Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey Everyone :)

My FFS is fast approaching later this year at the beginning of October across in India,

Whilst I am super excited, I am of course naturally nervous and a bit scared about the aftermath and recovery time etc (which is only natural!)

Originally when I planned the trip through Olmec Clinic, I had thought a friend would be joining me to help support me immediately after my surgery but this is no longer possible.

Therefore I feel even more anxious of the recovery, the clinic have said I will likely stay in the hospital for around a week and thereafter I am planning to stay in India recovering in my hotel for 2/3 weeks.

I just wondered what other peoples experiences where they have gone it alone ? How did you cope ? Any tips ?

I'm sure I will be fine and I won't be the first to have done it on their own xx

Hey Hon, why are you staying so long after your hospital stay?

I had extensive FFS in Boston alone. I stayed 2 days in the hospital. If you can and the procedures extensive try to stay in the hospital 3 or 4 days. On the beginning of the third day they stopped the oxi in preparation of me taking a taxi to the hotel. I got sick in the taxi and threw up on myself and a few times out the taxi door, it was just bile. I could not keep anything down that day and the pain was acute. I think I threw up 30 times dry heaves. I finally ate several roles of role aids which stopped the puking and I awoke the next day in better condition. I did not start the oxi back up and flushed them.  I wish I had taken the anti-acids at the first hint of acid. I would have done well and I would have continued with the oxi at the hotel room.


Olmec Clinic, how did you come upon them and can you share costs of procedure, flight and hotel?

I recently received a quote from Dr. Spiegel for some soft tissue adjustments as adjustments from my prior FFS. I have been looking at places in India and would love some information. I have a transman friend that would go with me. He was there last year volunteering at a girls orphanage.

Quote from: jentay1367 on August 06, 2017, 05:53:12 PM
Hey Hon, why are you staying so long after your hospital stay?

Hey Hun,

I am staying quite a while after the hospital as I want to make sure I can get a good amount of recovering time done so that my journey back is less stressful and I look semi-normal  :o

xx

Quote from: -Rachel- on August 06, 2017, 06:55:12 PM
I had extensive FFS in Boston alone. I stayed 2 days in the hospital. If you can and the procedures extensive try to stay in the hospital 3 or 4 days. On the beginning of the third day they stopped the oxi in preparation of me taking a taxi to the hotel. I got sick in the taxi and threw up on myself and a few times out the taxi door, it was just bile. I could not keep anything down that day and the pain was acute. I think I threw up 30 times dry heaves. I finally ate several roles of role aids which stopped the puking and I awoke the next day in better condition. I did not start the oxi back up and flushed them.  I wish I had taken the anti-acids at the first hint of acid. I would have done well and I would have continued with the oxi at the hotel room.


Olmec Clinic, how did you come upon them and can you share costs of procedure, flight and hotel?

I recently received a quote from Dr. Spiegel for some soft tissue adjustments as adjustments from my prior FFS. I have been looking at places in India and would love some information. I have a transman friend that would go with me. He was there last year volunteering at a girls orphanage.

Hey Hun :)

Well I did a LOT of research for my FFS (I am based in the UK), Having saved up for years and years, I am now in a position to finally do everything. 

After much research, I decided on Olmec as I have a friend who had amazing results there and the costs were realistic. 

I am having full FFS so it will be pretty extensive work... The total cost of my surgery including hospital stay will likely come to around £8000 GBP, the hotel I am staying at is one recommend by Olmec which is a 5 Star place rated around £60-70 per night (cheaper of course is available but I want to do everything as best as possible), Flights... I am flying first class, (again I am lucky enough to be in the position to do this as I want comfort as much as possible) Return flights from London to Delhi worked out around £2000 GBP, But economy flights are around £500 GBP return, so costs can be saved slightly depending on the above.

I'm going across in October, I am excited but just nervous of doing it alone :) xx

Hey Jandy,
     For what's it worth, I just had the works.....and I mean the works on May 27th. I was a hot mess the first few days but recovered pretty quickly and actually drove home with my friend (a total of 550 miles) exactly 8 days later. I'd think after 10 days you should be good to travel. Of course, talk with your Dr. first. just letting you know if it helps you make any kind of decision. All my best and very fast healing and good luck to you! :)

Quote from: jentay1367 on August 07, 2017, 12:29:21 PM
Hey Jandy,
     For what's it worth, I just had the works.....and I mean the works on May 27th. I was a hot mess the first few days but recovered pretty quickly and actually drove home with my friend (a total of 550 miles) exactly 8 days later. I'd think after 10 days you should be good to travel. Of course, talk with your Dr. first. just letting you know if it helps you make any kind of decision. All my best and very fast healing and good luck to you! :)

Thanks so much :)

How did you find your pain level ? I find I have a high pain threshold but still a bit nervous.

Have heard from some that the pain is little to none (just discomfort) and others saying it is the worst pain ever ! x

Quote from: Jandy on August 07, 2017, 02:06:30 PM

Thanks so much :)

How did you find your pain level ? I find I have a high pain threshold but still a bit nervous.

Have heard from some that the pain is little to none (just discomfort) and others saying it is the worst pain ever ! x

That's the problem of course. My friend was miserable and couldn't get out of pain. I was not happy, but it was more discomfort than real bad pain. I'm like you...I always considered myself to have a pretty high pain threshold. Are you having type 3 forehead work? If so, I'd plan on staying...otherwise? But I will say, it can get pretty boring sitting around in a foreign country with bad Television and nothing to do. I'll be in Thailand in the same predicament as you in about 6 months. :(    But at least were getting what we want  8)

Yes type 3 eek !

I know it will be worth all the pain and discomfort but it doesn't stop me worrying hehe !

Oh wonderful, are you going for more facial work in Thailand or bottom surgery ? I'm hoping to have my bottom surgery next year at some point but starting with FFS as its my main dysphoria at the moment xx

yup...off to slay the dragon. Bottom surgery and some boobs since the HRT fairy has been rather stingy. If you're gonna have III I think you're smart to stay for the long haul.. Bring some good books and settle in....LOL

I had:

Forehead lowering,
upper lip shortening
blethoplasty
mandible work
orbitals ground
lower and mid face lift.

I stayed 2 days in the hospital and they stopped the oxi the night of the 2nd day. That morning on the ride to the hotel I started throwing up. I had such bad acid stomach. I finally took 2 roles of Rolaids and fell asleep. I could not take the oxi for pain because if dry heaves. My jaws and face hurt very bad from the throwing up. The next morning I was ok ( stomach was sore from throwing up so I ate very little). I dumped out the pain meds.

When I took off the bandages when allowed it was difficult to see in the mirror. I had stitches everywhere and dried blood. I cried because I thought I looked like a monster. I cleaned up and showered and looked better. Very bruised but better. I went back to work 1 week after surgery.

Did you consider:
http://designerbodyz.in/index.php

Why did you choose Olmec?

Quote from: jentay1367 on August 07, 2017, 04:53:18 PM
yup...off to slay the dragon. Bottom surgery and some boobs since the HRT fairy has been rather stingy. If you're gonna have III I think you're smart to stay for the long haul.. Bring some good books and settle in....LOL

Yes I will be bringing a kindle full of books and trying to keep myself content !

Hope your both surgery goes well, how exciting, do let us know how you get on xx

Quote from: Rachel on August 07, 2017, 05:31:30 PM
I had:

Forehead lowering,
upper lip shortening
blethoplasty
mandible work
orbitals ground
lower and mid face lift.

I stayed 2 days in the hospital and they stopped the oxi the night of the 2nd day. That morning on the ride to the hotel I started throwing up. I had such bad acid stomach. I finally took 2 roles of Rolaids and fell asleep. I could not take the oxi for pain because if dry heaves. My jaws and face hurt very bad from the throwing up. The next morning I was ok ( stomach was sore from throwing up so I ate very little). I dumped out the pain meds.

When I took off the bandages when allowed it was difficult to see in the mirror. I had stitches everywhere and dried blood. I cried because I thought I looked like a monster. I cleaned up and showered and looked better. Very bruised but better. I went back to work 1 week after surgery.

Did you consider:
http://designerbodyz.in/index.php

Why did you choose Olmec?

Thanks for the info Rachel,

I haven't ever considered that place as I hadn't heard of it, looks OK from the website , however I would say that Olmec just looks a little bit more professional.

I chose Olmec after seeing great results on a friend and hearing about the smooth and transparent service they offer xx

Quote from: Jandy on August 08, 2017, 04:22:15 AM
Yes I will be bringing a kindle full of books and trying to keep myself content !

Hope your both surgery goes well, how exciting, do let us know how you get on xx

TY, I will!

Quote from: jentay1367 on August 08, 2017, 03:15:14 PM
TY, I will!

Any advice on what else I should take for my FFS ?

Any particular products for the recovery you would recommend or 'must haves' ? xx

Hey J!
    Do you mean personally or for healing and getting better purposes? Did your clinic give you a list of goodies you'll need?

Neosporin helped with the dry blood on the stitches.
Rolaids for acid stomach from the pain meds.

Think flat soft foods or foods you can get into your mouth with a half inch opening. Eggs, soup, crackers with peanut butter and lunch meats.

Extra Ace bandages and some soft cotton gauze.

Books

Sunglasses, hat and scarf.

Make sure the doctor gives you a letter stating you had facial surgery and are OK to fly. I looked pretty bad going home 5 days after the operation.

Quote from: jentay1367 on August 08, 2017, 05:58:49 PM
Hey J!
    Do you mean personally or for healing and getting better purposes? Did your clinic give you a list of goodies you'll need?

Erm both really, any 'secret' tips or things that worked well for you?

My clinic has gave me a list.
X

Quote from: Rachel on August 08, 2017, 06:27:55 PM
Neosporin helped with the dry blood on the stitches.
Rolaids for acid stomach from the pain meds.

Think flat soft foods or foods you can get into your mouth with a half inch opening. Eggs, soup, crackers with peanut butter and lunch meats.

Extra Ace bandages and some soft cotton gauze.

Books

Sunglasses, hat and scarf.

Make sure the doctor gives you a letter stating you had facial surgery and are OK to fly. I looked pretty bad going home 5 days after the operation.

Thanks Rachel, I have got your ideas on order :) x

Quote from: Jandy on August 09, 2017, 06:05:00 AM
Erm both really, any 'secret' tips or things that worked well for you?

My clinic has gave me a list.
X

Let me ruminate on this a bit, sweetie. I want to give you useful info that you can use!

Okay....do your massages per their instructions exactly. It's easy to blow off as unimportant and your proper healing will depend on it. Not only does it help, it relieves pain from fluid build up and presure.

Wear the face garment they give you the time they prescribe exactly. It mitagates swelling enormously.

Bring a lot of face moisturizer as your skin will get ridiculously dry. Apply it often as you can stand to.

Bring triple antibiotic for all your sutures. 3 tubes minimum. Use it liberally and massage it into your sutures to mitigate scarring

Sleep with your head elevated so the blood and lymph do not settle above your neck. It's hard but pays off

Bring some mouthwash and cut it in half with water so you can rinse your mouth often.

Walk around as much as you can to get the swelling to subside. Do wait till you have your balance and footing, though.

If you're having Rhinoplasty, you will need tons of q-tips and hydrogen peroxide as well as Aqua phor to line your nostrils after you clean them.....this is mega important! In the beginning, you can't clean or lubricate your nose too much.

As a final note, you can not massage your sutures too much. It will reduce scarring immeasurably. Be firm but
gentle , keep them clean and cover with triple antibiotic. I used the antibiotic to lubricate the suturs while I massaged them.

I lived on Ensure shakes for three days till they ran out of me and my poo looked just like ensure. After three days, I was ready for food.

If something else important comes to me I'll edit this thing!  Hope it helps

Quote from: jentay1367 on August 09, 2017, 02:26:17 PM
Okay....do your massages per their instructions exactly. It's easy to blow off as unimportant and your proper healing will depend on it. Not only does it help, it relieves pain from fluid build up and presure.

Wear the face garment they give you the time they prescribe exactly. It mitagates swelling enormously.

Bring a lot of face moisturizer as your skin will get ridiculously dry. Apply it often as you can stand to.

Bring triple antibiotic for all your sutures. 3 tubes minimum. Use it liberally and massage it into your sutures to mitigate scarring

Sleep with your head elevated so the blood and lymph do not settle above your neck. It's hard but pays off

Bring some mouthwash and cut it in half with water so you can rinse your mouth often.

Walk around as much as you can to get the swelling to subside. Do wait till you have your balance and footing, though.

If you're having Rhinoplasty, you will need tons of q-tips and hydrogen peroxide as well as Aqua phor to line your nostrils after you clean them.....this is mega important! In the beginning, you can't clean or lubricate your nose too much.

As a final note, you can not massage your sutures too much. It will reduce scarring immeasurably. Be firm but
gentle , keep them clean and cover with triple antibiotic. I used the antibiotic to lubricate the suturs while I massaged them.

I lived on Ensure shakes for three days till they ran out of me and my poo looked just like ensure. After three days, I was ready for food.

If something else important comes to me I'll edit this thing!  Hope it helps

Thanks so much, so so so helpful xx