top surgery

[Liam]

My surgery went very well, and it looks like I will have an awesome chest! I spent one night in the hospital, and was overwhelmed with all of the love and care of my nurses. I've never experienced anything like it! My home health care nurse is the same, so I feel blessed. The surgeon, and nurses all commented on my pecs, I had no idea they were so hot! I do not like the drains, you fellows who did not have to deal with them are most fortunate. Mine will come out on Tuesday, and that is not soon enough for me. I think I have six more weeks in the compression vest (for the nipple grafts,) and I am really looking forward to being binder-free.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Liam

My surgery went very well, and it looks like I will have an awesome chest! I spent one night in the hospital, and was overwhelmed with all of the love and care of my nurses. I've never experienced anything like it! My home health care nurse is the same, so I feel blessed. The surgeon, and nurses all commented on my pecs, I had no idea they were so hot! I do not like the drains, you fellows who did not have to deal with them are most fortunate. Mine will come out on Tuesday, and that is not soon enough for me. I think I have six more weeks in the compression vest (for the nipple grafts,) and I am really looking forward to being binder-free.

Congratulations, Liam! I am really happy for you! I'm so glad to hear your experience with the medical staff was good.

Yes, it certainly was not fun to have the drains, but honestly I don't like the idea of that crap being absorbed back into my body. I know it doesn't matter and is ok, but I would just rather all that fluid and blood come out.

I have never heard of someone in the U.S. staying overnight in the hospital. Is this Dr. Kim's standard protocol or do you have a medical history that would warrant that "extra watching"? I'm also curious to know if your insurance paid for the home health care nurse, too?

[Liam]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Congratulations, Liam! I am really happy for you! I'm so glad to hear your experience with the medical staff was good.

Yes, it certainly was not fun to have the drains, but honestly I don't like the idea of that crap being absorbed back into my body. I know it doesn't matter and is ok, but I would just rather all that fluid and blood come out.

I have never heard of someone in the U.S. staying overnight in the hospital. Is this Dr. Kim's standard protocol or do you have a medical history that would warrant that "extra watching"? I'm also curious to know if your insurance paid for the home health care nurse, too?

Thanks, Dapper!

Staying overnight in the hospital is Dr. Kim's standard protocol. Given that I had no one caring for me, or helping me when I returned home, yes, my home health care nurse is being paid for, by my insurance, and he is a real gem. He will be visiting me once a week.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Liam

Thanks, Dapper!

Staying overnight in the hospital is Dr. Kim's standard protocol. Given that I had no one caring for me, or helping me when I returned home, yes, my home health care nurse is being paid for, by my insurance, and he is a real gem. He will be visiting me once a week.

Interesting to know about Kim, and excellent about the insurance paying for the nurse!

[Liam]

Originally Posted by Liam

Thanks, Dapper!

Staying overnight in the hospital is Dr. Kim's standard protocol. Given that I had no one caring for me, or helping me when I returned home, yes, my home health care nurse is being paid for, by my insurance, and he is a real gem. He will be visiting me once a week.

I thought I had made a post about staying overnight after my procedure. There it is!

[Liam]

Only one drain was removed today. Fudge cake later, took some of the sting out of that disappointment. I was excited to show the surgeon what a great job she did, and thank her. She was very impressed with her work! She asked me if I was crying, and I told her that my eyes might be leaking, and that I have waited only 43 years to finally see my chest. I think I saw a light bulb flicker above her head, very briefly, and I think the reality of gender dysphoria became a little bit more clearer to her. My reserved, stoic surgeon, smiled, giggled and became almost playful as she helped the nurse practitioner finish up dressing my nipples. I am such a lucky guy!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Liam

Only one drain was removed today. Fudge cake later, took some of the sting out of that disappointment. I was excited to show the surgeon what a great job she did, and thank her. She was very impressed with her work! She asked me if I was crying, and I told her that my eyes might be leaking, and that I have waited only 43 years to finally see my chest. I think I saw a light bulb flicker above her head, very briefly, and I think the reality of gender dysphoria became a little bit more clearer to her. My reserved, stoic surgeon, smiled, giggled and became almost playful as she helped the nurse practitioner finish up dressing my nipples. I am such a lucky guy!

I admit, I too had "leaky eyes", when I looked at my chest after the bandages first came off. I was both surprised and embarrassed by the tears, but my sense from Garramone was that this was a common reaction.

You're YOU finally, you know? That is some powerful shit right there!

So, what is the scoop on the one drain?

[Liam]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

So, what is the scoop on the one drain?

Its output doubled the day of my appointment, and was way above the level required for removing the drains. Sigh...

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Liam

Its output doubled the day of my appointment, and was way above the level required for removing the drains. Sigh...

Interesting. How is it now? When do you go back for a check/possible removable?

[Liam]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Interesting. How is it now? When do you go back for a check/possible removable?

The output is decreasing; there is a chance that I might be able to have it removed tomorrow, there is a clinic in the afternoon, on Friday, each week, and if my numbers are low enough, I might be able to squeeze in. If not, I have an appointment on Tuesday.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Liam

The output is decreasing; there is a chance that I might be able to have it removed tomorrow, there is a clinic in the afternoon, on Friday, each week, and if my numbers are low enough, I might be able to squeeze in. If not, I have an appointment on Tuesday.

I hope the numbers are low enough today, it would stink to have the drain in for that long. If you got your surgery on August 11, that is 11 days already.

One of mine was painful. Well, it isn't the tubing that is painful, but the effect of having the drain flattened against the body (pulling up skin) by the ace bandage. Also, they are just annoying to have hanging around!