Day 6 update from the post op side of the world. Cee and Noi came by earlier and I am recovering well, The plan is to remove my packing tomorrow and then I can get a shower (yayyy) I was under the misapprehension that you needed your catheter removed before they let you have showers but I'm not complaining 

Yesterday I was a bit naughty and went out into our Soi and did my bit for international relations and conversed with a group of lovely Americans  I had been in bed too long and needed the 20 yard (60ft) walk. All in all, Since Bernadette sourced a proper Mattress early yesterday I have felt wonderful 

Further updates once the packing has gone

Hugs

Sorcha 

Hey Sorcha.... you've got a bit of mobility, at least!

I wanted to ask you - dd you find it adequately comfortable sleeping in the ward on your back with the epidural also plugged in via your back? 

I don't have trouble sleeping face up, but being immobile for a few days... let's say that I've got almost no padding!!

By the way, I wanted to ask you where you're from?  Clearly your last post indicates you're not American ....

Hugs
Julia

Quote from: Julia-Madrid on April 06, 2015, 06:34:46 AM

I wanted to ask you - dd you find it adequately comfortable sleeping in the ward on your back with the epidural also plugged in via your back? 

I don't have trouble sleeping face up, but being immobile for a few days... let's say that I've got almost no paddimg

Hey Julia 

Yes I can at least move which is a relief

I know I had an epidural because I found the 2 balls of cotton wool and a plaster they used to cover the puncture wound but when I woke up on the first morning I couldn't feel it still in me. I was going to ask that they never gave me an epidural for the same reason as you mention but I completely forgot in all the excitement.

Quote from: Julia-Madrid on April 06, 2015, 06:34:46 AM

By the way, I wanted to ask you where you're from?  Clearly your last post indicates you're not American ....

I originate from County Waterford Ireland but grew up in Liverpool UK. I emigrated to Australia last year. I do like Americans but not as much as I like Thai's 

Hugs

Sorcha 

Again, thank you for your updates. It helps to know what I might expect next month.

Quote from: treeLB on April 06, 2015, 10:22:57 AM

Again, thank you for your updates. It helps to know what I might expect next month.

There will be a first internal view update in a few hours when the packing gets removed and we know for sure what my depth is. I've decided to expect really small and then every inch over will be a bonus. So more than 3 inches will cheer me greatly. 

Hugs

Sorcha 

The nurses have been and removed all my packing. It was a weird feeling while they removed it. There was allot more in there than I expected. Once that was done Cee inspected my skin graft and reported it is healing well. She then used a finger to get some lube in place before placing my first dilation wand in there and measured the depth. Folks who are coming here for surgery with Chett in the next week should be prepared for delays while he recovers from the shock when Cee reports I have nearly 6 inches I'm in deep shock too.  It says allot about Chetts ability and technique that the first UK surgeon who refused me surgery said I'd be lucky to get 2 inches and would likely end up with a cosmetic operation and as Chett himself only expected me to have 4-5 if we're lucky.

I was told my Catheter will be removed Thursday but I am allowed to eat what I want from now on and even shower which is not supposed to happen until 1 day after Catheter removal, Clearly I must stink and they figured for their comfort they would allow me to break that rule  As for moving about, I have permission to go into the soi outside and communicate with our international guests across the way. Going for breakfast will have to wait for up to a week but apart from that things seem to be going better than expected.

My task for this week is to plan a way of getting the nurses to agree to a Songkran Party next week. I have warned then I plan on throwing water on them and Noi seems up for a good time as she was practicing the water throwing this morning while Cee was cleaning my vagina.

Please feel free to ask anything you want to know. I am feeling really good this morning and recovery is going really well but I'm not there yet, Things can always still go wrong so I have to remain careful and do as the nurses advise me.

Hugs

Sorcha 

Wow, Sorcha, just wow!

Chet's best is very very good, isn't it?  And to think all he would say is he did his best.  I am feeling better and better with my decision to book with him every day.  You also seem to be healing really well too. 

Start having a bit of fun.  You guys deserve it.

Hugs

Emma

Quote from: EmmaD on April 07, 2015, 05:29:34 AM

Wow, Sorcha, just wow!

That was my thinking as Cee told me, She must have seen my shock as she insisted I look for myself using a mirror. Cee and Noi were both in the operating theatre when the op was done so will have been aware that Chett was worried about the quality of the result.

I know that we trans are well known for feeling an affinity to our surgeon and I am determined to not make out Chett is good just because I chose him, There are 4 or 5 surgeons in the world who on their day are the best there is. Chett promised me his best and he delivered it and then some. so I am extremely impressed by him and would say to all who choose him, If you get his best work you'll have a really good result.

I am going to be guided by his nurses and sneak in as much fun as can be had.

You will love it here Emma I'm sure 

Hugs

Sorcha 

Hiya Sorcha

That is some absolutely darn marvelous news.  Gee, you must be one happy girl tonight!  It really is good to know that even if Chett is muttering about limitations he can still perform minor miracles.

Those of us who are living vicariously through your experience are indeed hopeful that we'll be equally lucky!

How are you finding the dilations?

Hugs
Julia

Hi Sorcha,

Huge congrats on your surgery   It is good to read the experience from someone that is so close to my own surgery date which is May 22nd. I do have questions if you don't mind me asking.

Here are some of my questions:

How many days of cleansing did you have to go through? From your posts it seems it was more than one day. How many days where you unable to eat prior to surgery?
Did Dr. Chettawut see you just prior to surgery?
Did you meet the anesthesiologist before being put under?
How is the post op care in the clinic? Is the clinic clean and well managed in your opinion?
When back at your hotel are you able to communicate with Chettawuts staff when needed and are they attentive to any concerns you have?
Are the nurses that see you at the Rama attentive to you - able to answer questions and able to address any concerns that you have?

Thank you for any information you are able to provide. i just want to know what to expect during my time there.

Hey Julia 

Happy doesn't even begin to cover the emotion I felt all day  I knew he was being cautious but had decided he must have seen something that maybe I should be careful of. His nurses seemed shocked too. I am amazed this was possible so would advise anybody to just reserve judgement until the packing comes out. He's better than he thinks 

The first real dilation is today and it still scares me some. Cee has said she will demonstrate today and I doubt I'll get a go until tomorrow but we'll see. He expects us to dilate for 2 hours every day for 2 years and gives you a printed schedule to adhere to. It seems allot to me but then he does ask you at your consultation if you agree to it. He says it's an agreement we make. For his side of the bargain he promises you he'll do his best for you. I think he's already broken part of it by doing better than his best 

Hugs

Sorcha 

Quote from: treeLB on April 07, 2015, 06:02:47 PM

Huge congrats on your surgery   It is good to read the experience from someone that is so close to my own surgery date which is May 22nd. I do have questions if you don't mind me asking.

Here are some of my questions:

How many days of cleansing did you have to go through? From your posts it seems it was more than one day. How many days where you unable to eat prior to surgery?
Did Dr. Chettawut see you just prior to surgery?
Did you meet the anesthesiologist before being put under?
How is the post op care in the clinic? Is the clinic clean and well managed in your opinion?
When back at your hotel are you able to communicate with Chettawuts staff when needed and are they attentive to any concerns you have?
Are the nurses that see you at the Rama attentive to you - able to answer questions and able to address any concerns that you have?

Hugs TreeLB

Thanks for the congratulations. I am really pleased to be recovering as well as I am because there is nothing worse than feeling ill and not being able to get out. At least I am feeling good and unable to get out 

The bowel cleansing is officially 3 days, I had 4 clear days before the op so on consultation day Chett asked if I would only eat a light evening meal. What I did was eat a large lunch and a snack for dinner. Day one. You must take only clear liquids such as soup, juice, soda, syrup, coffee or tea, You cannot have milk, bread/toast, rice/noodle, vegetable, meats, fruits. I think the definition of clear liquid is a liquid that contains no other item rather than a transparent liquid. Day two. Same food restrictions as day one plus at 1700hrs (5pm) you take 2 Dulcolax pills and at 2000hrs (8pm) you have an enema both provided by Dr Chett at your consultation. Day three. Same food restrictions as previous 2 days plus 0900 (9am) 45cc dose of Swiff and at 1700hrs (5pm) 2nd 45cc dose of swiff. Swiff tastes disgusting but you mix it in a drink of your choice, I used Coca Cola in a huge glass and it was bearable. You are provided with an oral re-hydration powder but I found this to have an even worse taste than the swiff so used Gatorade which had Chetts approval. Although this all sounds horrible and a chore others don't require it was allot more bearable than it sounds and a few days fasting is worth it to have a good result. He wants to ensure your bowel is empty because of the technique he uses. An early bowel movement would be disastrous.

Dr Chett came in and said hi while I was in the recovery room which is where you wait for them to be ready for you. You will be collected from your hotel at 1300 (1pm) and your surgery will be 1500 (3pm) Once you arrive they take you upstairs undress you and put a gown on you then put you in recovery room. This is where you will meet the nurses.  They will want you to relax and you will be shaved in the surgery region. This is when Chett popped in and said hi. I have an allergy to Atropine and he wanted to know what happened if I came into contact with it because it is generally used to slow your heart rate during surgery. As allergies go it's not serious unless you are in surgery or attacked by chemical weapons 

I saw the anesthetist  when they were ready for me. you walk into a room where he will chat to you before knocking you out.

The clinic is very clean. Once you go through reception you are in a clean area where no shoes are allowed. There was always 2 nurses on duty at night. If you are the only patient staying they will sleep in your room on the floor or one will. You are given 2 bed baths a day and provided with toothpaste and a brush at these times. I made an effort to speak Thai so Noi taught me some phrases to make it possible for me to say things like I have some pain or turn the light on or off. English isn't largely spoken but they try. The staff seem very professional but being Thai they won't miss a chance to have some fun if they think you'll join in. Being Irish I started most of it  I really enjoyed my time in the clinic.

I have the clinics phone number if I need them and they would know who I am if I called. You get a visit each morning except Sunday. Cee understands enough English to answer any questions and while she seems serious which I think her job requires, Given a chance she'll join in the joking. I certainly made her laugh yesterday. Overall English isn't widely used but then as long as they know what they're doing then which they seem to

I hope this has helped you

Hugs

Sorcha 

Thanks for the update! It's really great information to have, speaking as someone who is going to go throught it in the near future!

I'm glad your depth turned out ok. Good luck in your recovery!

Quote from: SarahSchilling on April 07, 2015, 10:26:17 PM

Thanks for the update! It's really great information to have, speaking as someone who is going to go throught it in the near future!

I'm glad your depth turned out ok. Good luck in your recovery!

Thank you Sarah, I hope all goes well for you as well when the time comes 

Hugs

Sorcha 

Quote from: Julia-Madrid on April 07, 2015, 03:46:08 PM

How are you finding the dilations?

Simple answer is it was a painful introduction to dilation. I was too tense and so as they inserted the dilator I clamped my vagina on it and made it impossible for Cee to get it in. Noi was smart though and attacked my feet and toes which was a distraction. Cee eventually managed to relax me and get very slightly more depth than yesterday. Noi gave my feet and legs a massage while I kept the wand in for 15 minutes. Cee then showed me how to clean up and said I'm not to try it myself tomorrow until they arrive 

I am not going to worry so much tomorrow because I get rid of the catheter and then I am free from things that have followed me around for over a week. I've christened tomorrow Incontinence Day as it seems many post ops have issues with their bladder for a while once the catheter is removed. I have some Pants from Tesco Lotus to buy me some time just in case. I don't want to wet my new mattress 

More tomorrow

Hugs

Sorcha 

Thank you Sorcha (hugs)

Yes, it is all very helpful to know what to expect.

Are there many other patients at the Rama villas and is it easy to connect with them? Do the women help each other out do you you know?

I will be traveling alone and my biggest worry is being able to take care of myself and loneliness after being moved out of the clinic.

me too I will be going there in Oct and solo!! I'm so nervous

Quote from: SorchaC on April 08, 2015, 03:16:44 AM
Noi was smart though and attacked my feet and toes which was a distraction.

The image of someone tickling your feet to distract you definitely made me chuckle...  It will get easier, I'm sure!

Hugs
Julia

Hi TreeLB 

There are a few other trans here right now. You see them at breakfast in the days leading up to your surgery and can always connect then and once you can get out into the Soi you will see them as the hotel tend to keep all Dr Chetts patients together to make it easier on Cee and Noi. I am sure some who are here when both you and Bootifulone are here will have partners with them who can do shopping runs if needed like my partner is doing and would happily do for others if they needed it. I can understand the potential lonliness of being alone and the nurses being a welcome visitor just for the company but you will get to know others because after all you're all in the same boat.

I am sure once you get here and settle in you will feel right at home. The nurses are very good at knowing when someone needs help and I am fairly certain they would ask one of the other patients who is fit to maybe look in and make friends if they thought you needed it.

What you really shouldn't do is stress too much about it. If you make the plans before leaving home and then put them in place during the 3 days you have before the op then you will definitely get through. The only thing you need to bring from home is yourself and the medical things for Chett everything else can be gotten here. This is a really quiet part of Bangkok and the cottages are even more quiet because of the surrounding trees. If you want to see the craziness that is the tourist areas of Bangkok you can get a taxi to either Hua Mak ART station or On Nut BTS station and then make your way from either. I did a couple of excursions into the center while setting up the room and I am determined to get a nice photo of downtown Bangkok all light up before I leave.

keep thinking of the questions as I will happily answer them.

Hugs

Sorcha

Quote from: Julia-Madrid on April 08, 2015, 04:53:32 PM

The image of someone tickling your feet to distract you definitely made me chuckle...  It will get easier, I'm sure!

Hugs Julia,

The initial assault was slightly more violent than a tickle but she eased off once she had my attention  I have been shocked by Noi having a thing for attacking feet because one of the big no no's here is to point the sole of your feet at someone because the sole of the foot is considered unclean but Noi has certainly not been put off when she needed to distract me.

Today's update is one of interest. Last night I had my first bowel movement and apart from some initial discomfort from it needing assistance to come out as it was stuck there seems to be no damage to me or my lovely new vagina.

Cee removed the catheter earlier and I am surprised to be able to report it didn't hurt. There was a sensation like I was having a pee but they had me doing deep breathing exercises before and during and that did it.

I did my first dilation where I inserted the wand myself, I wasn't too good at it and it took a bit of time before I got it to full depth and now I have to have a go at it tonight all on my own. I can see I am going to have to find a relaxation technique and pretty quickly. I have to start 3 times a day tomorrow. Noi taught me 2 new Thai words today, Von which is hot and  Lon which is is very. She said Sorcha is Lon Von. If I needed a confidence boost being called very hot did it. Being honest she was referring to me profusely sweating whilst trying to dilate. i am still going to remember what Noi said next time I feel a bit low.

More tomorrow

Hugs

Sorcha