#healing after gender affirmation surgeries

[answersfromzestual]

Many patients mistakenly believe that the longer the operation, the better the healing results, and that short surgery is a sign that the surgeon is in a hurry or is not meticulous.

These myths can be a major source of anxiety for patients. However, the opposite is true: the longer the surgery time, the more the healing time and the risks associated with the intervention increase.

While it is true that operating time is an important indicator of risk factors and possible complications, the type of surgery and procedural complexity are also determining factors. Although often independent, these risk factors can sometimes be interrelated.

Infections and complications

The link between wound infection and operative time has been known for a long time. Every additional minute of surgery has a direct impact on the rate of wound infection.

As proof, a study on breast reconstruction with implants published in 2019 clearly demonstrated that the possibility of medical complications or wound infections increases when the surgery time goes beyond three hours. There would be a direct causal link between complications, preoperative health conditions, and longer operative time.

While the complication rates vary little for surgeries of less than 3 hours, the risks multiply by 1.6 times after 3 hours. Each successive operating time interval is accompanied by an associated growth in complications, with rates increasing 3-fold after 4.5 hours and almost 5-fold for a 6.8 hours procedure.

When surgery lasts longer than 6 hours, every additional hour increases the risk of cardiovascular, kidney and pulmonary complications. The same goes for the increased rate of infection. Surgeries lasting longer than 3 hours increase the risk of erythema and bruising, and often involve slower healing of the wounds.

Morbidity

The main issue regarding the risk of morbidity is the complexity of the procedure, not the duration of the operation. Indeed, according to a study published in 2014, complications can vary between two surgeries of more or less equal duration. For example, surgeries to the head or neck cause more complications than breast or limb surgeries, although the duration is similar, due to the complexity of these procedures. Delicate procedures on smaller surfaces requiring less manipulation cause less morbidity than reconstruction or dissections or excisions of body contouring procedures. On the other hand, studies indicate that operating times of more than three hours also increase the risk of morbidity. All these factors must be taken into account by the surgeon during the preoperative preparation.

The duration of the operation is therefore a key factor in the recovery of patients and in the severity of postoperative complications. It would be an indicator of complications, with a marked increase in risks if the surgery lasts more than three hours.

Surgeons are highly trained professionals. Although an experienced surgeon works quickly, other factors can contribute to the length of the operation, some of which may be beyond his control, such as excessive bleeding which can slow down the procedure. However, speed of execution does not necessarily guarantee better results, as operating time is not the only factor to consider in the event of complications.

So patients don’t have to worry if the surgery is shorter than expected. This does not indicate shoddy work. Longer surgery will not necessarily give better results. Surgery time is an important factor in recovery, but so too are the type of surgery and procedural complexity. Above all, be sure to ask questions before surgery so that you are fully aware of the risks.

Source

[queermoths]

hey, cis people! maybe don't talk about top surgery (or any gender-affirming surgery) as being "botched" if a trans person is talking about how our body healed from it!

this is not optional! unless the trans individual in question specifically encourages you to use that language! hope this helps.

[amillionkilopascals]

i wish catholics understood that queer people are not welcomed in the church.

the most progressive pope in history still lambasts gender theory and gender-affirming surgery.

yes, there was some semblance of community in that space. but not for me, never for me. i was never whole, in church. the person i was in that space was always an empty shell, because i was forced to cut out my heart and insides and leave them at the door to come in.

now that i have freed myself, i am outside and whole and more joyful than i ever was in that space. can you begin to see how inviting me to subject myself to that again is not love?

i understand that you want the best for your queer ex-catholic friends. but listen to us and our experiences when we tell you about the selves we had to kill just to be accepted, and how we were only able to begin to accept and heal ourselves after leaving. i was told constantly that this desire, this part of myself, my very heart, was sinful, that it had to be culled. can you begin to see why this led me to believe i was better dead than alive?

please understand this, before you ask. that is all i request.

[ginger-fitzgeralld]

A transgender woman who sued a women-only social media app for alleged gender discrimination has been awarded $10,000 plus costs after a judge found she had been indirectly discriminated against in a landmark decision that tested the meaning and scope of the Sex Discrimination Act.

Roxanne Tickle, a transgender woman from regional New South Wales, sued the women-only social media platform Giggle for Girls and its CEO, Sall Grover, claiming she was unlawfully barred from using the app in 2021 after the firm and Grover said she was a man.

On Friday morning, federal court justice Robert Bromwich said the respondents considered “sex” to mean the unchangeable sex of a person at birth.

“These arguments failed because the view propounded by the respondents conflicted with a long history of cases decided by courts going back over 30 years. Those … cases established that on its ordinary meaning sex is changeable,” he said.

Onboarding to the app required the user to upload a selfie verified as female by KairosAI gender detection software and then by Grover. Tickle was barred after initially being allowed to join the platform – which was shut down in August 2022.

The judge said the evidence did not establish Tickle was excluded from Giggle directly “by reason of her gender identity although it remains possible that this was the real but unproven reason”.  Rather, the indirect discrimination case succeeded because Tickle was excluded from the use of the social media app “because she did not look sufficiently female”.

Bromwich disagreed with Grover and Giggle’s arguments about the constitutionality of the protections for gender identity in the Act – in line with the position of the sex discrimination commissioner.

Tickle had sought damages and aggravated damages amounting to $200,000, claiming that persistent misgendering by Grover resulted in constant anxiety and occasional suicidal thoughts.

In his written decision, Bromwich drew attention to the behaviour of Grover, including laughing at a caricature of Tickle during the trial.

“[Grover’s] explanation, that it was funny in the context of the courtroom, was obviously disingenuous. It was offensive and belittling and had no legitimate place in the respondents prosecuting their case.”

Tickle said Friday’s decision showed transgender people could stand up for themselves.

“I’m pleased by the outcome of my case and I hope it is healing for trans and gender diverse people. The ruling shows that all women are protected from discrimination,” she said outside court.

“I brought my case to show trans people that you can be brave and you can stand up for yourself. I can now get on with the rest of my life and have a coffee down the road with my friends, play hockey with my team and put this horribleness behind me.”

Changes to the Sex Discrimination Act in 2013 made it unlawful under federal law to discriminate against a person on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

It is the first time alleged gender identity discrimination has been heard by Australia’s federal court and goes to the heart of how gender identity – and being a woman - is interpreted. The outcome is likely to have wide-reaching implications for male and female spaces and activities and is being watched around the world.

Over the course of a three-day hearing in April, the court heard that Tickle had lived as a woman since 2017, had a female birth certificate and gender affirmation surgery and “feels in her mind that psychologically she is a woman”.

Tickle’s barrister Georgina Costello KC said that “Ms Tickle is a woman” but that “the respondents flatly deny that fact”.

Giggle and Grover’s team asserted that the case must focus on biological sex.

“Sex is discriminatory, it always has been and always will be … biological sex must prevail,” barrister Bridie Nolan said.

Grover told the court that she would not address Tickle as “Ms” and that, even if a transgender woman presented as female, had gender affirmation surgery, lived as a female and held female identity documents, Grover would still see her as a “biological male”.

The court heard that Grover started the app, intended as an “online refuge”, after receiving trauma therapy for social media abuse while living in the US.

The Australian Human Rights Commission acted as a friend of the court. Barrister Zelie Heger told the court that sex was no longer defined in the Sex Discrimination Act but that “importantly the Act recognises that a person’s sex is not limited to [being a man or a woman]”.

The case has been closely followed by both women’s and trans rights supporters, with Bromwich admitting “this was never going to be an easy case for anybody”.

Tickle received support from the Grata Fund, while a crowdfunding campaign set up to cover Giggle for Girls’ legal costs raised over $520,000.

Ignoring the tone of the article because I haven’t found a non-biased one yet, I’m so fucking over this shit. I’m disappointed in our court systems and what this precedent will mean for the rights of girls and women across the country.

[a-little-revolution]

hey elliot! this is a surgery question, so please take all the time you need to reply. you've mentioned you had top surgery before, and i was wondering what it was like accessing that kind of care as a little person? was it challenging finding a surgeon willing to work with you? what sort of considerations were needed for your surgery and recovery, if any? i was also curious if you had used a binder before surgery, and how you found it? i have a hard enough time donning and doffing mine with long arms, so i'd imagine it could be quite challenging for you, but maybe you found ways around it! thank you for all your hard work and patience in educating folks. wishing you bountiful spoons and lots of restful, easy days 💚

Hello! Thank you so much for your patience, I did indeed take some time to process this - I'm more than happy to answer questions related to surgery on here, as it's such a large part of my experience as a little person, but I may indeed take some time to respond as I have medical CPTSD.

Anyhoo lol Yes! I have had top surgery, and my dwarfism did effect how I accessed that care:

Because I'm at risk for spinal injury, my surgery was done at a hospital rather than an outpatient centre where most top surgery is conducted (I needed to be kept overnight for monitoring while most top surgery patients leave day-of)

Like for all my surgeries, my sleep apnea and oxygen levels needed to be monitored

But unlike my many other surgeries, this particular hospital (which will remain nameless for my own security) was incredibly inaccessible despite it being obviously well funded. No stools to be found, the wheelchairs were so high and designed with an almost bike-like frame that I needed to be liften in and out of them, and the staff was unfriendly and ableist.

My surgeon was picked for her experience with little people rather than her experience with top surgery. (I ended up unhappy with my results because my surgeon was more familiar with breast reductions and didn't follow through with my wishes. My top surgery was actually the worst surgery experience I've had - I was repeatedly dead-named by members of the hospital, overdosed on anaesthesia, and my surgeon had a terrible bedside manner)

But my touch up surgeon was my first choice! Dr. Armstrong at McLean Clinic did a fantastic job straightening my scars and removing my nipples (which I had hesitated on for the first surgery but firmed up for the second. I love having no nipples!)

Image description: a photo of my torso and lower face, displaying my healed top surgery results. Two wavy pink scars line the bottom of my pecks, and I have no nipples. With one hand on my hip and the other on my upper chest, you can see my tarot "the fool" tattoo, my kissing crows, and my sailor mercury star. On my right hand I wear a red glass ring to honor my deity Hestia. I have pail skin, a short brown beard, green curly hair and a gold vertical medusa piercing.

Post-op care was understandably different for me. Since my arms are already short and locked, the limit to my range of arm motion affected me even more. I needed even more help with care tasks than that of an average height/able bodied patient. I was lucky to several loved ones around to help :) Though compared to other surgeries, I was happy that I was able to walk and be more independent for the most part.

I also just want to add: something I see a lot on social media is trans and nonbinary folks seemingly bouncing back from surgery effortlessly. We see them at the beach, posting photos, and it gives the illusion that top/gender affirming surgery isn't the painful, emotional, difficult thing that it is. IT'S OKAY IF YOU DON'T FEEL QUEER JOY IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY!! It takes a while to heal and bounce back because it is a lot on your body! Take your time, and give your body the love and care it needs!

Anyway I hope this all was helpful/educational - and I wish all my queer, trans, and otherwise gender diverse followers a lovely day!!

[ink-flavored]

Urban Fantasy Gender Transition

I've got lots of trans characters in both my anthologies, so naturally I've been thinking about how they go about transitioning in a society with magic AND scientific advancements. These are a few of the details I've thought of so far! You can find this and more world-building details on my Neocities site! Tales from Athendrolyn Taglist: @foxys-fantasy-tales @auroblaze @thelaughingstag @auntdarth @damageinkorporated Athendrolyn After Dark Taglist: @foxys-fantasy-tales @auroblaze @noblebs @thelaughingstag @auntdarth @srjacksin (Check out my Google Form to get added to either taglist!)

Mundane Transition

Mundane options (for HRT, surgeries, binding, breast forms, packing, tucking, hair removal, etc. etc. there are so many things) are still available for those who don’t want to use magic, or can’t use magic (at all or effectively). In general, mundane options offer more reliable and predictable changes than comparable magical options, especially in medicine, so if you’re intimidated by the breadth and variety of what magic transition entails, there’s always a simpler option. It’s also common to switch from magic to mundane transition options over time, from mundane to magic as a slow ramp-up, or to mix and match mundane and magic options as you see fit.

Magical Hormone Therapy

HRT ritual spell: While there is, technically, a way you can cast a transition spell instantly, it would be ridiculously complex and require far more magical capacity than any known wizard that has ever existed. A ritual spell, cast once a week/every two weeks depending on the user’s magical capacity, that goes through all the changes gradually and uses magic from the world in addition to the caster, is much more sustainable. It can also change things that mundane HRT can’t.

A doctor can prescribe a specific combination of runes to help guide their patient’s transition most effectively. However, it can take a while to see dramatic results, because even precisely tailored magic can fuck up a lot of stuff in the body—use of healing magic, even used in hospitals by trained professionals, has to be carefully monitored to make sure it doesn’t “over-heal” the patient and make everything worse.

HRT potions and salves: Much less customizable than a ritual spell, but an easier option for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of casting. One dose of a bulk-ordered potion a week, with potency gradually increasing over time, is a very simple way to transition. Magical salves don't increase in potency, but the doses are easier to measure, and are easier for those who have trouble swallowing or dislike the flavor of potions. Both have faster results and the ability to change things mundane HRT can’t.

They can be picked up from a pharmacy or made at home, but brewing at home isn't recommended because of how difficult it can be to source ingredients—fresh ingredients, at that. The ingredients list can be adjusted for the individual, but it all depends on what's available.

More under the cut!

Magical Gender Affirming Wearables

Magic binding: Most magical binders look like the mundane ones at first glance—either a full or half-shirt that flattens the chest. The trick is in how they work. Instead of compressing the breast tissue, the inside of the magical binders has two ritual circles woven into the fabric that act as transportation circles that contain the breast tissue in a separate plane of existence.

Where, exactly? Nobody’s sure, which may put off some potential wearers. For some, the promised flexibility in no time limit on wearing it and being able to exercise without risk is convincing enough.

Swimming, however, is still not recommended, because of the risk that water could flow endlessly into the binder and dry up the entire water source. It’s also required to be hand-washed or dry cleaned, and you have to take precautions not to stick your hand in the active transportation circles.

Magic breast forms: Enchanted breast forms—whether they were enchanted from the start or mundane-turned-magical—are common. The most popular use of enchantments is making them more realistic to the touch, and some enchantments allow for minimal sensation. Enchantments that makes them more realistic compared to the rest of the body are frequent, but so are enchantments that intentionally make them intentionally unrealistic. Some creatures naturally without breasts (like nagas, dragonfolk, and some merfolk) enjoy simulating what it feels like to be a mammal with enchanted breast forms.

Magic packers: Mundane packers can easily be enchanted and packers that are enchanted from the start are also common. Enchantments include STP, ability to feel minimal sensation during play, and even independent movement. The enchantments require “calibration” to the body before they work properly, and it can take some getting used to, especially learning to switch between enchantments (don’t turn on the erection runes while you’re trying to use the STP runes).

Magic tucking: Magical tucking gaffs look like standard gaffs or underwear. However, similar to magical binders, the inside of the gaffs have a ritual circle woven into the fabric that acts as a transportation circle that send your junk to a separate plane of existence. Nobody knows where!

The risk of such a sensitive area being a mysterious “somewhere else” may put off some potential wearers. Others are willing to take the risk for the smooth appearance and relative comfort. Frequent wearers report the other dimension is a bit chilly.

Again like magical binders, swimming is not recommended, because of the risk that water could flow endlessly into your gaff and dry up the entire water source. They also have to be hand-washed or dry cleaned, and you have to take precautions not to stick your hand in the active transportation circle.

Magic Gender Affirming Surgeries

“Magic” surgeries, of all types not just the gender-affirming kind, are used in tandem with mundane practices. Mundane medicine acts as a failsafe, a buffer, and an essential tool of operation, because there are some things even magic isn’t ideal for. All doctors with the ability to use magic are trained in the mundane ways to do the same thing, and doctors without magical ability are trained alongside their wizard peers to make sure they’re all on the same page about what’s possible and what isn’t. All this to say—magical gender affirming surgeries are as complicated as the mundane kinds.

Magic facial reconstruction: Incorporating magic into facial reconstruction surgery can be dramatically helpful for aesthetics. If the patient has some particular look in mind, it can be recreated to extremely subtle detail, as magic can be used to warp bone, reroute muscle, and more easily reconnect blood vessels.

Magic top surgery: All the regular mundane methods are able to be used in tandem with magic to make the process smoother, and can enhance certain outcomes. For example, retaining nipple sensation is much more likely with magic, or allow for intentionally odd-shaped scars. Magic healing can also help the healing process, and there are plenty of magical methods to make surgery scars fade faster.

Magic metoidioplasty: Simple release often doesn’t require much magic to be used in anything other than the healing process, but it can be used to make the surgery area more aesthetically pleasing if the patient has any particular requests. A full metoidioplasty (with UL, vaginectomy, potentially scrotoplasty, etc.) does involve more magic, both for aesthetic and structural purposes. Magic can lower the risk of some common complications, with the ability to be more precise with the delicate processes, like reattachments of skin, nerves, and blood vessels.

Magic phalloplasty: Depending on the size, requested appearance, any other specific requests, and if the patient is receiving a scrotoplasty as well, magical implementation can vary. Regardless of where the donor area is taken for the phalloplasty, magic makes it much easier to attach the nerve and blood vessel. Aesthetic requests are easier to implement with magic, both for the phalloplasty and the scrotoplasty, and the neophallus can even be enchanted to become erect on its own instead of receiving an implant or pump, and even ejaculate (though it isn't viable sperm).

Magic vaginoplasty: Depending on whether the patient is receiving full-depth or no-depth, the requested appearance, and any other specific requests, magical implementation can vary. For a no-depth vaginoplasty, the main use of magic is to create an aesthetically pleasing end-result, while the mundane surgeons take most of the wheel. For a full-depth vaginoplasty, precise reattachments of skin, nerves, and blood vessels are where magic shines. Retention of sensation is much higher with use of magic, and complications are lower risk. The neovagina can also be enchanted to self-lubricate, if requested, and even ejaculate (i.e. squirting. You can get a squirting enchantment).

Altersex surgeries: Magic makes any sort of alternate surgical request much easier to implement. A penile-preserving vaginoplasty, a vaginal-preserving phalloplasty, an unburied meta with a phalloplasty on top, genital nullification—you name it, magic makes it easier to retain sensation, lowers the risk of complications, and can help create the genitals (or lack thereof) of the patient’s wildest dreams.

Other Magical Body-Mods

Magic hair growth and removal: Magical hair growth can be factored into an HRT potion, salve, or ritual spell, and regrowth spells/potions/salves are common without a prescription. Magical hair removal is much easier, less painful, and more popular than laser hair removal—it can be done at home with a potion or salve, or at a clinic with a spell. A lot of hair removal salves are used in medical settings to shave an area before surgery, and can be (infrequently) used for personal shaving. Overuse increases the risk that all your hair falls out, an uncontrollable level of hair growth, and skin irritation, so it's important to dose properly.

[psychoticallytrans]

The vast majority of people have scars, and people have a range of feelings about their scars. Some people are proud of their scars, as a sign of their actions and/or survival. Some people are fond of their scars, smiling at ones that have good memories attached. Some people hate their scars because they bring up bad memories, or because the tissue limits their ability to move. Some people are neutral about them, viewing them as just something that happened. Most people's feelings fluctuate depending on which scar they are considering.

What the emotions in the first paragraph have in common is that they are generally associated with the event that caused them, or with the physical effect of the scar. In contrast, anxiety and self-consciousness about scars is almost always caused by the reactions of others.

Some scars are significantly more stigmatized than others. Heart surgery scars, for instance, are usually viewed neutrally, because there is not a major stigma attached to heart surgery and surgery scars usually heal neatly, making a "clean" scar to look at. The usual reason for heart surgery scars causing anxiety and self-consciousness is that on women and people perceived as women, they can be considered a blemish on the chest, disturbing those that feel that women should be decorative at all times.

Burn scars are the stereotypical "ugly" scar. Bad burns can cause severe damage to all layers of the skin, and it can be impossible to restore the skin to the state it was in before. The skin can be wrinkled, warped, and discolored. Burn scars mainly cause anxiety and self-consciousness because of their appearance being considered unsightly at best, and gore at worst. It's particularly hurtful that many people consider those with burn scars to be "a sight not fit for children.", which can result in them avoiding public spaces if they can't cover or disguise their scars. Any kind of "disfiguring" scar can have this reaction to it. Burn scars are just the most well known.

Appearance is not the only reason scars are stigmatized. For instance, scars related to gender affirming surgery, particularly the distinctive ones resulting from top surgery, are stigmatized due to transphobia. Self harm scars, particularly the classic and often recognized ones on the wrists, are stigmatized due to ableism. C-section scars are stigmatized where vaginal birth is considered part of womanhood.*

There are some scars that fall into multiple categories. Acne scars are perhaps the best known example. They are both considered disgusting to look at, and are often considered the fault of the person who has them. The propaganda of the skincare industry has done a remarkable job convincing us of that.

People with scars that people react poorly to often adopt strategies to hide or disguise them. Makeup is commonly used to hide flat scars and ones with only a little texture. For scars that are hard to reach or too raised, clothes are the most common tool used. Scarves, long sleeves and legs, and, more recently, masks, are all useful tools for people who want to hide their scars. Some people seek out permanent solutions for their scars. The two primary permanent solutions are tattoos and cosmetic surgery.

The after school special solution to this is usually "Be proud of your scars, and ignore anyone who says anything about them!". But It is not the fault of people with scars that people react poorly to them, and instructing them to have a more positive attitude does not solve the issue of being refused access to public space and respect as a human being because they did not adequately disguise themselves. Anxiety and self-consciousness are reactions to a hostile situation that are intended to protect you from further harm.

So, what next, then?

Don't belittle or tell off anyone for either their scars OR for hiding or disguising them. How people choose to deal with their scars is their choice, up to and including permanent solutions.

Don't recommend any kind of method to hide or disguise scars to someone who hasn't asked for one, and don't recommend a permanent method to someone currently using a reversible one unless they want one.

Don't stare at or ask about scars unless invited to do so.

Don't avoid looking at someone's scars like they're indecent, or avoid touching them in a situation where you would normally touch another person, like holding hands or hugging. Visible scarring should be treated like you would normally treat that section of someone's body if it was unscarred.

Don't lament how someone's scars could have been avoided, or how much better they looked before they were scarred.

Don't tell people how they should feel about their scars.

If someone else does any of the above, bring up that you thought talking about/to someone like that was rude. If they know the person with scars and that person considers it alright, then the person with scars will usually laugh it off and tell you it's alright. If the person making comments was being rude, then that often shuts up the rude person. Either way, it's useful for clarifying the situation without embarrassing anyone unnecessarily.

If someone is hiding their scars and what they were using to do it is damaged, lost, or stolen, and you can offer something to replace it, make the offer. Do not attempt to put an item on a revealed scar without asking unless you know that person well and know they are okay with you doing that.

In short, be polite.

*These spaces and groups tend to doubly stigmatize c-section scars on people who aren't women, because transphobia and misogyny focused on the body go hand in hand.

[stormbreaker101]

TRANSPHOBES DO NOT FUCKING TOUCH

TRANSMEDICALISTS DO NOT FUCKING TOUCH

Anyway this may not be the most eloquent post but. I want to give a shoutout to my fellow trans people whom medical transition has failed.

There is a lot of talk on this site about destigmatizing gender affirming surgeries, and how there's a lot of misinformation meant to dissuade trans people for pursuing the operations that'd make them happy. And it's an important discussion to have. But that is not what this post about.

I want to give a shoutout to people like myself, who are dependent on others and thus had to make a dysphoric compromise on their own body.

I want to give a shoutout to people whose surgeries took poorly.

I want to give a shoutout to people who later realized that their surgeries were more dysphoric than what they had before. This includes detrans people.

I want to give a shoutout to the people whose surgeries caused more damage due to negligent doctors.

To the people who, in one way or another, aren't satisfied with their bodies even after taking on one of the largest physical changes you can. You were coerced, or you made a genuine mistake, or your doctors didn't listen to you.

To the people who can't just find another doctor and try again, because surgery is a huge financial and time commitment that many can't afford twice.

We deserve respect and healing even after our bodies were failed. We are siblings in hands, and I am sorry that you had to face this injustice too.

[defilerwyrm]

May i ask how's the recovery process after gender affirming surgeries?

If you mean how's it going now: my last surgery was in 2022 so at this point I'm 100% healed up. I was SUPPOSED to get my implants in December 2023 but my insurance company has been fucking me over at every turn so that's still on hold.

If you mean how was it at the time:

Top surgery (2018) was pretty easy for me since I have a desk job. I stayed with family in town for the first 2 weeks, during which time I basically did nothing but sleep, wake up long enough to use the toilet, take a dry shower, eat something, take more pain meds, then go back to sleep. I had 4 weeks off work, so after that I was a little sore and still confined to button-down shirts because I couldn't raise my arms above shoulder level; then I went back to work and all was normal for the next month. But...

Because I am an unlucky son of a bitch, I had a rare complication: I developed a seroma that dehysced (i.e. a hole opened up along my suture line that leaked large amounts of greasy, bright orange fluid made up of lymph and blood), which was not painful at all but was absolutely disgusting and very alarming to experience—but not a medical emergency or anything, and was easily fixed with a revision surgery. I took another 2 (I think?) weeks off work and it's been fine ever since. The left side of my chest is a little funny but I don't really care, it was fully worth it. Please note that I did not have drains. If you have drains, you're even LESS likely to have this problem.

Hysterectomy (2019) was much the same: I slept through the first two weeks and spent the next 2 in a recliner with an ice pack on my lower belly, playing a lot of Stardew Valley and getting into Critical Role. I was lucky enough to live with a friend who loves cooking. I ate a lot of soup. The soreness wasn't that bad, but I have a policy of staying ahead of the pain by using timers for how often I should be taking them. The worst part of it was the pain meds, tbh, because I really don't like the way oxycodone makes me feel; at the same time, I'm grateful for that fact because it keeps me from forming a habit.

Phalloplasty etc (2021) was kinda rough to start. I had 3 months off work that time. Slept through the first 2 weeks as usual. But for the first 3 weeks total I had a suprapubic catheter in and man I fuckin' hate being cathed. I felt like I needed to pee at all times, even immediately after draining the cath bag. Awful. Learning to pee standing up was...let's just say I did a lot of laundry and cleaning, lol. This was made worse by the fact that I had two fistulae (holes that go through the urethra all the way to the outside)—like I said, I've got bad luck. One of them healed up all on its own, like most of them do. The other one required a revision 8 months later, which meant being cathed again for a while, SIGH. But back to post-op for phallo: I had physical therapy for my left arm to make sure I kept a good range of motion; I kept the graft bandaged with daily gentle cleanup, application of ointments, and rebandaging; and had to take dry showers for the first uhhhhh. 2 weeks at least, maybe 3 or 4? After I got the cath out, things were MUCH easier. I was just kinda vaguely tired and sore and spent most of my time lying down. My libido came back at the start of the 2nd month, which was frustrating af because it wasn't till the start of the 3rd month that I was healed up enough to do anything about it (but once I could, holy FUCK it was incredible).

[faggy--butch]

irt your reblog about gastric bypass... both of my parents got gastric bypass surgery. i watched them literally almost starve to death after surgery because they physically couldn't eat more than two bites for WEEKS while the stapled shut pouch was healing. it's truly terrifying watching your parents who used to be chubby (not even ""ob*se!"" they were just like... 200-250 pounds!) turn into gaunt walking skeletons who nearly pass out from a lack of nutrition. they also regularly vomit because what used to be their stomach would barely be full, so their body doesn't give them any sensation of fullness, so they overeat and 5 minutes into dinner their tiny pouch overflows. they have dental issues now from all of the puking. they seem happier and im all for bodily autonomy but like... its was so clearly not a decision based on actual health but instead on the medical fatphobia ingrained into society

what makes it even more ironic is my mother is 1) a literal NURSE and 2) vocally against my transition and gender affirming surgeries because "im mutilating my healthy breasts and reproductive system...." the hypocrisy is really hard to bear.

That is so god awful, for them and for you. Body autonomy is only important if helps you fit into the idea of conventional beauty standards ig

[dromedawrites]

MTMTE Ratchet, Drift, Rodimus, and Megatron helping you recover from top surgery.

Reader is transgender (ftm/ftn). Any pronouns are neutral. You can interpret this as romantic or platonic, though I drifted more romantic for some interactions. I might do more characters later!

(Also not super important but I like to think reader has some way of ‘mass shifting’ themselves on on the LL so they are not a tiny creature running around, unless you like that, lol.)

Crack/Fluff!!

Ratchet:

He did his homework. He knows so much about the procedure by now that he could have done it himself. 

What he doesn’t understand is why such a life-saving surgery is so bloody expensive.

No, seriously, why did it cost you 10,000 dollars? Do humans not have healthcare?

He would have done it for free, because he cares about you, but Ratchet understands it’s best you’re surrounded by human doctors in case something goes awry.

Ratchet is PREPARED when you come back disoriented and sore. He’s got a private room in his med-bay ready just for you.

It has everything; dry hair shampoo, oversized clothing, powdered deodorant, wedge/pregnancy pillows… so much.

He even has extra medication for you just in case.

Don’t ask how he got a hold of all of this. (It might have involved some stealing.)

He is incredibly gentle when he helps you. You feel so much better after he checks in on you.

Ratchet can’t believe how brave you are. Despite the pain you know you were going to go through, you still chose this. The right, albeit difficult, choice.

He’s proud.

Drift:

He would have helped you pay for the procedure if he could. 10k in human currency is nothing to him.

Drift could’ve been your gender-affirming alien sugar daddy.

You told him that they wouldn’t accept any type of alien money.

They might think it’s cryptocurrency.

Drift didn’t quite understand how invasive the surgery was until Ratchet explained it to him.

His jaw drops. He can’t believe how fucking strong you are.

Drift intensely empathizes with the pain. He’s had some life-threatening injuries with recoveries just as long.

He doesn’t think any of them come close to this though. Humans are a hundred times more fragile and you’re CHOOSING this?

He gives a lots of forehead kisses. You actually think it speeds the process. (You’re just gay.)

You have Ratchet, but Drift is like a second nurse whenever he visits. Which is often.

And of course, there are the mandatory healing crystals he leaves beside your medberth.

They’re pretty. They help distract you.

Plus, he leaves the best ‘Get Better’ notes.

Rodimus:

When you tell him you are getting surgery he panics a little. He doesn’t want his best friend to die!

He asks if you have cancer.

You have to calm him down and explain the TYPE of surgery you are gonna get.

He immediately relaxes, and when you ask why he thought you might have cancer he shrugs.

Rodimus has no idea what cancer is.

But he’s super happy for you!!!

He does his own ‘research’ (aka, just ask Ratchet) and has the same reaction as Drift.

There is so much bravery inside such a tiny human!!

You might also be the entire reason why the Lost Light is staying on Earth for a few months. 

Which actually is not so bad. Some bots are happy to be on Earth again.

The government isn’t so happy about it, but it works itself out. 

Rodimus may or may not have told them why they are here.

You get a congratulations note from the fucking President later and you are so confused??? 

He loves to help you reach for stuff on shelves now. It’s been weeks now and he is still doing it.

Flameboy misses cuddling with you until you are well enough again.

But then you have a giant 4 hour napping session with him once you are.

It was worth the wait.

Megatron:

Megatron is angry once he hears how much you had to pay for such an important procedure.

He wants to speak to the president.

He lets you vent about how cruddy trans healthcare is, in general, all over the world. It’s not much better anywhere else.

Instead of Rodimus he actually does research. 

The concept of ‘gender’ has always left a somewhat bitter taste on his glossa, but he’d be lying if he didn’t find the literature of queer folk interesting. 

Megatron is now a gender abolitionist and trans activist.

He gives you a giant, sappy hug before you leave. 

When you get back he’s upset he can’t give you the physical comfort you look like you need.

He is very patient though.

If it’s not Ratchet doing it, he makes sure you are taking your meds on time.

Despite his squeamishness when it comes to some functions of the human body he insists on helping you clean yourself.

He wants to keep you as comfortable as possible. (And not stinky. No offense. He loves you.)

Megatron is proud. Look at you. Even during recovery you seem happier.

He’s definitely not writing poetry about it. (He’s already written three by the time you fully recover.)

You get another cuddle session from Megatron once you’re ready for it. 

Megatron is secretly a giant teddy bear.

[the-cutest-patoot]

Having stable housing and this surgery are 2 goals that I've been working towards for what feels like forever. I am so grateful to now be housed, fed, and surrounded by those I trust and feel safe with ♡ Through the years I've gotten to see so many friends and loved ones undergo this procedure and I am looking forward to the point where I am finally able to experience stillness in this body.

While the surgery itself is completely covered by WA State Medicaid (shout-out Molinaaaa) I will need survival funds for the resting period after surgery (its looking like it'll be upwards of a month with the rate my body heals at) The breakdown of funds needed is as follows:

$1,500 will go towards next months rent

$500 will go towards a gender-affirming wardrobe

$300 will go towards food

$100 will cover the fees GFM takes out

If you'd like to contribute directly through this GoFundMe, I will keep you updated on my journey and provide details and pictures of where I'm at in the process! Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a stellar day.

P.S. as a white transmasculine person, I recognize my privilege when it comes to crowdfunding, for this surgery especially. If you know a Black, Indigenous, or other Person of Color who is also raising funds for Gender Affirmation Surgery, I insist you donate to them first/instead. Once I am in a more stable and consistent financial position, I look forward to being able to do the same.

https://gofund.me/0eb9a2e6

[jamesunderwater]

thank you <3

(full disclosure i am crying while writing this)

now that i'm feeling a little better i need to tell so many of yall how much your support has meant to me throughout my surgery process.

so many of yall have shown your support whether by word, emotional care, financial support, or sharing my financial need, most of you some combination of those, and genuinely, it has made such a difference. for various reasons i have felt at times pretty alone in this process, especially the closer i got to the surgery, but i felt so fucking supported by my community here.

@athenasparrow even went so far as to go to the @jilymicrofics community and collected sweet messages to create a little collective "congrats" card for me to wake up to after my surgery. Athena.....you really are miss james sunshine potter <3 this meant so so fucking much to me. thank you to my friends in the jily fandom (in order of appearance on the card): @uncertainwallflower @merlinsbbeard @charmsandtealeaves @annabtg @ohmygodshesinsane @practicecourts @abihastastybeans @annasghosts @kay-elle-cee the messages and fun pictures you took the time to send were especially joy-giving when i woke up and found out i had to stay in the hospital overnight. and to Kelsey and Ray (along with Athena) who have reached out and checked in on me throughout the week....i love you guys <3

i also want to shout out the friends and mutuals i have outside of the jily circle who have sent me their own messages of support, congratulations, and healing, throughout the process but especially in response to all my update posts the last week <3 @deermessrs @steadygalaxychild @basslineescapeact @iamsiriusly @loop-deloo @lilyflxwers @only-came-for-the-food @sunshinemarauder @mppmaraudergirl @fvckyouimaprophet @flowerpottlady

**wait i want to also add that there are some of you who have liked all my posts and even if you haven't said anything on them, I've seen that support too and it means a lot to me as well. I see you in my corner and I'm so grateful to have you there <3

i don't know how to explain how much the support i've gotten from ya'll has meant to me. in some very real ways you've been there with me in this process more than some of my best irl friends have been, for one reason or another. i have felt so very loved, validated, and cared for. thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. <3

p.s. i think it's such a lovely fuck you to jkr that i got such massive support for my gender affirming surgery from my fucking HP fandom family <3333 hahahahaa fuck you terf (:

[badchoicesworld]

omg hi i love your blog so much!! could you please write a story where the reader is trans and healing from surgery but his suit is making it uncomfortable and they’re on a mission together as spider-people and reader’s chest hurts and he has to explain to his boyfriend noir that he’s trans and shows him his scars? :) fluff and wholesomeness ensue etc etc

thank you!!

spider-noir finds out you’re transmasc on a mission !

omg tysm ur so sweet !! so very happy to do this for you, my friend !! hope you don’t mind i’ve done it in this format

im assuming you’re from a more progressive dimension in comparison to Noir, something more modern or even a little advance

that being said, if you ever find yourself recovering from surgery, let your body heal !! and don’t try to be spider-man at home plz

warnings: none, just noir being the most oblivious man alive and then being a golden retriever boyfriend

requests are: open !

★⋆ ⋆☆⋆ ☠︎︎ ⋆☆⋆⋆★✧

so, let’s set the scene rq. you’ve finally managed to undergo the gender affirming surgery that you’ve been entitled to your entire life, all’s well and it’s incredibly accessible (one can only dream)

but, you’re also your dimensions one and only spider-man.

naturally, you rationalise that oh dear god what will the multiverse do without me ? you’ve gotta get back out there as soon as you can, even if it means popping open, like something busting at the seams.

tight spandex, whatever accessories you’ve got on, supporting your whole weight in one arm while you swing from place to place isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing in the world now, is it ? so uncomfortable that it absolutely effects your performance, one would assume

but, since this is something that you’ve went through independently and without sharing with those you find dear, it was only a matter of time before Miguel sends you on your merry way to carry out some kind of mission with your dearest: spider-noir.

now lets be honest, Noir’s probably clueless when it comes to trans issues and top surgery. not in an arrogant way but I imagine his reality isn’t exactly caught up with the times yet.

that being said i don’t think he’s never heard of them, considering he’s been around more modern spider-people and has likely been exposed to some kind of media about it

still, when you two are out on your mission together and he notices how much you’ve been awkwardly and as discreetly as possible pulling at your suit, he’s probably gonna side eye you a bit until he recognises the discomfort in your face too.

i imagine Noir would rather not see his boyfriend in discomfort for long at all, so pulls you aside into whatever’s nearest- an alley, anything for a little privacy

gentle as ever, examining the suit that you’ve been tugging at all day long while gently patting you down to see if there’s anything that he can identify

probably firing an ungodly amount of questions like “what’s wrong?” in several variants

most likely makes some kind of reference about your tugging that you’ll never understand, slang from his era. is probably assuming that you’ve washed your suit wrong and is in fact suggesting that while he pats you down, but mumbles about it not being pilly so is at a loss

finds nothing, but hears the clear hiss of discomfort when he pats the sides of your torso that are still healing.

you’ve gotta face the music someday, right ? but this is your boyfriend, and Noir is nothing but accepting and open minded to new things

so, deny all you may at first and insist everything okay. your suits just a little uncomfortable today, you say ? yeah after that hiss, he’s not buying it.

Noir’s gonna coax the real answer out of you if you’re not already willing to share right off the bad, he wants to understand you.

Reminding you of his trust, calling you as many pet names that you’re comfortable with. “Come on, sweetheart. Honey, who am I gonna tell?” super persuasive, who can resist the man ?

only, and ONLY when you’re feeling secure and comfortable enough to share this part of yourself with him will things still make absolutely zero sense to Noir

absolutely clueless. if you say “i’m trans” as simply as that my guy is just stood there not knowing what kind of riddle this is, but he knows this much: he doesn’t know wtf that means. trans…ition ? i mean yeah technically

if you go the step further right off the bat and show him your scars, Noir’s colour blindness is straight up preventing him from noticing the subtle difference in your scar tissue and healthy skin.

he’s stood there with his eyes as narrow as a thread while those cogs turn away in his head. until you finally explain it, Noir has forgotten his own name

actually explain it to him, and Noir’s perception of you just does not budge. his thought process is just “boyfriend is still boyfriend, good” after you’ve explained to him all about being born in the wrong body and all that

admittedly does not understand that concept. poor baby can’t fathom the idea that you’re anything but what you’ve told him- you’re a boy, says you, therefore you are a boy !

cosmetic surgeries however were gaining traction during the 20’s and 30’s thanks to war, skin graphs and all that

naturally, gobsmacked after it clicks in his head that you’ve managed a mission after surgery considering his dimensions surgery is a lot less advance

will now not let you swing and insist he’ll take care of the mission. if there’s ever a point where a fist fight breaks out, Noir’s throwing insults like usual, references no one understand because it’s the 30’s and says something along the lines of “my boyfriends watching, you better make me look good” before absolutely thundercunting a car at them

will let you walk independently but is happy to carry you- this includes swinging

if you’re still uncomfortable in your suit it’s incredible how fast this gentleman is wrapping you up in his coat if you wanna tie the top half of your suit around your waist. Still not ideal, but it’s less friction.

when you two get back to whatever you both call home together, Noir is likely to be super delicate with the actual subject and is kinda treading on eggshells. figured that, you never talked about it before, would you be okay talking about it now ?

still has a little bit of a hard time understanding the importance of gender affirmations since you are simply a boy to him, why do you need to be reminded ?

would probably be really sheepish about asking if he could touch your scars, since he can’t see them all too well. With your permission and ideally when they’re less irritable and sore, he’ll like to trace his thumbs over the scars as gently as possible with his gloveless hands. May not understand the exact significance of them, but he appreciates all of you regardless

is probably amazed at the advancements in surgery

"honey? i may not understand, but i'm trying" he loves you so much

we learned from the first movie that Noir is an extremely open-minded person who’s willing to learn about new things (like the rubix cube) and he’s determined to understand. he wants to understand you, even if just a little bit more

won’t tell a soul about you being trans. honestly forgets a lot of the time, actually. not out of arrogance, it’s just as simple as you’ve said you’re a boy, so that’s how he sees you. that being said, it’s hard for him to identify when people are intentionally transphobic because it just doesn’t make sense to him. it’s obvious you’re a boy, idiot

but when it clicks, the guy can’t control his temper “NOW WAIT JUST A SECOND, YOU’RE ONE OF THOSE TRANSPHIBIANS!” close enough, Noir. we love you.

yeah anyway, is willing in that moment to go to jail for you

show him the trans flag, watch him crumble as he guesses the colours

overall, clueless but supportive nonetheless and loves you unconditionally.

when he does eventually learn for you and it finally sticks, he starts to make a conscious effort to start asking people their pronouns through an incredibly rigid and rehearsed dialogue tree you helped him come up with. uses his lil detective notepad to keep track of peoples preferred names and pronouns with little doodles of the people so he can differentiate

★⋆ ⋆☆⋆ ☠︎︎ ⋆☆⋆⋆★✧

i hope this is okay, i'm not massively confident with my noir capabilities

[pupintransit]

Fun little update about my gender affirming surgery- I didn't die!

I'm writing this on March 7, one day after my discharge from the recovery house at GRS Montréal. My flight home from Quebec isn't until Saturday so the hubby and i are hanging out in a hotel until then. I'll start by saying that the staff at GRS Montréal are all complete angels 🧡 I won't get into the weeds of the physical sensations of my recovery, but suffice to say I had a very taxing aftercare. I felt very supported and looked after during my time there even with all the setbacks i experienced.

Now, something that i have alluded to before in my write ups is that the trans communities and friends i have were very diligent to remind people not to romanticize the surgery. They're right to! The morning after my surgery the nerves in my genitals started to reactivate, and they were pissed about it. 11/10 pain for at least 15 minutes, which was when the oxycodone kicked in. Before that the worst pain i'd had experienced was scabies. Not anymore it's not! If you take nothing else from this post please do not fuck around if you're gonna do something like this. Listen to your body and ask for help when you need it, because i gaurentee you that you will need it.

I left site with pain meds to last a few days and very strict aftercare instructions, which i have been following to the letter. My surgeon requires four dilations a day for the first month, which if you include the cleaning up and air drying afterward can take upwards of two hours. Essentially i'm working an eight hour day cut up into four split shifts. To be honest i thought it'd be overwhelming, but after two days in a hotel to get used to everything it's not as bad as i was expecting. I feel like i have enough time in between sessions to relax, eat, go for a little walk, all that fun stuff. Not much time for day trips of course, but i can resume those soon enough. Frankly what i want to do more than go out for an evening is sleep on my side again...

The first time i really took stock of my new genitalia was midday after the external packing came off. I was looking in a mirror. I was purple and swollen (still am) but all the shapes i wanted to see were there. My automatic response was "Yeah, this is fine." Nothing euphoric, nothing like coming home again or whatever, just acceptance. And i think that's all i needed it to be? Nothing is hanging down there anymore. No stringy hairs to trim, no weird wrinkly foreskin, no random erection that won't go away. Just my pussy.

I'm not done healing yet. Shit still hurts quite a bit, i gotta sleep on a towel lest my bedsheets get ruined, and when i douche the water still runs a little red with gunk. That ain't gonna end for a while and it suuuuuucks, but the shapes i want to see on my body are still there so to me it is worth the hassle.

I do still go through phases of regret though, usually when my pain gets a little too much to bear or when my mood really dips. "Did i really need this? This wasn't worth all this pain, i hate feeling this way." What i try to remember is that i was in my right mind when i made and committed to this decision, and i'm simply not when overwhelmed with pain. When that pain subsides, so too does the regret.

And then i see my shapes again.

This was profoundly difficult and easily the worst i have ever felt physically, but i have no regrets. I can't wait to see myself once i'm fully healed and ready to go. I'll be the me i've always wanted to be 🧡

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

Hi! What is the average recovery timeline for top surgery? One of my best friends is getting married a couple weeks after my surgery date (17 days to be exact) and I'm invited to the wedding! He's also had top surgery and said from his experience I should be okay after 2 weeks. I'll have to fly, but my partner will be with me just in case I can't lift my bags or anything. But any advice? I'll be flying out there pretty much 15 days after my surgery date. Thanks!!!

Lee says:

I had my top surgery when I was 18 and bounced back pretty quickly, but my younger age, lack of physical disabilities or chronic illnesses, and relatively good health (semi-athletic, non-smoker) made it easier for me to recover than many.

For context, I had inverted-T incision top surgery (double incision plus two extra incisions) and drains.

I was exploring the city I had my top surgery in within the first 2 weeks post-op and going to libraries, museums, candy factories, etc and taking public transportation for all of it.

You'll need to speak with your surgeon about what they expect your recovery timeline to be like as it can vary depending on your medical conditions, and whether you develop post-op complications (something that can't always be predicted when you're still pre-op).

That being said, if you are in good health and a young adult, it's likely that you would be able to go to a wedding 17 days post-op, especially because it's an event that's important to you (one of your best friends) and you'll have the support you need (a partner who can do all of the heavy luggage lifting). You'll probably be more tired than usual, but it's probably worth it to you to be present for the wedding.

This is what my top surgeon told me about post-top surgery general activity limitations:

5-7 days: may engage in ADL’s (“activities of daily living”; light housework, etc, provided not lifting more than 20-30 pounds)

7-10 days: may consider RTW (“return to work”, again with the above lifting limitations x 4-6 weeks)

2-4 weeks: may engage in light exercise/extra activity (dog-walking, etc)

4-6 weeks: may engage in moderate exercise (bicycle or treadmill, but no full exertion)

6+ weeks: full activity (including heavy lifting/jogging) generally OK

Generally, most people are back to their normal routine by 2-4 weeks. Overall, it generally takes 3 months for significant swelling to go down and 6-12 months for scars to mature/fade.

Whatever you decide to do regarding the wedding is ultimately up to you (after you have your surgeon's clearance to attend); it's valid if you don't feel comfortable going because you're concerned about being away from your surgeon and developing a possible complication.

But people do travel for gender-affirming surgeries, and it's pretty common to only stay in the area for ~2 weeks after top surgery before flying home, which is what I did.

So if you do not develop any major complications early on, it likely would be fine to leave the town that your surgeon is located in and take a flight to the wedding at ~2 weeks post-op.

Good luck with the surgery!

Followers, any additional advice or personal experiences to share with anon?

Followers say:

sequintial said: I was NOT ready to do anything like a wedding 2 weeks after top surgery. I had double incision and I'm fat, so I had a much larger area to heal, and one that interfered more with my mobility

bdw531 said: I basically slept all day for the first 1.5 weeks and couldn't even lift a glass of water to my face. Went back to work after 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, I hiked 75 miles of the PCT and at 6 weeks I was bouldering again. As with any surgery, everyone heals differently. I probably would have been up for attending a laid-back wedding ~17 days so long as I could sit and didn't dance.

happysadyoyo said: I was 29 when I had top surgery, and it took me about two weeks to stop sleeping so much. I was able to move around and do things, but especially when I had the drains in I pretty much did nothing but sleep and watch TV. The drains I feel are the most limiting factor. If you still have them, they're gonna be annoying, but even with them, so long as you're able to pace yourself (and at a wedding it should be fine) and there's no major complications, it should be fine.