Surgery
It's really important to do your research before deciding on a surgeon. There's no shame in asking to see examples of the surgeon's work to have some visual idea of what your results may look like. Also, try to keep in mind that body shape is a huge factor in how your results will look. I really encourage you to sign up with Transbucket and take the time to peruse the photos, and ask questions of those who welcome it. Try and find out how big they were pre-surgery [cup size, weight, etc]; those with similar body shape to yours are your best bet for getting an idea of what your chest might look like, post-op.
Remember that every person's body heals differently, so you may scar more or less than another guy, or you may be more or less prone to complication or infection, depending on your immune system. Take good care of yourself pre- and post-op--a healthy body is the best insurance for a successful recovery period.
Top Surgery
Consultation:
I had my chest reconstruction surgery consultation with Dr. Cameron Bowman on August 20, 2009 at his office in Vancouver, BC.
I had to fill out the standard forms, and then chatted with him and his assistant, Ali, for a bit. We discussed my history with trans feelings, how long I had been living as Ethan, how long I had been binding, how long since starting testosterone, etc. Then, he gave me a physical check up, including checking for lumps in my breast tissue. He took a few ‘before’ photos and then we discussed payment options. Since I'm paying privately, rather than trying to manuver the MSP obstacle course, I have fewer restrictions, as far as prerequisites and timing. Dr. Bowman requires that all his SRS [sex re-alignment surgery] patients be assessed by an acredited psychologist who has experience with transgender issues, prior to surgery.
He suggested that while it wasn't essential, it wouldn't hurt to try and drop a few pounds [about 10] before my surgery date; the reason being is that the more weight below the stitches, the more pulling there is on the incisions, which can lead to wider scars and longer healing times. I've made it my goal to try and drop 10-15 lbs before my surgery date. I've cut out anything with added sugars, and am trying to eat smaller portions throughout the day, to keep my metabolism active, without overloading it. I'm also working out at least 4 times a week, and focusing on cardio and strength training that affects my mid-section.
I was offered a few different dates to choose from, and decided to go with early November! The total cost of the surgery is going to be about $7800 and change. I had to pay $105 for the surgery consultation and then $500 to reserve the surgery date, with both charges going towards to the total cost of the surgery. The balance [about $7200] is due 3 weeks before surgery [mid-October]. Everyone was really nice and I feel confident that I made the best choice in surgeon.
I'm really fortunate to have my mom flying out to stay with me for the recovery period, which is expected to be about 2-3 weeks, depending on how I'm healing. Dr, Bowman said the drains will have to stay in for as little as one week, and as long as three weeks, depending on the amound of fluid that is draining out of them by then. I'm not allowed to get the drain sites wet, so I won't be able to shower while the drains are in.
Surgery Diary
- 1 Day Pre-Op
- - a little nervous, but mostly excited
- i know that this is absolutely the right decision for me, and i don't expect to bee feeling too sorry for myself during recovery, as i will just be too excited that it's finally happened for me!
- not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight, so i've been trying to eat light, to give me a chance to digest properly before the surgery
- started taking over-the-counter stool softeners 3 days before surgery, just to get my bowels prepared for the eventual constipation associated with anesthesia - Surgery Day!
Before- - I woke up early and excited! I could not have any food or water, but I was too nervous to eat anyway, so it was just as well.
- gf, mom and i walked to surgery facility, which is about 5 blocks from my apartment. it was cool, and brisk and calm and a good walk.
- got to surgery facility around 7am, was checked in, sat in the waiting room for about 5 minutes before being taken to the back to change into the hospital gown, and silly slippers
- met with nurse, who took my blood pressure; met with anesthesiologist, who took me through each part, step by step, asked about any allergies. i told him i was quite nervous for the IV, so he said they would rub some cream on my hand to numb the skin before putting in the IV
- my gf and mom came to sit with me for a spell, then Dr. Bowman came in and met everyone. he ushered them out to do some markings on my skin, promising that they could return in 5-10 minutes
- at this point, i was standing while dr. bowman marked my incisions with marker. the room was really stuffy and hot, and i started to feel light-headed, as a result of all the excitement, not to mention a lack of any food or water since about 8pm the night before. i remember telling him that i felt dizzy, and i must have passed out, because the next thing i knew, i was waking up on the floor, and dr. bowman and the nurse were there talking to me
- after that, they told me that they should get going ASAP, before i got worked up again, and i agreed, so they brought a wheelchair over [!], and rook me straight to the OR. [i should mention that in all the confusion, they forgot to get my mom and gf, so the two of them were freaking out a bit.]
During- - i remember being helped onto the the operating table, which looked like a big cross, with moveable wings for my arms. once the IV tube was in [which i can hardly remember happening], they must have given me something to calm me down, because the last thing i remember was the anesthesiologist asking me about school, and then i was out
After-
- the next thing i knew, i was in the recovery room, and someone was telling me, "It's all over; you're in the recovery room now."
- things were pretty hazy at this point, but i remember feeling extremely nauseous, and the nurses bringing me something to throw up into. only trouble was that there was nothing in my stomach to actually throw up, so i was mostly just dry heaving, which felt awful. then someone brought me some ginger ale, and i was able to keep that down for a little bit
- everything about the recovery room was pretty surreal, but all of the staff were extremely kind to me and helped me to sit up when i was feeling sick. i don't remember feeling any pain, but that's not surprising considering how drugged up i was. i do remember having two ice packs on my chest, which felt wonderful. i also remember trying to lift my head a few times, and feeling as though it weighed about 50 tons
- at some point, Dr. Bowman came in to see me, and told me that the surgery went very well, and that he was very happy with the results. [maybe he says that to everyone in recovery, but i was sure glad to hear it at that point.]
- eventually, the ginger ale started to go through my system, and i had to pee so badly, but the nurses said that it was still too soon to move, so i had to hold it
- i think i was resting in recovery for about an hour, and then they helped me get up, put on my surgical vest, and make my way over to a private seating area, to wait for my family. at this point, i was able to be escorted to the washroom door, urinated by myself, came out, and threw up ginger ale all over the floor
- when i was helped back into my seat, my mom and gf were waiting for me, looking anxious. they helped me get dressed, which wasn't too much of a production, considering i was still too numb to really feel much pain
- a really nice nurse [who had had her new shoes stolen earlier that day!], came and sat with us and explained everything to my mom, including how to empty the drains. she demonstrated the procedure for my mom, and made the mistake of watching, because i promptly threw up again. needless to say, about the worst of it for me was my reaction to the anesthesia. gravol wouldn't have helped much at the point, because i probably would have puked before it could be absorbed
- eventually, it was time to leave [probably about 1 or 1:30], so the nurse called us a cab, and then helped into the wheelchair and took me downstairs
- the cab driver was typical vancouver cab driver, in that he was not careful at all, despite the fact that he clearly knew he had a medical patient in the backseat. it was gas, break, gas, break, sharp turn, gas, break, out. thank god i live close to the surgery centre. i should have puked in his cab out of spite
At home that night- - that first night was rough, but i was surprisingly not in much pain. i guess the meds they gave me in the OR were strong enough to last the rest of the day
- i spent most of the rest of the day icing my chest for 1/2 hour-on, hour-off. i tried to eat something, but just could alleviate my nausea. when 7:00 rolled around, and it was time to empty my drains at home, i went into the bathroom with my mom, and then threw up again
- my gf went and filled my prescription at the drugstore--tyelnol 3 with codeine and caffine
- after that, my gf made me a big mug of peppermint tea, and i let it cool completely before gulping it down. IT WAS AMAZING! completely settled my stomach, and took care of nausea
- i had to sleep propped up on the couch which was really uncomfortable. by the following morning, my neck was really sore and stiff