gender reassignment surgery - what it's like

Hello! Welcome back to lots of lemons!

So, as some of you may know, I had a Gender Reassignment Surgary. I've been really quiet about the healing process, and what is was like in hospital, as I didn't want to jinx any of it. So, this blogpost is about what all the process of the surgary was like, along with a few tips and tricks for prepartion if you or someone you know is going to have it. 

Surgary Week

I came in, and was told what the week would be like. I was taken to my room, and got settled in. I was able to eat normally throughout the day, but I wasn't allowed any food from 2am, and no drinks from 6am.

At 6am, I had the nurse come in to give me an enema (this is to flush out your bowls, to make sure they’re empty before surgery), this is one of the worst feelings in the world, you lay on your side, and have something inserted into your rear end then have liquid squeezed into your body… I will never forget that feeling.

I had my surgery round 3??? I’m not too sure… I spent most of the day lying in bed, trying to deal with the hunger from fasting all day (side note… please make sure to ask any family members visiting not to eat in front of you, as it will make you sad). Being prepped for surgery was quick, I lay on a table, had a mask placed on my face, and I was gone!

I remember waking up from surgery quite well. I got asked if I felt any pain and got given morphine. I was actually in the recovery room for a few hours longer then I should have, as my heart rate was through the roof. I had a drain in, to drain any blood, along with a catheter, so I could drain my 
urine. I eventually got brought back down to the ward, where my mum and sister were waiting for me… However I was so tired I ended up asking them if they minded leaving so I could sleep… I’m a horrible person…

Throughtout the week, I basically just slept, I wanted to make sure everything would heal, and not cause any problems. Walking after surgary I found was a stuggle, as all I felt was the feeling that everything was about to fall out. 
The day before I was discharged, I was able to shower, however, as I wasn't used to standing that long, I ended up being wheeled out of the bathroom back to my bed where I stayed for the rest of the day.

One the day of discharge, I was so uncomfortable, all I wanted to do was go back into bed, but I couldn't. We were at a service station outside Reading, where I decided to have a KFC, as I was soo hungary! However, I was in a lot of pain, and I had to take some pain killers, as it was so unbareable.

Problems

I was at home for less then a week, then I had to go back into hospital, as I was burst my stictches. This was due to me pushing my dilater into them. I had this massive hole, and I was bleeding alot, I even went to A&E down here, but was told everything was fine. The hole still isn't completly healed yet, almost 6 months later.

Post-Op

After 20 years living with the male genitalia, it has taken me some time to get used to not having my old bits. There were and are times when I still feel them there. Every now and again, it’ll feel like my testicles are in-between my legs, or I’ll feel my penis tense up. It feels so weird, and I’ve had to really convince myself that they’re no longer there. Someone asked me if I miss them, and once upon a time I would have said no. However, there are times when I do.

Getting used to having a vagina has taken me some time, figuring out how it all works. It really didn’t help that when I asked the nurse how I wipe once I’ve peed, she responded with ‘just do what you did before’… Which obviously wasn’t going to work. Thank god I had my mum to help, as she saved me from doing some damage.

Tips

If you who someone you know is going to have this procedure, here are a few tips;

1. Only pack the essentials

So, I over packed for my stay, I had too many clothes that I didn't use, and most of the stuff I packed was supplied. So, if you are going into hospital, only pack toiletries, clothes you are going home in, and something for you to do while you are in hospital.

2. Dilating

Have someone help you! When you're at home, it's important you make sure there is someone with you, so they can help and make sure you're doing it right. This is something I cannot stress enough about, as for the first week I was back at home, I ended up doing it inside a flesh wound. 

3. Bring moisturiser

Your face is going to be really dry while you're in hospital, make sure to keep it moist and clean to avoid dry and peeling skin

4. Move about

While you are in hospital and at home, make sure you are mobile post-surgery. This is to get your body used to walking, and to lower your risk of blood clots.

5. Sleep

It’s important to rest, in order for you to heal up. As much as it’s important to move about, if you’re feeling light headed, rest.

6. Using the Toilet

Now, since you have a new genitalia, you may find how you used to do things are very different. After you've been to the toilet, wipe front to back (from the top of the vagina to the bottom), or dab it with toilet paper.

Tips for Friends and Family

I’ve given some tips for those having the operation, but I feel it’s important that I include some tips for friends and family;

1. Be patient

I know it can be hard, but please be patient. Don’t force them to get up and move, if they don’t feel up to it, that’s fine, just let them rest for a little bit. If they need a little help, please help, as you don’t want them hurting themselves.

That’s all from me for now. I will see you all again soon!

Lots of love,

Faye xxx