Community Conversation => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Transsexual talk => FTM Top Surgery => Topic started by: greysux on April 26, 2016, 05:52:28 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Pre and post op?
Post by: greysux on April 26, 2016, 05:52:28 PM
Post by: greysux on April 26, 2016, 05:52:28 PM
So, we do have a date reserved for my surgery, but Im wondering what should I/ do i have to do before and after surgery? Like ive heard stop T 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after or dont lift things afterwards so sorry this is worded weirdly but what (in a span of hours to weeks and all in between) do they usually have you not do/do to prepare and recover? Any suggestions? It's on the 23rd of june.
Title: Re: Pre and post op?
Post by: FTMax on April 26, 2016, 09:39:08 PM
Post by: FTMax on April 26, 2016, 09:39:08 PM
This will all vary by surgeon. You would need to contact your surgeon's office and ask them what you need to stop doing pre-op. Usually it's stopping medications like T, herbal stuff, over the counter meds, etc. Post-op restrictions will also vary by doctor and may change as they assess how you're healing.
My surgeon had me stop T 2 weeks in advance of surgery. I was allowed to resume once my drains were out, so I was off T for a total of 3 weeks. After surgery, I was not allowed to shower for 1 week until my drains were out. No driving while still taking pain medication. No lifting of more than 10lbs, no reaching overhead, no strenuous activities for 4 weeks. Compression binder for 4 weeks for most people, but mine was shortened to 2 because I had no swelling and it gave me a skin reaction.
But again, check with your surgeon. They should give you a whole packet of expectations and things they need from you.
My surgeon had me stop T 2 weeks in advance of surgery. I was allowed to resume once my drains were out, so I was off T for a total of 3 weeks. After surgery, I was not allowed to shower for 1 week until my drains were out. No driving while still taking pain medication. No lifting of more than 10lbs, no reaching overhead, no strenuous activities for 4 weeks. Compression binder for 4 weeks for most people, but mine was shortened to 2 because I had no swelling and it gave me a skin reaction.
But again, check with your surgeon. They should give you a whole packet of expectations and things they need from you.
Title: Re: Pre and post op?
Post by: invisiblemonsters on April 27, 2016, 10:32:06 PM
Post by: invisiblemonsters on April 27, 2016, 10:32:06 PM
my surgeon didn't make me stop taking testosterone. i had to do blood work about 3 weeks before surgery, and i had to shave my chest before surgery and take a shower with antibacterial soap. my surgeon was also in another province so i had to show pictures over email of my chest. when i first met her, she looked at my chest and marked me up for surgery and took a picture. after, i needed help gettin out of the hospital bed and going to the bathroom. i felt super nauseous but i had to stay in the hospital the whole day after my surgery per their requirements and went back to the recovery house the next day. i didn't have a compression vest but i had an ace bandage. it was only for 4 days, and my drains were only in for 4 days. i stayed at a recovery house so they took care of all that and my meds i needed (stool softener, pain meds). i was told not to shower the first week after my drains were out, and not to lift heavy things and not stretch my hands above my head. i took 4 weeks off work because i have a physically demanding job.
but ftmax is right, the surgeon will give you a package of what you need to do before surgery and you should also get one after surgery or at least i did. just a little booklet on what to look out for in case of infection. my doctor was still doing my T shots so when i went to see him i got him to look at my chest and change my nipple dressings for the first time. after that, i was able to do it by myself.
but ftmax is right, the surgeon will give you a package of what you need to do before surgery and you should also get one after surgery or at least i did. just a little booklet on what to look out for in case of infection. my doctor was still doing my T shots so when i went to see him i got him to look at my chest and change my nipple dressings for the first time. after that, i was able to do it by myself.