So, it's been two weeks since my surgery. Two really cool things happened today:
First, I got an email from Vital Statistics in my birth state so that I know what I need to get my birth certificate fixed for myself!!! YAY!!!!!!!
Second, I went and saw my regular doctor, just to make sure that everything was going okay and when I could go to work and all that other fun stuff. He says that I'm doing okay and gave me time off until after Labor Day (as long as everything goes smooth). And then, we invited all the nurses, nursing students, medical assistants and medical assistant students who wanted to, to come view my va-jay-jay. They got a chance to see the surgery and ask any questions. It went pretty well, they seemed really into it and asked a few really good questions. I actually think that it is something that I will be willing to do education with for a while. I enjoyed the teaching part of it. However, I did learn that I will need to do a slight bit of preparation on what I want to say and all the info that I should give them before we do the show and tell part. But it was fun and I did enjoy it.
Course, now that I look back on it, I really wish that I could say it felt weird to have been almost a prop for show and tell, but I really weirded out by it and I was involved in the show and tell, so I'm fine with it. :-)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
HOME
So, I have to say, that I am almost done with this journal/blog. I am back home safe and sound (thanks in a large part to Berry Bear! *giggle*) I have what I need to feel accurate and now I am just waiting on the court papers from Bowers office and then I can submit my paperwork to change my birth certificate and everything and be completely done with the transition. If you have been reading this whole journal, though, you will have realized that I probably have some interesting stories of that road as well.
Course, I'm hoping that all the legal stuff goes smoothly, so I won't have anything to actually write about. But, we'll see.
Course, I'm hoping that all the legal stuff goes smoothly, so I won't have anything to actually write about. But, we'll see.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A Week Later
So, I spent time in the recovery ward. It was not the best in the world. Well, actually, that's because of the catheter, Let me TELL YOU, THOSE THINGS SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, the nurses were awesome and they taught me how to roll as well as the fact that their mac and cheese ends up causing everyone to order out!
However, I did get to walk all over the place, including seeing the waterfall and attempting to make an escape!! (okay, not really, but we did go down by the entrance. One of the area's EMT's was complaining about taking it up the butt, as he was using the water fountain. He popped his head up and I asked him, "Did you at least get dinner? Cause if you're taking it up the butt, they should at least buy you dinner first." He started laughing at that, and I was glad to brighten his day!!
The surgeon finally came and take a look at us and we were allowed to go home. But, let me tell you, hotel with a catheter, or hospital with a catheter, they both SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! We basicaly just stayed around the hotel, took a little bit of time to walk and relax and had breakfasts. Course, sitting was not really pleasant in the slightest.
FINALLY, it was Tuesday and I went to the surgeon's office. The girl there took the packing out and showed me how to use the dilators which are necessary to make sure that I don't end up collapsing, cause I really do have what I'm supposed to downstairs!!!!!!!! *giggle* (not that I'm excited *giggle*) The nice part was getting the catheter out. OH. MY. GODDESS, I really don't want to ever have one in my body ever again.
However, my friend that also went through the surgery, well, she didn't do too well. She stayed around waiting for the surgeon to take a look at her. We went to dinner (a really nice place called Mimi's Cafe). Beloved had beer battered fish. The beer of choice that they use for ALL their beer battered fish? Sam Adams. YUP! A Boston based micro-brew is the choice of beer in California!!!!!
We headed home after trying to get stuff at Target, but my body is still getting used to full mobility, so we popped in the taxi and headed home.
My friend at the surgeons (who we had heard the receptionist say that the surgeon was going to be there right after surgery) never got to see the surgeon cause she never showed up. They eventually came home and she was feeling better, but she had been bleeding and feeling sharp pains. Beloved actually went and took a look at her (at request of her mom), and got her feeling better. I really do pray that she is going to do fine. She's really super cool and a HUGE sweetheart. Both Beloved and I think that it is pretty suckey that the surgeon wouldn't show up and take a look at her. As well as it was a girl that was definitely not a nurse that undid the dressing/packing and showing us how to use the dilators. She was only a Medical Assistant who was working on the surgeon's patients WITHOUT the surgeon being there.
It gets pretty scary to find out that the aftercare has been pretty crappy. I mean, I'm pretty happy with the results on me, but, I really feel like after surgery, the surgeon has basically fled for the next set of girls coming in for surgery. We had originally thought that there was only one set of surgeries per month, however, Beloved found out that she averages 10 a month. As well as presentations and speeches and her kid who started high school.
But, like I said, Beloved checked on her and we ended up talking for a decent time and had a really good evening. Beloved and I are relaxing on the couch and actually watching TV (which is kinda different for us). I can say that as interesting as it is, I really don't want a life where I set it up around what is on a television.
The only bad thing, though, is that I finally have a VaJay-Jay AND I'm basically getting my first period at the same time!!!! Okay, that's not completely true! *GIGGLE* I am still bleeding slightly from the surgery, so Beloved and I joke that I am getting my first period since the care for the bleeding is to wear a pad. Other than that I really can't complain (since the catheter is out!!!!! *GIGGLE*)
However, I did get to walk all over the place, including seeing the waterfall and attempting to make an escape!! (okay, not really, but we did go down by the entrance. One of the area's EMT's was complaining about taking it up the butt, as he was using the water fountain. He popped his head up and I asked him, "Did you at least get dinner? Cause if you're taking it up the butt, they should at least buy you dinner first." He started laughing at that, and I was glad to brighten his day!!
The surgeon finally came and take a look at us and we were allowed to go home. But, let me tell you, hotel with a catheter, or hospital with a catheter, they both SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! We basicaly just stayed around the hotel, took a little bit of time to walk and relax and had breakfasts. Course, sitting was not really pleasant in the slightest.
FINALLY, it was Tuesday and I went to the surgeon's office. The girl there took the packing out and showed me how to use the dilators which are necessary to make sure that I don't end up collapsing, cause I really do have what I'm supposed to downstairs!!!!!!!! *giggle* (not that I'm excited *giggle*) The nice part was getting the catheter out. OH. MY. GODDESS, I really don't want to ever have one in my body ever again.
However, my friend that also went through the surgery, well, she didn't do too well. She stayed around waiting for the surgeon to take a look at her. We went to dinner (a really nice place called Mimi's Cafe). Beloved had beer battered fish. The beer of choice that they use for ALL their beer battered fish? Sam Adams. YUP! A Boston based micro-brew is the choice of beer in California!!!!!
We headed home after trying to get stuff at Target, but my body is still getting used to full mobility, so we popped in the taxi and headed home.
My friend at the surgeons (who we had heard the receptionist say that the surgeon was going to be there right after surgery) never got to see the surgeon cause she never showed up. They eventually came home and she was feeling better, but she had been bleeding and feeling sharp pains. Beloved actually went and took a look at her (at request of her mom), and got her feeling better. I really do pray that she is going to do fine. She's really super cool and a HUGE sweetheart. Both Beloved and I think that it is pretty suckey that the surgeon wouldn't show up and take a look at her. As well as it was a girl that was definitely not a nurse that undid the dressing/packing and showing us how to use the dilators. She was only a Medical Assistant who was working on the surgeon's patients WITHOUT the surgeon being there.
It gets pretty scary to find out that the aftercare has been pretty crappy. I mean, I'm pretty happy with the results on me, but, I really feel like after surgery, the surgeon has basically fled for the next set of girls coming in for surgery. We had originally thought that there was only one set of surgeries per month, however, Beloved found out that she averages 10 a month. As well as presentations and speeches and her kid who started high school.
But, like I said, Beloved checked on her and we ended up talking for a decent time and had a really good evening. Beloved and I are relaxing on the couch and actually watching TV (which is kinda different for us). I can say that as interesting as it is, I really don't want a life where I set it up around what is on a television.
The only bad thing, though, is that I finally have a VaJay-Jay AND I'm basically getting my first period at the same time!!!! Okay, that's not completely true! *GIGGLE* I am still bleeding slightly from the surgery, so Beloved and I joke that I am getting my first period since the care for the bleeding is to wear a pad. Other than that I really can't complain (since the catheter is out!!!!! *GIGGLE*)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Post Surgery
Well, it's official. I have the correct genital stuff now!!!!!!!! The day wasn't too bad at all. I met a bunch of nurses and had a really great experience. They let me keep Berry Bear with me the whole time. The nurses have all been incredibly awesome and I even have been my typical cheerful self and getting them laughing and hugging and everything. I am soooooo incredibly happy and chipper and really glad that this went so well. The only bad thing was that evidently, I did bleed a decent bit, but everyone was on top of what was going on, so it (evidently) wasn't too bad.
Beloved called everyone almost everyone we needed to, though, with the time difference, there are a few people we need to call tomorrow.
I'm going to keep this short cause it's pretty late and I really should be asleep already. All the other girls are doing well and I'm actually sharing a room with one of them, and the other two girls are in the room next door,
Beloved called everyone almost everyone we needed to, though, with the time difference, there are a few people we need to call tomorrow.
I'm going to keep this short cause it's pretty late and I really should be asleep already. All the other girls are doing well and I'm actually sharing a room with one of them, and the other two girls are in the room next door,
Monday, August 8, 2011
Pre-surgery Appointment
So, we went to see Bowers. Let me tell you, the woman knows her stuff (and was impressed that my Beloved knew her stuff just as well. She is a pretty funny and personable doctor and was VERY impressed with all my stuff. She was impressed with my "structure." Basically, the way I'm built is pretty perfect and easier for her to deal with.
But another cool part was who we met BEFORE the appointment. It seems that there are four of us having the surgery in the next two days. We met two of the girls in the waiting room. One of them has a wife that came with her. The others had their appointment and then we ended up all meeting at the pharmacy. Since we had the timing in sync pretty well, we all went to get our lab work done together. We actually had some really good conversations. One of the girls has been transitioning for 18 years. YES, eighteen years. She actually flew in from Sweden and is really a sweetheart. Beloved and I are actually going to accompany her to the hospital in the morning. Beloved is going to actually stay until she comes out of surgery (or maybe later), I'm going to go back to the hotel and starting the really fun bowel prep. (yeah, that was said with tons of sarcasm)
The other girl has her wife with her. They're from Boston and she is a truck driver. She's had a few surgeries and is finally having the final one. Plus her wife and my Beloved get to hang out (and have each other to talk to and consult with and whatever else) while the three of us enjoy time in recovery.
So, we got back to the hotel and looked at all the pills that we had and all the other stuff and realized that my bowel prep was still at the pharmacy. So we left again and went back to the pharmacy. After we were done, we realized that we were unsure about one of the scripts. Since it was across the street, we walked to Bowers office and were able to get an answer from the girl at the desk. She then suggested a sushi place and even made sure they had other foods that I would eat. She even called and made sure they were open. Since they were, and they were in the plaza across the street, we went. I got beef teriyaki, Beloved got some sushi. When it all came out, the sushi was HUGE. Beloved's eyes dropped to her stomach and she realized it was too much for her. I really enjoyed the beef AND, I even tried the sushi. I have tried sushi two times before it, it was ewwwwwwww. UNTIL TODAY!!!!!! (well, several days ago, when y'all read this! *giggle*) I actually really enjoyed it. We even told the guy that was our server (whom we both think was the owner). He seemed really delighted that I was enjoying it!! Beloved even told him that it was the best Miso soup she has ever had (and she's had quite a bit).
After that, we called it a day and went back and played three matches of Rummy 500. Beloved won two of the three, it was just nice to play cards again. Okay, I'm about to settle into her arms for the night. Tomorrow is the long day of the Throne. UGH.
But another cool part was who we met BEFORE the appointment. It seems that there are four of us having the surgery in the next two days. We met two of the girls in the waiting room. One of them has a wife that came with her. The others had their appointment and then we ended up all meeting at the pharmacy. Since we had the timing in sync pretty well, we all went to get our lab work done together. We actually had some really good conversations. One of the girls has been transitioning for 18 years. YES, eighteen years. She actually flew in from Sweden and is really a sweetheart. Beloved and I are actually going to accompany her to the hospital in the morning. Beloved is going to actually stay until she comes out of surgery (or maybe later), I'm going to go back to the hotel and starting the really fun bowel prep. (yeah, that was said with tons of sarcasm)
The other girl has her wife with her. They're from Boston and she is a truck driver. She's had a few surgeries and is finally having the final one. Plus her wife and my Beloved get to hang out (and have each other to talk to and consult with and whatever else) while the three of us enjoy time in recovery.
So, we got back to the hotel and looked at all the pills that we had and all the other stuff and realized that my bowel prep was still at the pharmacy. So we left again and went back to the pharmacy. After we were done, we realized that we were unsure about one of the scripts. Since it was across the street, we walked to Bowers office and were able to get an answer from the girl at the desk. She then suggested a sushi place and even made sure they had other foods that I would eat. She even called and made sure they were open. Since they were, and they were in the plaza across the street, we went. I got beef teriyaki, Beloved got some sushi. When it all came out, the sushi was HUGE. Beloved's eyes dropped to her stomach and she realized it was too much for her. I really enjoyed the beef AND, I even tried the sushi. I have tried sushi two times before it, it was ewwwwwwww. UNTIL TODAY!!!!!! (well, several days ago, when y'all read this! *giggle*) I actually really enjoyed it. We even told the guy that was our server (whom we both think was the owner). He seemed really delighted that I was enjoying it!! Beloved even told him that it was the best Miso soup she has ever had (and she's had quite a bit).
After that, we called it a day and went back and played three matches of Rummy 500. Beloved won two of the three, it was just nice to play cards again. Okay, I'm about to settle into her arms for the night. Tomorrow is the long day of the Throne. UGH.
About to see THE Surgeon
So, I am sitting in the hotel/studio and it is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too early to be up. However, I have just slept for ten hours, so my body is kinda done. I'm a little nervous, but I am actually easily identifying it as just the general "I'm about to have surgery" nervous. Anyway, let me catch you all up on the trip in general:
I tried to flip my sleep schedule on Thursday because we were to be at the airport at 4AM on Saturday. So I got home early from work (after picking up my girlfriend's Christmas present and making a deposit so my checking account was in positive numbers before leaving). I finished a couple of things and then went to bed. I was up a little after four hours of sleep (I think). That makes it early evening (like 6 or 7 or 8 pm). I enjoyed dinner with my girlfriend and then she went to bed. I spent the night playing computer games and doing lots of frivilous stuff just to stay awake. She was up at about 5:30 am (which is typical on work days), and I went to bed shortly after. Unfortunately, I was up about four hours later and other than a small two hour nap, we were up until we got on the plane. The nice part is that we were able to clean together and played Legos Indiana Jones 2 together!! (we're doing pretty good, we're about half way done with the whole game!).
Anyway, her Mom picked us up and took us to the airport after my kitty (who is almost a year and a half old and had been cooped up in the house to prevent this is the first place), got out and wouldn't come back in the house. (and yes, my Beloved's sister, who is taking care of the house while we're away, got her to come back inside, later on Saturday). So we easily got on the plane (after my girlfriend was felt up. . .don't wear long flowy skirts to the airport).
We actually stopped in Chicago and TORE through the underground passage, but our flight had been delayed so we had plenty of time. We actually ended up in the waiting area with two mothers and kids that had left Albany airport with us, so we had a nice chat together. We also found out that the toilets in Chicago's O'Hare airport bathrooms have the plastic on them that is actually connected and you move your hand over the sensor and the plastic rings MOVE. It's kinda freaky weird and just makes me wonder if the plastic is actually collected or it's just one huge ring that keeps getting reused.
ANYWAY, we got into San Francisco airport and after a little figuring out, we got to the van. We only had a short ride down the highway, and we both agreed, California (scenery wise) is very similar to back east. There was a good sized mountain on one side and really just reminded us with our view of Troy (especially when you see is as you are riding down Route 7). The highway ride, itself, really just felt like I was traveling down the Jersey Turnpike just with a couple of Palm Trees thrown in.
HOWEVER, there were a few differences:A)The weather is soooooooooooooooooo nice. It's 105 degrees in Arizona right now. We're sitting in at 70, instead. I'm actually very glad that I brought my hoodie with me. The breeze is really nice!! It actually gets kinda sorta toasty in the sun, but it's nice and cool in the shade. and B)Everyone seems so friendly. The airport. . . okay, the airport was an airport and I wasn't impressed with them in there, but every where else, people have been really nice. and EXTREMELY HELPFUL.
After we checked into the hotel and unpacked in our suite (which is kinda big and has a kitchen and everything), we wrote up our shopping lists. One we turned in to the front desk (cause we weren't going to try to walk with milk and chicken and stuff like that), we walked over to Target. We realized we were hungry, so we went to a BBQ place that was part of the Target plaza. It was nice and they even sold the cookie cakes that I LOVE back home, but they were tiny!! I showed Amy how small the "Texas sized Cookie Cake" It's tiny. I got a laugh out of that, and the kid at the register thought it was cool that we were from NY. People out here aren't all that aware that NYC and upstate NY are NOT the same. OR that New Yorkers are actually pretty friendly ESPECIALLY when we are traveling. The weird part was that when you were done, you just left your dishes at the table and you get up and walk out. That's it!!
Then we walked back to Target and we did a little bit of grocery shopping and got GOOD snack foods. Okay, not really bad snack foods. We have microwave popcorn and single serve cereal and stuff like that. My Beloved got her coffee and we got stuff to make pasta. Yeah, the hotel actually has pots and pans in the kitchen and cooking utensils! IT IS AWESOME!! ANYWAY, we got back and realized that we didn't get a pack of playing cards, so we actually WATCHED TV. Yes, that may sound strange, but we don't have TV at home (at least no channels), so it was kinda nice to watch TV. So we relaxed and enjoyed not having to do stuff!! It was very nice.
I'm not really worried about the surgery yet (nor the appointment). I'm going to hop in the shower and then we are going to go up to breakfast (yeah, free breakfast at this place. And it is GOOD!!!!!!!!! course, I work 7 days a week, so I always do breakfast out of the microwave). Anyway, Time to get ready. . .
I tried to flip my sleep schedule on Thursday because we were to be at the airport at 4AM on Saturday. So I got home early from work (after picking up my girlfriend's Christmas present and making a deposit so my checking account was in positive numbers before leaving). I finished a couple of things and then went to bed. I was up a little after four hours of sleep (I think). That makes it early evening (like 6 or 7 or 8 pm). I enjoyed dinner with my girlfriend and then she went to bed. I spent the night playing computer games and doing lots of frivilous stuff just to stay awake. She was up at about 5:30 am (which is typical on work days), and I went to bed shortly after. Unfortunately, I was up about four hours later and other than a small two hour nap, we were up until we got on the plane. The nice part is that we were able to clean together and played Legos Indiana Jones 2 together!! (we're doing pretty good, we're about half way done with the whole game!).
Anyway, her Mom picked us up and took us to the airport after my kitty (who is almost a year and a half old and had been cooped up in the house to prevent this is the first place), got out and wouldn't come back in the house. (and yes, my Beloved's sister, who is taking care of the house while we're away, got her to come back inside, later on Saturday). So we easily got on the plane (after my girlfriend was felt up. . .don't wear long flowy skirts to the airport).
We actually stopped in Chicago and TORE through the underground passage, but our flight had been delayed so we had plenty of time. We actually ended up in the waiting area with two mothers and kids that had left Albany airport with us, so we had a nice chat together. We also found out that the toilets in Chicago's O'Hare airport bathrooms have the plastic on them that is actually connected and you move your hand over the sensor and the plastic rings MOVE. It's kinda freaky weird and just makes me wonder if the plastic is actually collected or it's just one huge ring that keeps getting reused.
ANYWAY, we got into San Francisco airport and after a little figuring out, we got to the van. We only had a short ride down the highway, and we both agreed, California (scenery wise) is very similar to back east. There was a good sized mountain on one side and really just reminded us with our view of Troy (especially when you see is as you are riding down Route 7). The highway ride, itself, really just felt like I was traveling down the Jersey Turnpike just with a couple of Palm Trees thrown in.
HOWEVER, there were a few differences:A)The weather is soooooooooooooooooo nice. It's 105 degrees in Arizona right now. We're sitting in at 70, instead. I'm actually very glad that I brought my hoodie with me. The breeze is really nice!! It actually gets kinda sorta toasty in the sun, but it's nice and cool in the shade. and B)Everyone seems so friendly. The airport. . . okay, the airport was an airport and I wasn't impressed with them in there, but every where else, people have been really nice. and EXTREMELY HELPFUL.
After we checked into the hotel and unpacked in our suite (which is kinda big and has a kitchen and everything), we wrote up our shopping lists. One we turned in to the front desk (cause we weren't going to try to walk with milk and chicken and stuff like that), we walked over to Target. We realized we were hungry, so we went to a BBQ place that was part of the Target plaza. It was nice and they even sold the cookie cakes that I LOVE back home, but they were tiny!! I showed Amy how small the "Texas sized Cookie Cake" It's tiny. I got a laugh out of that, and the kid at the register thought it was cool that we were from NY. People out here aren't all that aware that NYC and upstate NY are NOT the same. OR that New Yorkers are actually pretty friendly ESPECIALLY when we are traveling. The weird part was that when you were done, you just left your dishes at the table and you get up and walk out. That's it!!
Then we walked back to Target and we did a little bit of grocery shopping and got GOOD snack foods. Okay, not really bad snack foods. We have microwave popcorn and single serve cereal and stuff like that. My Beloved got her coffee and we got stuff to make pasta. Yeah, the hotel actually has pots and pans in the kitchen and cooking utensils! IT IS AWESOME!! ANYWAY, we got back and realized that we didn't get a pack of playing cards, so we actually WATCHED TV. Yes, that may sound strange, but we don't have TV at home (at least no channels), so it was kinda nice to watch TV. So we relaxed and enjoyed not having to do stuff!! It was very nice.
I'm not really worried about the surgery yet (nor the appointment). I'm going to hop in the shower and then we are going to go up to breakfast (yeah, free breakfast at this place. And it is GOOD!!!!!!!!! course, I work 7 days a week, so I always do breakfast out of the microwave). Anyway, Time to get ready. . .
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