I'm so happy- My date is set for November 11, 2015! It's hard for me to believe that this is FINALLY happening.
I went for a consultation with Marci two weeks ago, and completely fell in love with the practice, the place, and the scenery. Talking with her really eased my mind on making the final commitment. It was good to find out that even though the bmi thing says i'm *technically* overweight, My recovery time should be only minimally affected by it (and will be faster if i can get closer to making my ideal weight).
Ever since I started considering going to Cali for my GRS (and subsequently learning that it was my only viable option over Rhumer in PA), I've had this worry of what would happen if there's an earthquake during my surgery but luckily the hospital is build on a spring suspension system, so we'd hardly feel it.
Mills Peninsula Health Center looks like a medium sized hospital from passing by it on the road. but eh.. that's not going to matter once I'm in the Recovery area :)
From what Marci told me of her most recent work, they are now recycling more tissues than anyone else, about 90-95% including some of the erectile tissue for construction of a more anatomically correct internal clitoral area that is more than just in the glans clitoris. I won't have to worry about my potential depth either since the the shaft skin is now being used for most of the vulva and part of the labia, while the scrotal skin is being used for the inner vagina and the rest of the labia.
That pretty much puts her ahead of the competition when it comes to matching natal anatomy. That's a big bonus for me going to her besides her being the only fully certified gynecologist that also does GRS and has been through the process too. with her latest methods, natural lubrication also seems to be occurring more often for her patients too.
The one thing that still worries me the most is the thought of the anesthesia doing something to me or not waking up afterwards since I've had family in serious conditions be put into medically induced coma and never recover, but that may have just been because of their conditions and not because of some incompatibility to the drug.
To be honest, the thought of surgery scares the hell out of me but I still feel its necessary for me to be any better. I went to stay the week at a longtime friend's place, which helped a lot. before we only knew of each other through online interactions. I took a chance with it, which worked out, since we got along really well and can use her for the experience of what i'll go through too.
She did say that everyone goes through a period of regret once post-op whether it be that the surgery was nothing like what was expected with the numbness and pain or the regret of not having it happen sooner, which I do worry about.
Overall, flying across the country to do the consultation really helped a lot toward making this dream come true (even if its a decade late and they lost my paperwork lol) i think I'll be staying in Mountain Home the whole time I'm out of work on medical leave.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10411996_834465356588039_7022423113763613235_n.jpg?oh=7138d15cff9b668932f4abd5a570a1e5&oe=54C09581&__gda__=1421498471_609a7764a14a63e37fe3c40c9447b12d)(https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1898179_834442706590304_1343212624898776601_n.jpg?oh=eeb63b08cfe79ee6cec156c0a3e16d60&oe=54C1C724)
BTW, Bowers is now up to a 14 month waiting list...
BUT now there's a catch.
The week after I get back, there's this letter that was mailed to everyone saying that The Company is changing to a local provider of the Cigna HMO plan and that "some doctors and procedures may no longer be covered by the HMO" (which is the only plan that will cover surgical mtf transition costs.)
The way I see it, its an attempt to force get people to change their coverage to paying more out of pocket with a higher deductible so the company can pay less providing the benefits that made it worth working there for less than the average when compared to other theme parks. That worries me that the trend may end up scaling back coverage for trans cast since we do make about 5-10% of the workforce here.
Luckily, my gyno is still going to be in network, but I have to find a new primary physician, and have to reconfirm that Bowers is still going to be accepted like this year's plan does. before this news, I only had to worry about $2500 for the GRS, but now its being raised to 10% of the cost up to a max out of pocket of $3500; and for those that are going the same route, the deductible is going to keep rising...
It's getting harder for cast to go from part time to full time too. so as much as I feel indebted to the company for giving me the opportunity to make my dream come true, I am a bit worried that those that follow in my path won't be afforded the same opportunity.
Yay and a big hug! I saw some of her work that was performed last year. I'm really happy for you!
Hugs, Devlyn
Congrats on the date.
Insurance hoops are not fun but better then the whole thing OOP
Congrats. I met her at the Transgender Health Conference in Philadelphia last June and she is an amazing woman. I'm convinced that she is the one for me to use. I'm in the process of changing my insurance carrier in January and will then setup a consult with her. I'm not surprised that the waiting has increased.
Congrats, I hope it all goes well and you manage to lose weight. It surely will help with recovery
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
thanks! I think my long term experience going through this process is going to help me through the expected post-op regrets and depression alot since I've been at the point to justifying living without the surgery for lack of money. that's the one reason I'm indebted to the company. although who knows, if i end up making a partner from the friend im getting really close to at work, there will be two reasons lol.
I have a date set for May 2015 and while I am excited and can't wait, I too am pretty scared for similar reasons... not waking up. I've been through a couple of surgeries prior that involved anesthesia and I believe (what I been told and put comfort in) that anesthesiologists are very good at what they do and part of their job is to deal with allergic reactions or complications with anesthesia during the procedure.
Congrats on your date with Dr. Bowers Mel!
I wondered how that had gone Mel, and I definitely know what Marci's work looks like, I see it every day I look down, and grin at myself.
thanks again... ^-^
I spoke with my case manager at Cigna and confirmed that the GRS coverage itself is not changing, just have to factor in for the new deductible rate.
:whew:
I won't get a finalized price for the GRS until my insurance pre-authorization takes place in March, but I'm hoping someone on here can tell me a ballpark figure on how much it usually costs going through Dr Bowers so I can plan ahead and know if i'll have something left over from my 10% up to a total $3500 max out of pocket rate for a side trip to Anaheim...
So earlier today while I was at work, I heard that the best time to buy airline tickets on average is to buy the tickets on a sunday that is eight weeks out from the date.
now I'm wondering about how much notice I would be given when it comes to my srs date being advanced???
I'm also wondering what I'm going to do about flying home on SWA. wondering if i should take a day or two layover half way on the trip home so im not too stressed since it takes about 7 hours to get to/from SFO and Orlando... in coach.
I flew home nine days post-op, on an inflatable donut, five hours SFO to MSP. It wasn't a problem, and I would think a couple more hours flight time would not have been a problem either.
I enjoyed my experience with Marci, though mine was surgery only, I never felt need for a consult. I have been in contact with her since for some issues. Everything is pretty good now.
Wow, your SRS date is super close to mine! I have mine schedule for Nov. 4th 2015 also with Dr. Bowers. Maybe we'll run into each other ^_^
Quote from: ForeverGiselle on October 28, 2014, 11:24:44 AM
Wow, your SRS date is super close to mine! I have mine schedule for Nov. 4th 2015 also with Dr. Bowers. Maybe we'll run into each other ^_^
nice, that would be so funny if we do run into each other on the streets of san mateo ^.^
but realistically, we may end up getting advanced to dates months apart
Quote from: Missy~rmdlm on October 27, 2014, 12:36:41 AM
I flew home nine days post-op, on an inflatable donut, five hours SFO to MSP. It wasn't a problem, and I would think a couple more hours flight time would not have been a problem either.
I enjoyed my experience with Marci, though mine was surgery only, I never felt need for a consult. I have been in contact with her since for some issues. Everything is pretty good now.
well what worries me about flying so far is how things were for me on the last trip: i got cramped up by the third hour of 8 hours, and when i got to SFO i almost called for a medic when i got all light headed, cold sweats, and out of breath. weird that i would have an anxiety attack doing the trip i was so excited to finally do ever since i set up the date.
I had two months -Nov 6, 2012-- notice when my date was advanced from April 9, 2013 to Jan 15, 2013. In lieu of the stop-over which would be close to $300 per night extra, you could just upgrade to First Class. IF you wanted to make a fun stop over though where you could do something enjoyable, I would say to go for it, as long as you had some quiet time for personal care. I had gone to San Mateo by car with some family members and straight through would have been 8 hours driving, in a highly packed car. (They had gone shopping while I was in the hospital.) We broke the return trip into three legs with two city stops at scenic sites along the way. Getting my mind onto things other than just medical care was not a bad thing.
Quote from: veritatemfurto on November 05, 2014, 12:07:09 AM
well what worries me about flying so far is how things were for me on the last trip: i got cramped up by the third hour of 8 hours...
First, thanks for posting the photos of San Fran - I absolutely love that city and miss travelling there. What a great place to have your surgery.
Flying...I think it would be worth factoring in an upgrade, or at least purchasing the seat in coach next to you so that you are guaranteed some space. And while aisle seats in first class are awesome for getting up and stretching the legs once in a while, a window in first would give you lots of space and nobody clambering over you five times to go to the bathroom. Coach for that length of time, as you point out, is miserable when you're healthy and haven't recently had surgery.
SouthWest is a cattle car service. Avoid, although sometimes you can get lucky and have an underbooked flight and lots of room at the back of the plane. Great for budget trips, not so great for trips when you're feeling a little delicate.
You could always split up the flights and have a stop-over for a few hours mid-country. In most airports you can find somewhere quiet to sit (even if it's the prayer room) and family bathrooms where you have space and privacy.
It's worth communicating with the airline too - call with details of your needs, see what they can do. Speak to the people at the counter when you check in. Speak to the gate agent as well - those guys and girls can work wonders when it comes to upgrades, pre-boarding, speaking to the crew about what you need etc.
Quote from: Vicky on November 05, 2014, 06:15:25 AM
I had two months -Nov 6, 2012-- notice when my date was advanced from April 9, 2013 to Jan 15, 2013. In lieu of the stop-over which would be close to $300 per night extra, you could just upgrade to First Class. IF you wanted to make a fun stop over though where you could do something enjoyable, I would say to go for it, as long as you had some quiet time for personal care. I had gone to San Mateo by car with some family members and straight through would have been 8 hours driving, in a highly packed car. (They had gone shopping while I was in the hospital.) We broke the return trip into three legs with two city stops at scenic sites along the way. Getting my mind onto things other than just medical care was not a bad thing.
unfortunately southwest only has coach... unless i can still get a flight via airtrain before they are all reconfigured from the merger... but i wouldn't have enough miles for that upgrade, as of right now my airfare is already paid for in bonus miles so im staying with swa.
as for where i sit, I'm a plane nut so a window seat is a must for me. i dont intend on flying back until almost a month after the surgery is done so i will have some time for recovery. I should however have some extra room if i have my mother or two friends travel with me while going back home.
during the initial recovery i think the first week or two ill be sleeping alot and then after that ill be itching to go back to Monterey Bay Aquarium for a few days. LUV that place...
Is it common to get advances or is that pretty rare? I mean I'm happy mine is scheduled but I would be even happier if it get advanced to earlier dates.
THanks for any info! :)
From what Dr Bowers and Robin have told me, it depends on a number of factors that are not just from working the logistics between their patient load and requests for Dr Bowers at events and shows.
Advancements are also influenced by when the hospital itself ends up having other resources or slots that become available for the Operating rooms when other cis patients cancel or move to other hospitals for their surgeries.
It seems to be pretty common nowadays, but again a lot of factors for them to deal with, so all we can do is hope that out names get to the top of the list sooner rather than later.
Congrats on your date! I too have contacted Dr. Bowers office a few weeks ago. Beginning this January, 2015 my insurance will cover GRS. She is one of surgeons that is in network with my insurance. The other is Dr. Kuzon at University of Michigan. There are a lot of excellent doctors out there, but typically you have to pay the surgeons fee upfront, and they will work with you in getting reimbursement from the insurance company after the surgery. In my case I have to use a surgeon that is in network due to financial reasons.
I would love to have Marci do my surgery, especially after reading your post about her technique. The 14 month wait list, which is what they told me also, is hard for me to take. I don't know too much about Dr. Kuzon, but I know he has been around and has performed many surgeries. I also don't know about the wait time for him, I am just assuming it is less than 14 months.
My therapist said for such an important decision not to rush, but I have been ready for so long for this. Finances was the block, and that has been removed.
Maybe I would feel more at peace in my mind if I knew I had a set date, I don't know. I will be making a decision within a week because I want to get the ball rolling. So I will be reading these forums top to bottom! Your comments of your consultation with Dr. Bowers make me think perhaps she is the choice for me. If I can just get past the wait time!
@BrenB, you can still reserve your GRS date before your insurance coverage starts to cover it by paying for your $1000 payment first. They will then add that payment into the final cost of the surgery that the insurance doesn't cover, regardless of when it is paid in advance of your GRS date.
Anyways, I have an update on my status:
Earlier this month, I got a letter from the insurance stating that my application for authorization had been sent in... several months ahead of the time frame I and my insurance case manager were thinking it would happen.
So, the application had to be put through the process before I was in the clear from picking up my HRT pills late when I switched pharmacies in February of last year. Some insurance policies will use any bit of being late as some sort of ambivalence and reason to not approve the GRS.
BUT, the result came back this week without any problems- I am now finally able to proceed with my GRS. :)
All I need now is the date finalized with Dr Bowers office and the insurance, and figure out how long I'll need to live out of my car at work working extra hours for the $5500 it will cost me this year (including travel costs).
This is just so freaking surreal... Robin from Dr Bowers office called me to confirm that my GRS is prepaid from the insurance, minus my out of pocket cost of $3500.
but
she had some even better news: MY DATE JUST MOVED UP 7 MONTHS
GAH! That only gives me 30 days to get ready now. sure i can use my credit card to cover the cost, but daamn a 7 month advance? how am i going to do this with my new car payments? So much to do in so little time... oh well I'll still take it!
Yay for you, I'm sure you'll get it all done and what a bonus that you don't have months to build up to it and worry if you've done enough
Good Luck
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
Quote from: veritatemfurto on March 13, 2015, 02:22:13 AM
This is just so freaking surreal... Robin from Dr Bowers office called me to confirm that my GRS is prepaid from the insurance, minus my out of pocket cost of $3500.
but
she had some even better news: MY DATE JUST MOVED UP 7 MONTHS
So exciting! And wonderful that insurance is going to cover most of it. Good for you honey. :)
I just sent her my application - can't wait to get a confirmed date...
Quote from: veritatemfurto on March 13, 2015, 02:22:13 AM
This is just so freaking surreal... Robin from Dr Bowers office called me to confirm that my GRS is prepaid from the insurance, minus my out of pocket cost of $3500.
but
she had some even better news: MY DATE JUST MOVED UP 7 MONTHS
GAH! That only gives me 30 days to get ready now. sure i can use my credit card to cover the cost, but daamn a 7 month advance? how am i going to do this with my new car payments? So much to do in so little time... oh well I'll still take it!
Congrats! I keep hoping Robin will call and give me similar news :) Keep us filled in on how it all goes! :)
Quote from: Khalysta on March 14, 2015, 12:47:08 AM
Congrats! I keep hoping Robin will call and give me similar news :) Keep us filled in on how it all goes! :)
Thanks, I intend to. :) I'm going to ask my admin friends to change the title of this thread to reflect that I'm making it into my play-by-play diary of my journey.
On February 4th, I began seeing a new PCP in the area who has done more for me in the last month than ANY doctor has done for me in the last decade.
I've decided to drop the Gynecologist I was seeing for my HRT for him. She blew off checking a lump in my breast as nothing serious. My new PCP found out what it really is and I now need a lumpectomy to remove a fibroadenoma thats roughly the size of a kumquat or date. My surgery for that is on hold until after my GRS. It just pisses me off that so many doctors can be so hands off when it comes to transgender patients that it gets in the way of providing us the preventive care we need to stay healthy.
So last week, My car got totaled on the way to work. I don't even really remember the details of what happened, just that I lost control, couldn't stop, hit my head and then the next thing i remember I was already in the wall being cut out of what was left of the car and put in an ambulance.
Yea, I know, "oh my God, are you OK?" Yes and no. While I'm "lucky that I survived without breaking any bones, I still have a bunch of bruises in my knees, ribs, face and collar bone. My right hand took the worst of it, still showing a lot of swelling and discoloration. Im pretty sure the blood vessels got damaged, since its a couple shades darker than my left hand, looks like my knuckles broke on my pointer and middle finger with them really swollen and hard and much warmer than the rest of my hands. There's also dark red splotches around my other joints in the fingers. I'm more worried about that than being out of work already on med leave for till next week.
For most of the week, my mood was Bleak. Mother was beating a dead horse over me about how "careless and irresponsible" I've been to get to this point. I told her "I wish I DID die in that accident with how you've been treating me." I really meant it, feeling like it was all going to end with me being unable to return to work from lack of transportation, her astute uncaring attitude that all i do is ->-bleeped-<- her and destroy her things, and the need to move out and escape from her grasp for the last time.
And then on Thursday, Robin called and everything started to change.
Quote from: veritatemfurto on March 13, 2015, 02:22:13 AM
This is just so freaking surreal... Robin from Dr Bowers office called me to confirm that my GRS is prepaid from the insurance, minus my out of pocket cost of $3500. but she had some even better news: MY DATE JUST MOVED UP 7 MONTHS
GAH! That only gives me 30 days to get ready now. sure i can use my credit card to cover the cost, but daamn a 7 month advance? how am i going to do this with my new car payments? So much to do in so little time... oh well I'll still take it!
I had originally been scheduled for the lumpectomy on last Tuesday, but with all the pain killers from the accident, I couldn't do it. so now it has to wait until after my other priorities. This whole chain of events just seems pretty weird on its timing.
Today I booked my flights for my GRS. First time flying into San Jose. I also confirmed my place to stay, back with the same friend I finally met in person for my consultation trip last September. My mother, despite all her moodiness, wanted to go with me but she can't afford the trip.
Robin did let us know about the special rate for the Staybridge Inn that routinely houses visiting patients at roughly $150/night. Staying the minimum of 3 weeks would cost us about $3150, which is undoable in my current situation. I need that much for a replacement vehicle.
With that cost, I'll be flying alone. :-\ I wish I had a girlfriend to go with me, but dating has to take a back seat in the list of priorities now.
So going onto the Airline's website, I searched for flights to the San Francisco area. "damn, 55,000 points needed for the ideal day to fly out there? crap." and that was just for flying out one way on a Saturday. I was hoping to fly out on Saturday so I could work a 6th day on Friday. I had to settle for flying out midday on Thursday for just 28000 points round trip- almost a week in advance of my date. As long as I can get off that day I'll be fine, since my work schedule has me off of work on Fridays and Saturdays anyways. If my GRS was on a thursday or friday, it would have been better timing. beggars can't be choosers. I made the return trip for May 16, so I would have ample time to recover and to stay on the same plane all the way back versus going standby like the last trip when the original outbound flight got delayed.
By the time I entered in my credit card information for the portion of fees not covered by my redeemed miles, I started crying. Its the first time that I really realized this is really happening.
I'M REALLY FINALLY GETTING MY GRS <:'-) This emotional roller coaster of the last month has really impacted me, literally. I thought it would never really happen, but now it will. I still have my worries about keeping my job and the insurance thats got me through all this, and that something else is in store for me like a clot from the hand injury causing complications during the trip or the surgery or the plane having some midair catastrophe.
Next I need to talk to my DR about getting me some Phentermine to get rid of whatever weight i can lose in the next 3 weeks and some serious fast acting anti-anxiety pills like Valium.
tips: Always plan your finances well in advance of your surgery date. make sure you can cover the cost of staying in town for up to 6 weeks, but DON"T think you'll be able to make a vacation of it and do sightseeing afterwards. You'll be spending most of your time sleeping, resting, groaning, and dilating.
Booking airfare is always cheaper when booked earlier in the month for a flight in the middle of the week, and no later than 30 days from your intended time of arrival.
First and foremost, congratulations! That's got to be wonderful to be moved up, as while it can make things a bit concerning as you've alluded, finally the right anatomy, and sooner!
Oh hey, looks like you'll be there the same time I am, at least on the back end of things for you. My first night at Staybridge is on the 9th, surgery on the 13th, leave on the 23rd.
Hope all goes well, looking forward to your experiences, travails, journey, and stories! This is such a useful help to not just me, but others who are heading out to San Mateo in the near future. :)
Quote from: veritatemfurto on March 14, 2015, 11:19:13 PM
By the time I entered in my credit card information for the portion of fees not covered by my redeemed miles, I started crying. Its the first time that I really realized this is really happening. I'M REALLY FINALLY GETTING MY GRS <:'-)
I certainly remember that feeling after 2 surgeons refusing me the op due to being too heavy. I kept expecting a disaster. Hope the month goes quickly and you recover well
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
Congratulations.
Quote from: veritatemfurto on March 14, 2015, 11:19:13 PM
Next I need to talk to my DR about getting me some Phentermine to get rid of whatever weight i can lose in the next 3 weeks and some serious fast acting anti-anxiety pills like Valium.
I'm using phentermine at the moment and done a fair bit of research on it. I'd be very careful about using it.
Having surgery while on phentermine can kill you, so you need to stop some time beforehand. You'd need to ask your surgeon.
http://www.realself.com/question/diet-pills-phentermine-tummy-tuck-safe
I'd also check what kind of diet you can do just before surgery, as your body could be weakened significantly. I believe it can be dangerous. I've been practically staving myself recently and its hard enough just standing up sometimes; I'd not go into surgery like this.
There's also a number of other drugs (and vitamins) that you can't take before surgery.
Quote from: AnonyMs on March 15, 2015, 04:38:08 AM
I'm using phentermine at the moment and done a fair bit of research on it. I'd be very careful about using it.
Having surgery while on phentermine can kill you, so you need to stop some time beforehand. You'd need to ask your surgeon.
There's also a number of other drugs (and vitamins) that you can't take before surgery.
DAMN. >.< oh well. I dont even look my weight anyways. and judging from my ability to virtually walk away from a head on crash that blew the airbags, it's likely mostly (still) all muscle mass. I'll have to ask Robin about it.
Not going to have any time for any electro or laser down there now either. never had much there anyways with the DSD.
SO after last night, I spent my time looking at ForeverGiselle's GRS recap from last month when she got advanced. I think I'm into this emotional phase of realization that "holy ->-bleeped-<- thats going to be ME in a couple weeks" more crying ensued.
Besides the big friggin needle that goes into my hand, I'm currently mesmerized at the bowel prep thing.
It scares me more than the surgery itself, thinking I'll be doing nothing but groaning and going on the pot for my last day pre-op I'm also pretty worried about how the hell I'm going to go without eating OR drinking anything in the last 24 hours.
Yesterday I had the Lumpectomy. If this is any indication of how i'll do for the big surgery in three weeks, I'm going to have a problem. I got my Dr. to order a script for Xanax to knock out my extreme anxiety problem with needles. As soon as I got up and ready to go I took half of one pill, and then was allowed to take another full pill just before the IV should have been started, but it didn't work. I still couldn't do it.
I probably could have done it if it wasn't for the "numbing agent" that was injected first... well halfway in my hand and the rest on top of it... It didn't burn a little, it was like FIRE. :'( The anesthesiologists had to make an exception for me by wheeling me into the OR first, starting the gas to knock me out, and then start the IV. Everything worked out that way. When I went into the OR, I took about 5 deep breaths and I was out. it only seemed like a few minutes went by but i didn't feel anything after that, not even that anything was removed from under my left areola.
I noticed that they tried to stick the iv into my arm three times on the left but it didn't hold, so they ended up putting it into the underside of my right wrist. I had used up almost all my me saline solution and got some vicodin injected and a glass of water.
When it came time to pull the needle out, I could hardly feel it. I'll have to remember that spot for next time.
I really need to see if Mills Peninsula's Anesthesia Department will do that for me too, otherwise I have a bad feeling that its going to take 3 full Xanax pills to get me tranquilized enough to start an IV. :(
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8709/16694533498_d3ffa46eee_b.jpg)
The procedure took about an hour to remove the fibroadenoma. When I had it diagnosed about a month ago, it was about the size of two grapes/a kumquat/ a date. It grew a little bigger since then, but all of it was removed without complication and sent off to pathology to verify that it wasn't cancerous.
Up until my current Primary Care Physician, coverage for me has been pretty hands-off. the last time i had any doctor give me a physical was before I transitioned, in 2000. That is way too long.
When I first found out that something was wrong with me, I almost fainted. not only did I feel a sense of disappointment and betrayal by my own body after everything that I've been through on this journey, I also felt pissed off from the lack of clinical care I've been receiving, just cause I was labeled as trans. That is a problem NONE of us should ever have. I've started to get into the habit of responding to "when was your last period" with "Not applicable- i don't have them because of a congenital problem/ DSD."
I remember asking my gynecologist that was prescribing HRT to check my breasts since they felt a bit abnormal, but she just blew it off. This problem should have been taken care of then if it was because of my HRT triggering something in my genetics to grow tumors. I won't be seeing her again now that my HRT is complete with the GRS in three weeks.
lot of updates!
3/27/15
So last Friday I went to get the required HIV test done, all clear as I expected. its funny though. I knew that it was improbable that I could have it since I haven't been with anyone since 2010 and its not like id ever willingly do anything with needles. But I was still nervous waiting the 12 minutes it took for the result.
3/31/15
This was the last day for most of my medicines. Stopped taking the hydrocodone and naproxin for the pain from the crashes and the lumpectomy. I was able to get on phentermine for two weeks, which worked great and knocked 10 lbs off to have me at 200 for surgery. Even with it now the eve of my pre-op, I've been able to keep it off.
so from here on its just the estrogen, the anti-anxiety pills, Tylenol, any antihistamines and topical pain patches as needed till the day of surgery.
04/03/15
I ended up having to change my flight schedule from Thursday to Friday since I didn't have anyone take my Thursday shift at work. Good thing that I did since I needed the time to clean my room and pack everything that I needed. As soon as I got home, I faxed my pre-surgery packet to Robin and gave her a call to confirm everything had gone through ok. It did and I was finalized for the op :)
04/07/15
04/09/15
I started the day with a call from the Hospital for admittance clearance. We went over a bunch of stuff and confirmed that I may be able to get the extracted material examined for any malformations (like ovotestes) caused by an intersex condition while they do the State mandated testing for diseases. I also should be able to be mellowed out with my xanex pills for the day of grs too.
I didn't even get any sleep on Thursday until I arrived in San Jose on Friday. Partly from the packing and repacking and also from my anxiety of it finally happening.
only a few hours to go before I get fixed! I mean, its not like I procrastinated getting things packed. I just have that much stuff to go through for packing a month long trip.
04/10/15
Flew out to California and hardly had any problem. I think the anxiety attack I had back in September combined with my anxiety pills really worked to get the stress out of the way early so i can deal with the stress I'll have in the immediate days of surgery. I won't say that all is well, cause it isn't, but everything is going as expected, which is good.
It's so exciting!
Hugs, Devlyn
well folks, today is it: my GRS is finally happening. I'm taking video logs since yesterday to document the experience and will post when I get the chance to do so in recovery...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2RomG39ifM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2RomG39ifM)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLODt_i1KKA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLODt_i1KKA)
Best of luck to you, well wishes, and a speedy recovery! Hopefully the pain will be minimized as much as possible. :)
So for anyone wondering, the bowel prep isnt that bad tasting, kinda like a malt beverage. Its the chugging a cup and then going every 10 minitues for the next 4-6 hours that is the real butt hurt... anyways here's my take.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8GgPHYeiwGZofGBIqmV-zYOo8DLjghZx
I'd like to watch these for my own sake of education and knowing what I have to deal with in 4 weeks, but you've made them all private, unfortunately, so no can do, as of now.
Thanks for letting me know it's not too bad tasting, that was my biggest fear. Hardest challenge will be not eating solids that day, but for that reason? More than can make an exception.
I actually remember a day about a month ago where I think my anti-cholesterol med gave me intense abdominal pain to the point of almost calling 911. After tossing some of my dinner, I was like "hmm that bowel prep I heard about sounds like a good thing right about now".
I can't watch your videos here, but I intend to when I get home. The more I hear about Bowers the more interested I am as getting her. To me 14 months isn't the problem is the fact that I don't think I can afford it right now + 14 months. I have no idea if my insurance would cover it or not. I suspect I may hit my out of pocket cap whenever that happens and it might not be that bad financially. If it isn't covered there is no way and hell I can afford it right now + 14 months.
Holy crap that bowel prep is huge. I had no idea it was that big.
You're other videos are private though. I couldn't watch those. Again I hope everything goes well.
well I'm alive I been doing more video documenting of the process and will post when I get the ability to have enough energy but for today I will be having the dressing change and they want to try to walk me lol see how that goes since I have a splitting headache. I've been in and out of things with the morphine and percocet I send on since the surgery I feel important thing is that I made it this far but I'm still not out of the woods just yet by the way the videos work now
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1279.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy537%2FDevlynMarie%2FModstuff%2Fp120128b_zps5bb84833.jpg&hash=392b515c1c1b611e038eedc089df3bda42da5ccb)
Good to hear from you!
Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: veritatemfurto on April 16, 2015, 08:20:03 AM
well I'm alive I been doing more video documenting of the process and will post when I get the ability to have enough energy but for today I will be having the dressing change and they want to try to walk me lol see how that goes since I have a splitting headache. I've been in and out of things with the morphine and percocet I send on since the surgery I feel important thing is that I made it this far but I'm still not out of the woods just yet by the way the videos work now
Squeeeeeee! Congratulations! I can't wait until you're feeling well enough for a fuller update!
I'm glad everything went alright.
Quote from: veritatemfurto on April 16, 2015, 08:20:03 AM
well I'm alive I been doing more video documenting of the process and will post when I get the ability to have enough energy but for today I will be having the dressing change and they want to try to walk me lol see how that goes since I have a splitting headache. I've been in and out of things with the morphine and percocet I send on since the surgery I feel important thing is that I made it this far but I'm still not out of the woods just yet by the way the videos work now
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on April 16, 2015, 08:25:40 AM
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1279.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy537%2FDevlynMarie%2FModstuff%2Fp120128b_zps5bb84833.jpg&hash=392b515c1c1b611e038eedc089df3bda42da5ccb)
Good to hear from you!
Hugs, Devlyn
Congratulations, Mel!
And Devlyn, I always smile when I see this pic posted in GCS threads. :)
Ugg once again the IT people are preventing me from seeing something. I'll have to check this thread when I get home. I can't see pictures in most of those posts from here.
Quote from: LizMarie on April 16, 2015, 02:05:25 PM
Congratulations, Mel!
And Devlyn, I always smile when I see this pic posted in GCS threads. :)
Tried to get up at 11... failed horribly. Apparently im allergic to the percocet.
"Not as bad as Beverly". lol I skipped that drink during the Coke tour.
omg, the tachycardia is really bad, worse pain than the grs. but its gone down a lot since i got to home base and off of the perkocet for just tylenol. im so sick of feeling hot and cold all over. :'( i just have to wait till monday when the stench and cather are removed. i think i may try getting back on my hydrocodone tomorrow with the perk out of my system.
GRS day
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmZ-GARd9B4)
post op day 1
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3xQyLNCTa0)
post op day 2
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20qmESCItdg)
post op day 3
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB1AYuVFs9M)