Thank you for your advice and the description! Sounds like a nice place. mind if I ask a couple more questions?

Where did you buy groceries and how did you get them back to the apartment?

Is there a pharmacy near buy to purchase ice packs or any other medical supplies as needed?

Does Leandro's apartment have a region free DVD player? Or use my shows are region free and I won't have to worry about that...

How's the Wi-Fi connection there? I plan to bring my tablet, kindle, phone - I know my phone won't work over cell, but I use Google Hangouts, so I'll be able to make calls over the Wi-Fi if it's speedy enough.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 15, 2015, 08:33:51 AM
Thank you for your advice and the description! Sounds like a nice place. mind if I ask a couple more questions?

sure

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 15, 2015, 08:33:51 AM
Where did you buy groceries and how did you get them back to the apartment?

There is a convenience store around the corner, you can walk there.  Near the lab, cardiologist, radiology facility there is a grocery store.  I just got back from there, we took a taxi.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 15, 2015, 08:33:51 AM
Is there a pharmacy near buy to purchase ice packs or any other medical supplies as needed?

I don't know.  Amanda provides ice packs.  I brought along some of these, Ice Bag, but there are no ice trays in the refrigerator.  I am going to see if they have ice at the convenience store.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 15, 2015, 08:33:51 AM

Does Leandro's apartment have a region free DVD player? Or use my shows are region free and I won't have to worry about that...

I don't see a DVD player.  I have a NetFlix subscription and brought along my laptop.  I fell asleep last night listening to a documentary on NetFlix.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 15, 2015, 08:33:51 AM

How's the Wi-Fi connection there? I plan to bring my tablet, kindle, phone - I know my phone won't work over cell, but I use Google Hangouts, so I'll be able to make calls over the Wi-Fi if it's speedy enough.

The WiFi connection is good everywhere but the kitchen.  I Skyped with my partner back in the states last night.  I gave her a tour of the apartment, but it cut out when I went into the kitchen.  Netflix worked well in the bedroom, I assume it would work well in the living room too.  The TV has an HDMI connection, I connected my Chromecast to the HDMI connection and just watched a Netflix episode on the TV using Chrome on my laptop.  Downside is I just used the last Argentina to US power adapter provided with the apartment.  I bought some, but forgot them at home.

All the blood work, cardiologist and radiology went relatively quick.  Amanda is very efficient.   On another note, as suspected my frontal sinus is very large.  Meeting with Dr Rossi later today, he will give me an idea what he can do.

Thank you, Deeiche! You've been super helpful. Sounds like I'll be buying a DVD player to bring along! Lol What socket types are in the apartment? The c type with two prongs, or the I type with three prongs? I figure I'll have to buy a few converters for DVD player, hair dryer, device chargers.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 15, 2015, 10:03:38 AM
Thank you, Deeiche! You've been super helpful. Sounds like I'll be buying a DVD player to bring along! Lol What socket types are in the apartment? The c type with two prongs, or the I type with three prongs? I figure I'll have to buy a few converters for DVD player, hair dryer, device chargers.

Glad I could help, others here have helped me immensely.

There is a blow dryer here, type C / I combination.  Make sure your devices can run on 110-240v, almost all electronics can.

I was just to the convenience store, bought some yogurt and eggs.  I wish I had retained the 8 years of spanish language education I received from primary school to high school.  But I can read the checkout register as well as anyone else.  :-)

Thank you again! I appreciate you being my eyes and ears down there! Hehe Do you have your own thread that covers your experiences down there?

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 15, 2015, 02:07:15 PM
Thank you again! I appreciate you being my eyes and ears down there! Hehe Do you have your own thread that covers your experiences down there?

You are most welcome.

No, I don't have my own thread.  I just wanted to help out in some little way.  I'm one of those who transitioned years ago, >30 years, and live an almost stealth life.  Though, of course, posting here cracks some of that stealth.  Except for my immediate family, partner, a couple ex-gfs (because I felt I should tell them.  People may suspect but they never say anything.

BTW, I saw my x-ray today, the frontal sinus is huge, in projection and height.  Dr Rossi said he could set it back 2-3cms, Amanda said probably 2cm.

I wish you the best.

Wow! 2cm should be no problem to take care of it!

I have to say, I'm also impressed at how much Amanda knows. She seems like an expert on this stuff! Her knowledge goes above and beyond the typical office staff at the places I've spoken with or had surgery with before.

deeiche, it would be quite amazing if they take off 2 cm, almost an inch. From the side, you will be nearly unrecognizable I think Probably by this time, you're recovering so we wish you the best.

Cadence - Amanda does know quite a bit and she's been in the operating room during many, many surgeries. In fact, I remember distinctly how nervous I was as the anesthesiologist was preparing to put me under and she walked in full scrubs! It was very reassuring to know that she would be there, a friendly face to remind me everything would be just fine. And she's always been able to answer all my questions in person or via email.

One more thing I will say is don't exchange your money at the airport, at least not in a large amount. They'll give you a terrible exchange rate. Talk to Amanda about where best to get pesos.

- Ruby

I have looked at your X-rays and it does seem you do have a large sinus cavity but a 2 to 3 cm set back is that really possible? that's really a lot..if you think about it. It really makes me wonder whether I should stick with just shaving as the surgeon recommended. Are there people here who just had a shaving (type-1) and regretted it or weren't satisfied with the outcome? 

Since this is Cadence's thread, I won't speak for her. Personally, pushing it back 2 cm is extremely aggressive and certainly possible. Dr. Rossi likes a challenge but he's also safe. I don't have exact measurements but mine was at least 1 cm. I didn't have a major complications either, in fact I've gained back significant sensitivity in my forehead and scalp and I expect and hope for the same for both of my sinus sisters.

     Only shaving would not feminize the profile to its potential. It's a waste really and the founder of ffs, Dr. Ousterhout really thinks that type 3 is the best option for most mtfs. I understand doctors like Toby Mayer or Zukowski don't do it because they are worried about complications. Fair enough. There may be. That was a risk I was willing to take.

    For many other surgeons Instead they just either burr the orbital rims and then add bone cement to the forehead to make it look smooth. That just doesn't work for everyone. All these doctors are very skilled and have the upmost respect for them. For this reason, my opinion is that one must be very careful in choosing a doctor that is right for one's goals. Cadence did so and in my opinion, it was a great decision she won't regret

   Dr. Mayer is excellent though. His stitch work is the best in the world and he is a compassionate pioneer in the field.

- Ruby

Cadence, thank you for letting me use your thread.    My eyes are pretty swollen, it's been less than 48 hours since surgery.

I have my pre-surgery xrays, if you don't mind I will post them here the next day or two.  Should be a great comparison between your, Ruby's and mine.

back to ice packs

between ice packs

Best wishes for a quick recovery!

I added my pre-surgery profile x-ray last night.

Wow. It looks like yours extended further up your forehead than mine does. I'm sending positive thoughts your way that Dr. Rossi was able to give you the forehead that you asked for! I don't recall: have you posted before photos of your profile here? Would you be willing to share with us?

Yep, the front X-ray shows the sinuses extending high too.  Also, Dr Rossi said the corrugator muscle was very thick, almost 1cm.

No before pictures posted anywhere.  I transitioned a long time ago, I chose a lifestyle that allowed me to live as a woman, albeit not a very attractive one.  You know, leather wearing biker dyke who slowly changed into an aging computer nerd at a research facility.  A place where people don't care what you like like, but what you produce.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 19, 2015, 08:42:47 AM
Wow. It looks like yours extended further up your forehead than mine does. I'm sending positive thoughts your way that Dr. Rossi was able to give you the forehead that you asked for! I don't recall: have you posted before photos of your profile here? Would you be willing to share with us?

Everything I learned here has been more than could be expected.  We had that once on the Yahoo FFS group, but for some reason Yahoo decided to "make groups better" and it totally destroyed them.

I'm still thinking that one over.  It has been over 30 years since anyone referred to me as a transwoman, and to honest I don't think that was the phrase back then.  You were just trans, the world did not even think there were FTM men.  The world transwoman still sounds odd to me.  I have always been a woman regardless the external presentation. 

couple of things to add to your thread.

I've been taking longer and longer morning walks, maybe to long.  I was exhausted when I got back this morning, but hey afternoon naps were invented just for that.  :-)

There is a pharmacy right around the corner, I have yet to step foot in it.  Quick stop is around a different corner, I hit groceries near where ever Amanda takes me for an appt.  Got to ride the subway with her back with groceries in hand after stitch/staple removal on Thursday.  I'm a small city girl, we don't have newfangled things like subways where I live.  ;-)

My forehead is damn near flat.  Dr Rossi said he eliminated almost all of the frontal sinus.  Chuckle, I just tried to take a profile selfie but it sucked.  Because of my receding hairline there is still obvious slope to my forehead, but hair implants will help that.

On another note, once you're past the all you want to do is ice,sleep, ice phase it gets a bit boring.  Of course, you might be better at slowing down than I am.  My partner tells me I need to quit being such a workaholic.

Congrats on your new sinus, Deeiche! XD I am so jeally! I want it NAO. Lol I won't have a problem relaxing: I have a long list of books and TV shows and movies to work on. Lol I'm more of an actively cerebral person than an actively physical person.

I'm still anxious about how to get travel with groceries. Lol I'm sure I'll figure it out when the time comes. Now I'm more concerned ed about problems with the TSA or immigrations, after following Shade's ordeal...

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 27, 2015, 08:02:42 AM
Congrats on your new sinus, Deeiche! XD I am so jeally! I want it NAO. Lol I won't have a problem relaxing: I have a long list of books and TV shows and movies to work on. Lol I'm more of an actively cerebral person than an actively physical person.

You will be post surgery RSN, relative to your life so far 10 days post surgery will occur in a blink of an eye.   You need to get up and walk around, it's good for your body, specifically your digestive system.  ;-)  Liquidity / soft food diets really screw around with your digestive system.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 27, 2015, 08:02:42 AM
I'm still anxious about how to get travel with groceries. Lol I'm sure I'll figure it out when the time comes. Now I'm more concerned ed about problems with the TSA or immigrations, after following Shade's ordeal...

There are two reusable grocery bags in the cupboard, there was one when I got here and I added another because I bought one before I realized there was one already here.   I just discovered a fresh produce market a walkable distance from here.

Ahh, that is really crappy regarding Shadi.  All my travels during transition long predate the age of excessive/intrusive airport security.

Quote from: Cadence Jean on September 27, 2015, 08:02:42 AM
Congrats on your new sinus, Deeiche! XD I am so jeally! I want it NAO. Lol I won't have a problem relaxing: I have a long list of books and TV shows and movies to work on. Lol I'm more of an actively cerebral person than an actively physical person.

I'm still anxious about how to get travel with groceries. Lol I'm sure I'll figure it out when the time comes. Now I'm more concerned ed about problems with the TSA or immigrations, after following Shade's ordeal...

You might still have time to get Global Entry, it may only take a few weeks in your area. That'll allow you to skip the long line at passport control and use the flight crew side, last time for me It was 10 minutes from the plane to sitting down to order sushi on the concourse. That also allows access to the precheck lane.

It may be too late if you've already booked, as that information has to be entered at time of booking. But if you fly at all it's very much worth it.