Okay, so technically, I did not actually get a bill. HOWEVER, I did get the Explaination of Benefits and found out how much my surgery COULD cost someone that does not have any insurance. So, everything from the hospital; room and board, anesthesia, drugs, and everything: $84,435.62. And that is without the plane ride, the hotel, the taxi, the food when I was at the hotel, this is JUST the hospital. Which makes me wonder how the douchebags in Washington DC are saying that getting healthcare for everyone is a bad thing, yet they have the best health insurance in this country. If you're complaining about insurance or having to have it, then suck my left nut. It's in a jar at a hospital somewhere in California, just so you can suck on it.
Alright, I'm going to try staying away from politics for the rest of this, cause another thing that occured was an issue with doing my recovery stuff at work. I have to say, I have the BEST doctor IN THE WORLD!!!!!! The first application was turned down. The thing is, is that if I do not do this procedure enough, then my surgery could actually collapse and that would be really really really bad. So, we attempted again and my doctor was just AWESOME with it. I had what I needed as soon as I went back to work. LOVE THAT MAN!!!!!!!
I do have to say that I really enjoy cooking with my girlfriend. We work really well together and we get A-MAZING food. What more could a girl ask for? LOVE YOU POUNCIE McPOUNCEPOUNCE!!!!!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
One month later
Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. . .it's been a month since my surgery (well, to the day, due to the time difference, and having very little memory of waking up, I'm not going to count it to the hour). I'm healing pretty well. It's still a little soar and I'm still having to deal with taking it easy, I have been able to do more and function pretty close to a healthy human. I go back to work in two days and it's kinda weird.
There's one side of me that is thinking about the concept of getting back to normal. I mean, I still have two jobs and will still be getting up EVERY morning to go to work. The jobs haven't changed, my duties haven't changed, my bosses haven't changed, my co-workers are the same. So it's pretty much getting back to life.
Then there's the other side. I feel like a whole new person. Granted just a small bit of my anatomy has changed and I can wear tight dresses and skirts. . .okay, tight skirts, my belly, while no longer a half keg, is still not close to a six pack. . .or even a two pack. But I'll start working on that soon. Anyway, things are different. I have accomplished something that truly started in kindergarten (yeah twenty eight years ago). Except for the legal stuff, I'm all done.
The thing is, for many of the older (I mean really older) girls who transition, once they transition, they kinda kick back and enjoy the rest of their lives. That's fine for them, they've earned it and they are more than entitled to it. But that's not who I am. Yeah, I worked long and hard to transition, but now it's about equality. Let's face it, this country has a GIGANTIC problem with equality. Every time I turn around, there are stories in the paper about it, and you can see it coming through in what you hear on the radio or see on TV. Yes, men and women are different, hetero people and homo people are different, and yes there are tons of "boxes" that the "powers that be" try to label us in. Yes, being different is a good thing, but what occurs here based on that is. . .well, the dumbest f-ing thing on this planet. Yeah, I said it. And you know it's true. Women couldn't vote until the last century. People of color, especially in the south, were discriminated against to vote, and those of us that are marginalized for whatever reason need to understand that most of this country is not happy with how this is all being done. But no one has figured out how to change it or what to change it to. I'm not saying that I have an answer. However, the bullying, whether it be on the play ground, in the class room, at a job site, in Congress, at the United Nations, or wherever needs to end. We can be equal without being the same. Equality is not about being the same little goober as the person next to us (I can't believe I used the word goober in my journal/blog).
So, anyway, my intentions are to be subtle about showing equality, but that's my goal. I'm looking to (once I'm used to being back in the swing of things), start volunteering and helping with charity things and show people that one small little woman has no problems helping out the world where it's needed. We'll see how well that works.
On a different note. Those that read the last entry might remember about me doing more show and tell for the medical community. I talked about it with my counselor a couple of weeks ago. And she gave me the contact person at the Medical College's contact info. Well, I've thought about it and I have to say, that I am not as comfortable with the concept as I had thought that I would be. My doctors I have no problems showing. Strangers (be they medical people or not), I'm not really that comfortable with. As much as the medical field needs to learn how to treat us, I am not comfortable being the woman that does it. I'll answer questions and share information, but I'm not willing to show my who-who to complete strangers.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
There's one side of me that is thinking about the concept of getting back to normal. I mean, I still have two jobs and will still be getting up EVERY morning to go to work. The jobs haven't changed, my duties haven't changed, my bosses haven't changed, my co-workers are the same. So it's pretty much getting back to life.
Then there's the other side. I feel like a whole new person. Granted just a small bit of my anatomy has changed and I can wear tight dresses and skirts. . .okay, tight skirts, my belly, while no longer a half keg, is still not close to a six pack. . .or even a two pack. But I'll start working on that soon. Anyway, things are different. I have accomplished something that truly started in kindergarten (yeah twenty eight years ago). Except for the legal stuff, I'm all done.
The thing is, for many of the older (I mean really older) girls who transition, once they transition, they kinda kick back and enjoy the rest of their lives. That's fine for them, they've earned it and they are more than entitled to it. But that's not who I am. Yeah, I worked long and hard to transition, but now it's about equality. Let's face it, this country has a GIGANTIC problem with equality. Every time I turn around, there are stories in the paper about it, and you can see it coming through in what you hear on the radio or see on TV. Yes, men and women are different, hetero people and homo people are different, and yes there are tons of "boxes" that the "powers that be" try to label us in. Yes, being different is a good thing, but what occurs here based on that is. . .well, the dumbest f-ing thing on this planet. Yeah, I said it. And you know it's true. Women couldn't vote until the last century. People of color, especially in the south, were discriminated against to vote, and those of us that are marginalized for whatever reason need to understand that most of this country is not happy with how this is all being done. But no one has figured out how to change it or what to change it to. I'm not saying that I have an answer. However, the bullying, whether it be on the play ground, in the class room, at a job site, in Congress, at the United Nations, or wherever needs to end. We can be equal without being the same. Equality is not about being the same little goober as the person next to us (I can't believe I used the word goober in my journal/blog).
So, anyway, my intentions are to be subtle about showing equality, but that's my goal. I'm looking to (once I'm used to being back in the swing of things), start volunteering and helping with charity things and show people that one small little woman has no problems helping out the world where it's needed. We'll see how well that works.
On a different note. Those that read the last entry might remember about me doing more show and tell for the medical community. I talked about it with my counselor a couple of weeks ago. And she gave me the contact person at the Medical College's contact info. Well, I've thought about it and I have to say, that I am not as comfortable with the concept as I had thought that I would be. My doctors I have no problems showing. Strangers (be they medical people or not), I'm not really that comfortable with. As much as the medical field needs to learn how to treat us, I am not comfortable being the woman that does it. I'll answer questions and share information, but I'm not willing to show my who-who to complete strangers.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Show and Tell
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. :-)
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. :-)
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.
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