Hi ladies,
In case anyone is interested in having surgery with Dr. Bowers, I thought I share my experience with her. I wanted to create a thread so I can share my thoughts and opinions with you.
I landed at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday February 1st. Dr. Bowers office arrange a free limo service for me to get to my hotel which I thought was nice. Check into my hotel and walk around to see the city. I stayed at John Howard Express Inn in San Mateo. I guess you get what you pay for which is my experience with this hotel. I chose it because it was fairly inexpensive but it was meh. Only staying here two nights anyway. I came alone and thought I would be fine but boy, I was wrong. I had a melt down and cried my eyes out in the hotel. I don't know. I just felt so alone and felt like I didn't know what I was doing anymore. I was happy but nervous and scared and afterward, felt lonely. It was tough but I got through it.
This morning, I went for my consultation with Dr. Bowers. My appointment was at 9:00am but the office didn't even open until 9:15 since the front desk lady was running late. I didn't complain, it didn't matter to me. I didn't see Dr. Bowers until 9:40ish because she was also running late...it was slightly weird for me but I was just so excited to meet her that I didn't complain or cared. She was a nice lady just as I expected her to be. She examined me and answer my questions thoroughly. After examination, she told me that she doesn't expect any complication and that I will be in good hand.
After the appointment, I went to the hospital for registration and blood-work. Boy, the hospital was busy and I waited for a while. I think I spent 3 hours there (is this normal for a hospital?). Went to the pharmacy afterward and came back to my hotel where I drank the bowel prep. By the way, that stuff is disgusting and I wanted to puke. I been on a liquid diet today per their instruction. I love food so this is very frustrating and hard for me but I think I'll live! My surgery is tomorrow at 7:30am so I got to be at the hospital by 6. Compare to yesterday, today I am pretty calm and collected. Can't wait.
I will update everyone after the surgery on how I am doing. I am so excited because I have been waiting for this moment since forever. Time for bed! :)
I wish you the best and speedy recovery.
Vicki is also a Dr. Bowers alumni so nice to have another share there experiences.
Hugs
Thank you so much for creating this thread, as I have my SRS with her in May. I've been looking for recent experiences for her all over the web, to help me best prepare.
Also, best of luck, and as Izzy said, a speedy recovery. Be well.
At this point I wish you a speedy recovery Giselle.
-Alana
Hello ladies. The good thing is that I am still alive LOL.
It's time for some update. I arrived at the hospital at 6am as I was advised. Checked in and went to the pre-surgery center. Here, I sign in and waited for a nurse to get me. I was pretty nervous but also excited at this point. There was only like 2 people ahead of me. The male nurse arrived and asked me if I was here for surgery. I said yes. He looked at me and said "well mam, you need to sign in. It said so right here.". I was like, "um, yeah I sign in already". He glanced at the sign up sheet and said "oh, follow me please". I followed him to room 1 where he asked me some general health questions like when the last time I ate/drink blah blah blah. He gave me a gown to change into and said to wait.
I changed into my gown. Another nurse came and ask more health related question followed by the anesthesiologist who pre me for IV, etc. I have to say I was pretty calm. Everything was going to plan. I sent text messages to my friends that I would see them on the flipside. Around 7:30am, they came and took me to another room. A couple nurses were there and moved me to another table. I ask the nurses if there is where they put me to sleep. They said "no" and that was the last thing I remember.
I woke up in the recovery room asking a nearby nurse if it was done. She said yes and I fell back to sleep. I woke up again (didn't know what time it was) in my room. I felt super tucked in and felt like I need to use the restroom. The nurse said everything went fine and it was a success and that there wasn't any complication. I told the nurse I really had to go use the restroom and she gave me some more drugs that put me to sleep.
I woke up later (still Tuesday) and just feeling really tucked in. It wasn't painful but more uncomfortable. It was just a weird experience. I just didn't feel like eating even though the nurse told me to order dinner. Later the night, it was difficult for me to sleep and I order more pain meds from the nurse.
Wednesday was slightly better but still uncomfortable. just a lot of sleeping and pain control. The catheters make me feel very weird and the packing in the vagina makes me feel like I constantly have to go. It was kinda annoying to be honest.
Thursday was more of the same. They had me walked sometime in the afternoon. I felt very dizzy and light headache. They remove the dressing but I bleed after walking so they put some dressing back which was very uncomfortable.
Friday, I was discharged. I am staying at StayBridge and now have to wait until Monday until Dr. Bowers will remove the packing inside the vagina and the catheters. I don't know about the other ladies, but I feel like this is the worst part. I can't walk normally and can't stand very long. The catheter and packing makes things very uncomfortable. The pain is tolerable but it's just uncomfortable overall. It is Saturday right now and I can't believe I have to spend two more night before they are removed.
More to come! :)
Hang in there honey!
Are you by yourself, or do you have someone staying with you?
Quote from: newgrrrl on February 07, 2015, 04:49:51 PM
Hang in there honey!
Are you by yourself, or do you have someone staying with you?
Thanks! I'm trying my best! I am here by myself. :)
Congratulations! You are such an inspiration, I hope the healing goes quickly :)
Congratulations! Only two more days!
How long will you be there altogether?
Thank you Allie.
Beth Andrea, I will be here until Friday the 13th in San Francisco. I know, I could have pick a better date but I'm going to ignore the superstition of Friday the 13th lol.
I have my date with Marci for Oct 14, hoping that I am able to move my date up due to another cancellation.
How are you feeling?
Giselle,
Good luck to you and speedy recovery hon.
Congrats Giselle! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Please continue to update this thread with your experience.
Congrats, and I hope your recovery is swift. Please continue to keep us posted- Dr. Bowers is the surgeon I am currently leaning toward and I'd love to have some of my "fear of the unknown" squashed here.
Me too. It's either between her, brassard or even suporn for me. But, SRS is 2 years away for me at least and anything can change between now and then.
Thanks everyone for your support.
Well, it is Sunday. One more day until the packing and the catheters are removed. I am curious how everyone who had SRS dealt with the uncomfortableness of having the packing and catheters inside you. I had it in me since Friday and I cannot stress it enough of how much I hate the feeling. It is a horrible feeling at least for me and sometime I have to take some pain medicine just to bear with it. Perhaps my pain tolerance isn't as high as some individuals. Today is another depressing day for me. I feel trap in my hotel and feel like it's difficult to move around. Furthermore, I discover an infection on my lower thigh. There appear to be some rashes there that is creating some nasty little white thingys that can pop if you squish it. I know, disgusting. I'm hoping to have Dr. Bowers look at it tomorrow when I see her. I also woke up with a style on my right eye. Yep, this is a horrible day lol.
This weekend, I also got a little depress. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I'm here alone or due to the uncomfortableness of the packing but I never felt so alone and miserable. I'm trying my best to keep my chin up but it's really difficult. My one advice for any ladies thinking about the surgery is that if you can, bring someone with you! I think that will help tremendously! Don't be like me and come alone lol. I couldn't bring anyone due to unfortunate circumstances but if you can, please bring someone with you.
As far as Dr. Bower goes, I want to be honest with everyone. She's a very nice lady and will answer all your questions. However, be aware that she is also very busy and because of this, your time with her is very limited. I don't know if this is the same with other surgeons. I saw Dr. Bowers at my pre-op appointment, she was very straight to the point and bam, the next thing you know, your appointment is done. I saw her once for less than 5 minutes before the surgery and she came and check up on me twice (both less than a couple minute) after the surgery. My interaction with her was very limited as she seems to always be on the go.
The nurses she work with at the Mills Peninsula Hospital are nice but depends on who you get. I got a nurse name Viet and Maly who were the nicest nurse ever. They checked up on me, chatted with me, and just make me feel very very comfortable. I had one nurse, Irine, who is not very good. She's nice but she barely check up on you and you have to call for her several times because once she disappear, she doesn't come back until you literally need something. Not very attentive. I had a good experiences with nurses overall but you may get one or few that may be a little more on the difficult side.
That's all my update for today. Let me know if there is any specific question you have for me and I'll do my best to answer it. :)
Thanks everyone.
Hang in there. It is almost over. :)
I'd imagine now would be a good time to catch up on your tv shows? That should make you feel less isolated. No?
Giselle if it means anything I wish I was recovering in the bed next to yours. I am so awed by your strength and courage to go at this alone. My surgery is months away and I'm already starting to get scared. Stay strong sister!!!
Giselle, please stay strong. Feeling down and a little sad after is not that unusual. If you feel like having a cry, let it out. Probably doesn't help that it's been raining this weekend.
Hugs,
-Alana
Hey Giselle, I live here in San Mateo if you want someone to visit you. :)
Aww, you ladies made this experience a little better. Thank you so much for supporting me through this interesting time!
Jaz650 - Thank you! You are more than welcome to visit. I was thinking maybe we can even go for lunch or coffee. Let me know :)
Alana_Jane - Thanks Hon, I did cried it out yesterday and I feel better!
Allie - Thank you! I hope your goes well too!
beccacurls - It helps lol. I seem to have the TV on all the time and it does help.
Alright ladies, it's time for another update :D
Let's see. Today, I feel a lot better. I just feel so much more active and positive. I woke up early today and got ready for my post operative appointment. Meet with Gracie at Dr. Bowers who took the catheter and the packing off. The experience was well, surreal. Before I move on, I just want to let people know that I do have a low pain tolerance so maybe this is why I seem to have such painful experience compare to other ladies. I'm not exaggerating or anything but I do have a low pain tolerance. I just want to get that out there because I don't want to scare anyone off either or have people wonder why I'm having a lot of pain. For example, me and my girlfriend both had laser hair moving done on our legs. She was fine with it but it was pretty painful to me.
Anyway, personally, for me, when the catheter came off, the pain was quick but boy, it was unlike anything I felt before. It just felt so weird but definitely a sharp pain for me. Gracie said it wasn't painful and just uncomfortable but I'm going to disagree with her on that lol. Taking off the packing in the vagina wasn't as bad but it was another surreal experience. Just weird. Gracie also taught me how to dilate which wasn't as painful as I imagine. (yay). I still have to do dilation two more times today which I am dreading at the moment. Anyway, my moods immediately lift up once the catheter and the packing in the vagina was gone. I came home and even took a nice walk to the grocery store. Sitting down isn't as painful anymore and sleeping on the bed is just so much better. Other than two more dilation I have to do, I would say today is an awesome day! I'm looking forward to a night without the catheter and packing. :) Fyi, peeing for the first time without the catheter was very very messy as a lot of people had warned.
Will keep you updated on my experience. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for starting this thread, we await your next update and hope you are feeling better!
Hello ladies!
My first night yesterday without the catheter and packing was amazing! Yeah, there was still a slight pain but for the most part, I slept so much better. It was comfortable and I think that put me in a better mood. Going to the restroom is interesting...as I've been warned, the pee doesn't come in a straight line...it was very messy. I've also notice that its a bit difficult to pee for me. I don't know. I have to sit in the toilet for a while for the body to feel comfortable letting the pee out. I hope this will fade will time and go back to being normal.
I also did dilation yesterday and at least once today. Dilation is not pleasurable but it's doable. I just have to motivate myself to do it each time since the wound in that area is still fresh. I am hoping to get out today to do some light shopping. Yeah, that's really it. Thanks!
I'm glad everything seems to be going well for you. I've been avoiding looking into SRS surgens because it seemed so far away, but this week I'm more serious about it. I kind of like the idea of picking one that's been through it so Bowers seems like a decent choice and it sounds like she's one of the most skilled in the country. I'm not sure where, but one of my sisters lives in California so who knows, maybe she can help me out if this is where I end up. I suspect I probably won't even be trying to make an appointment this year even knowing that Bowers has a 14 month waiting list.
Hi Giselle I am just curious how you are feeling? I hope things are going well for you☺️
Allie - Hi! :D I'm feeling better day by day.
As far as updates goes, I am now back home. I arrived home on Friday. Pain is less and less. I don't take the pain meds they prescribe anymore. The hardest part post-op at least from what I am experiencing so far is dilation. I am instructed to dilate 3 times a day for 15minutes each. Dilation isn't overly painful but there is a lot of discomfort and very time consuming especially when you are doing it 3 times a day. But I tough it out and do as I am instructed. I guess one of my advice for the ladies doing SRS in the future is expect to give yourself plenty of time each day to dilate. Pre-surgery, I was a pretty busy girl who normally don't have time for herself until the weekend. Post surgery, I am beginning to understand that dilation is going to take a huge chunk of my time each day so I need to be mindful of that. Does anyone have any tips on dilating or what they do to ease the discomfort or make the dilation process goes a little better?
Enough about dilation, let's talk about vagina lol. I'm not going to sugar-coat anything and be upfront. Just a few days after the surgery, I can tell you that my vagina looked like a monster. I knew from other girls that it will look scary but boy, when I saw mine, I almost second guess myself if I did the right thing. It was very bruised and scary looking. Dr. Bowers said it was beautiful and would be even more beautiful once the healing take affects. I wasn't sure if she was just trying to make me feel better. Now that I'm almost 2 week post-op, things are actually shaping and I'm overall happy with the results and the way it look. I wish I could post a pic here but I don't want to get in trouble. My only concern is that on the lower lip of the vagina (is that how you describe it?), there is a red wound that is very visible....It's sorta near the entrance to the vagina hole? (again, sorry...I just don't know how to properly describe this). It's def. red and I see some stitches...I honestly don't know how to describe it...but I did take a pic and will show it to Dr. Bowers if necessary because it still hasn't close and idk if it's normal.
That's my update! :)
Hello Giselle,
You can Google female genital anatomy. The wiki page on it is quite good.
Best bet is to send a picture in and get the official word. Best of luck with Dilatation routine. Here's a lady who's a few weeks ahead and may be inspirational: http://insearchoflucy.blogspot.com/ (http://insearchoflucy.blogspot.com/)
Hugs,
-Alana
You're so right Giselle about how time consuming dilation is early on.
First month I was 4 dilations a day...then, then add in prep and cleanup time, sitz bath, showers....so little time to do anything else. Now you know why docs recommend taking one or two months off work following surgery.
I'm so happy now, I'm dilating once a day for a total of 20 minutes. Woo hoo.
Thanks for the info Giselle. I'm scheduled with Dr Bowers but hoping to get moved up. So its great to hear your experiences!
thanks so much for sharing!
Inspiring!
Perusing my blog stats found some referrals I had not had before and I followed them to this page.
Thank you so much Alana Jane for considering what I wrote inspiring. I found prior to my GRS/SRS, there was virtually nothing that explained step by step what I was going to go through. I decided to write about everything literally as it happened for the benefit of future lady's. To find that someone had read it and shared the link is quite humbling. I even registered so that I could reply.
Giselle, the red wound you describe at the bottom of the vagina is a very common occurrence and whilst it looks scary, it heals quite quickly. I described mine as my 30mm smiley face! I am not quite 6 weeks and it is completely healed externally. Everyone heals at different rates, but I would expect that by 8 weeks, this should be fine. I found it difficult toileting, because it was easy to bump and start bleeding. Just be very careful in this area and it will heal quicker.
Lucy x
This was a very good post to read, thanks for doing this. I hope you are feeling great and healing well.
I am also on Dr Bower's schedule.....This information was quite useful.
Best to you
C -
Quote from: LucyDalley on February 23, 2015, 01:51:34 PM
Perusing my blog stats found some referrals I had not had before and I followed them to this page.
Thank you so much Alana Jane for considering what I wrote inspiring. I found prior to my GRS/SRS, there was virtually nothing that explained step by step what I was going to go through. I decided to write about everything literally as it happened for the benefit of future lady's. To find that someone had read it and shared the link is quite humbling. I even registered so that I could reply.
Giselle, the red wound you describe at the bottom of the vagina is a very common occurrence and whilst it looks scary, it heals quite quickly. I described mine as my 30mm smiley face! I am not quite 6 weeks and it is completely healed externally. Everyone heals at different rates, but I would expect that by 8 weeks, this should be fine. I found it difficult toileting, because it was easy to bump and start bleeding. Just be very careful in this area and it will heal quicker.
Lucy x
I was one of the referred hits for you. I really enjoyed reading your writings of your experience, Lucy. Very much so!
-Ainsley
Quote from: LucyDalley on February 23, 2015, 01:51:34 PM
Perusing my blog stats found some referrals I had not had before and I followed them to this page.
Thank you so much Alana Jane for considering what I wrote inspiring. I found prior to my GRS/SRS, there was virtually nothing that explained step by step what I was going to go through. I decided to write about everything literally as it happened for the benefit of future lady's. To find that someone had read it and shared the link is quite humbling. I even registered so that I could reply...
Lucy x
You're welcome Lucy. I loved that you went into surgery with a smile on your face. We truly are a small and close knit community, all of our sisters, from those who are content to stay crossdressers, we who feel compelled to switch sides on the gender spectrum, to those who feel comfortable to swing across the gender spectrum as they are want to do, are all sisters in the journey. I'm glad that you've decided to continue with your blog even now that you ARE Lucy.
Hugs,
-Alana
Quote from: ForeverGiselle on February 15, 2015, 05:12:57 PM
Does anyone have any tips on dilating or what they do to ease the discomfort or make the dilation process goes a little better?
Dilation for me isn't really uncomfortable or painful. But if you aren't doing so already, maybe taking a pain killer 30 mins before will help. Also, once you prep the area, don't just start dilating. Lay down, relax for 15 mins. Think happy thoughts. Put on one of your favorite programs and then start dilating. That helps me. Hope it helps you.
I don't want to hijack this post too much, but again, thanks for the comments. The smile on my face was a truthful reflection because I had no fears about what was to happen and I was so happy to have finally gotten there; I think my post-op photo backs it all up too! If I can help just one person feel less anxious or scared of their impending GRS/SRS then I feel I have contributed in some small way :)
Quote from: LucyDalley on February 23, 2015, 01:51:34 PM
Giselle, the red wound you describe at the bottom of the vagina is a very common occurrence and whilst it looks scary, it heals quite quickly. I described mine as my 30mm smiley face! I am not quite 6 weeks and it is completely healed externally. Everyone heals at different rates, but I would expect that by 8 weeks, this should be fine. I found it difficult toileting, because it was easy to bump and start bleeding. Just be very careful in this area and it will heal quicker.
Lucy x
Hi Lucy. Thank you! I'm very please to hear this. I was a little concern about that wound but Dr. Bower told me the same thing as you so that is very reassuring. ^_^
Quote from: ForeverGiselle on February 27, 2015, 08:50:53 AM
Hi Lucy. Thank you! I'm very please to hear this. I was a little concern about that wound but Dr. Bower told me the same thing as you so that is very reassuring. ^_^
Your progress is rather interesting to me. I am looking forward to hearing more.
Quote from: mac1 on February 27, 2015, 12:04:02 PM
Your progress is rather interesting to me. I am looking forward to hearing more.
+1 Giselle. How are you holding up lady?
-Alana
Thanks again for everyone supports and checking up on me. Two more days and I would reach my 1 month post-op period. Exciting! Everything has been pretty standard. I'm more and more active each day. The red wound I described earlier in the post are still present. I can't tell if they got smaller because I see it everyday but it is still present. The two main scars are nicely covered by hair and it seem to be healing really well. Most pain have subsided but sometime I get a sharp pain that last for less than 5 seconds. Maybe they are nerves getting connected? I don't know. I still get vaginal discharge here and there so wearing pads is still the norm. I learn that the Infinity Ultra Thin ones are a lot more comfortable so that the one I would recommend if anyone is going through this. I feel like they are less heavy and more comfortable to wear. One time, I worn one of my favorite panties without pads and let me tell you, I regret it. :( Walking is okay now but I do get tired easily and feel the need to lay down once in a while. I think this is the norm.
As far as dilation goes, you ladies are right that it does get easier. At first, I was thinking there is no way this get easier but I've noticed that it does! I haven't miss a single session and don't plan to. Overall, so far, I have to say that I am satisfy with the result and have healed fairly well. That's really all I have to say atm but if you do have any specific question, feel free to ask and I'll get back to you! :)