Avatar

FTM Tips And Transition Stuff

@trans-form-the-world

forgetting #3 “I never suffered so the people claiming they’re suffering are exaggerating”

and #4 “i have a superiority complex because i never suffered, but i don’t want other people to have what i have, so i like that they suffer”

I mad agree with this.

This reminds me, if y'all haven’t heard of therapyforblackgirls.com please visit if you need a therapist. You can search by mental health need, location/distance, insurance, etc. I believe there are some that provide a sliding scale payment method for those without insurance.

If you’re not quite ready to make the jump, there is a podcast you can listen to as well as articles and links to help answer some of your questions about mental health and/or therapy.

The purpose, as I understand it, is to provide a place where black women can go to find culturally sensitive therapy. Some specialize in family/couples as well.

Take a look.

For any black Women following me! 

Taking care of your mental health is another important factor in your overall health. Fighting for good mental health is a fight worth doing, and is just as difficult, if not moreso, than physical fighting. 

-FemaleWarrior, She/They 

Especially with everything going on right now. We constantly hear how strong we are and it’s like no we can be tired, emotional, stressed too and we need to take care of our mental health. Here are some free therapy sessions that I’ve seen going around. Please share

Also Black minds matter UK!

lar0921

I love this

i hope this helps :)

Tips from my Top Surgery Recovery

I am almost 3 weeks post op double incision with Dr. Mangubat in Seattle now and here are some things I learned that weren’t necessarily on other lists I read on the internet prior to my surgery.

- Be vocal about how you’re feeling. Tell the nurse, your caretaker, your surgeon, etc., how you’re feeling if only for peace of mind. I was EXTREMELY shaking coming out of the anesthesia and felt really nauseous. I made sure they knew, and I was taken care of. As someone who has a hard time advocating for themselves, this was important. 

- For the love of all things good REST. Even if you think you are feeling better take an extra nap. Surgery is HUGE and your body needs to focus on recovering. I did not do this and it definitely delayed my recovery. 

- Be on top of it with the pain meds, but also be mindful of how you feel. The drains were the worst part and like 90% of the pain for me. Once I got them out I was able to stop using the opioid pain meds and just use good old ibuprofen. The Percocet made me super nauseous and sleepy so I was glad to get off them. 

- Benadryl will help with itching because those incision sites are gonna itch like a new tattoo. No one told me this, I wasn’t prepared. BUT Benadryl will also knock you out. You need the sleep but just make sure you’re not taking it and going to work (if you work a desk job) cause you will be sleepy. 

- Eat a bunch of pineapple prior to and after the surgery to help prevent bruising. I was very on top of this and ended up with extremely little bruising. Also just eat a balanced diet in general, but ESPECIALLY around the surgery. ALSO Hydration!! With straws! I had a reusable $3 cold cup from Starbucks that I used that worked well. The straw is just straight but it doesn’t spill so I didn’t mind not having a bendy straw. 

- You have to stop drinking and smoking about a month prior to surgery. Please do this. It’ll help your body heal better and give the nipple grafts a better chance at taking. 

- Post op depression is REAL. I cried so much in the first week after my surgery just from being overwhelmed. I wrote myself a letter prior to surgery to read when I got down, I had a support system of friends and my therapist, and I watched a BUNCH of TV and played lots of video games. Most importantly though was I tried to just let myself feel what I was feeling. Holding it in isn’t going to make you feel better, especially when you’re already feeling pretty down. Know that you’re gonna heal, you’re gonna get through it, and you did not make a mistake. 

- SO. MANY. PILLOWS. You have to sleep propped up and on your back for what seems like forever, especially if you’re not a back sleeper, so just use like all the pillows in your place and go buy some more. Make a pillow nest. Sink into it. Get comfy. 

- You’re not gonna sleep through the night for the first night or two. It’s ok. It took me two days to be able to sleep for a good 6-7 hour stretch. At first I could only sleep in 15 minute increments. Your body will adjust back to normal. Just try to relax and sleep as often as you can. When you can’t watch some Netflix. 

- A lot of tips will tell you you may be constipated after surgery. I wasn’t but definitely be prepared for that. However, I did have a slightly hard time peeing after the anesthesia, which I was informed is normal. It was like I had to extra focus on relaxing the muscles down there. This also went away as the anesthesia made its way out of my system. 

- Even though you want this, when you get to see your new chest regularly it’s gonna take some mental processing. At first I cried from happiness, but then it started looking alien to me. Part of that is because it’s gonna be bruised and bloody and scabby for a long time, but also because I was so used to seeing something else and just like that my chest is flat now and it took some time for my brain to catch up. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself the time to process it. It’s good, it’s weird, and it’s ok. 

Overall, just relax and let your body focus on healing. Ask for help. Take extra naps. Eat good food. Rest. I initially took 2 weeks off of work but asked my boss for a third and I am so glad I did. 

Top Surgery: What Really Happens pt4 -Drains

I’ve had a lot of people specifically request a guide for drains, and I don’t blame them! Maybe I was just looking in the wrong places but it seems like something that not a lot of post op trans guys have been talking about- so here goes

DISCLAIMER: This is definitely going to be kind of gross. I also realize that by putting this disclaimer I sound like drains are some big scary thing- I promise, they aren’t. They’re more gross than they are painful, and more than anything they’re just annoying. It’s just another part of recovery.

Avatar
saladmage

7 things I’ve learned during my surgery experience (1 month perspective):

1. I *do* actually have severe anxiety, and panic attacks are significantly harder to work through when alone in a strange place. (Damn you, pandemic)

2. At my base functioning level, I am truly obsessed with sparkly things (ie. the nurse’s nails and the glittery water cup they gave me); I have decided this is a reflection of my true self. ✨

3. Depeche Mode is still my favorite band even when I’m totally loopy and seconds away from being unconscious. Muse and Dune were my honorable mentions.

4. Narcotics are terrible to be on. The hydro was slightly less terrible, but both kinds made my head spin horribly, and oxy made me feel like my head was being slammed in a locker repeatedly. 0/100 would recommend, stick to OTC.

5. Nausea pills are a godsend and I wish they were more readily available... Because vomiting is an awful experience, and I really appreciated something that made the whole sensation of dread for impending suffering just...stop. True magic.

6. Drains suck. Literally and figuratively. It was like an unavoidable corset that was stuck under my skin for 10 days. Absolutely the worst part of surgery.

7. Sometimes insurance miraculously does actually work. I was expecting to pay $13,000+ but only had to pay $560. Needless to say, I am extremely grateful.

In spite of last minute anxiety screaming doubts in my head, I was in fact totally ready for this and feel 1000% better than I did going in, even if I’m still sore after a month. Life feels hopeful and worthwhile now, instead of a constant slog through pain.

Top Surgery Consult Questions

Here are all the questions I asked my surgeon at my consult. Not all were actually applicable to me, but he was really chill about going through every one. That was a big part of me feeling comfortable with him. I pulled out three pages of double spaced questions and said “I have kinda a lot…” and he said no worries, took them to read, and spent an hour with me answering them. If they rush you through a consult… will they really take the time they need in other areas? like literally performing surgery on you. Just things to think about that aren’t so obvious!

Surgery Specific Questions:

❏ What procedures could be done on my chest for my size, what they recommend, what options there are, etc.

 ❏ Do you do liposuction on the sides to help prevent dog ears? Or is there anything else you do to prevent dog ears?

❏ If lipo on the sides, are the lymph nodes near that area and a potential problem?

❏ Do you do chest contouring/masculinization? Do you use liposuction to help get the chest flat?

❏ What options do you offer in terms of nipples? Can I go nipple free?

❏ Where will my scars be? What shape will they be? With the amount of space between my breasts, does that typically result in there being space between my scars? Or will they be really close together or touch? *add preference photos and discussion here

 ❏ What is your end result goal with my chest? (n.b. mu surg said OUR goal is xyz. and that was another thing that made me choose him)

❏ Do you see anything coming up that will interfere with the results? If you get in there and can’t do the preferred plan, what would you do?

❏ How will surgery impact sensation?

❏ Do medical students/surgical residents take part in the surgery? If so, how much would they likely be doing

❏ what level of experience would they have?

❏ How will changes in weight affect the appearance of my chest after surgery? I tend to go up and down 10-15 pounds every couple years.

❏ Who will be in the operating room with you?

❏ How long does surgery typically take?

❏ Does a catheter get put in for this surgery? And an intubation tube? Are you put under general anesthesia?

❏ Will I be walking into the OR and conscious, or will I be sedated prior?

 Surgeon Questions:

❏ training and certifications? (ABPS, ABCS,) Specific trans care?

❏ How often do your patients come back for revisions? Are revisions included in the original cost?

 ❏ What made you want to specialize in gender affirming surgery?

❏ What’s the best way to get in touch with you?

❏ What is your patient satisfaction rate?

❏ How many of my procedures have you performed? Can I see before and after photos of previous patients/results?

❏ How many mastectomies are performed at this facility monthly?

❏ Are there any legal cases pending against you by any trans patients?

 Complications Questions:

❏ What complications can occur?

❏ How many of those complications heal on their own?

❏ How many people end up needing another surgery?

❏ How often do your patients have complications?  

❏ How often do your patients get hematomas?

❏ What can be done to prevent that from happening?

❏ What other surgical complications are there?

❏ How are complications handled?

❏ will my sle or other conditions cause complications? (n.b. or put your own medical needs) 

❏ Do any of my medications pose any issues?

❏ I use cannabis for appetite and anxiety. How long before surgery and how long after surgery should I abstain? Can I use edibles?

 Pre-Op Questions:

❏ Are there any factors that could cause the surgery to be delayed? What are guidelines for BP?

❏ Is there any protocol for corona virus?

❏ Are there any medications that you need me to stop before surgery? Should I take as normal on the day of the surgery?

❏ Are there any pre-op instructions to follow?

❏ Do you recommend pre-op vitamin c? Pre-op hibiclens? (n.b. vit c promotes healing, hibiclens disinfects your skin)

❏ Do you advocate for pre-banking blood for transfusions?

❏ Do I need to fast and stop water intake before surgery? How long?

❏ What kind of pre-op physical and bloodwork do you need?

❏ Is there a pre-op appointment before the surgery date?

❏ Do I need a Mammogram before surgery?

❏ What is the insurance process like on your end?

❏How quickly will you know whether or not my insurance will help pay for the procedure?

❏ How will that be communicated to me? Do I need further documentation? Who at your office should I direct my insurance questions to?

❏ Should I have my genes tested for breast cancer risk?

❏ Will there be a time to talk to the anesthesiologist with questions about the anesthesia end of things? Ie: anesthesia, nausea medication, anxiety medication,

Post Op Questions:

❏ how can I expect to feel when I wake up? 1 hr later? 2? 6?

❏ Do you use post op binders? Or ace bandages? Do you provide the binder? Is there a specific brand I should buy? How long post op should I expect to wear the binder?

❏ What kind of supplies do you provide post op? What do I need to buy?

❏ How long are the drains kept in? Can they be taken out sooner if there is not a large output?

❏ How long do I have to wait before I can shower?

❏ How long post op until I can drive?

❏ What should I expect for pain level? Timeline?

❏ What is the timeline/frequency on post-op visits? Will they be scheduled before the surgery so I can arrange driving the first week or two and then just know what to expect after that?

❏ Is it better to sleep in a recliner post op?

❏ What does the typical recovery timeline look like? Will you provide a document with the restriction guidelines?

Restrictions?

Daily Activities?

At what point of my recovery can I walk a mile? Drive? Exercise? Lift things like groceries?

❏ What medications will be prescribed? Are there other/complementary  options for pain management?

❏ What kind of help will I need with my recovery?

❏ Will you provide a written version of post op instructions?

❏ What dressing changes will I need to do after surgery? How often? What are signs of infection or complication we can notice during dressing changes?

❏What scar care routine do you recommend?

❏ How soon after surgery can I see my final results? How much do complications impact the final result?

❏ What are my options if I don’t like the final result?

❏ Will I be able to do light stretching of my back and legs post op to help with my bad back? What about taking walks and slowly riding an exercise bike to get movement in there to alleviate pain? Or what kind of light exercises/movement would you recommend?

❏What percentage of your patients still have pain years after surgery?

❏ Is there anything you do or have people do in recovery to help prevent the likelihood of having long term pain? *specific post op and pre op care

  ❏ Do you provide a letter for getting the gender marker changed on identification and birth certificates?

Things I Never Expected After Top Surgery (As Someone Who Has Never Had Surgery)

When I went in to have top surgery, I had never had any surgeries whatsoever, never even broken a bone. I wasn’t scared and I thought I knew everything, but there were things I never expected or thought about so I thought I’d compile them. 

  • My calves were SO sore: To prevent blood clots, compression socks were put on my legs and sleeves that would tighten and loosen very much like a blood pressure cuff. For the next few days they were pretty sore, like if I had finished strenuous leg exercise. 
  • I was out before they even wheeled me into the operating room: I was sedated through my IV, I assumed I was going to have a mask on and breathe in like I had seen so many times on TV. A few seconds after it was administered, I can’t remember a thing. 
  • Waking up was very disorienting: Because of being sedated, I felt like I just took a long nap. The best way I can describe it was waking up from a nap in slow motion. 
  • The drains are in at least 6 inches deep: I was so scared every time I moved or accidentally tugged on one that I accidentally pulled it out. Mine were also stitched in place. They weren’t going anywhere. 
  • You are probably not going to be able to immediately go out wearing just a t shirt: For the first couple weeks after drains come out, you’ll most likely still have to wear some kind of compression. I have to wear a compression wrap for 2 weeks and then tight under armor but I know some people who had to wear one for 6-8 weeks, it depends on the surgeon. This is to reduce swelling and keep the skin tight. 
  • Your chest will still bounce: After wearing a binder for 3+ years, I’d forgotten what it was like to ride in a bumpy car and have your chest jolted around, it won’t be as drastic but there’s still tissue in there and it can move.
  • Your scars are going to be lumpy and bumpy for a while: Looking down I can see my skin puckering on top of my scar, that won’t settle for a few months but massaging it will help.
  • In addition to soreness and numbness, there will be a pins and needles feeling in your chest: The first time I felt a sharp stinging pain in my chest, I was caught off-guard but it’s basically the nerves reconnecting/waking up
  • Scars feel tight on your chest: I had double incision and the two long scars across my chest kind of create a tight feeling as if I was wearing something around the sides of my chest
Avatar
fubblers

Custom Pride Bear

I’ve got three slots open for a custom pride bear. On the shirt I can do almost any pride flag. On the back of the jacket I can paint any design you like or add wings. I can also add horns or other clay features if you so wish!

Custom bears are $25 and come with a pride shirt and painted jacket Add horns or wings for $5 Shipping to US is $10

Previous bears:

— view on Instagram https://ift.tt/39UbApi

Avatar
sadhoc

Text from image:

“co-quarantined with an abuser? worried about having to self-isolate from #coronavirus in a dangerous home situation? 

Please reach out – contact @ ndvh National Domestic Violence Hotline: 

CALL 1-800-799-7233

TTY 1-800-787-3224

Chat at thehotline.org” 

end description   

PLEASE SPREAD THIS INFO!!!

IMPORTANT!!! SIGNAL BOOST THIS SO IT COULD HELP SOMEONE IN NEED!!!!

i know you tagged me because i can signal boost this but… this is me? and i’m actually thinking of calling this number?

Please boost the fuck out of this!