#beyond the swelling and pain and post op recovery

[fan-art-ic]

[idahosmilemaker]

Is Ear Pain Normal After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure, but it can lead to unexpected symptoms during recovery, including ear pain. If you're experiencing ear discomfort after your wisdom teeth have been removed, you're not alone. This blog will explain why ear pain may occur, how long it typically lasts, and when you should seek medical attention.

Why Does Ear Pain Happen After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

The nerves in your jaw, teeth, and ears are closely connected. When your wisdom teeth are extracted, it can cause referred pain, which means pain felt in one area is actually coming from another. In this case, trauma or swelling near the extraction site can affect nearby nerves, leading to discomfort in your ears. It’s a common post-surgery symptom and is usually temporary.

How Long Does Ear Pain Last?

For most people, ear pain following wisdom teeth removal is mild and short-lived, typically subsiding within a few days to a week as the swelling goes down. However, if the pain persists beyond a week or becomes severe, it could indicate an issue, such as infection or dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is dislodged.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If your ear pain is accompanied by fever, worsening swelling, or a bad taste in your mouth, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. These symptoms may indicate an infection or other complications that require prompt treatment.

How to Alleviate Ear Pain

Here are some tips to help ease ear pain after wisdom teeth extraction:

Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs as directed.

Maintain good oral hygiene but avoid the extraction site while brushing.

Rest and avoid strenuous activity to promote healing.

Final Words

While ear pain after wisdom teeth removal is generally normal and temporary, it's essential to monitor your symptoms. If the pain worsens or persists beyond a few days, consult your dentist to rule out any complications. Following post-op care instructions will help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

[darhallinks]

Best Practices for Recovery After Oral Surgery in Idaho Falls

Oral surgery can be a daunting experience, but knowing how to take care of yourself afterward can make all the difference. Proper recovery is crucial not only for healing but also for preventing complications. Whether you're recovering from a tooth extraction, dental implants, or any other oral surgery in Idaho Falls, this guide will provide you with easy-to-follow tips to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

Before Your Surgery

Preparing Your Home and Schedule

Getting ready for oral surgery involves more than just preparing yourself mentally. Here are some practical steps you can take to set up your home and schedule for optimal post-op recovery:

Stock Up on Soft Foods: Think applesauce, yogurt, and soups. These will be your go-to meals for the first few days.

Prepare Ice Packs: Ice packs will be essential for reducing swelling.

Arrange for Help: If possible, have a family member or friend available to assist you, especially during the first 24 hours.

Set Up a Comfortable Resting Area: Make sure you have a comfortable spot to rest with pillows to prop you up, as lying flat can increase swelling.

The First 24 Hours

Managing Pain and Swelling

The first 24 hours after surgery are critical. Here's what you should do to manage pain and swelling effectively:

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Take any prescribed medications as directed.

Apply Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your face for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off to reduce swelling.

Rest: Avoid physical activity and try to get plenty of sleep.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid using straws as the suction can disrupt healing.

Soft Foods Only: Stick to soft foods and avoid hot beverages.

Days 2-7

Diet, Oral Hygiene, and Activities

This is the crucial healing period, and taking the right steps can speed up your recovery.

Gradually Reintroduce Foods: Start introducing more solid foods as you feel comfortable, but avoid anything too hard or crunchy.

Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) to keep the surgical area clean. Avoid brushing the surgical site.

Avoid Strenuous Activities: It’s essential to give your body time to heal. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

Elevate Your Head: When sleeping, keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.

Week 2 and Beyond

Transitioning Back to Normal Life

By the end of the second week, you should start feeling more like yourself, but it’s important to follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition back to normal life:

Follow-Up Appointments: Keep all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Once your surgeon gives the go-ahead, resume your regular oral hygiene routine, including gentle brushing and flossing.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any signs that something might be wrong, such as increased pain, swelling, or any unusual symptoms, and contact your doctor if needed.

Diet: Gradually reintroduce more complex foods but continue to avoid anything too hard or sticky that could disrupt the healing process.

Common Concerns

Addressing Frequently Asked Questions

It's normal to have concerns during your recovery period. Here are some common issues and how to handle them:

Dry Socket: This is when the blood clot at the site of extraction dissolves or becomes dislodged. If you experience severe pain a few days after surgery, contact your surgeon immediately.

Infection: Signs of infection include fever, increased swelling, and pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but if it continues beyond the first 24 hours, use gauze to apply gentle pressure and contact your surgeon.

Conclusion

Recovering from oral surgery in Idaho Falls doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these best practices, you can ensure a smoother and quicker recovery. Remember, your surgeon is your best resource—don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Taking these steps will help you get back to your daily routine in no time, enjoying all that life in Idaho Falls has to offer without the discomfort of recovery holding you back.

[vivaaestheticclinic]

Fungal infection treatment in Mumbai: Expert Care at VIVA Aesthetic Clinic in Colaba

Fungal infections Treatment in Mumbai can wreak havoc on your skin, hair, and nails, but fret not – relief is within reach. Dr. Deepam Shah, a seasoned specialist at VIVA Aesthetic Clinic in Colaba, is here to tackle various fungal foes head-on, from Tinea Capitis to Tinea Pedis.

Understanding Fungal Foes:

Tinea Capitis: Scalp woes causing hair loss and inflammation.

Tinea Barbae: Barber's itch, menacing the beard with redness and lesions.

Tinea Corporis: Ringworm's unwelcome visit to the trunk and limbs.

Tinea Cruris: Jock itch, making its presence known in the thigh-groin area.

Tinea Manuum & Tinea Pedis: Hand and foot fungal fiends, each with its distinct mark.

Combat Strategies:

General Measures: Keep clean, steer clear of sharing, and change clothes often.

Topical Treatments: Perfect for mild cases or oral-medication aversion.

Oral Medications: Potent against certain infections, albeit with monitoring.

ND-Yag Laser Magic: A painless fix for fungal nails, waving goodbye to Onychomycosis.

Recovery and Beyond:

Pain Management: Post-op relief with prescribed medications.

Swelling Solutions: Patience required as swelling subsides over weeks.

Activity Caution: Ease off the gas pedal for optimal healing.

Follow-up Assurance: Check-ins to track progress and tidy up any loose ends.

Why Choose Us:

Relief and Renewal: Bid farewell to discomfort and hello to healthier skin.

Empowerment: Reclaim your daily routine with confidence.

Expert Guidance: Trust in the expertise of Dr. Deepam Shah and her dedicated team.

Prevention Is Key: Nip fungal troubles in the bud to avoid future complications.

Don't Wait – Take Action: Don't let fungal foes dictate your comfort. Reach out to VIVA Aesthetic Clinic, Fungal infections Treatment in Mumbai today and embark on your journey to healthier, happier skin. Whether you're in Colaba or beyond, our doors are open to guide you toward effective fungal infection management.

Contact Us: Ready to bid farewell to fungal foes? Swing by VIVA Aesthetic Clinic, Fungal infections Treatment in Mumbai at Opera House or contact 022 3573 1556 | 93245 89084. Can't make the trip? Drop us your details, and we'll reach out – because your skin deserves nothing less than expert care.

[drpauls]

All About the Recovery, Cost, and Results of Hair Transplant in Kolkata

Hair loss is a common concern for many people, and it can have a significant impact on self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have made hair transplant procedures more accessible and effective than ever before. In Kolkata, India, individuals looking to regain a full head of hair can explore the world of hair transplant surgery. This article will delve into the recovery process, cost considerations, and the expected results of hair transplant in Kolkata.

Hair Transplant in Kolkata: A Solution to Hair Loss

Hair transplant surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back of the scalp) and their transplantation to areas with thinning or no hair. In Kolkata, this procedure has gained popularity as an effective way to combat hair loss. Whether it's male pattern baldness or receding hairlines, hair transplant in Kolkata offers a solution.

Understanding the Recovery Process of Hair Transplant

One of the crucial aspects of a successful hair transplant is the recovery process. After the procedure, patients typically experience some discomfort, swelling, and redness in the treated areas. These are normal side effects and usually subside within a few days. It's essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon carefully.

The recovery timeline can vary from person to person, but here is a general overview of what to expect:

Immediate Post-Op: Patients may experience mild pain and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Swelling and redness are common and should start to diminish within a week.

2 to 4 Weeks: The transplanted hair grafts may shed during this period, but this is a normal part of the process. New hair growth typically begins around the third or fourth month after the procedure.

6 to 9 Months: By this time, most patients start to see noticeable hair growth, and the results become more apparent.

12 Months and Beyond: The final results of the hair transplant become evident, and patients can enjoy a fuller head of hair.

It's important to note that individual results may vary, and patience is key during the recovery period. Following the surgeon's advice on post-operative care and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial weeks can contribute to a smoother recovery.

Hair Transplant Cost in Kolkata

Cost is a significant consideration for anyone considering a hair transplant in Kolkata. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, the surgeon's experience, the number of grafts required, and the technique used.

In Kolkata, you can find a range of clinics offering hair transplant services at different price points. It's essential to do thorough research and choose a reputable clinic with experienced surgeons who prioritize patient safety and satisfaction.

While the hair transplant cost in Kolkata may seem like an investment, it's essential to consider the long-term benefits. A successful hair transplant can provide a permanent solution to hair loss, eliminating the need for ongoing treatments and products.

Expected Results of Hair Transplant in Kolkata

The primary goal of a hair transplant is to provide natural-looking results that restore a patient's confidence. In Kolkata, experienced surgeons use advanced techniques to achieve these outcomes. The transplanted hair is typically resistant to further loss, ensuring lasting results.

Patients can expect the following from a successful hair transplant in Kolkata:

Improved Hair Density: Hair transplant surgery can significantly increase hair density in areas that were previously thin or bald.

Natural Appearance: Modern techniques, such as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), create natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with existing hair.

Permanent Solution: Unlike temporary solutions like medications or topical treatments, a hair transplant provides a permanent solution to hair loss.

Boosted Confidence: A fuller head of hair can boost self-esteem and confidence, allowing individuals to feel better about their appearance.

Dr. Paul's Clinic: Your Destination for Hair Transplant in Kolkata

In conclusion, if you are considering a hair transplant in Kolkata, it's essential to be well-informed about the recovery process, cost factors, and expected results. Dr. Paul's Clinic, a renowned name in skincare and hair care, offers the best hair transplant services in Kolkata. With experienced surgeons and a commitment to patient satisfaction, Dr. Paul's Clinic is your trusted partner in regaining a fuller head of hair and confidence.

Don't let hair loss hold you back; explore the possibilities of a hair transplant in Kolkata and embark on your journey to a more confident and vibrant you.

[hekatewrites]

WHY PEOPLE SHOULD ADOPT SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS!!!!

yes, they do require extra care and support, but they will never forget that you were that person there for them when they were in pain and when they needed someone the most. This is Evie (named after Eevee the pokemon). She’s an English staffordshire terrier x Bull terrier, her mum was the staffy and her dad was full bull terrier. My dog is now almost 2 and she is the sweetest most amazing animal I have ever met in my life, but she had a shit start to life because of lazy motherfuckers in a rural pound who treated her like shit. I’ll describe what I was told happened to her, but I don’t believe it is the case. The following may be a little distressing so please don’t read if you are easily upset. 

Evie’s mother was apparently aggressive and no matter what her owner did to help her, she apparently still kept escaping her yard and attacking other dogs. So she was seized.... but she was a very preggo baby at the time. She was taken to a rural pound because I’m assuming they were out in the wops (middle of nowhere for you not aussies) and that is where Evie and her two brothers were born. We’re not too sure what happened after that, but we were told that Evie was rolled on by her mother as a new born and that caused the break in her leg (her brothers were 100% okay and have been adopted out and are still going strong today). What I don’t like and what I refused to believe, is that the pound “never noticed” that her leg was broken. I have the xrays somewhere, and images of her as a pup (there is a side by side shown where you can see the break) and there is no fucking way you can’t tell that this fucking baby has a broken fucking leg. She would have been in severe pain and the motherfuckers at the pound left it UNTREATED until the rescue was called to collect Evie and her brothers. The rescue noticed that her leg was out of place and immediately took her to the vet, but by this time (like 5 weeks later) the bones of the tiny growing baby had fused together. so... there was no fixing it. 

Evie had a partial amputation when she was but a tiny baby, meaning they left some of the bone just beyond her shoulder (you can see the little stump in the photo of her with the triceratops hat on). This was fine for a while. When we adopted her, we knew it would be a lot of vet visits and physio appointments and so on. but we didn’t care, evie was our daughter from the moment we met her, and even her foster carer said how much she seemed to just relax when she met us. she chose us.

We took her home and began to notice a few things like her aversion to other men besides my partner and how she hated his steel cap boots he had to wear for work. she’d literally cry and run to me when he had to put them on (now she doesn’t care about them because she knows that he’s wearing them and he’s never hurt her) but red flags anyone? We also began to notice that while Evie was doing great moving around and everything (the poor baby didn’t know any different) she was still attempting to use her stump to climb stairs and such, which as she grew caused it to develop a large mass. we were a little worried so we took her to the vet when we noticed the swelling. they said to keep and eye on it and try to discourage her from using the limb as much as possible. Let me tell you, this pup is a powerhouse, a fucking brick tornado that does everything any other dog can do but with three legs, there was no stopping her, and no slowing her down. Eventually, and this is gross, the mass burst and... it was not great. she was in gross bandages and weird wraps that were only there to keep the wound clean but... the vet said we had two choices, we can either wait several months for the wound to heal, however, it may just happen again... or we could go in for a secondary amputation and take her shoulder. Now, before anyone jumps on my back about this, we had tried to discuss prosthetic s but the vet who did our girl’s original amputation didn’t leave enough limb for us to be able to get one. Apparently there literally wasn’t a prosthetic that would work for her, which we were holding our breath that there would be, so we moved on after being told no by everyone we approached. We decided to get the secondary surgery and while our girl had already been through enough, we didn’t want the rest of her life to be more of a struggle, nor did we want her to be in pain for several months while her stump healed. She was faced with either 10 days recovery from an amputation or MONTH’s of recovery. Less pain for a babe was the way to go. 

She’s now a year post op, and I can say with confidence, she’s never been better. Her physio had concerns about her only remaining elbow before the surgery, which was scary, but since the weight of the ‘dead’ shoulder wasn’t there dragging her down, she seems to be fine now. She doesn’t fall as much anymore, she runs, jumps, digs, shakes, high fives-- she literally does everything any other dog can do. While my partner and I aren’t in the best financial position, we made a promise to her, and do you know what? She comes before us. If we need to skip a meal so she can eat, then we do it. If we need to dip into savings for her, we do it without question because she’s had a hard enough life already. Our savings took a major battering when she needed the surgery, but I would have sold a kidney in order to get her that surgery so I’m not complaining. 

Rescue dogs are not damaged and I completely believe that they KNOW you’ve rescued them. They KNOW that they wouldn’t have much or anything without you. Evie is (in my own completely biased opinion) the best dog on the planet and has helped me with my mental health more than any drug or therapy ever has. The most amazing thing about rescue dogs is that they would do anything for you and they know what you’re feeling. I was really sick one day, passed out in the shower sick, and she woke my partner (who’d been on night shift the night before), tried to pull him out of bed and cried, scratched and barked at the bathroom door until he helped me. It’s a lassy kind of story but-- she’s in sync with me and him, and she knows whenever either of us need her. she sat with me the rest of the night and licked my forehead. 

Evie now LOVES the beach, LOVES swimming in general (goes to hydrotherapy often with her dad), loves goat horns and antlers and will chew through anything because she is a landshark after all. She loves other dogs with a passion so I’m trying to convince her father to get her a sibling at some point. Evie also still see’s her vet every few months and her physio 3 times a year now. She’s come a long way and no one is worried about her anymore. she has some anxiety, especially around men still, but she generally is a very happy and outgoing pup. There are many stories, especially in the US i’ve found, of special needs dogs that don’t get adopted, and I wanna ask yall, why the fuck aren’t you adopting them???????????

Rescue dogs will rescue you, so regardless of them having special needs, fucking rescue them and you won’t ever regret it. 

you can follow evie if you like on insta @evie.amy.mk or follow her insta hashtag #eviethetripawd

[ultra-chrisg]

Things I've Learnt For Next Time

This post is part note-to-self and part advice for future HTOers out there. It's nearly 2 weeks since the op and I've got myself into a relatively good routine but it's needed some tweaking but there's also things I could and should have done beforehand in preparation.

Things such as:

Strength - you'll need strong arms and upper body strength, both for crutches and levering yourself around when crutches are impractical (getting out of chairs or bed, for example). I would also advise that lots of work is put into strengthening both legs prior to the op, especially through lunges (especially especially backwards lunges). It's almost impossible to recreate how immobile losing the use of 1 leg makes you, that other leg really takes on a lot of extra work. Bear in mind you'll not be kneeling down for a long time so to reach anything low down, you'll need to balance on the good leg and crouch with it. As luck would have it, I took up indoor rowing when I stopped running so I have good upper body strength and relatively strong legs, but I also wish I had done more squats in preparation.

Toileting - something I never really considered prior to the op - how do you stand up from the loo? How do you do it without putting any weight through the broken one? With difficulty, even with the crutches as levers it's hard. Consider putting some kind of support/sturdy furniture on the same side as the broken leg to help with leverage. It's also worth noting that the strong painkillers will likely bung you up so don't be afraid to use laxatives to move things along! And wee even when you don't want to, being in pain when you move around makes you want to hold it in at long as possible but it's counter productive - get up and get weeing, the movement is actually good for your whole body!

Washing - having a shower is so easy....when you've got all your legs! Going from proverbially to literally hopping into the shower makes you realise how much we take it all for granted. Preparation is key - having towels in place, making sure you can get in and out with something to hold on to that is fixed in place. Walk-in showers are a godsend if you have one, but if not practice beforehand sitting in the side of the bath and swinging yourself around into the tub whilst spring your leg. The 2 pics below show my bagged up leg prior to showering, and the walk-in shower and shower chair (spotted and kindly donated by a friend). The bin bag was a heath Robinson affair, for a few pounds on a certain rainforest website you can get proper ones, and they're worth investing in. I sat in the chair for the first 2 showers and then just used it as a portable hand rail in the shower, and it's been perfect.

Pain relief - maybe I've been lucky but I was able to stop the oxycodone early, I've experienced no real pain. By day 10 I was just on paracetamol and ibuprofen, and half the time that was only because I felt like I should! Stock up on both of those though as you'll be getting through quite a lot of them. Ice packs are also crucial. If like me you've already been using ice to alleviate aching knees, you'll already have adequate ice treatment. If not, get some and get them frozen - invest in ones that come with their own cloth cases with elasticated Velcro strapping to keep it secure. And use them lots, the relief from pain and swelling is invaluable.

Eating - research the best foods to eat that will give the best bone-building ingredients, maximise that healing potential! Also prepare for snacks. Sitting still is boring and you'll want to snack, so plan ahead with the snacking with high protein stuff, rather than junk food.

Drinking - drink more than you normally would, it's easier to stay ahead of the game than play catch up. Plus the toilet trips keep the blood circulating, which helps avoid DVTs and more blood to the injury site means quicker healing

Sitting - the recommendation is to elevate the limb extensively for the first two weeks. A reclining chair is perfect for this, and with a cushion under the knee to elevate it further it should help with the swelling.

Boredom relief - there's a lot of relaxing involved in the first 2 weeks of recovery, so pick your spot in front of the TV and prep it as per the previous paragraph. Pay for Netflix, pay for Amazon, save lots of recordings to watch, stock up on books and magazines, get together training materials for career progression.

Sleeping - prepare to spend a lot of time sleeping on your back for the first week! The serious painkillers will get you through the night but if you're a side-sleeper like me, get a thick pillow to stick between your knees in bed. You'll find your own comfortable position so I won't try to explain what mine are!

Other people - you won't get through this unscathed if you don't have someone to help you. I'm lucky in that both my adult daughters are home throughout the day so I've been fed and watered from dawn til dusk, I've not had to do anything for myself beyond ablutions and dressing, although I couldn't do my own socks for the first 3 days 😆. As I've got stronger again I've been able to stand at the cooker for a few short minutes but I've been waited on hand and foot and I'm very grateful for it, especially as it's allowed me to elevate even more. If you can't have someone with you full time, at least try to get everything prepared for the lonely times so you minimise your own workload.

Toenails - you're not going to be able to reach them for a couple of weeks, so cut them the night before.

All in all, with nearly 2 weeks between me and the op, I'm really quite pleased with progress so far. The main wound is healing up nicely (see pic below) and the smaller wounds are little more than scabs waiting to fall off. I'm seeing the consultant on Tuesday (day 15) so I'm guessing I'll probably have an x-ray to assess progress so far. The day after that I start physio, presumably to stretch things that haven't been stretched for a while. I've kept on top of the post-op physio, I'm able to bend the knees backwards well past the 90' angle.

Feelings so far are that the surgery has gone exceedingly well, as has the recovery. I was worried about the pain and immobility after, but I seem to have been very lucky with both. My thoughts now turn to the near future. At some point the bone will fully knit and I'll have a healed bone, and then I'll find out how much relief from pre-op pain I really have. I'm getting a few pops and clicks but until I can walk unaided, I'm making no judgements about the overall success of the operation. Time will both tell, and be a great healer.

[selfiecharmedlife]

RE: So How Does It Feel

           A friend of mine visited me on my third night in the hospital. As soon as my caretaker left the room, there was a pause in our conversation and she whispered to me “So...how does it feel?” At the time, I was under heavy drugs and couldn’t really give a solid answer. However, a few other people have asked me different flavors of the same question. I wanted really get down to unpacking my experience in the hospital and first days at home both to answer that question without protective irony and to maybe put another resource out there for anyone also contemplating a vaginoplasty.

           As I said in my prior entries, I was not sleeping well in the days leading up to my surgery and was a wreck of anxiety. I picked up my caregiver on Monday evening from the airport and took the next day off work. Prior to surgery, my surgeon requested that I go on a clear liquid diet and bowel cleanse. Before I drank the bottle of magnesium citrate that would glue me to the toilet for the rest of the day, I cried to my caregiver about my cold feet. My aunts (on my mom’s side) and my mom had been sending me passive aggressive texts about how much I was hurting my mother and how worried they were that I would have regrets. Their manipulations worked and I was terrified that I was making the wrong choice. Part of me wanted to run away. However, after I drank that awful lemony liquid, I couldn’t run very far from the bathroom. I was committed.

           Early the next morning, my caregiver and I walked to the train station. Along the way, I kept ruminating on the sinking feeling in my gut and how scarred I was of what the next few days would bring. After we got to the hospital and I got checked in, she pulled my head onto her shoulder and told me it was ok to be nervous and even more ok the cry. Right there, all the tears I had been choking down came pouring out as we sat in the waiting room. Even though her daughter had broken our engagement, she was still treating me like her family and I felt like I had a mother for the first time in years. Eventually, they called my name and I went up to the prep room. After signing some forms, talking to doctors and fainting after they put an epidural catheter in my back, they wheeled me off to the OR. I don’t remember much past that. I was joking with the surgical team to help with my anxiety and then I woke up a few hours later.

           I don’t even remember being moved from the recovery room to my own private room. I would later find out that I fainted again when the staff moved me to the hospital bed. As they nurses were scrambling to get me stable, they started referring to me with he/him pronouns. Apparently, I met this with something to the effect of “I just cut my dick off, can you please respect me enough to call me a woman.” Go low-blood pressure Morgan! As I came back to reality, there was a sign on my door saying “I identify as female” that my caregiver had made and a note of my diagnostic board requesting that anyone use she/her to refer to me. Tragically, this didn’t stop the misgendering by some of the staff. Being stuck in a hospital bed for days and dependent on someone that is deliberately disrespecting you like that is an awful experience that I would not wish on anyone. Even a week later, it still hurts and has undermined a lot of my confidence especially in my face. Beyond that, I mostly just slept and ate for the rest of the first day.

           The second and third days were difficult. I was stuck in a bed and unable to move or feel my right leg thanks to the epidural having been placed off-center. I shitposted on twitter to pass the time and watched a lot of dateline mysteries on my hospital TV in between naps. My lower body was mostly one big bruise which made rolling over or even sitting up incredibly painful. Sleeping was hard and the tight surgical dressing around my thighs and lower abdomen was itchy at first and gradually became saturated in my blood. I had to sit there and wait 48 hours until my surgeon could remove it so by the second night I was sitting in a heavy wet medical diaper saturated in my own fluids. It was disgusting and I felt sick every time I moved. The relief I felt when it came off was short-lived because that was also the first time I would see my vagina. It just looked like a big bloody sore where my penis had been. It was swollen and covered in dried blood. I didn’t even call it my vagina during my stay in the hospital. I kept referring to it as “the surgical site.” When my surgeon left after the visit, I cried alone in my room.

           The next major step before being discharged was walking again. On the third day, a doctor removed my epidural and the nurses helped me up once I had feeling in my legs. The pain was excruciating, but I wanted to be out of that hospital so bad. I managed to waddle past the nurse’s station outside my room before my blood pressure crashed (for those of you keeping score, this makes three times) and I was rushed back to my room. I’m a very fit person with a low resting blood pressure. I also lost a lot of blood during the procedure, so I was a fragile maiden there for a few days. My catheter was removed around midnight that night and I had the big girl job of learning to pee again. It was a weird and painful sensation with more blood than urine. Unfortunately, the amount of packing in my vagina eventually put pressure on my urethra and I was unable to pee normally after that first time. I ended up sitting on the hard-plastic toilet next to my bed in tears because a nurse had left me there and I was both afraid to stand on my own and unable to pee. I felt like a disaster of a human and had to be re-catheterized when the backed-up urine in my bladder became too painful.

           I was eventually able to walk with assistance and that was enough for me to get sent home on the Saturday following my procedure. My caregiver and I climbed into a lyft and headed back home. The next two days were miserable. I spent a lot of time struggling find comfortable ways to sit, bleeding through my clothes, almost fainting again and crying. There was a moment where I was struggling in the shower and almost accepted that my aunts were right.

           It did get much better though. On Monday morning, I had my first post-op appointment. Again, I almost fainted on the drive there because my body screamed in pain whenever the driver took a turn on Rock Creek Parkway. There are a lot of twists and turns on Rock Creek Parkwat. I got into the stir-ups and probed my surgeon and his PA for feedback on how I was doing and told them how awful I felt. After they took out the packing and went over the process of dilating, they left me in the room. I cried in the stirrups before I cried even more while getting dressed. Something had changed though, standing didn’t hurt as much anymore. They had been able to get so much width and depth out of me that the amount of packing in my vagina was adding a lot of pressure. For reference, I am able to get to the second to last dot on the biggest dilator which is apparently much wider and deeper than the average cis woman’s vagina. From that point on, every day has been a massive step forward. I went from being unable to leave the house, to walking assisted, to walking unassisted for short walks, to being able to now walk almost normally.

           To answer the question “how does it feel.” If feels flat and that’s wonderful. Every day since I’ve had the packing removed and started dilating has been better than the last. As much as I was dreading the weird alien-looking medical dildos that are now with me for life, having to take time to feel my vagina and stretch things out has helped a lot both mentally and physically. It feels like part of me now and I love it. As the swelling has gone down, I can imagine how it’s going to look and seeing myself in the mirror without a bulge gives me the biggest rush of dopamine. I’ve been smiling for days now even though my abdomen is still a big bruise and I have some significant discomfort. Still, I’m way ahead of where I was told I would be mostly thanks to my level of fitness prior to the surgery. Yes, having low-resting blood pressure did cause me to faint a lot, but having low body fat also meant that there was less tissue to cut during the procedure. As of one-week post-op, I’ve been able to move around well enough to restart HRT and re-feminize my face and figure after the three weeks of discontinuation was starting to show. My pain is also manageable with just Tylenol and I’ve been able to avoid oxycodone.

There is still a lot of work left to do, but I’m *so* glad I did this. For all the pain and all the anxiety, I feel like me right now. I have a vagina now and I really love her a lot even if she’s kinda gross sometimes. I’m looking forward to getting to know each other better and whatever adventures we’re going to have.