One year ago today at approximately the same time as I am writing this, I was in surgery in Montreal. Overall things turned out very well--everything works, I'm orgasmic, I can urinate normally, I lost little to no depth, had no pain, no infections and aside from a little puffiness around the main incisions, things look good. I guess the worst I experienced was some major swelling in the beginning and a little granulation which has resolved itself.
I have had some physical changes i.e. breast development, skin changes, less body hair. I haven't gained any weight, but I have noticed a change in fat distribution--my hips are a little rounder and my waist is a little narrower. I think most of my changes were psychological--I think differently and am much calmer than I was before. I'm much more open and smile more. I'm just really comfortable in my own skin now. Do I miss having a penis? No! As a matter of fact, I can't even remember what it was like having one--it's a strange feeling, but a good feeling.
From the beginning, I never expected too much. I allowed nature to take it's course and allowed things to transpire as they may and, to my surprise, things turned out very well. Dr. Brassard did a good job and everything he and his staff said would happen, did. I'm glad I did this and I am a much better person now than I was before.
For all those contemplating or are scheduled for surgery, I wish you the best. It is difficult but, if you stay positive and healthy and follow the Dr's instructions, things will be much easier. You will be much happier after all is said and done.
Thanks to all who provided assistance during my pre and post-op time, you were all very helpful. :)
Hi Kristyn. I'm so happy for you. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait til my date comes!
Quote from: Valeriedances on September 15, 2011, 11:53:25 AM
Much love to a Blonde Complete.
Likewise. Thanks for being there for me during my time. It helped alot.
Thanks, you're welcome Val. What happened to your beautiful new avatar photo?
Quote from: JenJen2011 on September 15, 2011, 11:56:13 AM
Hi Kristyn. I'm so happy for you. Thanks for sharing. I can't wait til my date comes!
Thanks Jen. The waiting is the hardest part. :)
Kristyn
Congrats on 1 year Post-op. That was such a great update....especially since in 7 months Dr Brassard will be preforming my SRS surgery.
I hate asking to much personal questions, but hey it is a board: Did you do any "South Pole" Electrolysis? If not, any issues?
Thanks, so glad everything is working out for you.
Jamie
Quote from: jamiejo on September 15, 2011, 01:19:50 PM
Kristyn
Congrats on 1 year Post-op. That was such a great update....especially since in 7 months Dr Brassard will be preforming my SRS surgery.
I hate asking to much personal questions, but hey it is a board: Did you do any "South Pole" Electrolysis? If not, any issues?
Thanks, so glad everything is working out for you.
Jamie
No electro and no problems. Dr. Brassard advises against it and does a great job a removing the hair, there's been no regrowth at all. Don't waste your money having the hair removed.
Quote from: Valeriedances on September 15, 2011, 01:10:21 PM
I'm a little upset again. So I guess I'm moving away again in spirit. I dont seem to be able to be here on Susan's without being upset.
But this is your post. It has been an honor going through everything together with you.
Don't let people get you down, Val, it's not worth it. You will never be able to please everybody, just be and let be. You look very nice and there are many insecure people out there who are intimidated by people like yourself and will do anything to drag you down. :) Just smile and enjoy your life--you've earned it! :)
Quote from: Valeriedances on September 15, 2011, 04:03:37 PM
Thanks sweetie. Your the best.
Congrats on 1 year. By now you were lying in your hospital bed staring down toward your feet at the big hill that is all the bandages covered by the blanket. Something I'm sure we will never forget for as long as we live.
Yep. The nurses were getting mad because they had to come and change my catheter bag more than usual due to all the water I was drinking. It was strange because I didn't even realize I was urinating.
Quote from: Valeriedances on September 15, 2011, 05:56:10 PM
Yeah, that was the weirdest thing.
Awwww, there's that pretty smile! :) You're so lucky to be living in Florida, it's 59F here in Toronto! Going down to 41F tonight! BRrrrrrr! :(
Quote from: Kristyn on September 15, 2011, 06:09:57 PM
You're so lucky to be living in Florida, it's 59F here in Toronto! Going down to 41F tonight! BRrrrrrr! :(
Since I live in Wisconsin I agree on the weather, but then again, 250 bottles in the wine cellar...I don't feel the cold!!!
Quote from: jamiejo on September 15, 2011, 09:22:18 PM
Since I live in Wisconsin I agree on the weather, but then again, 250 bottles in the wine cellar...I don't feel the cold!!!
Wisconsin? Now why did I think you lived in Australia?
Wine can be a good insulator.
Kristyn, congrats on the one year anniversary.
Paula
Quote from: paulault55 on September 15, 2011, 10:19:47 PM
Kristyn, congrats on the one year anniversary.
Paula
Thank you , Paula. :)
Quote from: Valeriedances on September 15, 2011, 10:23:14 PM
Omg, poor you!!!
I rode my bike tonight along A1A road on the beach 16 miles. It was awesome ...warm breeze hitting me in the face, hehe! I'm a meanie.
Dont forget your blanket! :P
Ugggghhhhh! Yes you are mean! ;) It was a good summer , though, but I'd really like to have it year round. I stepped out on my balcony and couldn't believe how quiet it was with everyone's air conditioner turned off.
I actually sleep with a down comforter in the summer too--not because it's cold, just for comfort.
Quote from: Valeriedances on September 15, 2011, 10:55:14 PM
That sounds very snuggly.
Time for bed. Night night sis (I can call you that cause we were born in the same place).
...and happy birthday.
Valerie, that is so sweet! Thank you very much! :)
Quote from: Kristyn on September 15, 2011, 10:00:01 PM
Wisconsin? Now why did I think you lived in Australia?
Wine can be a good insulator.
I am an Australian, that's why. Move to USA....for love.....back in 2000, was married for 10 years until I started my transition. Plus I work at two liquor stores part time, so I have expensive taste!!!
congrs Kristyn. On my first year anniversary i went out for a medi/pedi, bought new clothes and went out for dinner and ate awhole apple pie by myself(which prolly why i've gained so much lol).
CONGRATS Kristen on your 1 year anniversity :) , I am so happy to hear that thing are going well for you , AND BTW well said
Quote from: Kristyn on September 15, 2011, 01:55:48 PM
Don't let people get you down, Val, it's not worth it. You will never be able to please everybody, just be and let be. You look very nice and there are many insecure people out there who are intimidated by people like yourself and will do anything to drag you down. :) Just smile and enjoy your life--you've earned it! :)
:)) XOXOXOXO
Quote from: Tinkerbell on September 16, 2011, 02:03:23 PM
congrs Kristyn. On my first year anniversary i went out for a medi/pedi, bought new clothes.
THANK YOU!!!!! :)
Quote
and went out for dinner and ate awhole apple pie by myself (which prolly why i've gained so much lol)
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Quote from: Suigeniris on September 16, 2011, 02:28:34 PM
CONGRATS Kristen on your 1 year anniversity :) , I am so happy to hear that thing are going well for you , AND BTW well said :)) XOXOXOXO
THANK YOU, THANK YOU Sui!!!! :) :) Hope all is well with you too! Fun isn't it? ;)
Hi Kristyn, and Happy Birthday! Woot! :laugh: I'm glad to have gotten to meet you and share a part of our journeys together here. I wish you all the best in all your endeavors. :)
hugs,
Chloe
Happy Birthday, Kristyn! I wish you the best and I've enjoyed reading your contributions.
I hope this next year is even better for you.
Quote from: FairyGirl on September 17, 2011, 02:01:05 AM
Hi Kristyn, and Happy Birthday! Woot! :laugh: I'm glad to have gotten to meet you and share a part of our journeys together here. I wish you all the best in all your endeavors. :)
hugs,
Chloe
Thanks Fairygirl! :) I've enjoyed reading many of your posts. :)
Quote from: Re: Joyce on September 17, 2011, 07:06:11 AM
Happy Birthday, Kristyn! I wish you the best and I've enjoyed reading your contributions.
I hope this next year is even better for you.
Thanks so much, ReJoyce! :)
OMG - happy happy birthday my gorgeous friend!!!
Quote from: stacyjintheway on September 17, 2011, 08:05:35 PM
OMG - happy happy birthday my gorgeous friend!!!
Aww! THANKS SO MUCH!!! :)
congratz! I'm halfway there *giggle*
Quote from: Debra on September 20, 2011, 03:13:22 PM
congratz! I'm halfway there *giggle*
Thanks Debra! Yes you are almost there--this is the period when you will see most of your changes occur. Enjoy! :)
Quote from: Kristyn on September 20, 2011, 03:36:10 PM
Thanks Debra! Yes you are almost there--this is the period when you will see most of your changes occur. Enjoy! :)
Okay, now you have my attention. what changes at six months? :)
Quote from: AubreyRenee on September 21, 2011, 01:42:30 PM
Okay, now you have my attention. what changes at six months? :)
For me that is when the healing began to accelerate--the swelling really began to go down around month eight. The labia became more defined and the swelling around the mons area went away. The discomfort I was feeling around the clitoris diminished and things began to feel good. Even after twelve months I'm still noticing changes. I just have a little layer of fat at the top of the main incisions which should go away over time.
My hormones began to regulate just after six months and I was feeling more emotionally and mentally stable. I increased my dosage 3 months ago by half a mg and that even made me feel better--I'm going to see my doctor on Monday about increasing permanently. The increase in estrogen smoothed and tightened my skin and also gave me noticeable breast development which I am comfortable with.
All in all things are good and I'm satisfied with the results. I've had no complications and very slight loss of depth--I'm fortunate and grateful because things could have gone drastically wrong.
Let me just add that, for the first time in my life, I'm happy and calm and animals and babies love me!!!!!!! :) :) :) :)
Kristyn: Very inspiring post.
Hi Kristyn,
A very belated birthday wish for everything good and abundant, and a big congrats on your 1st anniversary. You are a very inspiring woman and your posts have encouraged me immensely. Thank you so much. Sorry, I've just picked up this posting.
I can only imagine, your new life is more than you dreamed it would be. Keep in touch, as we would all still like to be part of your growth and celebrate those new milestones that come your way.
Once again, thank and congratulation. Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa luv
Catherine
Quote from: CatherineSarah on October 05, 2011, 10:13:18 AM
Hi Kristyn,
A very belated birthday wish for everything good and abundant, and a big congrats on your 1st anniversary. You are a very inspiring woman and your posts have encouraged me immensely. Thank you so much. Sorry, I've just picked up this posting.
I can only imagine, your new life is more than you dreamed it would be. Keep in touch, as we would all still like to be part of your growth and celebrate those new milestones that come your way.
Once again, thank and congratulation. Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa luv
Catherine
Thank you Catherine, these are very nice words. :)