Sunday day 23

I give up on bowel movements.  They are so small compared to the food I put in that I'm a little concerned.  It's not zero, just not much.

I'm on 3 Colace, heaping teaspoon of Benefiber and one of miralax.  So today, at Dr recommendation, a small enema.  I feel so much better!

Massaging the scar, again Dr recommendation, has lessoned the constant soreness.  I'm hoping in a few days of doing that I'll be closer to pain free.

Note to others about to have GCS, buy more antibacterial liquid hand soap.  Watching the dilators 6 times per day (before and after each dilation) uses a lot.

I'm feeling good.  I'm not ready to get back on my bicycle yet but I'm itching to go ice skating.

Tomorrow is dilation training number two where we'll go over the use of the measuring monsters (blue and green).  The purple one scares me as it is.  For those who have not seen what the Soul Source (? I think that's the company name) here's a picture.

The cans are standard 12oz (355ml) cans.  The wine bottle is a well a mostly empty wine bottle. [emoji16]

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You know you got this girl. [emoji1316]


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Today is post op day 25.

Side note to start:  I had a great lunch with @JillianC today and a pre-op MTF friend of mine who is waiting for insurance confirmation to have GCS also with Dr Schechter. (Fingers crossed it all comes back approved as she's really looking forward to getting it done.)  Jilian is a sweetheart and hopefully we'll get together this summer for some bike riding.

Now on to the medical stuff...

Some (not a lot but some) of the sensitivty near the surgical area is coming back.  Not as much as I would like but it's only been 3.5 weeks.  I still have numbness of my scalp from surgery there on 25 September 2018 and it's coming back slowly too.  I'm not worried about the lack of sensensation and won't be until mid summer.  My expectation is it will come back on it's own schedule.

I had a check up with Dr Schechter today.  It all went well and I was given "permission" (instructions?) on using the blue hard dilator.  I don't need to use the monster purple one unless I feel I'll need it; I don't.  He also told me to start massaging both the incision as well as the region above the clitoris since the Orchiectomy affects that area.  That will reduce some of the swelling and lesson the sensitivity (it's uncomfortable at times).

My next check up is in mid February (post op day #67).

This is the rough schedule that I was given.  These timelines apply to me YMMV (actually your mileage Will vary) Dr Schechter is VERY conservative and these are his guidelines.

Week 6 I may resume:
* light yoga
* light lifting of weights (no real weight limit was given, he said "take it easy")
* moderate exercise, don't over do it.

Week 8-10 I may: (I'm waiting at least 10)
* Sexual intercourse
* Submersive bathing
* Swimming

TBD:
Bike Riding

Since my next appointment is 3 days shy of 10 weeks I'll wait for the OKAY on the 10 week items.  That won't be a problem since I'm not interested in a sexual encounter with a guy so that's not a challenge and showers are okay and swimming in Chicago in the winter sounds dreadful.

Bike riding in the winter here is something I take a pass on until the spring anyway so I'm good there.  He suggested that I talk with my GP (Dr Fred Ettner) about mammogram and ObGyn referral.  He thought Ettner could take care of the ObGyn 'stuff'.

Now some of the more personal aspects...
I tried out the Blue dilator.  As for depth I can get to about the same depth as the orange dilator.  I'm not sure if that's because that's as far as I've stretched things out or not.  The next few days will shed a little light on that.

Quote from: Denise on January 06, 2019, 10:23:58 PM
Sunday day 23

I give up on bowel movements.  They are so small compared to the food I put in that I'm a little concerned.  It's not zero, just not much.

I'm on 3 Colace, heaping teaspoon of Benefiber and one of miralax.  So today, at Dr recommendation, a small enema.  I feel so much better!

If you are bound up Magnesium Citrate does wonders, just be sure to take a probiotic or eat some Yogurt... For me I eat anything with Canola Oil and it has the same effect... That stuff is terrible, meant as a lubricant for above the artic circle lubrication has invaded the food supply chain in North America...
Congratulations on the surgery and I pray for a speedy recovery!

Quote from: Denise on January 06, 2019, 10:23:58 PM
Massaging the scar, again Dr recommendation, has lessoned the constant soreness.  I'm hoping in a few days of doing that I'll be closer to pain free.

What scar is this, that needs to be massaged? I had SRS with Dr Chettawut, and the scars were along my labia. The area was way too sensitive after surgery to be massaged. Are you massaging scars on your labia, or somewhere else? I'm confused.

Quote from: echo7 on January 08, 2019, 02:48:30 AM
What scar is this, that needs to be massaged? I had SRS with Dr Chettawut, and the scars were along my labia. The area was way too sensitive after surgery to be massaged. Are you massaging scars on your labia, or somewhere else? I'm confused.

Echo,

   The scar(s) that I'm massaging are the same as you mentioned, those along the labia.  Basically the whole "W" scar.  I had two very sensitive (okay, pain) points one at the very top of my right side and the other at the very bottom on the left side.  Once I started to massage those points (and yes it's VERY uncomfortable to do that!) the pain started to subside.  Now it's more like a dull ache and quite ignorable where before it was something to contend with.

One thing I do is I take pictures every morning and every evening.  I can definitely see things progressing and looking better every day.  I started with the pictures right after I got home so I don't have any pre-discharge pictures.  Note that these are NOT on my phone but on a real camera.  If you're interested in doing the same, one thing that helped a lot was getting a flood light that you can direct onto the surgical area.  In my case I have a warning/emergency light that I hold between my feet as I take the pictures lying down prior to dilation. 

Glad things continue to go well, Denise. Thank you for the updates!

Quote from: Denise on January 08, 2019, 12:35:14 AM
He also told me to start massaging both the incision as well as the region above the clitoris since the Orchiectomy affects that area.  That will reduce some of the swelling and lesson the sensitivity (it's uncomfortable at times).

My next check up is in mid February (post op day #67).

This is the rough schedule that I was given.  These timelines apply to me YMMV (actually your mileage Will vary) Dr Schechter is VERY conservative and these are his guidelines.

Great!  The idea of scar massage seems to slowly get around!  We were preaching and teaching it for years already to the surgical field!  Make sure you use a lot of lubricant (best Vitamin E containing) when you do the massages!  Massage the areas several times a day, and gently try to break the scat tissue unter the skin down.

Day 26

I'm lying here dilating and thought i would post today's update.

I tried out the purple monster today.  It went in slowly and all but the last 1/2 inch (1 cm).  I'm more than pleased with the depth and girth.  Considering what Schechter had to work with, I'm a happy girl.

Tonight I went to an open mic in Boystown (Google sidetrack outspoken).  The speakers tonight were great.  I'm on the schedule for next month.  I have do much to say so I'm not sure what I want to say in 10-15 minutes.  I'm thinking of doing either my self discovering of myself or the experience of GCS.  I'm really torn.  Maybe 6 minutes on each.

Next topic...
I'm very open about the surgery.  I had a pre-op friend watch me dilate and got right in there to see everything.   With that in mind, if you would like to see pics PM me and I can send you some. 


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I'm glad you are doing well Denise. 

Great update thanks for sharing Denise...sounds like you are making great progress with you dilation. I have similar dilators as show in the pic although my set are all like the blue and green  ones.

Take care

Liz


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Today marks 5 weeks since GCS.  Some random thoughts, some are repeats, sorry

* Everyone I know who is post-op describes it the same and so will I... I'm very glad I did it, but really glad I don't have to do it again.

* After +50 years I finally see the right reflection in the mirror.  It was like what was there was "in the way" of what should be there.  Now it is right.

* My mental attitude is slowly returning and I'm not trying to "hold my pointer down" while peeing.  I just need to not lean back

* The swelling is mostly gone.

* Dilation is BORING and gets in the way of living sometimes.

* The incision is still a little tender but massaging it helps.

* The feeling/sensation is SLOWLY returning and I think I'm behind the curve on that one.

* I return to work next Tuesday

* I can sit for longer and longer periods of time

* I did 30 minutes elliptical and 17 on the treadmill today

* I now don't need to stop and think about tops needing to cover below the zipper.  Which is nice.

* I've put on 5 pounds not doing anything. Which is NOT nice.

@Denise
Dear Denise:
I had a "sticky note" on my computer monitor to remind me to write to you later today to see how you are doing since your last week's update and then was happy when I saw your new posting on your thread....    I am so glad to hear that your recovery and dilation stuff is going so well for you.

Yes indeed the dilation takes lots of time, put in a movie or something to help you pass the time.... but never ever skimp on how much dilation that you must do....  you went through a lot of discomfort, pain, mental stamina... and money to get to the point of taking this biggest of big steps in your transition journey... doing the dilation correctly and for the required times is a must if you are going to get the benefits from all of the things that have been done.... but of course you already know all of this so I will stop writing about it..... sorry.

Oh yeah, peeing will be a new experience..... "no hands"   
Also keep up your exercise on the elliptical and treadmill.....
... and very soon break out those leggings, low cut skinny jeans and bikini bottoms and show off your smooth front now!!!!!  It will certainly be an exciting time for you.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts and posting on your thread.
Hugs and as always, well wishes to you in this very exciting stage in your journey.
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on January 17, 2019, 05:50:08 PM
@Denise
Dear Denise:

Oh yeah, peeing will be a new experience..... "no hands"   
Also keep up your exercise on the elliptical and treadmill.....
... and very soon break out those leggings, low cut skinny jeans and bikini bottoms and show off your smooth front now!!!!!  It will certainly be an exciting time for you.

This may sound to be a stupid an inappropriate question, and please send me into the desert if you feel i deserve it!

I did not get really well endowed with my male parts, and I am slowly becoming more and more female (until 2 month ago without HRT).  Those parts I have have had so dramatic amounts of atrophy  that I have nothing left to tuck, and I can wear tight leggings without any problem (I would not want to expose the world to me wearing bikini's of any style).
And I have to also lean forward to pee (can't do urinals anymore) and have nothing to hold down.  Which means those parts down there are working almost the same as your "new" parts for urination purposes. (I am not really interested in the sex related side off this)

My question is, if you would have been in my situation, would you still have done the surgery, considering the cost and pain involved, not bringing any other advantage that a little better image reflection in the mirror.  As soon as I am dressed, one would hardly be able to see any difference between our neither regions.

Quote from: Denise on January 17, 2019, 04:55:30 PM
Today marks 5 weeks since GCS.  Some random thoughts, some are repeats, sorry

* * The swelling is mostly gone.

* Dilation is BORING and gets in the way of living sometimes.

* The incision is still a little tender but massaging it helps.

* The feeling/sensation is SLOWLY returning and I think I'm behind the curve on that one.

* I can sit for longer and longer periods of time

* I did 30 minutes elliptical and 17 on the treadmill today

* I now don't need to stop and think about tops needing to cover below the zipper.  Which is nice.

* I've put on 5 pounds not doing anything. Which is NOT nice.

Hi Denise I am 1 week ahead of you at 6 weeks....so nothing in other words

There is still a bit of swelling to go, dilation is boring but good for "me time", touch sensation is really minimal but I get all sorts of other sensations, I can sit a bit longer but over an hour and I have to stand or lie, started exercise this week 3 ks every 2nd day, I have put on about 4 pounds since 30/11/18..sounds like out tracks are very similar...congrats on your progress and I hope you keep getting great results

Take care

Liz

Quote from: Dietlind on January 17, 2019, 07:20:59 PM
This may sound to be a stupid an inappropriate question, and please send me into the desert if you feel i deserve it!

I did not get really well endowed with my male parts, and I am slowly becoming more and more female (until 2 month ago without HRT).  Those parts I have have had so dramatic amounts of atrophy  that I have nothing left to tuck, and I can wear tight leggings without any problem (I would not want to expose the world to me wearing bikini's of any style).
And I have to also lean forward to pee (can't do urinals anymore) and have nothing to hold down.  Which means those parts down there are working almost the same as your "new" parts for urination purposes. (I am not really interested in the sex related side off this)

My question is, if you would have been in my situation, would you still have done the surgery, considering the cost and pain involved, not bringing any other advantage that a little better image reflection in the mirror.  As soon as I am dressed, one would hardly be able to see any difference between our neither regions.

This is definitely a personal decision on your part.  Here is why I WOULD have done it with a cautionary note.  I too was able to wear almost anything I wanted without fear of exposing myself.  So like you there was some shrinkage.

I definitely would get the surgery because I'm interested in having a lesbian relationship.  I'm late 50's and I was/am concerned that lesbian women of my age would not be interested in having the extra baggage below.

There is a process called zero depth (some members have done this recently) which as the name implies, makes everything "look right" but there's no vagina. There's no dilation and some of the complications are gone.

Here's my cautionary note:  I came through the surgery with a smile on my face.  I experienced NO real pain so for me it was easy.  I can't stress enough that you know your own body and it's ability to recover etc from major surgery.  Ultimately the choice is yours.

Good to hear your recovery is going well Denise. If I may add a word for Dielind, I too am at that shrinkage point that I can wear almost anything. For me, it simply isn't enough. The bits are still there and in some situations, you can't hide it. This is unacceptable for me and this is just one aspect that drives my desire to get GCS. Another, of many aspects, for me is that, I am a girl. Those parts are not supposed to be there.

As Denise mentioned, it is solely your own decision. There are many things to be considered. Many questions to ask ourselves. Sex may not be of interest to you at this time but it is certainly something that can change in the future. Especially after finally becoming the whole person that we truly are.

I hope I didn't babble on too long. I'm sure you have already considered many of these things.

Quote from: Denise on January 17, 2019, 04:55:30 PM

* I now don't need to stop and think about tops needing to cover below the zipper.  Which is nice.

This is one of my reasons for GCS. Not the only but it will relieve a lot of discomfort. Love ya Denise!!! [emoji171]


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Quote from: Denise on January 18, 2019, 12:03:49 PM

I definitely would get the surgery because I'm interested in having a lesbian relationship.  I'm late 50's and I was/am concerned that lesbian women of my age would not be interested in having the extra baggage below.

There is a process called zero depth (some members have done this recently) which as the name implies, makes everything "look right" but there's no vagina. There's no dilation and some of the complications are gone.

I am like you, only quite a few years older!  The zero depth would be the one i would do, if i get surgery.

I see myself in my dreams for well over 15 years now as a person with a vulva!  Even in dreams that have no need to expose those parts, I ran around with an exposed vulva!  This has nothing to do with any sexuality, it seems to be my identifier!  I never did in my entire life (at least I cannot remember) see myself with mal e genitalia.
If my dreams want to tell my something, I better get going and get me one of those vulvas before they are sold out!

Quote from: Donica on January 18, 2019, 12:49:41 PM
Good to hear your recovery is going well Denise. If I may add a word for Dielind, I too am at that shrinkage point that I can wear almost anything. For me, it simply isn't enough. The bits are still there and in some situations, you can't hide it. This is unacceptable for me and this is just one aspect that drives my desire to get GCS. Another, of many aspects, for me is that, I am a girl. Those parts are not supposed to be there.

As Denise mentioned, it is solely your own decision. There are many things to be considered. Many questions to ask ourselves. Sex may not be of interest to you at this time but it is certainly something that can change in the future. Especially after finally becoming the whole person that we truly are.

I hope I didn't babble on too long. I'm sure you have already considered many of these things.

No, you did not babble!  I am glad that you ladies share those points with me, thy help me with my decission making  i am not dysphoric of my parts, they are just there, sometimes in the way, but mostly not.  I am definitely going for an orchi, but i really don't know what person I am, I am still without any clear gender identity and am absolutely gender fluid.  I prefer to be female, because mot of my body is female.  The only clearly male part of my biology are my penis and one testicle (somebody made that decission after my birth that I should be a guy).
In all my dreams for about the last 15 years, I am clearly female, because I have a vulva and no penis.