overconfident too.  We are not the same, what works for you, could kill me and likewise..  if you question it, still check it out.  The book says "all is fine!"  But it needs to finish "til someone dies on accident for thinking that way! "  just be very careful my friend.  You are almost done!  Now just stretch and stay dry!  Infection can still happen, so never let your guard down..  but the worst is over! 
Keep those happy thoughts and come home soon:)

Quote from: AnonyMs on February 09, 2015, 10:35:17 PM
I can only imagine the stress involved in that first pee. I've often wondered why they don't give people some kind medication to help relax.

I was extremely stressed! All I could think was, OMG the catheter is coming back in, NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! lol

Quote from: SorchaC on February 09, 2015, 10:36:14 PM

Well done  ;D Anyone who's ever gone with their pregnant partner when they were having an ultrasound scan will know that the last thing the partner wants to hear is running water as it makes the urge to pee all the more intense. Glad you don't need the catheter back in

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks. It wasn't easy but I did it. I've pee'd at least 7 times so far today, hehe.

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 09, 2015, 11:25:07 PM
Very good, it's always the first time.  Your mind has to learn this again, it's in shock.
I can imagine there is a little pain urinating?  I've never had a catheter pulled out that didn't hurt for a few hrs later.  Never had an std, but if they are comparable, ouch!

The way you described the dr is kinda scarry though..  but I guess they loose the compassion after the 100th vagina.  Just make sure that everything he says that is ok, really is!  After so many, drs can get overconfident too.  We are not the same, what works for you, could kill me and likewise..  if you question it, still check it out.  The book says "all is fine!"  But it needs to finish "til someone dies on accident for thinking that way! "  just be very careful my friend.  You are almost done!  Now just stretch and stay dry!  Infection can still happen, so never let your guard down..  but the worst is over! 
Keep those happy thoughts and come home soon:)

Actually, the pulling out of the catheter was a split second of pain. And surprisingly to me, I've had no pain from peeing. As far as the doc, sorry if it came across that way. He and is staff are VERY attentive. The after care is amazing. He visited me every morning at the hospital after surgery to check on my vagina and give me advice. And not only me but also all the other girls that he operated on. He also visits patients at the hotel. So, even though he is a very busy man with loads of patients at any given time, he makes time to talk to you and will answer any questions you have.

Thanks for the tips. I'm following my doc's orders  ;)

I had my second dilation session this afternoon back at the hotel with the assistance of someone from the Suporn clinic. She showed me how to prepare, how to dilate, and how to clean up. The dilation was pretty uncomfortable. It was for a full 30 mins and while her making conversation with me helped a bit, my body's reaction was to sweat. I couldn't wait for it to be over. I felt like peeing the whole time and lots of pressure, of course. At the hospital I had reached 6 1/2 inches. This time it was even closer to 7 inches. Overall, it's not that bad but it will probably get worse before it gets better. The good thing is I haven't felt any pain when walking or sitting. Right now I'm just relaxing, watching TV, and not looking forward to tomorrow's dilations, lol.

Sorry about the earlier remarks.  You made it sound so cold and disheartening.   You are a woman , not a steak he's cutting and I was getting the impression he did this too many times already.  Some drs do and that's we hen mistakes can happen.  We don't know each other but I'm rooting for you because you are soooo brave and lucky to get this far.. 
I'm glad you can say good things about him and staff after all this, I bet by your surgery, this procedure is soo much better than patient 1...  I do bet the first hundred patients that his bedside manner was more humbled, but all is good..  I hope your day is relaxing and peacful.    Just do your tasks and you will be home soon;)  btw, how's your appetite?   Please don't use this as a diet time..  that jet trip is gonna suck alot out of you too..  you need your energy and reserves..  to heal and to stay focused..  we all think we could stand to loose weight, but be happy that you had some "cut" off for now;)  nighty night sweety, jamie

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 10, 2015, 05:36:07 AM
I had my second dilation session this afternoon back at the hotel with the assistance of someone from the Suporn clinic. She showed me how to prepare, how to dilate, and how to clean up. The dilation was pretty uncomfortable. It was for a full 30 mins and while her making conversation with me helped a bit, my body's reaction was to sweat. I couldn't wait for it to be over. I felt like peeing the whole time and lots of pressure, of course. At the hospital I had reached 6 1/2 inches. This time it was even closer to 7 inches. Overall, it's not that bad but it will probably get worse before it gets better. The good thing is I haven't felt any pain when walking or sitting. Right now I'm just relaxing, watching TV, and not looking forward to tomorrow's dilations, lol.

Aren't dilations the best....said no one ever lol.
Been following your blog post, and wishing you well.
I'm 4 months post op, and what seemed like an eternity ago, time passes so fast.
In two weeks, I'm down to one dilation a day.
Lol, I joked with a friend that in the early days of dilation, seemed I was in bed all day or cleaning dilators or bathing.
It gets better

;)

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 10, 2015, 06:21:32 AM
btw, how's your appetite?

As soon as I left the hospital, my appetite came back. Had a normal meal yesterday afternoon after dilation. I think the hospital setting just simply had me sick all around.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 10, 2015, 06:26:06 AM
Aren't dilations the best....said no one ever lol.
Been following your blog post, and wishing you well.
I'm 4 months post op, and what seemed like an eternity ago, time passes so fast.
In two weeks, I'm down to one dilation a day.
Lol, I joked with a friend that in the early days of dilation, seemed I was in bed all day or cleaning dilators or bathing.
It gets better

;)

Thank you. It's nice to hear from girls that are further along and are doing well. It gives me lots of hope. No two girls are the same but still, congrats to you! If I'm not looking forward to static dilations, I can only imagine how I will feel with dynamic dilations. How has that been for you?

That hospital smell will get you subliminally!  Trust me next time take your favorite spice with you.  I even take my own king size 40 pound fleece blanket already spiced up!  I just wash it after everytime and put into one of those vaccum bags.. 
Btw, how's the weather there?  Is it humid?  Hopefully the rooms they have you in are pretty decent?  Is it room service how you are eating, or order out?  Someone must be making good money for the captive audience they have.  You do get a good choice?  hope your day is going well! J

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 10, 2015, 02:45:03 PM
Thank you. It's nice to hear from girls that are further along and are doing well. It gives me lots of hope. No two girls are the same but still, congrats to you! If I'm not looking forward to static dilations, I can only imagine how I will feel with dynamic dilations. How has that been for you?

To be honest, I have no idea what static or dynamic dilations are.
Maybe because I went with Dr. Brassard??
we were taught by the nurses to insert the dilators, no twisting, turning or thrusting.
First couple months it was 4x a day, followed by sitz baths and showers.
As time has progressed, I'm now down to 2x a day - #3 dilator for 5 mins and #4 dilator for 15 minutes.
Next month I go to once a day and at 1 year mark, once a week.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 10, 2015, 08:21:05 PM
To be honest, I have no idea what static or dynamic dilations are.
Maybe because I went with Dr. Brassard??
we were taught by the nurses to insert the dilators, no twisting, turning or thrusting.
First couple months it was 4x a day, followed by sitz baths and showers.
As time has progressed, I'm now down to 2x a day - #3 dilator for 5 mins and #4 dilator for 15 minutes.
Next month I go to once a day and at 1 year mark, once a week.

Dr Suporn has his own way of dilating from what I read in a booklet somebody posted a link to in another thread. I'm not sure about it personally as he says it is meant to hurt a bit, I was taught on my Sports Injuries Treatment course that if the patient feels pain that's the bodies natural way of telling you that you're overdoing it so why would you tell someone to do something that's going to hurt them during recovery from surgery? I do understand Dr Suporn is trying to make sure the results of his work are the best they can be and he has allot of happy patients but I remain to be convinced that dynamic dilation performed by inexperienced people is a good idea :) I am definitely going to ask Dr Chett about it in 6 weeks when I meet him :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 10, 2015, 08:12:17 PM
Btw, how's the weather there?  Is it humid?  Hopefully the rooms they have you in are pretty decent?  Is it room service how you are eating, or order out?

It's very hot and humid here. It's around 90 degrees here and they call it their winter time, lol.. Yes, the rooms are decent. I'm glad they have functiong A/C. They have 3 room selections based on your preference and $$$. They do have room service. Breakfast is included in the package you pay but lunch and dinner are not so you can buy some groceries or eat street/mall food in the area which is cheaper than eating at the hotel, IMO.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 10, 2015, 08:21:05 PM
To be honest, I have no idea what static or dynamic dilations are.
Maybe because I went with Dr. Brassard??
we were taught by the nurses to insert the dilators, no twisting, turning or thrusting.
First couple months it was 4x a day, followed by sitz baths and showers.
As time has progressed, I'm now down to 2x a day - #3 dilator for 5 mins and #4 dilator for 15 minutes.
Next month I go to once a day and at 1 year mark, once a week.

Oh, sorry. I automatically assumed you were a Suporn patient. The technique you have to do sounds less painful. Glad things are going well for you!

Quote from: SorchaC on February 11, 2015, 12:45:44 AM
Dr Suporn has his own way of dilating from what I read in a booklet somebody posted a link to in another thread. I'm not sure about it personally as he says it is meant to hurt a bit, I was taught on my Sports Injuries Treatment course that if the patient feels pain that's the bodies natural way of telling you that you're overdoing it so why would you tell someone to do something that's going to hurt them during recovery from surgery? I do understand Dr Suporn is trying to make sure the results of his work are the best they can be and he has allot of happy patients but I remain to be convinced that dynamic dilation performed by inexperienced people is a good idea :) I am definitely going to ask Dr Chett about it in 6 weeks when I meet him :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Yeah, I totally get what you're saying but his dilation technique is obviously working or else he wouldn't be booked til October this year. And not everyone experiences pain I don't think. I can't image patients of other surgeons don't go through pain or discomfort while dilating whether dynamic or not. It is major surgery. But as they say, no pain, no gain.  :)

Post-op day 8: Woke up at 530am to prepare for dilation (alone this time). Went to bathroom to let anything out first. At 545am I was preparing everything needed to dilate. I Put on one of my favorite shows and started dilating at 6am. Dilation ended at 630am. By the time I cleaned up, took a nice shower and applied the betadine and silvex, it was 730am. So, the whole process took about 2 hours, wow. Not sure if that's normal but damn, lol. I decided to go downstairs for breakfast and now I feel totally exhausted. I am going to lay in bed the rest of the day. Still having very minimal blood and discomfort which is good but starting to feel stinging pains every once in a while. The clinic staff just checked me and said everything looks good.

^^^I typed the above at about 10am this morning. I took a nice nap and now I'm just resting. I plan to do my second dilation at 4pm today.

End of day 8. Don't know what happened to me this evening but I've been down in the dumps. Maybe it's a combination of being homesick, missing my husband, post-op depression. I knew this day would come, unfortunately.  :-\

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 11, 2015, 05:44:42 AM
End of day 8. Don't know what happened to me this evening but I've been down in the dumps. Maybe it's a combination of being homesick, missing my husband, post-op depression. I knew this day would come, unfortunately.  :-\

i never experienced any depression following surgery, just wanting to go home. I did miss my hubby too, and my house, and my own bed. It was nice that leaving Montreal, we were only an hour + drive home.
You'll be home soon enuf....the hard part is over.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 11, 2015, 05:50:53 AM
i never experienced any depression following surgery, just wanting to go home. I did miss my hubby too, and my house, and my own bed. It was nice that leaving Montreal, we were only an hour + drive home.
You'll be home soon enuf....the hard part is over.

Maybe it's not depression and just sadness being away from home and how exhausting the recovery is. Yes, you were very lucky. My trip back home will be a 22-hour flight total. And you're right, the hard part is over, I think lol. 17 days left & counting.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 11, 2015, 06:00:04 AM
Maybe it's not depression and just sadness being away from home and how exhausting the recovery is. Yes, you were very lucky. My trip back home will be a 22-hour flight total. And you're right, the hard part is over, I think lol. 17 days left & counting.

17 days left? Holy cow....long time there.
My surgery was on Sept 10 and was in my own bed in the 18th..

No doubt you're homesick

Could the depression be from 2 things that are now gone?  Not saying you miss them,  but they put out more than just testosterone.   A few days after mine were gone, I didn't miss them, but something didn't feel exactly right in the world either.. 
Btw, you are off the estradiol for a while?  Did you have a withdrawal from that too?  Now that it's my dominant hormone, the world is soo sad without it..  I know it affects us differently.  As long as you know your feelings, maybe you can reason through them until you get back to your routine.. 
Call hubby when sad, maybe that will help;)  just remember that deep sadness can also have anger.  Things that used to be petty to you could be an earth scorcher..  hopefully this will not happen to you;) 
Sweet dreams,  and glad to see you out and about!

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 11, 2015, 06:49:52 AM
17 days left? Holy cow....long time there.
My surgery was on Sept 10 and was in my own bed in the 18th..

No doubt you're homesick

Yeah, Suporn recommends staying 30 days just in case any complications arise. It is a long time. But I'm hoping time will pass soon.

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 11, 2015, 06:53:50 AM
Could the depression be from 2 things that are now gone?  Not saying you miss them,  but they put out more than just testosterone.   A few days after mine were gone, I didn't miss them, but something didn't feel exactly right in the world either.. 
Btw, you are off the estradiol for a while?  Did you have a withdrawal from that too?  Now that it's my dominant hormone, the world is soo sad without it..  I know it affects us differently.  As long as you know your feelings, maybe you can reason through them until you get back to your routine.. 
Call hubby when sad, maybe that will help;)  just remember that deep sadness can also have anger.  Things that used to be petty to you could be an earth scorcher..  hopefully this will not happen to you;) 
Sweet dreams,  and glad to see you out and about!

Could be that too. I haven't been on estradiol for a while to prepare for surgery and then the trauma and recovery itself can be taking a toll on me. I'll try to think positive. Afterall, I did just get what I wanted my entire life and everything is going well, healing wise.. I'm sure this will pass. And yes I talk to hubby all the time through skype to keep me sane.

Congrats JenJen! I am so happy for you! Get better soon /speedy recovery darling! I can't wait till I'm in your shoes lol :)

Sorry didn't read your last posts properly, in regards to depression, I haven't gone through GRS but I know other surgeries have seen me get very emotional... That and the hormone fluctuation and the fact you can't just run out and enjoy life just yet, all play their part. I'm sure you'll feel much better soon.!! :)

Quote from: calicarly on February 11, 2015, 12:08:27 PM
Sorry didn't read your last posts properly, in regards to depression, I haven't gone through GRS but I know other surgeries have seen me get very emotional... That and the hormone fluctuation and the fact you can't just run out and enjoy life just yet, all play their part. I'm sure you'll feel much better soon.!! :)

Thanks calicarly! I think you are right.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 11, 2015, 05:44:42 AM
End of day 8. Don't know what happened to me this evening but I've been down in the dumps. Maybe it's a combination of being homesick, missing my husband, post-op depression. I knew this day would come, unfortunately.  :-\

Some people also feel depressed after general anesthesia, especially in combination with the painkillers. This has happened to me a couple of times.

Hope your spirits are improving!

Quote from: Eveline on February 11, 2015, 02:42:05 PM
Some people also feel depressed after general anesthesia, especially in combination with the painkillers. This has happened to me a couple of times.

Hope your spirits are improving!

Thanks, I think they slowly are.

Post-op day 9: I had an appt with Suporn today. A nurse took out the outer stitches and was told the rest will dissolve on their own. Suporn examined my 9 day vagina and said "healing look ok" and that the clitoris looks healthy but some of the skin has necrosis. Also, part of lower bottom left lip has necrosis. He said don't worry (I am worried!) that the skin will fall off and heal on it's own. He also said there isn't any separation at the bottom and that the skin looks healthy but if that were to occur, usually occurs during dilations he said, he could fix it prior to me leaving home. Don't know if this is what most girls are told during examinations but now I'm starting to think my healing isn't going so well :/

I would expect if he says he can heal any issues prior to you leaving then he believes any potential problems are not serious. I wouldn't worry to much about what may happen as that will distract you from being concerned with healing. If something happens you still have the surgeon on hand to sort it out.

Hope that helps and all heals fine :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Quote from: SorchaC on February 12, 2015, 03:48:41 AM
I would expect if he says he can heal any issues prior to you leaving then he believes any potential problems are not serious. I wouldn't worry to much about what may happen as that will distract you from being concerned with healing. If something happens you still have the surgeon on hand to sort it out.

Hope that helps and all heals fine :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks for the encouragement Sorcha!  :)

About two months after my surgery, I went for a follow up as the surgeon is only an hour away. I had been paranoid as well. Took him all of 15 seconds to determine "you're fine, everything is healig perfectly."
I'm about the most paranoid person out there with my health, but he was right.
I'm seeing him again this coming Monday for a routine check up, again, I expect any concerns I have will not be a worry.
Remember, these surgeons have seen enuf of their work to know what's a worry and what isn't.

Keep up the spirits.

Nina

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 12, 2015, 03:38:52 AM
Post-op day 9: I had an appt with Suporn today. A nurse took out the outer stitches and was told the rest will dissolve on their own. Suporn examined my 9 day vagina and said "healing look ok" and that the clitoris looks healthy but some of the skin has necrosis. Also, part of lower bottom left lip has necrosis. He said don't worry (I am worried!) that the skin will fall off and heal on it's own. He also said there isn't any separation at the bottom and that the skin looks healthy but if that were to occur, usually occurs during dilations he said, he could fix it prior to me leaving home. Don't know if this is what most girls are told during examinations but now I'm starting to think my healing isn't going so well :/

I guess this is the point where being stuck there for so long works out for the best.

In a previous post about your consult, he said "aesthetically it may not be the best". It sounds like you can trust him to give you bad news if there is any. I'd try not to worry about it - not sure I'd manage it though.

You'e probably seen all these before, but I think they are relevant to your current situation, and perhaps they might help

https://thailandsrsexperience.wordpress.com/tag/dr-suporn-clinic/

https://lauratransgirl.wordpress.com/2013/12/

http://angelsforum.co.uk/phpforum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=26511&sid=96ebf4e28e71802524832b60038dc279&start=40#p396269

Necrosis happens alot to skin surgery.  It's treating it if necessary.  Just try to baby any areas that are dark in color.  Maybe if you can use the shower head to lightly massage it to keep blood flowing.  But if it's getting darker, the skin has a good chance of tearing.  Try not to let this happen until it falls off or he redoes it.  Makes less scars..  but try to keep it warm and light massage to circulate bloodflow,  but remember not to overwork the stitches..  hopefully in a week or 2 the layer will wall off with pretty pink under;) 
If it gets dark, maybe you know another dr personally that you could send a pic to for a 2nd opinion?  But don't worry,  if it was too bad, he would have had you in, fixing it now so he didn't have complications later?
Take care;)  keep it warm and dry!  Maybe sleep with a pillow between legs?  Muffinheart may have some better suggestions too?

My experience post op and suggestions are from Dr. Brassard, and not sure if these are the same for everyone. Early on, following surgery, I kept these in mind:
1. After showering and sitz baths, always, always air dry
2. When I slept at night, never wore underwear as sweat or humidity is bad
3. Never use scented pads or other products. In fact, at home, I use unscented dryer sheets
4. Douching was very important early on, and it's recommended to douche at least once a week as it gets rid of dead skin

Just my thoughts

Thanks to everyone. According to a Suporn-focused group who have all gone through the surgery said Suporn told them the same thing and they turned out well and that this is normal. Some say they had separations and it got fixed before leaving and others say they did not. I don't yet so knowing that it can happen, I'll be even more careful now. And again I need a positive mind.

Think you already have the positive mind, you are on the other side of the world, doing major surgery all by yourself.  If that's not head strong, then what is;)

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 12, 2015, 06:15:34 AM
Thanks to everyone. According to a Suporn-focused group who have all gone through the surgery said Suporn told them the same thing and they turned out well and that this is normal. Some say they had separations and it got fixed before leaving and others say they did not. I don't yet so knowing that it can happen, I'll be even more careful now. And again I need a positive mind.

Well that's some settling, calming news. Remember to keep as relaxed and and positive as possible, sometimes when situations where things could go either way, simply keeping stress at bay can see you coming out on the better side.  Use any tricks that help you feel positive (music, etc)
Lotsa love from afar .

JenJen2011, I think you are incredibly brave. I'm so sorry that you are by yourself!

I've been thinking of doing SRS in Thailand and would also need to travel alone, so you are my hero. :)

Are you able to use Skype or similar to see a friendly face now and then?

Quote from: calicarly on February 12, 2015, 07:42:40 AM
Well that's some settling, calming news. Remember to keep as relaxed and and positive as possible, sometimes when situations where things could go either way, simply keeping stress at bay can see you coming out on the better side.  Use any tricks that help you feel positive (music, etc)
Lotsa love from afar .

Thanks  :)

Quote from: Eveline on February 12, 2015, 08:53:22 AM
JenJen2011, I think you are incredibly brave. I'm so sorry that you are by yourself!

I've been thinking of doing SRS in Thailand and would also need to travel alone, so you are my hero. :)

Are you able to use Skype or similar to see a friendly face now and then?

My parents actually came with me so I'm not alone. I Skype all the time with my hubby which has kept me sane.

Wow, now that's love!  Congrats, you have parents that most of us only hear in fairytales;)

Post-op day 10: I woke up today feeling absolutely fabulous. A lot of it had to do with me being able to sleep well last night. I took a sleeping pill and a pain killer (tramadol) which Dr. Suporn provides. I put on a girdle with pad as to not stain any sheets or pillows and I slept so good. Woke up feeling great. I did my morning dilation, no problem. I had a post-op dilation class to attend which the clinic provides. It was very informative and I was able to ask a lot of questions. The whole necrosis thing is not a big deal as I initially thought. I made a couple friendships while I was there. It was fun. I am feeling so good today! YAYYYYYYY!

Hugs!  :icon_hug:

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 12, 2015, 11:03:51 PM
Post-op day 10: I woke up today feeling absolutely fabulous. A lot of it had to do with me being able to sleep well last night. I took a sleeping pill and a pain killer (tramadol) which Dr. Suporn provides. I put on a girdle with pad as to not stain any sheets or pillows and I slept so good. Woke up feeling great. I did my morning dilation, no problem. I had a post-op dilation class to attend which the clinic provides. It was very informative and I was able to ask a lot of questions. The whole necrosis thing is not a big deal as I initially thought. I made a couple friendships while I was there. It was fun. I am feeling so good today! YAYYYYYYY!

Sleep is good and so is making friends so I'd say you're well on the way to going home happy, Well done you   ;D ;D

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 12, 2015, 11:03:51 PM
Post-op day 10: I woke up today feeling absolutely fabulous. A lot of it had to do with me being able to sleep well last night. I took a sleeping pill and a pain killer (tramadol) which Dr. Suporn provides. I put on a girdle with pad as to not stain any sheets or pillows and I slept so good. Woke up feeling great. I did my morning dilation, no problem. I had a post-op dilation class to attend which the clinic provides. It was very informative and I was able to ask a lot of questions. The whole necrosis thing is not a big deal as I initially thought. I made a couple friendships while I was there. It was fun. I am feeling so good today! YAYYYYYYY!

Woo hoo!

Thanks all :)

Post-op day 13: Dr. Suporn examined me today. He says I still don't have any separation which is good. He says my clitoris continues to look good. He looked inside my vagina and says it's pink and is almost completely healed. He wants me to start dynamic dilation tomorrow. So, instead of dilating twice a day for 30 minutes each by just inserting the medium dilator in at full depth and holding pressure, I will now need to dilate 3 times a day for about 15 minutes each, starting with the medium dilator to reach full depth and stir. Then use the large dilator and insert as far in as I can and stir. He says the medium will keep my depth which is still at 6 1/2 inches and the large one will widen my vagina wall. Hopefully it doesn't hurt too much. Right now, my current dilation does not.

They gave me more pain meds and supplies as I was running out. I met a couple new girls and chatted with a couple others girl I met before. This experience is like no other. Pretty cool!  :)

2 weeks post-op now. Today I started dynamic dilation. With the medium I was able to reach my full depth 6 1/2 inches and hold pressure for 10 seconds, then stir for 10 minutes. I pulled out and got the big boy ready, the large one. Ahhhh, it's so big. Surprisingly, although I didn't get to 6/12, I did get 6 inches of depth with the large one. I put pressure for 10 seconds and then stirred for 10 mins. The whole experience was painless just like the static dilations were painless for me. I just don't like that I have to do this 3 times a day now. But so far so good! :)

After nurse came by she clarified that I should insert medium dilator and put pressure for 10 seconds, stir for 10 seconds, pressure 10 seconds, stir 10 seconds, up to 15 mins. Then do the same for large dilator but up to 5 minutes. Should be easier to do.  :)

That makes more sense.  If you miss a session and even the mediums seem too big, start smaller.  I did a transcrotal that's in the same tissue.  I started with a hole the size of my pinky, I can fit 2 fingers now.  But on enlarging it, if I missed a session, it would shrink and have to restart.  It was easier, but if I just forced it, it would hurt. 
Ever hear of memory foam?  I wonder if the dr ever thought of using memory foam of different sizes wrapped in a condom.  They apply little pressure, but over time it would do the same thing with almost no effort of pain.  It was my last design of a dilator I used and instead of pain in stretching, I'd just have to take out and clean daily..  maybe after you leave, they may have such a design for when u are busy?
Are your dilators solid or foam or rubber if I may ask? 

Hi Jen,

Looks like everything is coming along nicely, I'm really pleased for you, Thanks for the thread and happy healing

Hugs

Sorcha   ;D

Quote from: SorchaC on February 17, 2015, 06:44:40 PM
Hi Jen,

Looks like everything is coming along nicely, I'm really pleased for you, Thanks for the thread and happy healing

Hugs

Sorcha   ;D

Thank you. I'll continue to update as new things happen. My recovery has kind of leveled and is just repetitive at this point.

16 days post-op: Dr. Suporn examined me today and told me I have separation on both sides. I will need stitches. It will be a 30min procedure. I made sure to rest, I'm in my room 24/7, I don't even go downstairs for breakfast. I do my dilation routines and I still got this less than wanted news. What a bummer. I guess the dynamic dilation did it.  :-\

Oh dear, sorry to hear that..  did he give a suggestion to why.  If on both sides, sounds like it happened during dialation..  just go slower, use more lube, and it will all be healed and over soon;)  just like yoga, all tissue responds better when you go slowly into and out of a stretch..  I'm sure you do already, but just use that as a guide and go even slower for now..  also, could this be where he said the necrosis was?   good luck!   

Post-op day 18: Remember how I said Suporn stated I have separations on both sides. Well, the clinic staff that came over today, Fon, after opening my legs and examining my vagina she said it looks like the separations healed on their own. I hope that is true but we shall see for sure on Monday when I visit Suporn.

Other than that dilations have been going smoothly. I've got a good routine with that. No pain, little discomfort here and there. In exactly 1 week, I will be flying back home.

You still have family with you?  How are things on that front.

Skin can heal back together when not under pressure, just hope it's not a scar, some scars become strong, but some can Crack and bleed forever..  keep on him about that..
Your posts will help inspire others in the future.  Thank you;)

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 21, 2015, 01:08:37 AM
Post-op day 18: Remember how I said Suporn stated I have separations on both sides. Well, the clinic staff that came over today, Fon, after opening my legs and examining my vagina she said it looks like the separations healed on their own. I hope that is true but we shall see for sure on Monday when I visit Suporn.

Other than that dilations have been going smoothly. I've got a good routine with that. No pain, little discomfort here and there. In exactly 1 week, I will be flying back home.

Outstanding news! Wow, day 18...how time flies.  Few more sleeps and  you'll be back home in your own bed.

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 21, 2015, 02:15:39 AM
You still have family with you?  How are things on that front.

Skin can heal back together when not under pressure, just hope it's not a scar, some scars become strong, but some can Crack and bleed forever..  keep on him about that..
Your posts will help inspire others in the future.  Thank you;)

I do, parents are still with me. We'll be flying back home together. I'll keep ya'll updated after I see the doc on Monday.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 21, 2015, 05:30:59 AM
Outstanding news! Wow, day 18...how time flies.  Few more sleeps and  you'll be back home in your own bed.

I know! Feels like I just had surgery yesterday. Before I know it, I will be 6 months and then 1 year post op and recovered. Can't wait!!  ;D

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 21, 2015, 05:57:58 AM
I know! Feels like I just had surgery yesterday. Before I know it, I will be 6 months and then 1 year post op and recovered. Can't wait!!  ;D

Yep, six months for me next week...and one dilation a day woo hoo

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 21, 2015, 06:06:24 AM
Yep, six months for me next week...and one dilation a day woo hoo

YAY! So everything is pretty much settled for you at this point?

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 21, 2015, 06:18:00 AM
YAY! So everything is pretty much settled for you at this point?

Yep, visited my surgeon last week for a routine checkup. Said I had a little bit of granular, he zapped it with those silver nitrate sticks, and said I should try douching daily for a month rather than just twice a week. Bit of dead skin...nothing to worry about.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 21, 2015, 05:57:58 AM

I know! Feels like I just had surgery yesterday. Before I know it, I will be 6 months and then 1 year post op and recovered. Can't wait!!  ;D

Soon be time to go home :) I hope all goes well today when you see Dr Suporn :) Time sure has flown. Well done for keeping going

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Post-op day 20:

Ok, I have an update for ya'll. What a day it has been! You guys have no idea.

So, I woke up this morning and started my usual routine which usually begins with my first session of dilation. Everything normal there. I then go to the washroom and as I'm showering I'm noticing blood by my feet in the tub. But this wasn't the usual, just spots of blood. This was stream-like, running down my legs blood and it would not stop. No matter how much water I added to the area, it kept going, and going, and going, AND GOING! I freaked the hell out.

I laid down on my bed, used two linens the clinic provides, one for under my bum and the other for under my legs because I knew I was hella bloody and didn't want to stain the bed sheets. I called the clinic to explain and they said they'd send somebody over. Meanwhile, I'm trying to find the area from which the blood is coming out from to put pressure with a cotton ball. The clinic staff comes after about 20 mins. She tells me the blood is coming from my urethra and holds pressure there for a few mins. She said after putting pressure it usually stops on it's own and that bleeding is normal for the first 4 months.

Today I was to meet Dr. Suporn for an examination and was told to dilate twice prior to heading to the clinic. So, a few hours later, I dilate again. As I'm walking to the washroom I'm praying to God that the blood won't continue to pour out. Thankfully, everything seemed back to normal. No more stream-like blood.

Upon arrival to the clinic, I was told to get into the revision gown which I had feared. Dr. Suporn examined me first and sure enough I needed a revision. I just got back to the hotel from the revision. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The numbing injections did hurt and I felt a little pain at the end but during I felt nothing. After Suporn was done he asked me if I was cleaning out the inside of my vagina all the time because he said I had some separation inside the vagina which was very rare. I told him no, that I only wash out the inside with the syringe 4 times (the last one with betadine) after each dilation as directed. Then I gently wash the outer area with hibiscrub as directed. Now, I do splash the outside of my vagina many many times with water which I guess I'll do it less now. And I was washing the outside of my vagina with water after every pee and he told me to stop that. He told me to try to keep the vajayjay as dry as possible but to use a lot of sylvex cream. I can resume dynamic dilation tomorrow with the medium and large but to rest for the remainder of today. He said walk only as needed. Well, there's a beach trip in 2 days that he provides to his patients which I guess I should skip. And he told me to keep my legs closed as much as possible, hehe. He showed me my vagina after the revision and it looked soooooo much better and he also removed part of my right inner labia because it was huuuuuge. It's still a little swollen but he says all will go down. I think I feel much better now. I see him again on Thursday and then I fly home on Saturday. I just really hope I can recoup properly this time around and don't have any other problems. Oh annnnnnnnnnnd, I've lost 22 pounds since I've arrived to Thailand. I'm so happy about that.

Dr. Suporn and the staff have been very empathetic and attentive. I will miss that when I leave this place. Today started horrendous (at least in my mind) and ended up pretty good. Now, time to rest, rest, rest.

Til next time............

Oh by the way, hi to Nikki or Nicole (can't remember exactly). When the Suporn bus was taking a few girls to the clinic today, this girl said she had been following my posts on Susans. Hi Nikki, hope you are doing well! :)

We all told you to keep it clean but dry:)  i bet you may get your beach trip, but stay out of water and sand, put a huge bandage over everything to seal it off if you can!  Ever hear of the girls talk about sand in their crack! 
I'm sooo happy for you.. next time if it starts to bleed, don't use water.  Just let it bleed til it clots over or try pressure, the water just keeps it going.  I think you remember to put water on a cut to was bad stuff out, but it's already clean.. 
Less than a week, can you sleep anymore.  Or do you just imagine coming home and continuing your life. 

Wish you the best dear;) jamie

Direct pressure and elevation are good ways to control bleeding...but I'm sure questions would be asked if they came in and you're standing on your head...LOL

I'd freak out if I saw a stream of blood coming out of my hoo-hoo! Glad to hear it's all better! *knocks on wood*

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 23, 2015, 07:31:45 AM
We all told you to keep it clean but dry:)  i bet you may get your beach trip, but stay out of water and sand, put a huge bandage over everything to seal it off if you can!  Ever hear of the girls talk about sand in their crack! 
I'm sooo happy for you.. next time if it starts to bleed, don't use water.  Just let it bleed til it clots over or try pressure, the water just keeps it going.  I think you remember to put water on a cut to was bad stuff out, but it's already clean.. 
Less than a week, can you sleep anymore.  Or do you just imagine coming home and continuing your life. 

Wish you the best dear;) jamie

Yup, learned my lesson. Oh shucks no, sand in my vajayjay??? Not good! Lol. I think I'll stay in the hotel and let my parents enjoy the trip. I can't sleep, even after taking a sleeping pill, ugh. I just had the revision like 6 hours ago and they injected me with pain liquid which supposedly lasts 10 hours but I definitely feel a lil pain and discomfort down there. I took the strongest pain med about an hour ago. It's not really helping either. Oh well, I got to suck it up. Hurry up 1 year post-op, can't wait til I get there.

After I go home I'll be off work for about 2 more months for recovery so that will be good.

Quote from: Beth Andrea on February 23, 2015, 08:48:47 AM
Direct pressure and elevation are good ways to control bleeding...but I'm sure questions would be asked if they came in and you're standing on your head...LOL

I'd freak out if I saw a stream of blood coming out of my hoo-hoo! Glad to hear it's all better! *knocks on wood*

i wish I could do a hand stand, lol. Yeah, let's not talk too soon but I'm hoping for the best. God is by me and helping me through this. I'm dreading the 22-hour flight back home. That's gonna be a B!

I'd suggest not trying a turnaquette either!  hahaha;)
May I ask what you do for work?  Better not say "supermodel", or I'll really get jealous!  Don't try poison tester for the military either, it really has a bad retirement program!
Sleep is not working for me either, I just loaded up w oxy (which I bet you are killing for rt now) and some xanax..  nappy time!  It works for me most of the time.. 
To be honest,  you are in a country where you should be able to send your parents to a local pharmacy and pick up lidocaine cream without a prescription.   A small amount of that would be your perfect cure w/o affecting anything..  maybe even ask him if you can get some..  no more than a 10% cream..  all legal and doesn't hurt to ask..  very cheap too!
Sweet dreams;)

Btw, buy a hemorrhoid pillow for your trip home?

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 23, 2015, 09:33:39 AM
I'd suggest not trying a turnaquette either!  hahaha;)
May I ask what you do for work?  Better not say "supermodel", or I'll really get jealous!  Don't try poison tester for the military either, it really has a bad retirement program!

Supermodel??? HAHA yeah right, I wish. I work for a medical practice. Poison tester doesn't sound much fun to me, lol.

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 23, 2015, 09:34:40 AM
Btw, buy a hemorrhoid pillow for your trip home?

The clinic has provided me with a special pillow to sit on so I'm good in that department  :)

Post-op day 21: Wow 3 weeks already.

Last night was ok. Although I was feeling discomfort and pain down there, after taking a sleeping pill, it knocked me right out. I had a good night's sleep. I finished my first dilation session today. I was extra careful since I just got a revision yesterday. With the medium I reached 6 inch and with large 5 and 3/4. Not bad. Prior to revision I was getting 6 1/2 with medium and 6 with large. I'll slowly work my way back to it. Right now I feel pretty good. I've decided to skip the beach trip tomorrow. Recovery is way more important to me than a day of sight seeing. I don't want to risk it. But my parents will go. I told them to take lots of pictures. Well, let's hope the rest of this day goes smoothly. I just plan on relaxing.

Til next time.......

Good choice staying in, always time for play later;)  and glad you are in the medical field.   We need more people like us in there to show we are a functioning part of society.   Maybe the drs will be more willing to help us then instead of dragging it out!  Have a good night!

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 23, 2015, 09:19:29 PM

Post-op day 21: Wow 3 weeks already.

Congrats on 3 weeks :) It really has flown :) Where do you stop en route to home?

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Quote from: SorchaC on February 23, 2015, 10:16:32 PM
Congrats on 3 weeks :) It really has flown :) Where do you stop en route to home?

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

In liberal Dubai, lol

I will never transit in Dubai even normally, but transiting after SRS would seriously scare me.

Perhaps none of this is news to you, but here's a few links

Tourists warned of UAE drug laws
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7234786.stm

http://diytravelexpert.com/dubai-danger-medicines-drugs-and-you/

Briton jailed for four years in Dubai after customs find cannabis weighing less than a grain of sugar under his shoe
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-512815/Briton-jailed-years-Dubai-customs-cannabis-weighing-grain-sugar-shoe.html

Dubai: warning to travellers over prescription medicine
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7801410/Dubai-warning-to-travellers-over-prescription-medicine.html

You may be carrying a medications that are seriously illegal in Dubai, and if you even have a trace of then in your blood its the same as carrying them. 4 years in jail. You'll probably have more than a trace of illegal drugs in your blood, and even codeine is illegal. Its probably nothing compared to what you'll be getting in Thailand.

People taking essential medications have transited there thinking its ok as they won't be entering the country only to find their flights delayed and they have to enter. That would be so so bad.

There's a guy serving 4 years in Jail for 3 poppy seeds from a bread roll he ate at London Heathrow airport. And another one got 4 years for a tiny spec of cannabis on his shoe. Not sure its in these links but I read of a case where someone was thrown in jail for quite a while while they tried to work out what drugs he was carrying - not because it was illegal, but because it might be and they didn't know.

Quote from: AnonyMs on February 24, 2015, 02:12:07 AM
I will never transit in Dubai even normally, but transiting after SRS would seriously scare me.

Perhaps none of this is news to you, but here's a few links

Tourists warned of UAE drug laws
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7234786.stm

http://diytravelexpert.com/dubai-danger-medicines-drugs-and-you/

Briton jailed for four years in Dubai after customs find cannabis weighing less than a grain of sugar under his shoe
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-512815/Briton-jailed-years-Dubai-customs-cannabis-weighing-grain-sugar-shoe.html

Dubai: warning to travellers over prescription medicine
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/7801410/Dubai-warning-to-travellers-over-prescription-medicine.html

You may be carrying a medications that are seriously illegal in Dubai, and if you even have a trace of then in your blood its the same as carrying them. 4 years in jail. You'll probably have more than a trace of illegal drugs in your blood, and even codeine is illegal. Its probably nothing compared to what you'll be getting in Thailand.

People taking essential medications have transited there thinking its ok as they won't be entering the country only to find their flights delayed and they have to enter. That would be so so bad.

There's a guy serving 4 years in Jail for 3 poppy seeds from a bread roll he ate at London Heathrow airport. And another one got 4 years for a tiny spec of cannabis on his shoe. Not sure its in these links but I read of a case where someone was thrown in jail for quite a while while they tried to work out what drugs he was carrying - not because it was illegal, but because it might be and they didn't know.

Thanks. Yup, I've read all the horror stories. Trust me, I did A LOT of investigation. If all my legal documents did not have my female name and gender marker female, I wouldn't have transited through Dubai. I transited through Dubai to Thailand with no issues. I'm on a ton of meds, including xanax, and my hand bag wasn't even searched. I have letters from my doctors listing my meds and all prescriptions just in case but I was asked for nothing. So, I'm not really worried about my trip back home.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 24, 2015, 02:23:21 AM
I transited through Dubai to Thailand with no issues. I'm on a ton of meds, including xanax, and my hand bag wasn't even searched. I have letters from my doctors listing my meds and all prescriptions just in case but I was asked for nothing. So, I'm not really worried about my trip back home.

I guess I'm a bit (lot) more paranoid, and I always think of worst case.

The real problem is that if they want they can do whatever they want to you, and there's nothing to stop them. And they to have a history of it. You're technically breaking the law, even with the doctors letters, so you're relying on luck and kindness in a place that pretty short of it.

I think I'd contact your countries embassy before leaving and try to make sure that in the event of trouble they help as soon as possible, although I don't think there's much they can do. And make sure there someone watching out for you who can help get word out.

Thailand is very strict with drugs going in and out, but at least its something you can deal with.

Quote from: AnonyMs on February 24, 2015, 02:40:41 AM
I guess I'm a bit (lot) more paranoid, and I always think of worst case.

The real problem is that if they want they can do whatever they want to you, and there's nothing to stop them. And they to have a history of it. You're technically breaking the law, even with the doctors letters, so you're relying on luck and kindness in a place that pretty short of it.

I think I'd contact your countries embassy before leaving and try to make sure that in the event of trouble they help as soon as possible, although I don't think there's much they can do. And make sure there someone watching out for you who can help get word out.

Thailand is very strict with drugs going in and out, but at least its something you can deal with.

Trust me I was very paranoid before my flight. Reading all the horror stories online made me cringe and freaked me out. But after investigating and reading a lot of different successful experiences and taking their advice, I felt much better and look, everything worked out. I'm not breaking any law, really. The drugs I take are not forbidden. They just have a controlled system of drugs there and none of the drugs I carry are considered forbidden. I checked the Dubai website. Their formal website says you need this and this and this for certain meds but after reading many Dubai travel forums and posts from people who frequently fly through Dubai and actual people who live there, they all state as long as you have a doctors letter and prescription, you will be ok. So, there's really no need to be paranoid. It all reads worse than what it really is.

Now, there have been scary cases like you stated above. But those people were carrying forbidden drugs like you say. And the transsexuals that were also sent to jail, their documentation stated male but they were dressed as female. Dubai calls that "imitation of women" and that is against the law there. Because my documents reflect my presentation, I have no problems with that.

I've transited via Dubai 3 times over last 18 months and like Jen all my documents indicate female, I don't think you will encounter any issues while transiting inside the airport. but I'm not sure I'd try passing through immigration. The transit area is technically international territory so while it is against UAE law to enter Dubai being trans I'm fairly sure that as long as you don't invite attention you'll be left alone while waiting for an onward connection because you haven't legally entered UAE. Prescription medicines are usually covered by a doctors note and copy of the prescription as long as you only have enough to cover the length of your trip

I don't like Dubai Airport because it is over priced for drinks and food plus the air seems really stuffy and lifeless. Emirates have their own terminal so you should be fairly close to your onward flight and unless you want to do some shopping I think I'd get to your gate as soon as you can and wait there.

Hope the flight goes well and you find a way to sleep. The A380's are quite roomy so you should be reasonably comfortable

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Quote from: SorchaC on February 24, 2015, 04:04:34 PM
I've transited via Dubai 3 times over last 18 months and like Jen all my documents indicate female, I don't think you will encounter any issues while transiting inside the airport. but I'm not sure I'd try passing through immigration. The transit area is technically international territory so while it is against UAE law to enter Dubai being trans I'm fairly sure that as long as you don't invite attention you'll be left alone while waiting for an onward connection because you haven't legally entered UAE. Prescription medicines are usually covered by a doctors note and copy of the prescription as long as you only have enough to cover the length of your trip

I don't like Dubai Airport because it is over priced for drinks and food plus the air seems really stuffy and lifeless. Emirates have their own terminal so you should be fairly close to your onward flight and unless you want to do some shopping I think I'd get to your gate as soon as you can and wait there.

Hope the flight goes well and you find a way to sleep. The A380's are quite roomy so you should be reasonably comfortable

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks. I'm not woried about the transit as I am about being comfortable on a plane for 6 hours and then 12 hours after this operation. I'll make sure to take lots of pads for frequent changing, wet wipes to freshen up, xanax to relax, and of course my donut pillow, lol. I'm hoping I'll be able to recline my seat a bit so as to not put so much pressure down there. We'll see how it goes. I'm leaving in 3 days  ;D

Wow, time goes by fast!  No more tears or bleeding?  What about itching, I can only imagine itching from the healing!

Just be careful in dubai,

I'm just saying, get off one plane and run for the other..  you may be in international territory, but anything can happen!   Don't want to scare you

Your parents are with you fortunately.  Always be proud, but this one time, keep your head down..

Ps, did you ever make a photo time line of yourself during transition?  Nothing private;), just pics up against the same wall for the last few years?  I'd be interested if you are willing to show, or a good expo like others on youtube?  As an inspiration!   Take care;) jamie




*Please remember to keep within site rules when posting*

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 24, 2015, 07:13:15 PM

I'm hoping I'll be able to recline my seat a bit so as to not put so much pressure down there. We'll see how it goes. I'm leaving in 3 days  ;D

With Emirates you can pre book seats, Some people get really nasty about you reclining too far so maybe get one of your parents to book the seat directly behind you then you can recline knowing the person behind won't complain :)

Just thought it may help you.:)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 25, 2015, 06:29:36 AM
Wow, time goes by fast!  No more tears or bleeding?  What about itching, I can only imagine itching from the healing!

Just be careful in dubai,

I'm just saying, get off one plane and run for the other..  you may be in international territory, but anything can happen!   Don't want to scare you

Your parents are with you fortunately.  Always be proud, but this one time, keep your head down..

Ps, did you ever make a photo time line of yourself during transition?  Nothing private;), just pics up against the same wall for the last few years?  I'd be interested if you are willing to show, or a good expo like others on youtube?  As an inspiration!   Take care;) jamie




*Please remember to keep within site rules when posting*

A little bleeding still which is normal. No more itching although I have something that feels like a stitch poking my clitoris from time to time and it's so sensitive that it hurts. Tomorrow is my last visit with Suporn. I'll mention it to him.

My layover in Dubai is just under 2 hours so I only have enough time to get to my next flight. It was the same way when we stopped in Dubai coming to Thailand. We basically sped walked and when we got to the gate they were already calling passengers to board the plane.

I use to have a timeline video on YouTube but I took it down years ago so nope, not anymore.

Quote from: SorchaC on February 25, 2015, 06:31:44 AM
With Emirates you can pre book seats, Some people get really nasty about you reclining too far so maybe get one of your parents to book the seat directly behind you then you can recline knowing the person behind won't complain :)

Just thought it may help you.:)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

I pre-booked my seats for the return flight and choose the rows that were last of the section, meaning no more rows behind us but I may have made a mistake. If there's a bathroom or wall or something right behind us, I won't be able to recline at all I think but we shall see. And I chose the blue disabled/handicap seats for myself. Hopefully those are good seats.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 25, 2015, 07:53:47 AM

I pre-booked my seats for the return flight and choose the rows that were last of the section, meaning no more rows behind us but I may have made a mistake. If there's a bathroom or wall or something right behind us, I won't be able to recline at all I think but we shall see. And I chose the blue disabled/handicap seats for myself. Hopefully those are good seats.

Try this

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Emirates_Airlines/Emirates_Airlines_Airbus_A380.php (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Emirates_Airlines/Emirates_Airlines_Airbus_A380.php)

Then you'll know  :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

I'm curious, but I assume it's the same, but were you provided with a letter for travelling with your dilators in your carry on baggage?

Quote from: SorchaC on February 25, 2015, 08:10:55 AM
Try this

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Emirates_Airlines/Emirates_Airlines_Airbus_A380.php (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Emirates_Airlines/Emirates_Airlines_Airbus_A380.php)

Then you'll know  :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks. Looks like I chose OK seats.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 25, 2015, 08:19:58 AM
I'm curious, but I assume it's the same, but were you provided with a letter for travelling with your dilators in your carry on baggage?

Yes, I was provided with a letter but after asking, the clinic staff told me to put the dilators in my checked in luggage. I don't quite agree with that. What if the luggage gets lost or something? I was informed by someone who travels frequently through Dubai that she always takes her dilators in her carry-on. She says she rarely gets questioned about them but the few times she has, she just showed them the letter and was on her way.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 25, 2015, 08:30:58 AM
Yes, I was provided with a letter but after asking, the clinic staff told me to put the dilators in my checked in luggage. I don't quite agree with that. What if the luggage gets lost or something? I was informed by someone who travels frequently through Dubai that she always takes her dilators in her carry-on. She says she rarely gets questioned about them but the few times she has, she just showed them the letter and was on her way.

Yeah, I don't agree either. I'd hate to lose them because who knows how quick you can get another set.

I laugh when I think if the people checking carry on would be discrete if they were to question you.
"Yes, it's a weapon, and I'm not afraid to use it....in the bedroom"

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 25, 2015, 08:42:29 AM
Yeah, I don't agree either. I'd hate to lose them because who knows how quick you can get another set.

I laugh when I think if the people checking carry on would be discrete if they were to question you.
"Yes, it's a weapon, and I'm not afraid to use it....in the bedroom"

The girl told me a funny story that one time she was getting a lot of questions so she loudly said, "THESE ARE SEX TOYS FOR MY VAGINA" so everyone could hear. They quickly put them away after that, lol.

Could always say they are first aid to seal bullet wounds?

Regarding dilators, I recall coming across some info a while ago

Perhaps you could buy a spare and post it home? Apparently they were 1500 baht a year ago. Or split them with your parents luggage, hopefully they couldn't lose all of it.
https://thailandsrsexperience.wordpress.com/2014/01/22/3rd-day-alone/

I read something else that I can't post a link to, to the effect that Suporns dilators show up in airport scanners as being full of liquid, hence the risk of getting them confiscated. Except for the travel travel dilator which doesn't.

Post-op Day 23:

Today was a good day. I did my 3 dilations as normal, no issues. Today was my last visit with Suporn. He inspected my vagina and says everything is healing well (this is the first time he's seen it after the revision he did). I asked if I had any separations again and he said no. Thank goodness, lol. He did tell me again to not wet the area too much. He continued to be very adamant about that. He said use a little hibiscrub/soap and wash it off after each dilation and that's it. I think when I get home I'll have to use a blow dryer or something to make sure it gets completely dry, lol. I was given a ton of goodies for my trip back home. They also gave me a USB filled with pictures of my operation. Before I received it though, I actually sat with Suporn and he did a slideshow presentation for me. My stomach doesn't easily get upset when I see blood and guts so it was ok. It was actually pretty cool to see the process. At the end of the visit, I asked him if I could take a picture with him and he agreed to it. That photo was also added to my USB. Then I gave him a great big hug and said thank you. Good memories, yes indeed.

As far as my recovery, everything is looking good down there, especially after the revision. It seems as though many girls get a revision before leaving back home. There were 2 girls at the clinic today getting a revision. Dr. Suporn is a perfectionist. So anyway, things are looking good. Still very swollen obviously. The clitoris has feeling, the inside of my vagina is pink, my lips are still too swollen but will go down in time. I'm happy with it. We'll see how it looks down the line. It can only get better  :)

Since I've been relaxing in bed all these days in my hotel, I decided to go to central plaza mall again. I felt good and was up for it. Went there for a couple of hours. I bought a few pads that are longer and wider than what the clinic provides. I also bought some feminine wipes. This is for my 22-hour flight back home. The less mess I make, the better. Me and my parents had dinner, each plate costing about $1.50 USD, so freaking cheap. It was really nice to get out.

I befriended two girls here. One is from Australia and the other is from Italy. We hung out part of the day today. Their parents came with them and are so nice as well. The Australian girl is leaving back home tomorrow and the Italian girl still has ways to go before she leaves. I am leaving the day after tomorrow. I'm excited to be going back home. I'm just not looking forward to the long flight. But oh well. I have meds that can knock me out most of the trip, lol.

Til next time...

Waiting with bated breath to hear you got home safe! Not sure I'll ever follow in your footsteps, but you do make it tempting.

Seems like you've managed your way through very nicely :)

Nice of Suporn to give you the photo's and go through them with you, I am sure he;s done an excellent job and all will heal perfectly. Hope the flight home is a good one and then you finish recovering in your own bed.

Wonderful thread, Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Quote from: Dee Walker on February 26, 2015, 10:44:16 AM
Waiting with bated breath to hear you got home safe! Not sure I'll ever follow in your footsteps, but you do make it tempting.

You can do it! :)

Quote from: SorchaC on February 26, 2015, 01:26:43 PM
Seems like you've managed your way through very nicely :)

Nice of Suporn to give you the photo's and go through them with you, I am sure he;s done an excellent job and all will heal perfectly. Hope the flight home is a good one and then you finish recovering in your own bed.

Wonderful thread, Thanks for sharing your experiences :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thank you for engaging with me throughout this experience! :)

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 26, 2015, 08:50:42 AM
As far as my recovery, everything is looking good down there, especially after the revision. It seems as though many girls get a revision before leaving back home. There were 2 girls at the clinic today getting a revision. Dr. Suporn is a perfectionist.

That's one of the things I find most interesting about Dr Suporn. You're there a long time, so there's time to fix things. And people report that he's a perfectionist. I makes me wonder what happens with SRS where people go home after a week or two. On the other hand maybe due to Dr Suporns technique there's more that needs fixing?

Now your nearing the end of your stay I'm really curious how you find the entire experience compared to your expectations before arriving?

Post-op Day 24:

I want to take this time to talk about the good and the bad about this experience so far. Most things I say in this post I've already mentioned earlier so I guess we could call this a summary of my experience in Thailand.

THE GOOD:

Dr. Suporn and the clinic staff - They are simply amazing. The aftercare is simply amazing. The first night out of surgery, a clinic staff stayed with me to ensure I was ok. I received daily visits from the doctor himself for the first 7 days. He would come in, take a look, and advise me on what to do and what will happen next. After I was discharged and sent to the hotel, I received daily visits from the clinic staff. Not one day went by without a visit. They come in, take a look, take your blood pressure, ask you questions, check your meds, I could ask them questions about any concerns, and they wrote everything down. They would report back to Dr. Suporn daily regarding each visit. I was given the clinic staff cell phone numbers. I could call them whenever I needed something.

Apart from daily visits from the clinic staff, I visited Dr. Suporn twice a week for a check-up. Any concerns are quickly taken care of. They give you a month+ worth of supplies. It is all included in the SRS fee. Also included is breakfast, transportation to and from the clinic, hospital, and airport. The amount of medical supplies is unbelievable. And every time I ran out of something, they would stock me back up. So, the aftercare and attention is priceless. And I'm not the only patient. Dr. Suporn has about 15-20 girls in the area at the same time. So it really is amazing.

Long stay/Revisions - Dr. Suporn requires that his patients stay for at least 24 days after the operation. Most doctors will discharge you within a few days and you are on your own. Dr. Suporn wants to make sure that any major complications (or minor for that matter) are taken care of before you go back home.  This is certainly a plus. We're talking about major surgery and a hard recovery so things are bound to go wrong sometimes. I, for example, had a revision done and I'm very glad now that I was able to get it done because things look much neater, tighter, and better down there. Dr. Suporn wants to make sure your vulva looks the best it can look before you leave.

The "community" - When you arrive to Thailand, you are the freshman. You will see other freshman and you will see veterans, so to speak. There are about 15-20 girls in the same hotel at any given time. The great thing is you will build friendships with the other gals during your stay. The meeting point is usually at the breakfast buffet, the terrace on the 3rd floor, and also at the clinic. It's pretty much inevitable to make friends. Veterans will tell you what to expect and then when you are about to leave Thailand, you will be a veteran and tell the freshmen what to expect and the cycle continues. Even if you are quiet and/or shy, there are those that will say hi to you and get a conversation started. It's a really nice experience to go through and to have that bond with others going through the same thing is great. It also helps to make the days go by a little quicker.

THE SO-SO:

Recovery - This really is YMMV but for my experience, recovery has been so-so. I've had my good days and my bad days. I can say though that I've had mainly good days. The recovery is brutal though. It is not to be taken lightly. You will feel pain and you will feel discomfort. But on the other hand, there will be days where you may not feel any pain or discomfort at all. In the beginning, you may see lots of blood/discharge but towards the end it lessens and lessens. Overall, it's not that bad. You just have to always think positive, have some sort of faith, and stay strong. If I can do it, so can you.

The Hotel - The Chon Inter Hotel is not a 5-star hotel. But it's a good enough hotel to recover in. Plus, it is walking distance from the clinic. You get daily housekeeping which I guess is normal for every hotel. There was one day where the water was shut off/damaged and being worked on in my room, so they had to transfer me to another room in order to shower. It was a little inconvenient but I was at least taken care of in that regard. The power went out 3 times but came back within minutes. DO NOT drink the tap water! The housekeeper that usually cleans my room is super sweet and does a very good job and they know why you are here so they leave you extra toilet paper which is good, lol. Breakfast is included and is really the only good food in the hotel, IMO. For lunch and dinner, I would not eat at the hotel. It is both expensive and not tastefully good, IMO.

THE BAD:

Hospital Stay - I was planning on putting this under so-so but I changed my mind, lol. The first 7 days are brutal. You have to stay in the hospital for 7 days but you have to stay in bed for 5 days. That was probably the worse experience in my life. I was in a lot of pain and discomfort and not being able to get up at all for 5 whole days was not fun. Also, being connected to an IV and have a drainage and catheter made it even more uncomfortable. The beds are hard. So, really, expect to cry the first 5 days, haha just kidding. I don't want to scare anyone but it was just a horrible experience for me. Now, having said that, the hospital staff check on you like every 30 minutes. You have a buzzer whenever you need something. They give you pain medication. They check your BP, pulse, temperature. They sponge bathe you in bed the first 5 days. They help you walk and shower on the 6th and 7th day. So, that alleviates things a little. However, I hated it when they would walk in at 10pm to check on my vitals and I was sound asleep. After they would leave, I couldn't go back to sleep! Oh, and their English is very limited as well. And their food kinda sucks, IMO. So, overall, bad experience for me.

Foreign Country - Unless you frequent Thailand or you live in Thailand or you know how to speak Thai, being in Thailand for 30 days can be a bit much. In other words, it may be hard for you to get use to certain things, like their food, their culture, dealing with currency exchange, finding your way out in the street, etc. Sure, Thailand has beautiful weather (well, depends because they have a rainy season) but Chon Buri itself, is not that exciting. There's just not much to see here. When you think of Bangkok, you think temples, beaches, scenery, etc. But there's practically none of that close by to the hotel or clinic. Also, communication is a mess, IMO. Even the hotel staff speak very limited English. And if you speak another language other than English, I think you will be even more screwed. The clinic staff speak English very well and they will you help and guide you with whatever you need. But once you step out into the street, no one speaks English. The simple things you do back home, aren't so simple in Thailand.

Long Trip - Long flight. Do I need say more? My flight is about 1 day worth, 18 hours on a plane and 2 hours for layover, plus any possible delays. Coming to Thailand wasn't a big deal. But going back home only 25 days post-op will more than likely be uncomfortable. However, getting my SRS overcomes this. But I'll talk more about the flight back home after the fact.


Well folks, that's all I can think of as of right now. Tomorrow I will get a final visit from the clinic staff in the morning and will be leaving to the airport in the afternoon. If you have any questions about my experience, don't hesitate to ask.  :)

Til next time....

Quote from: AnonyMs on February 26, 2015, 09:30:49 PM
That's one of the things I find most interesting about Dr Suporn. You're there a long time, so there's time to fix things. And people report that he's a perfectionist. I makes me wonder what happens with SRS where people go home after a week or two. On the other hand maybe due to Dr Suporns technique there's more that needs fixing?

Now your nearing the end of your stay I'm really curious how you find the entire experience compared to your expectations before arriving?

Haha, it's funny you asked this while I was typing the good and the bad about my experience post above. I expected it to be difficult and most things were explained to me prior to coming to Thailand so I pretty much knew what to expect. I wasn't aware though about patients usually needing revisions prior to leaving home. And yes, it is probably due to his technique. So, when I was told I needed a revision, it freaked me out. But now I'm actually very happy I got a revision. Come to find out, there was this one girl who purposely tried to walk as much as possible and smoke and do things contrary to what Dr. Suporn said to do just so that she could get a revision before leaving even though she didn't need it. Sounds ludicrous, right?

My final expectation is that I have a nice looking vagina that works. That was my expectation prior to coming to Thailand. I can't comment on that just yet but we shall see. But so far, so good.  :)

JenJen, this is a fantastic summary. Thank you!

I hope the trip home is easy on you...

Quote from: Eveline on February 26, 2015, 10:47:31 PM
JenJen, this is a fantastic summary. Thank you!

I hope the trip home is easy on you...

Thank you Eveline! By the way, if that's your name, I love it! It's different.

Hope you are happy how your surgery turned out.  Make sure it's all that you want and more.  Always take compliments but you never did this for anyone else, so don't take their criticism! 
May I ask that now that this is done, are you going to admit you are tg, or only admit if found out?  It's nobody else's business unless you want to divulge that info.  You are coming back to the freedom to be a real woman;)  i wish you the best for the future, I expect you to have fun now, but be a good roll model for others that hopefully can live your dream too;)  let us know when you get home, just be careful on your way.  You have the best 2 people to get you home safe!  I commend them for that:)  Hear from ya soon, and we expect monthly updates for a while;)

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 27, 2015, 12:16:30 AM
Hope you are happy how your surgery turned out.  Make sure it's all that you want and more.  Always take compliments but you never did this for anyone else, so don't take their criticism! 
May I ask that now that this is done, are you going to admit you are tg, or only admit if found out?  It's nobody else's business unless you want to divulge that info.  You are coming back to the freedom to be a real woman;)  i wish you the best for the future, I expect you to have fun now, but be a good roll model for others that hopefully can live your dream too;)  let us know when you get home, just be careful on your way.  You have the best 2 people to get you home safe!  I commend them for that:)  Hear from ya soon, and we expect monthly updates for a while;)

Thanks Jamie! You are too sweet. And thank you for following my SRS journey  :)

It's funny you ask that question. I was just talking about that with my parents today. You know, I use to be very open and vocal about being a transsexual. In fact, I use to have a YouTube channel where I uploaded vlogs to talk about my transition and also give advice. I had about 3,000 followers before I decided to delete the channel. I realized that once you put something on the Internet, it is VERY difficult to erase, if not impossible. At the time I was vlogging, I was unemployed. After getting back into the workforce, I didn't want to take any chances, so I deleted everything transsexual related that I had online including my YouTube channel.

The only place where I post transsexual related topics is here on Susan's and a private Suporn group on Facebook. Other than that, no where else. Now that I've had SRS, I just plan on living, living my life as a woman. Not that I wasn't before but because my transition wasn't complete, I still had body image issues, anxiety, and a little depression. Now I feel free like you said. I feel like a complete woman now that I've finally had my SRS. I never wore a sign on my head that said "hey, I'm a transsexual" but I did talk about it a lot. I won't ever deny my past but I won't divulge that information anymore unless absolutely necessary which will be in very rare cases I believe. Even though I feel complete now, that doesn't mean that the outside world won't ever "clock me" anymore. But it is what it is and I am what I am. After 10 years of transitioning and being called every word under the sun, I don't let anything get to me anymore. There comes a point where you just don't give a damn!

I'm looking forward to just living and stop worrying about transition. I'll definitely continue to post updates. I know it helps others as others have helped me along the way.

Thank you again Jamie. I'll definitely post an update once I get back to the States. Take care  :)

Wonderful recap. As I read your "good, bad...", it surprised me you were in hospital 7 days and five of them in bed. Is that the norm there?
Not trying to dissuade anyone or favor one surgeon or another, but my roomie and I, like everyone at Brassard are in hospital 2 full days, then moved to recovery centre on 3rd day in the morning...so about 48 hours later. That 3rd day you're "encouraged" to be up and around, up for your meals, out in the garden. I was home within 8 days.
I guess it really depends on the difference in surgical technique that determines the whole recovery process. There is no perfect surgeon, each has their benefits. Ultimately we choose based on our comfort and our own homework.

Again, thanks Jen for letting me read if about your experience. If I had written my experience, it would have been dull.

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 27, 2015, 04:33:26 AM
Wonderful recap. As I read your "good, bad...", it surprised me you were in hospital 7 days and five of them in bed. Is that the norm there?
Not trying to dissuade anyone or favor one surgeon or another, but my roomie and I, like everyone at Brassard are in hospital 2 full days, then moved to recovery centre on 3rd day in the morning...so about 48 hours later. That 3rd day you're "encouraged" to be up and around, up for your meals, out in the garden. I was home within 8 days.
I guess it really depends on the difference in surgical technique that determines the whole recovery process. There is no perfect surgeon, each has their benefits. Ultimately we choose based on our comfort and our own homework.

Again, thanks Jen for letting me read if about your experience. If I had written my experience, it would have been dull.

Thanks. Yes, that is the norm for Dr. Suporn. It may be the difference in technique. I'm not sure. But I guess there's a reason why each surgeon has their own specific instructions and ways of doing things. I believe I heard Dr. Brassard does up to 6 surgeries a day? Does that sound correct? Dr. Suporn performs 1 surgery a day which I think is better. Six surgeries in one day sounds like a lot and seems like the surgeon would be pooped after patient #3. Or maybe it wasn't Brassard, I don't quite remember.

In the end, every surgeon is different and no two surgeons have the same exact technique or do the same "art". Kind of like hairdressers, lol. They all cut, color, and style hair but do it their own special way. But I'm sure all the popular ones like Suporn and Brassard can provide great result. It boils down to $$$, preference in location, preference in technique, many things actually.

I doubt your experience would've been dull to read. Posting your experience would be very helpful to those seeking SRS and needing help deciding who to go to.  ;)

Yeah, no idea how many Brassard does, but I know his clinic has done 1500 in 16 years....so that's only 100 a year on average or 10 a month. I learned that GRS is only 1/3 of what they do there as FFS, BA, VCS, body contouring, lipo makes up the other 2/3. And, I learned, its not only trans folks who go there. Finally, Dr. Maude Belanger is one of the surgeons there as well.

The only reason I went with Brassard, and I know this might be met with eye rolling, but his clinic is only an hour drive. As my surgery was covered 100% by our provincial health plan, $$$ was never a concern. I love that I've been to him twice for routine followup at no charge. Plus it helps, he's cute lol

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 27, 2015, 04:58:11 AM
Yeah, no idea how many Brassard does, but I know his clinic has done 1500 in 16 years....so that's only 100 a year on average or 10 a month. I learned that GRS is only 1/3 of what they do there as FFS, BA, VCS, body contouring, lipo makes up the other 2/3. And, I learned, its not only trans folks who go there. Finally, Dr. Maude Belanger is one of the surgeons there as well.

The only reason I went with Brassard, and I know this might be met with eye rolling, but his clinic is only an hour drive. As my surgery was covered 100% by our provincial health plan, $$$ was never a concern. I love that I've been to him twice for routine followup at no charge. Plus it helps, he's cute lol

Is he the only SRS surgeon in Canada? I saw a post from a girl that said she had hers in Canada and said she was the 6th and last patient of the day and that she was told to walk the day after the surgery. That sounded crazy. I thought maybe it was Brassard but she doesn't mention who her surgeon was. Oh, so Brassard does a lot of other things too, nice. Dr. Suporn mainly does SRS but he also does FFS and BA. I think that's about it.

No rolling of the eyes here. If there was a surgeon 1 hour away and SRS was covered by insurance, that would've been very tempting, lol. It's nice that you can visit him whenever issues arise. Travelling back to Thailand for a check-up isn't as easy, lol. I did look at Mcginn for SRS since she is like maybe 2 hours away from me but when I read she requires genital electrolysis, my immediate response was NEXXXT! Haha.

As far as I know, his clinic is the only one in Canada.
And, it's highly possible that many surgeries in one day, but keep in mind Dr. Belanger does a lot of the top surgeries (so I heard, just not sure).

Yeah, he did my trachea in 2009, and if I decide to maybe get BA, I'll likely go to him.

Lol @ genital electro.....ummm no thanks lol

Ps. I didn't mean you'd give me eye rolls...just I have a couple fans errrrrrr stalkers who hang on my every word

Great summary! I'm in the extremely early stages of transition but even reading account like this fills me with hope and excitement. So glad you're recovering well.

Toni x

Hi JenJen,

thanks for the post about your experience, great to read it. One little thing, and it might seem odd, but I've always wanted to visit Thailand for food and you mention the hospital and hotel food were bad. Did you eat Thai food before going, do you like it? I know some people don't like foreign food at all, but I love it, so I'm not sure how to interpret it. What about outside the hotel, there must be heaps of places?

Quote from: JenJen2011 on February 27, 2015, 04:49:19 AM
Thanks. Yes, that is the norm for Dr. Suporn. It may be the difference in technique. I'm not sure. But I guess there's a reason why each surgeon has their own specific instructions and ways of doing things.

Susan T posted about about Suporn's technique a year ago - apparently the long stay and dilation is due to his technique, and I'd guess the hospital stay is as well.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,155212.msg1355170.html#msg1355170

Quote from: Muffinheart on February 27, 2015, 05:16:01 AM
Ps. I didn't mean you'd give me eye rolls...just I have a couple fans errrrrrr stalkers who hang on my every word

lol

Quote from: tlo4589 on February 27, 2015, 05:28:29 AM
Great summary! I'm in the extremely early stages of transition but even reading account like this fills me with hope and excitement. So glad you're recovering well.

Toni x

Thanks Toni. Hope your transition is off to a good start :)

Quote from: AnonyMs on February 27, 2015, 06:45:51 AM
Hi JenJen,

thanks for the post about your experience, great to read it. One little thing, and it might seem odd, but I've always wanted to visit Thailand for food and you mention the hospital and hotel food were bad. Did you eat Thai food before going, do you like it? I know some people don't like foreign food at all, but I love it, so I'm not sure how to interpret it. What about outside the hotel, there must be heaps of places?

Hello there,

The hospital food sucked because well, it's a hospital. Most hospital food suck, lol. The hotel breakfast is good but it's mainly western style. The Thai food served during lunch and dinner at the hotel is OK, nothing great. There's a chinese restaurant on the second floor of the hotel, too expensive and food is also just OK. However, you will find better food in the street. I've tried Thai food in America and loved it. Especially the spicy dishes. The central plaza mall has a food court which serves fantastic Thai food for very affordable prices. Also, you can find good street food. Some examples are chicken on a stick (kabob?), seafood, and fillings of cabbage and vegetables (not sure the name of it). There's all types of great food in the street. You just have to go looking for it. Unfortunately, I've been wanting to try the traditional pad thai but couldn't find it. But then again, I didn't go out much.

QuoteSusan T posted about about Suporn's technique a year ago - apparently the long stay and dilation is due to his technique, and I'd guess the hospital stay is as well.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,155212.msg1355170.html#msg1355170

Makes sense.

Western medicine call to get the patient up and walking as soon as possible to stimulate the bowels and such.  I had a 4 vertebra spinal fusion in my neck where they did the surgery from the front.  I was paranoid to move thinking I could make myself a quadrapalegic, but later that night they got me up and walking around ICU. 
I could see where keeping you in bed would be a good idea, but it's up to the dr.  I would think the stitches would hold things in place, but it would still have to hurt down there..  either way should be an acceptable practice.   Where most things go bad is after you send them home to heal.  We are our own worst nurse sometimes.  Some may take care of themselves the rightway, while others shower when it rains.  And putting the meds or dilating may not be followed correctly, so stuck in a room for a month may be a good thing to assure undivided attention to recovery.  I could see someone days after surgery going to a party or attempting sex if they had the chance.    It's that one in a thousand, but then they complain saying they were just lying there and it happened.   That it's all the drs fault..  personally,  there's no place like home, but being trapped over there may be a better idea in the end.  But to each, their own;)

Safe trip! 

I think, just in case, I'm going to make an effort to learn Thai. I'd like to go there some day even if it's not to make me whole.

Quote from: Cynobyte on February 27, 2015, 08:40:20 AM
Western medicine call to get the patient up and walking as soon as possible to stimulate the bowels and such.  I had a 4 vertebra spinal fusion in my neck where they did the surgery from the front.  I was paranoid to move thinking I could make myself a quadrapalegic, but later that night they got me up and walking around ICU. 
I could see where keeping you in bed would be a good idea, but it's up to the dr.  I would think the stitches would hold things in place, but it would still have to hurt down there..  either way should be an acceptable practice.   Where most things go bad is after you send them home to heal.  We are our own worst nurse sometimes.  Some may take care of themselves the rightway, while others shower when it rains.  And putting the meds or dilating may not be followed correctly, so stuck in a room for a month may be a good thing to assure undivided attention to recovery.  I could see someone days after surgery going to a party or attempting sex if they had the chance.    It's that one in a thousand, but then they complain saying they were just lying there and it happened.   That it's all the drs fault..  personally,  there's no place like home, but being trapped over there may be a better idea in the end.  But to each, their own;)

Safe trip!

Very interesting and very true. Thanks for the feedback.

Quote from: Dee Walker on February 27, 2015, 08:49:02 AM
I think, just in case, I'm going to make an effort to learn Thai. I'd like to go there some day even if it's not to make me whole.

That's a GREAT idea. Trust me, you will be very glad that you did. The funny thing is, or the sad I should say is, after being here for 24 days, I've only learned to say 3 things: hello, goodbye, and rice, lol. At worse, you can use google translate on your phone, tablet, or laptop to communicate with others  :)

Are you home and ok yet?

Quote from: Cynobyte on March 03, 2015, 11:25:42 PM
Are you home and ok yet?

Hey...yes I've been home for almost a week now. Recovery is slow but going. No problems so far  :)

Quote from: JenJen2011 on March 06, 2015, 09:43:17 AM
Hey...yes I've been home for almost a week now. Recovery is slow but going. No problems so far  :)

There's no place like home!

:)

;)  may all your dreams come true now!

how is your recovery going?

Quote from: Cynobyte on March 06, 2015, 03:13:27 PM
;)  may all your dreams come true now!

Thank you!

Quote from: possessed on March 09, 2015, 01:30:04 PM
how is your recovery going?

I don't really have much to report. Ever since returning back home, my recovery has been pretty uneventful for the most part. I'm still very swollen. Dilation has gotten more difficult. It feels more tight down there and its harder to reach my depth but it's not painful, just uncomfortable. There was one incident where I was bleeding quite a bit but it stopped after applying pressure. Also, I've been dealing with some constipation which isn't ever fun. Other than that, I feel things are going ok, just healing very slowly.

My mood swings are wacky. I believe this is due to my hormone levels which im going to talk to my doc about. Recovery is long and hard which I expected but when you are actually living it, you may lose patience. And with the repetitive nature of it (3 dilations a day/limited mobility/activity) I have certainly had those days but I'm hanging in there.

Quote from: JenJen2011 on March 11, 2015, 08:18:16 AM
I don't really have much to report. Ever since returning back home, my recovery has been pretty uneventful for the most part. I'm still very swollen. Dilation has gotten more difficult. It feels more tight down there and its harder to reach my depth but it's not painful, just uncomfortable. There was one incident where I was bleeding quite a bit but it stopped after applying pressure. Also, I've been dealing with some constipation which isn't ever fun. Other than that, I feel things are going ok, just healing very slowly.

My mood swings are wacky. I believe this is due to my hormone levels which im going to talk to my doc about. Recovery is long and hard which I expected but when you are actually living it, you may lose patience. And with the repetitive nature of it (3 dilations a day/limited mobility/activity) I have certainly had those days but I'm hanging in there.

As is often said: it gets better.
At one month, it seemed all I was do was dilation, cleaning and sleeping.
Now six months later, I have my life back.

Regarding constipation, the only pain or discomfort I experienced from time of surgery through recovery was a six day period without...well #2. They gave me a glass of prune juice...10 minutes later.....sweet relief lol.

I now drink 1/4 cup prune juice with cranberry juice every morning.

Probably TMI...but that's what worked for me.

Quote from: Muffinheart on March 11, 2015, 08:25:45 AM
As is often said: it gets better.
At one month, it seemed all I was do was dilation, cleaning and sleeping.
Now six months later, I have my life back.

Regarding constipation, the only pain or discomfort I experienced from time of surgery through recovery was a six day period without...well #2. They gave me a glass of prune juice...10 minutes later.....sweet relief lol.

I now drink 1/4 cup prune juice with cranberry juice every morning.

Probably TMI...but that's what worked for me.

Yeah, it feels like recovery will never be over but that's how I felt about FFS and now 3 yrs later it's a thing of the past. I'm doing well though. As far as what you do for constipation, sounds like a good idea. Also, so far, I've lost 28 pounds since surgery. Super excited about that!!!

Quote from: JenJen2011 on March 12, 2015, 09:50:28 AM

Also, so far, I've lost 28 pounds since surgery. Super excited about that!!!

I'd be super happy about that too as I'd be below my ideal weight for the first time in 20 years. Great to see you're doing well. I'm sure you'll feel wonderful in a month or 2

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

I just wanted to pop into this thread and thank you so much for posting this. I have this coming up in my near future and I'm think of seeing Chett. Reading what you went through has been immensely helpful to me. Everything online seems to talk about Dr's in the U.S. (where I have no intention of going) Europe (I can't afford) or Suporn in Thailand. Reading first hand accounts of Dr's I can actually afford and get to is really really helpful. Thanks xox

Wow. It's been a while since I've posted. I thought I'd give everyone an update, why not?

Yesterday marked 4 months post op from SRS with Dr. Suporn. Healing wise, everything is so much better! The swelling has gone down tremendously. My vajayjay is looking good. There's no better feeling than being able to wear what I want without having to worry about a bulge. I have plenty of sensitivity down there. You know, like that good pleasurable feeling, however I have not explored too much to reach an orgasm yet. Peeing is totally normal. Dilation is still kicking my butt and is still difficult and simply boring and such a chore. I'm experiencing no pain at this point. I've been able to sit down with no problem for about a month now. I haven't had any real concerns or complications. My inner labia's are still asymmetrical but I suspect as time goes by and as the swelling and healing continue to advance, it will get better.

I think that's pretty much it. I'm just living my life at this point. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot them to me. Take care all! :)

Thanks for the update :) Looks like all is coming along nicely for you :) I'm glad to hear the time comes when you can sit normally as this is something I'm still battling 2 months post op and I won't even start on my dilations as they are not without issue either so hearing from you that things can be better is heartening.

Hope all remains well and life gets even better

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

glad to hear all is going well jen:) 
do you soak in epsom salt baths to help the swelling?  some they supposedly help, other maybe not..
just glad you are out enjoying life!  you were not in testosterone supressants before the surgery, do you have that new feeling about sex in general yet, like its fun, but the urge is not so overpowering.   just enjoy life and keep us updated on your journey.  congrats and take care, jamie;)

Congrats

congrats, I'm really happy for you.

Really enjoyed your posts.  Thanks so much.  I'm looking at surgery in Bangkok late Jan. '16.
This was the most thorough rendition of the process that I have ever seen.
I may have missed a post so forgive me, but I didn't see anything on your flight home.  I am debating whether or not to pay for business class in order to attain a better comfort level.  Not so concerned with the trip there, but the return post op.  I will be flying from Houston, TX. so I will have a long flight as well. 
Thanks again! 
Hugz,
Joi

Quote from: Joi on May 30, 2015, 11:43:21 PM

Really enjoyed your posts.  Thanks so much.  I'm looking at surgery in Bangkok late Jan. '16.
This was the most thorough rendition of the process that I have ever seen.
I may have missed a post so forgive me, but I didn't see anything on your flight home.  I am debating whether or not to pay for business class in order to attain a better comfort level. Not so concerned with the trip there, but the return post op.  I will be flying from Houston, TX. so I will have a long flight as well. 
Thanks again! 
Hugz,
Joi

My flight back to Sydney was only 9 hours plus 2 in the lounge, If you can afford it at all my advice is to do it. You'll have 24 hours of flying with layovers so even if you only fly business on the long last leg I'd say do it for sure.

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks Sorcha!  As I will have just turned 68 the month before my surgery, I will not be as quick to bounce back as you younger girls.
Hugz,
Joi

Quote from: SorchaC on May 27, 2015, 06:08:33 PM
Thanks for the update :) Looks like all is coming along nicely for you :) I'm glad to hear the time comes when you can sit normally as this is something I'm still battling 2 months post op and I won't even start on my dilations as they are not without issue either so hearing from you that things can be better is heartening.

Hope all remains well and life gets even better

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks Sorcha! How are you feeling today?

Quote from: Cynobyte on May 27, 2015, 07:01:16 PM
glad to hear all is going well jen:) 
do you soak in epsom salt baths to help the swelling?  some they supposedly help, other maybe not..
just glad you are out enjoying life!  you were not in testosterone supressants before the surgery, do you have that new feeling about sex in general yet, like its fun, but the urge is not so overpowering.   just enjoy life and keep us updated on your journey.  congrats and take care, jamie;)

No Epsom salt baths as of yet. No strong urges but I have experimented here and there. It's so much better now that I'm more comfortable with my body.

Thanks Jamie!

Quote from: bootifulone on May 30, 2015, 05:45:50 AM
Congrats

Thanks!

Quote from: stephaniec on May 30, 2015, 07:16:44 AM
congrats, I'm really happy for you.

Thanks. I'm really happy too!

Quote from: Joi on May 30, 2015, 11:43:21 PM
Really enjoyed your posts.  Thanks so much.  I'm looking at surgery in Bangkok late Jan. '16.
This was the most thorough rendition of the process that I have ever seen.
I may have missed a post so forgive me, but I didn't see anything on your flight home.  I am debating whether or not to pay for business class in order to attain a better comfort level.  Not so concerned with the trip there, but the return post op.  I will be flying from Houston, TX. so I will have a long flight as well. 
Thanks again! 
Hugz,
Joi

Thanks Joi. I say, if you can afford it, go for it. You will want to be as comfortable as possible on your way back. I, unfortunately, could not afford business or first class so I had to stick with coach. Although it wasn't very pleasant, it wasn't all that bad for me either. I think everyone's experience is different. There were a couple girls that said they experienced bleeding and a lot of swelling on the plane. I did not. I also felt more comfortable sitting without the donut seat. Try to get up and walk frequently if you become too uncomfortable. Dress as comfortably as possible and use the wheelchair service throughout the entire trip home! I would ask for a sleeping aid such as Xanax. That helped to relax me and get some rest as well.

I wish ya the best! :)

Hiya,

I have just read through all of your posts. A very informative thread. Thank you very much for posting all of your updates with so much detail. I'm glad everything is going ok for you, I am considering going to Dr Supporn myself , and you have been very helpful :-)

Big Hugs

Rachel

Quote from: JenJen2011 on June 16, 2015, 09:48:25 AM

Thanks Sorcha! How are you feeling today?

Hi Jen,

Not as good as when I got home, There are a few non surgery related issues that are ruining the mood and I'm being careful so as they don't get too strong as to cause me serious mood issues.

I am planning a trip to my doc as I'm not entirely happy with some aspects of recovery but until someone who knows what they're looking at has a look I won't stress too much :) It's always good to have regular check up as well. I'll soon be 3 months post op and things should be settling down to where I can do things like have baths and explore some pretty soon :)

I will update my thread in a week or so when I'm more certain what's what.

Quote from: Joi on May 31, 2015, 10:11:25 AM

Thanks Sorcha!  As I will have just turned 68 the month before my surgery, I will not be as quick to bounce back as you younger girls.

Hugz,

Joi

You'll have a letter from your surgeon that gets you a wheelchair in between flights, Bangkok Airport is fairly large and it's quite a walk from check in to gate so if you don't mind them knowing you've just had SRS that is good. Once I saw it saying I'd just had SRS I was never going to show my letter and one of my goals was to walk to the plane. We even managed a stop in Duty free :)

As I booked my return flight in Business Class I was given priority customs and immigration clearance saving me a pretty long wait in a queue to get through to the departure area. You'll also get access to the Business Lounge which makes the 2 hour wait for the plane allot more comfortable and then the obvious benefits once you get in the air. Also it felt lovely to end my time there with a Champagne celebration  ;D

Hope however you fly it all goes well for you

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks Sorcha!  It's still awhile before lift off, but I'm trying to get all my ducklings in a row now.  There's a lot of prep that goes into this.  I'm sure that the surgical prep will be a breeze compared to all of the doc. prep. post-op prep, pet boarding, etc.  Will be working on all of the "legal" doc. changes this summer.  Hope you're doin well!
Hugz,

Joi

Thanks for your advice Jen.  Hope you're feeling well. Have heard that it might be wise to lay overnight at the airport during the trip back.  I'll be changing planes in Taipei.  Need to see how long the flight is between Bangkok & Taipei. It's probably not a long flight and might not be worth it.
Hugz,

Joi 

Quote from: Joi on June 17, 2015, 05:51:54 PM

Thanks Sorcha!  It's still awhile before lift off, but I'm trying to get all my ducklings in a row now.  There's a lot of prep that goes into this.  I'm sure that the surgical prep will be a breeze compared to all of the doc. prep. post-op prep, pet boarding, etc.  Will be working on all of the "legal" doc. changes this summer.  Hope you're doin well!
Hugz,

Joi

I am sure it will all work out for you, The prep is all part of the fun and once done gives an immense sense of achievement.

Quote from: Joi on June 17, 2015, 05:56:59 PM

Thanks for your advice Jen.  Hope you're feeling well. Have heard that it might be wise to lay overnight at the airport during the trip back.  I'll be changing planes in Taipei.  Need to see how long the flight is between Bangkok & Taipei. It's probably not a long flight and might not be worth it.
Hugz,

Joi 

3 hours 30 minutes give or take a minute :)

I have a love of travel so I thought I'd get you an answer :)

Hugs

Sorcha  ;D

Thanks Sorcha!  Sndz like it would be better to just get back to home base.  By the time my stay in Bangkok is over I'm sure I'll be longing for my pets and my own bed.
Hugz,
Joi

I hope you have a wonderful time :)


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