I transitioned 20 years ago, but no surgery. I settled into life raising my daughter, feeling like I would never get all the cash together to have the surgery. So, I stopped worrying and concentrated on raising my daughter and enjoying life.
The years pass and I had stopped researching and keeping up todate with the surgical techniques and surgeons. I stayed single except for the occasional dash to the bed with a "friend", worked every day from Walmart to writing software, what ever it took to pay the bills.
One day, my daughter took a classic VW of MINE (thats for her saying it was her car) and had an accident. She was ok, but the car was toast. Insurance on the car came through and went in the bank. A few months later it dawned on me, I HAD THE CASH!
I spent a few weeks searching the Net, finding surgeons and finding out what I needed to fulfill this dream. Balancing cash, time off from work and the needs of my child, made the decision.
The Plant (where I work as a contractor) closed for 2 weeks for maintenance and I flew out. 10 days, thats all I had.
I loved Bankok, the people and the foods. 19 hours sitting in a cattle car aircraft, the return home, more uncomfortable, due to me sitting on my investment.
The surgeon said that the yellowish tissue on the edges of my labia would just slough off. It was normal. But 2 weeks after returning, the pain was terrible. Swelling was down but I was eating tylenol and even started to smoke again.
Uncomfortable, I called my GP for an appointment. Simple. I went to my GP for the check up and to relieve some of the stiches.
With me in the stirups, the doctor came in, took a short look and left the room. She and her nurse came back in, advising me that I would need to see a specialist.
Hummm...
On their return, again, said there was one in PA and one in VA. I was given phone numbers and sent on my way. Knowing of the surgeon in Montreal, I contacted them. The nearest appt was months away. I called my endo, and he directed me to a plastic surgeon at a local hospital 40 minutes away.
I pushed to get an appt, and was able to see him with in a week.
Again in the stirups, the doctor and 2 students, he at on the stool and discussed the problem. "I think your neo-vagina has disconnected and the remainder is necrotic. You'll have to see the following doctors...."
A few days later (still scoffing down tylenol) I was feet up at a reto-colon specialist. "Looks normal on the inside" (phew).
Again, a few days later, my feet went back up for the urologist. "All ok from my side".
Then back to the plastic surgeon, where I was able to get a script for an anti-biotic (taken from the original surgeons list of drugs).
Now we are about 30 days after surgery. The following weekend, I got to see and talk to family that have not spoken to me in almost 18 years, at my little brothers wake. It was both good and sucked at the same time. They didnt uderstand why I had to sit so often
Now 9 months later I learn, I did indeed lose my clitorus and need a bit of re-work.
The object of my blathering, is to prompt you to plan on AFTER surgery. Who are you going to see? What supplies do you need? Is your GP ready to help? Is your surgeon with in the same (bloody) timezone? AND speak the same language as you?
Dont hurry to decisions, plan well. Remember, after surgery is the rest of your lives.
