You should wait at least 6 weeks before drinking. If you have VFS you need to avoid grunting until you are reasonably healed and should avoid excessive exertion.If you have CTA, there is a 8 pound lifting restriction for a while. You want the cords to fuse and you won't really know if they have until the sutures dissolved which should take place around week 5 or 6. It really depends on what you do when you have sex and no, I really don't want to know. 

Quote from: Dena on November 16, 2015, 07:58:17 PM
You should wait at least 6 weeks before drinking. If you have VFS you need to avoid grunting until you are reasonably healed and should avoid excessive exertion.If you have CTA, there is a 8 pound lifting restriction for a while. You want the cords to fuse and you won't really know if they have until the sutures dissolved which should take place around week 5 or 6. It really depends on what you do when you have sex and no, I really don't want to know. 

What Dena said, and also you'll want to avoid sexual activity for at least the initial no talking period (until day 8)because it's very hard to do without making noise lol and that includes panting and heavy breathing.  Even after that, I would be very careful to not use your voice.  Might be best to just not do it for several weeks.

That really sucks....thanks for the info. It's very helpful. Also does anyone know what the rescheduling fee is? I paid my 3500 deposit but I've been considering going home for thanksgiving. Not sure yet but I'll make up my mind within the next couple days.

You will have to check with the office but I don't think there is a rescheduling fee. They may not refund your money but they will allow you to apply it to a different date.

oh wow! yeah I'm down to meet up before the trip. feel free to PM me...

I am however at a very early point of my transition, so I still play around in boy mode a lot... my voice is also quite deep so there's no passing for me when I talk hehe.

Anyway, if you don't happen to reschedule, it would be cool to have another gal to go shopping with--we may even benefit from splitting taxi fare since Uber/Lyft isn't available.

Audree

So I'm waiting in Chicago international airport. I'm flying the red eye and I'm going to be in Rochester at eleven am! Consult this afternoon and then... Then surgery tomorrow morning. I think I'm going to be the first one.

I'm kinda scared, not going to lie.

I will ask about the extra gauge suture though since I think I probably have some sleeping habits that may not be conducive to healing. Definitely mouth breathing at night lol, but I bought myself this real comfy memory foam travel pillow to prop my head up better.

Ahhh the anticipation. At this point my voice doesn't pass, period. It can only get better. I'm hoping for an Emma stone voice. Hehe.


Audree

Quote from: audreelyn on November 24, 2015, 05:38:43 AM
So I'm waiting in Chicago international airport. I'm flying the red eye and I'm going to be in Rochester at eleven am! Consult this afternoon and then... Then surgery tomorrow morning. I think I'm going to be the first one.

I'm kinda scared, not going to lie.

I will ask about the extra gauge suture though since I think I probably have some sleeping habits that may not be conducive to healing. Definitely mouth breathing at night lol, but I bought myself this real comfy memory foam travel pillow to prop my head up better.

Ahhh the anticipation. At this point my voice doesn't pass, period. It can only get better. I'm hoping for an Emma stone voice. Hehe.


Audree

Have a great trip!  I remember that nervous feeling but this will all be over before you know it and you'll be in recovery and on your way to a new voice.

Don't be scared, you'll be fine. Best wishes to you on your surgery!

Quote from: audreelyn on November 24, 2015, 05:38:43 AM
So I'm waiting in Chicago international airport. I'm flying the red eye and I'm going to be in Rochester at eleven am! Consult this afternoon and then... Then surgery tomorrow morning. I think I'm going to be the first one.

I'm kinda scared, not going to lie.

I will ask about the extra gauge suture though since I think I probably have some sleeping habits that may not be conducive to healing. Definitely mouth breathing at night lol, but I bought myself this real comfy memory foam travel pillow to prop my head up better.

Ahhh the anticipation. At this point my voice doesn't pass, period. It can only get better. I'm hoping for an Emma stone voice. Hehe.


Audree

Yesterday I had my consultation with Dr. Haben. Here are somethings to note:
My untrained voice: E2 at 110hz
After CTA, he estimated: 200hz

Had the surgery today! Just got back to the hotel and took my meds. I am so tired, my throat is at a 5/10 in terms of pain, going to take the prescribed codein and sleep.

Post:
my throat is FLAT. Like even with the swelling it's hardly anything at all. whereas before it probably jutted out by an inch.

Coughing... I have a strong urge to do so, but haven't yet!! I have been drinking Naked Blueberry juice and alternating that and water. It helps a lot We went to WalMart last night and got Kings Hawaiian Bread, snagged some Vegan Vanilla Icecream and literally made an icecream sandwich.

My post-op consultation is on Monday. I think I'm going to pump my androgynous clothing for work and a little bit of girly stuff for the weekends. My bud and I are thinking about going to Niagara Falls just to check it out. I rented a car, so... might as well when I'm feeling stronger.

Happy thanksgiving y'all!! 

Audree

Audree I am so happy for you! I hope you are comfortable enough when fully healed to post a recording and maybe pictures of your adam's apple area? I don't have a prominent adam's apple and was very lucky in that regard, but would like to see if I could still benefit from having my trachea completely shaved if yours is indeed super flat. Mine is already flat but if you feel enough there is a tiny bump in my neck area, nothing worse than what some cis girls have. However I do plan on losing about 15 more pounds and am scared I will lose fat in my neck area, therefore exposing what little apple I have.

I know I said somewhere that I didn't need or want CTA, but it's still a curiosity for me as well.. it seems girls who have gotten CTAs have had their pitch dramatically increased, so I am curious how it will work out for you. I have a high pitched voice but still need to do a bit of vocal exercise work, as well as put in a bit of effort (not as much as before, perhaps half the effort) to attain a very feminine pitch. I am wondering if getting a CTA is the thing I need to push my natural voice where it needs to go.

Heal up well girly, and I think it was a smart idea that you ended up renting a car! Probably cheaper than taking cabs in the long run, especially if you want to head to Niagara Falls or take a tour around Rochester. Keep us updated love!

Quote from: audreelyn on November 25, 2015, 06:39:58 PM
Yesterday I had my consultation with Dr. Haben. Here are somethings to note:
My untrained voice: E2 at 110hz
After CTA, he estimated: 200hz

Had the surgery today! Just got back to the hotel and took my meds. I am so tired, my throat is at a 5/10 in terms of pain, going to take the prescribed codein and sleep.

Post:
my throat is FLAT. Like even with the swelling it's hardly anything at all. whereas before it probably jutted out by an inch.

Coughing... I have a strong urge to do so, but haven't yet!! I have been drinking Naked Blueberry juice and alternating that and water. It helps a lot We went to WalMart last night and got Kings Hawaiian Bread, snagged some Vegan Vanilla Icecream and literally made an icecream sandwich.

My post-op consultation is on Monday. I think I'm going to pump my androgynous clothing for work and a little bit of girly stuff for the weekends. My bud and I are thinking about going to Niagara Falls just to check it out. I rented a car, so... might as well when I'm feeling stronger.

Happy thanksgiving y'all!! 

Audree

Glad everything went well.  Enjoy your holiday and rest that voice

Kwala! Thanks for the well wishes Hope you have a great holiday, yourself!

Roni! I would hesitate for you to get your CTA done. I heard your recordings, pre and post op, and quite frankly I don't think you need anything else. You already sound great and with some training I'm sure you'll be exactly where you need to be. Since you're a skinny girl, if you do lose weight, it'll be elsewhere and probably not in your neck. Personally, I would try to save that weight for a nicer butt

More things to talk about:
During the Consultation, I forgot to mention that Dr. H found that i have a form of chronic laryngitis--as indicated by having darker vocal folds. He said this wasn't a problem just something worth noting. I was in a heavy metal band and I did a ton of screaming so... this could be why.

Swallowing hurts. it takes a huge amount of effort. Anyone else experience this? Must be a CTA thing.

As for recordings, you can find me on YouTube.
This is me reading Pablo Neruda.


I'll definitely post again when I have the strength to do so.
We're outta the room in about 3 hours and onto the AirBnB place. Yeah, renting a car was definitely a good call. I got one for 300 for one week, so it was a great deal

Audree

Urrrggg, My male voice had to be even lower than that!!! I had to have been standing in the wrong line when they were handing out voices. Even with CTA I would probably need to use a trained voice post surgically.

PS: If swallowing hurts, keep taking small sips of cold water and take the cough medicine. it's a pain killer as well as a cough medicine.

Audree:

Happy Thanksgiving.

I am happy that your surgery was uneventful and you are now on the mend. Do keep us up on your experience as time passes. How long did Dr. Haben say for no speaking? I will be there in December and will not be speaking for a minimum of 1 month and minimally the second month post op. If you have the chance, could you post a pix of the CTA incision? Having an initial idea and follow up pix of that is of interest to quite a few here.

Do take care and minimise chances for inadvertently speaking. This time is all about YOU! Do the best you can to help ensure the best possible outcome. Remember the mantra of patience, patience, patience. Don't give in to the urge to speak too soon. Our home looked pretty "interesting" last time with papers stuck up EVERYWHERE reminding me "do not talk". It was difficult to adapt to that as I am one to talk. A lot...

Get your rest and take all the required meds and "ask", on paper of course, about taking ibuprofen to help ease swelling. Have paper and pen at hand always and have friends or significant others to try and be in the same room when asking questions. Hand signs/signals work easily for most things if the speaker asks pointed yes and no questions vastly helping your recovery as it removes another potential speaking reflex situation. Try and have anyone with you answer common questions too.

Try to speak proof your home by removing obstacles you may step on or bump with your feet as it can have the ouch reflex occur. Others mentioned the benefit of a humidifier to help ease the potential of coughing, I'm definitely going to try that one myself. Liberal use of the cough medicine, if you tolerate it, will have you in a restful state and do try and remember to have Dr Haben give you a refill on the RX before you leave. Getting it filled before you leave Rochester can save future hassles with it nt being where you may live and cross state narcotic prescriptions may be turned down...

There is getting to be a pretty sizable amount of data on VFS here now and it has been great to see so many chronicaling their experiences for others to read and help decide for themselves about VFS.

I sincerely wish you the best during your recovery and in the future.

Be safe
Elaine 

Audreelyn, yes swallowing does hurt for the first week or so, and your taste will be altered and things can taste bitter.

I know you probably hate your pre-op voice, but that reading you posted is soooo good, it's like you had a movie narrator voice, it's sounds so soothing!! 

Quote from: audreelyn on November 26, 2015, 08:26:31 AM
Kwala! Thanks for the well wishes Hope you have a great holiday, yourself!

Roni! I would hesitate for you to get your CTA done. I heard your recordings, pre and post op, and quite frankly I don't think you need anything else. You already sound great and with some training I'm sure you'll be exactly where you need to be. Since you're a skinny girl, if you do lose weight, it'll be elsewhere and probably not in your neck. Personally, I would try to save that weight for a nicer butt

More things to talk about:
During the Consultation, I forgot to mention that Dr. H found that i have a form of chronic laryngitis--as indicated by having darker vocal folds. He said this wasn't a problem just something worth noting. I was in a heavy metal band and I did a ton of screaming so... this could be why.

Swallowing hurts. it takes a huge amount of effort. Anyone else experience this? Must be a CTA thing.

As for recordings, you can find me on YouTube.
This is me reading Pablo Neruda.


I'll definitely post again when I have the strength to do so.
We're outta the room in about 3 hours and onto the AirBnB place. Yeah, renting a car was definitely a good call. I got one for 300 for one week, so it was a great deal

Audree

Thanks Joy for the kind words. I didnt mind my old voice--tried to make the most of it. Sadly, it's just not compatible for the life that I want.

Elaine, here are a couple pictures:





I'll post more pix when Dr. Haben removes the stitches next week. He told me 1 week minimum no exercising, and as for the voice rest, at least 2 weeks. I'll be taking 1 month no speaking and definitely before I leave, will get a refill on the cough syrup. Due to the chronic laryngitis he did give me 2 months of the acid reflux medication.

Also, I did use a mouth guard for the surgery, it was a 5 dollar one that I bought. I dunked it into a hot cup of coffee, bc that was what I was drinking, and when it got melty, I put it in my mouth and bit down until it set. Dr. Haben said it worked really well for the surgery--my teeth are in good shape and it didn't cost me $200!

Eating healthy stuff now! Thinking I might pass on Niagara falls and just rest up. Might not be worth the exertion to get over there.

Dena,
Dr. Haben said my pre-op voice is in the middle of the road of male range. It's alright, we have the means to make our lives better now I hope you continue to recover! When are you going to post a new recording??


Hope your thanksgivings are going well!

Audree

I never measured my male voice but it had to be in the 90 to 100Hz range. I could comfortably hit 80Hz without forcing it. You have to remember I haven't used my true male voice in 35 years and I wasn't sure remembered where it was. October 15 was the three month mark and because of Dr Haben's backlog, I haven't received the report on the voice sample I sent in. My voice is still giving out with usage but it's getting better very slowly. I guess I can do another sample when the voice is rested but I am not sure how much better it will be.

Heyyyy everyone

So I'm at my two week mark.

Let me start off with: I did make it to Niagara Falls, it was Saturday the 28th, and it was fairly chilly, and about 80 miles from Rochester. The car I rented did come in handy, and taking the surgery during thanksgiving was a pretty good idea since my office shuts down for the holidays. Lucky me!!



Jax and I stayed at the AirBnB place literally next to the U of R medical center. Great alternative to staying at the hotel since our host was just great and very nice. I would recommend for anyone staying longer than the included two nights that you try it.



Here's the fireplace! Our host built us a fire and we watched "Den" on netflix. It was a modern horror... I would say watch it if you're into less supernatural horror and more into the secular... like Texas Chainsaw. "Babadook" was also quite frightening, but I liked it anyway. Jax also introduced me to Skins, The IT Group, and we watched the Misfits, along with some Master of None. So a lot of British television Misfits and Skins are just so good!
Aziz does a great job with his new show, so I would recommend that as well. I don't watch a lot of tv when Im at home so I may not continue these shows... but if I was an avid TV watcher, I would definitely do so.

Since I got back home to California on Monday the 30th, I've been wearing my scarf on the way to work, and that's about the only time that it sees the sun, otherwise my neck is pretty covered up. Here's what the incision looks like now:



Keep in mind that I did get the Triple. With that I really don't think it's all that noticeable unless you happen to be looking for it. The swelling is still there. But oh well, that's normal and in 5 or so months it'll be gone.



Here's one of me in my car in the parking garage at work. See, not really noticeable unless you're looking for it.

So I did speak a sentence today for the first time...: The Quick Brown Fox jumps over the Lazy Dog. It couldn't louder than a whisper, but I can already tell my pitch has gone up, and I feel pretty good about it so far despite the laryngitis. For the Triple, the instructions say 6 months will be the final result, so we'll see.

As I said before, Dr. H gave me an extra month of Omephrazole bc apparently I have chronic laryngitis from acid reflux, he guessed. Either way, it's been such a hell bc it makes me so constipated I feel like crying... I drink about 100oz of water every day--almost a gallon... and I am half vegetarian (by that I mean I go about half the weak w/o meat, and the other half with light consumption), and this is the worst thing about this so far. Anyone have this problem???

Other than that, I've been taking my daily vitamins and hormones as normal. I did get another bottle of the cough syrup and I don't really need it, but nice to have just in case as I feel like I've been able to control my coughs with all y'all's tips

In other news; I've been learning American Sign Language, and if not communicating through my smart phone's app: Text to Speech, which was been great to speak to everyone without using my own voice. ASL is coming along slowly, but once in a while I run into someone who knows it and it definitely pays off. Other than that, I am teaching my roomie how to sign, albeit poorly. but he's kinda sad that we don't have conversation during dinner anymore

Yawning kinda hurts, so when I get tired I find myself automatically clenching my jaw so I don't trigger a yawn. This sucks, but oh well. I suppose I just have to wait for the swelling to go down.

Anyway, thanks for staying tuned

Audree

Audree, your scar is healing nicely!  Take your time with the voice, but can't wait to hear it when the swelling goes down 

Quote from: kwala on December 10, 2015, 06:56:58 AM
Audree, your scar is healing nicely!  Take your time with the voice, but can't wait to hear it when the swelling goes down 

Thanks kwala! Cocoa butter does amazing things. I was in the tundra a couple years ago, sub zero degree weather and my hands were so cold and dry that they were bleeding to the touch. I started using cocoa butter and in a couple of days they were back to normal even in that climate! I'm hoping this will do the same for the incision.

Yes, I did break my vow of silence, but I was just itching to hear it. Well here goes another two weeks of quiet!

Audree