Today was Travel day.
Robin came and got us early in the morning to drive us 2 hours away to the Airport in Colorado Springs. I was nervous about the ride because sitting is still a sensitive thing for me. I had my inflatable cushion and foam cushion. I tried to use both of the cushions in the car and that worked well. I had the foam one on the bottom and the inflatable one on top. When we reached to the airport the only thing I wanted to do was urinate but with the amount of fluids I have been drinking that is to be expected.
When I went to the Airport bathroom I noticed that my penis was starting to stand out more. I was excited about this at first then realized how uncomfortable my choice in underwear was.
I decided to wear Jeans shorts home and since the "Manties" are thin I didn't think that would be great for travel so I decided to wear briefs to hold the pad in place with boxers over it. The briefs were comfy but the pad kept rubbing against the head of my penis which was hyper sensitive. It made me keep adjusting. I ended up ditching the pad before I even got to the plane and was temptend to just rock out with my cock out in the boxers but decided to try and work with the underwear.
Walking was okay for the most part. At times I would get tired because it was more walking than I have done since surgery. The Ramps in the airport were a pain because the incline would trigger tenderness. I was lucky that I planned my pain medications very well so that I would be able to take a pill before each flight. (I had a connecting flight).
When I got on the plane I was a little nervous about the sitting because my wife was to my right and on the other side of me was a guy who was sitting with his legs open (he was in the aisle seat) so I felt weird to sit with mine open too because then our legs would be rubbing.
At first I tried sitting on both cushions but then the seat belt was too tight on my stomach which has a tender spot from where the suprapubic catheter was. I decided to just sit on the inflatable cushion which I only half inflated so it was more "squishy". It was perfect and I was fine the whole plane ride.
We had a connection in Texas and our flight was a little delayed which was annoying but we still managed to get in on time so it all worked out.
Being home feels great. I was actually able to get a good look at the underside of my penis and at my overall penis in general because i have a big hand mirror that is double sided and one side magnifies stuff so you can see detail. The underside of my penis is still swollen. I can also see some of the stitches still there. Seeing this remind me that even though I am doing well so far I still need to take it easy in order to continue to heal well.
I am urinating fine. I don't feel any issues with my bladder or urinary tract but there is a weird sensation as the urine is exiting my body but I think that has to do with the swelling and tenderness. I will watch it. I am trying not to be overly nervous but I also don't want to overlook any potential issues.
Im really tired and still haven't gone to bed yet. I'm going to go do that and if I remember more I will add a part II.
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traveling. Show all posts
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 7- Post-op Meta- August 24th, 2010
It has officially been one week since I have my metoidioplasty with Dr. Marci Bowers in Trinidad, CO.
This morning when I woke up I went to urinate and I felt inspire to try peeing directly facing the toilet instead of "hovering".
I started out pretty slow and my bladder was so full I just had to stop. I tried again the next time I had to pee and I started off ok. What I did notice was that due to my penis being swollen along the shaft (especially the left side) my penis leans to the right so my stream was going more to the left. As I started to urinate it went into the toilet but as the stream got stronger it started going left which was a little messy. My penis is still too tender for me to completely hold it so I just leaned my pelvis forward as far as was comfortable since I still had the suprapubic Catheter.
Once the office was open I called Robin at Dr. Bowers' office to let her know that I was urinating without issue for the past 24 hours. She told me what time Dr. Bowers wanted me to come in.
Janet came to get me so that I could go see Dr. Bowers about getting the suprapubic catheter out.
Dr. Bowers came in to see me and I told her how it has been urinating. She once again assured me that as the swelling goes down the more forward my penis will be and the easier it will be for me to pee standing holding my penis.
Dr. Bowers cut the stitches that were holding the suprapubic catherter in place. When she took it out the part that was in my abdomen had a thick, dark, nasty clot of blood in there which definitely explains why it wasn't working. When she took out the suprapubic catheter it was so easy and didn't hurt! She cleaned me up from the crusted blood and goo. She gave me a hug and told me that she would see me at SCC in a few weeks. She also told me if I had any problems to be sure to call right away!
When I started walking out of the room I felt like a new man I didn't realize how much of my discomfort from walking had to do with that catheter.
As I was leaving the office I said bye to Janet because it was the last time I was going to see her before I flew back home.
Robin was taking me back to my room and she noticed how much easier it was for me to get in and out of the Car. She reminded me not to overdo it and to take it easy.
For a week post op I feel GREAT. If I really needed to I feel like I could return to work next mondy. I don't plan on doing that though because my body needs more time to fully heal. I won't lie... getting in and out of bed still triggers soreness along my incisions from my vaginectomy. Also sitting is not so comfortable. For short periods of time I don't need a cushion but for long periods of time I am too sore and tender.
Peeing induces some soreness if I wait too long.
Walking is getting easier but if I walk too fast the rubbing irritates my penis so I have to modify how I walk a little to walk comfortably.
I noticed this evening that some of the swelling around my penis is going down so it as extended some which makes me happy. It definitely verified for me what Dr. Bowers told me about how the initial swelling can cause some temporary retraction of the penis. I look forward to my penis extending further as the swelling subsides.
I can't believe how happy I am with everything. I knew I would be happier post op but I didn't know I would be this happy.
I fly home tomorrow. I am not looking forward to the long periods of sitting involved in my trip home but I am sure I will be fine. I have an inflatable cushion and a foam cushion so we shall see what happens.
That's all for now.
This morning when I woke up I went to urinate and I felt inspire to try peeing directly facing the toilet instead of "hovering".
I started out pretty slow and my bladder was so full I just had to stop. I tried again the next time I had to pee and I started off ok. What I did notice was that due to my penis being swollen along the shaft (especially the left side) my penis leans to the right so my stream was going more to the left. As I started to urinate it went into the toilet but as the stream got stronger it started going left which was a little messy. My penis is still too tender for me to completely hold it so I just leaned my pelvis forward as far as was comfortable since I still had the suprapubic Catheter.
Once the office was open I called Robin at Dr. Bowers' office to let her know that I was urinating without issue for the past 24 hours. She told me what time Dr. Bowers wanted me to come in.
Janet came to get me so that I could go see Dr. Bowers about getting the suprapubic catheter out.
Dr. Bowers came in to see me and I told her how it has been urinating. She once again assured me that as the swelling goes down the more forward my penis will be and the easier it will be for me to pee standing holding my penis.
Dr. Bowers cut the stitches that were holding the suprapubic catherter in place. When she took it out the part that was in my abdomen had a thick, dark, nasty clot of blood in there which definitely explains why it wasn't working. When she took out the suprapubic catheter it was so easy and didn't hurt! She cleaned me up from the crusted blood and goo. She gave me a hug and told me that she would see me at SCC in a few weeks. She also told me if I had any problems to be sure to call right away!
When I started walking out of the room I felt like a new man I didn't realize how much of my discomfort from walking had to do with that catheter.
As I was leaving the office I said bye to Janet because it was the last time I was going to see her before I flew back home.
Robin was taking me back to my room and she noticed how much easier it was for me to get in and out of the Car. She reminded me not to overdo it and to take it easy.
For a week post op I feel GREAT. If I really needed to I feel like I could return to work next mondy. I don't plan on doing that though because my body needs more time to fully heal. I won't lie... getting in and out of bed still triggers soreness along my incisions from my vaginectomy. Also sitting is not so comfortable. For short periods of time I don't need a cushion but for long periods of time I am too sore and tender.
Peeing induces some soreness if I wait too long.
Walking is getting easier but if I walk too fast the rubbing irritates my penis so I have to modify how I walk a little to walk comfortably.
I noticed this evening that some of the swelling around my penis is going down so it as extended some which makes me happy. It definitely verified for me what Dr. Bowers told me about how the initial swelling can cause some temporary retraction of the penis. I look forward to my penis extending further as the swelling subsides.
I can't believe how happy I am with everything. I knew I would be happier post op but I didn't know I would be this happy.
I fly home tomorrow. I am not looking forward to the long periods of sitting involved in my trip home but I am sure I will be fine. I have an inflatable cushion and a foam cushion so we shall see what happens.
That's all for now.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I have arrived!
I'm sitting in my hotel room tired as hell.
It took me a cab ride, 2 planes and a 2 hour long drive to get here but we are finally here in Trinidad, CO.
Janet from Dr. Bowers office came to pick us up from the Airport and she was really sweet. It was nice to put a face to the woman who I have been talking to for months who helped me get here.
I say she helped me get here because she submits all the info and makes sure things are done correctly for insurance.
I have my pre-op surgery appointment tomorrow at 10AM MST (I think it's MST or is it MDT?). Either way it is 2 hours behind EST which is what I am used to.
It's time for me to go get some rest. More to come soon. From this point on there will be daily blogs for the most part again untl thing settle down so KEEP READING!
It took me a cab ride, 2 planes and a 2 hour long drive to get here but we are finally here in Trinidad, CO.
Janet from Dr. Bowers office came to pick us up from the Airport and she was really sweet. It was nice to put a face to the woman who I have been talking to for months who helped me get here.
I say she helped me get here because she submits all the info and makes sure things are done correctly for insurance.
I have my pre-op surgery appointment tomorrow at 10AM MST (I think it's MST or is it MDT?). Either way it is 2 hours behind EST which is what I am used to.
It's time for me to go get some rest. More to come soon. From this point on there will be daily blogs for the most part again untl thing settle down so KEEP READING!
Finally Packed!
Yes, that's right. I finally got packed and I am ready to go with 6 hours to go before having to head to the airport. My friend came and picked up my dog so that he could watch her for the time I'll be away.
Laundry ... CHECK!
Insurance cards...CHECK!
Snacks for the flight(s)...CHECK!
Money...CHECK!
Flight confirmation...CHECK!
Hotel Reservation number... CHECK!
I guess I'm ready to go. Time to grab a few hours of shut eye (not sufficient enough to call it sleep). Then head to the airport!
Laundry ... CHECK!
Insurance cards...CHECK!
Snacks for the flight(s)...CHECK!
Money...CHECK!
Flight confirmation...CHECK!
Hotel Reservation number... CHECK!
I guess I'm ready to go. Time to grab a few hours of shut eye (not sufficient enough to call it sleep). Then head to the airport!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Less than 24 hours til I leave
I am really procrastinating on this packing. I wish I could just hop on the plane without carrying anything. I know I will pack before it is too late. I have to be on the plane in 20 hours which means I have a solid 17 hours to pack. I only need 20 minutes to make sure I have everything. I don't need much since I am not going to be wearing pants for most of the time or even underwear for that matter. Just a few shirts and some flipflops and I am good to go.
I am spending time playing with my daughter right now because she is active and in 3 days I won't really be able to hold her (unless she is sleeping)since her favorite thing to do is jump in my lap which won't be too fun right after surgery.
My wife went to get some personal items and do her hair. lol. So it's me and the little silly relaxing and procrastinating on packing.
I am spending time playing with my daughter right now because she is active and in 3 days I won't really be able to hold her (unless she is sleeping)since her favorite thing to do is jump in my lap which won't be too fun right after surgery.
My wife went to get some personal items and do her hair. lol. So it's me and the little silly relaxing and procrastinating on packing.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Packing/preparing for surgery
It might be a good idea for me to start packing at some point! 33 hours to go and I don't even have the bag out that I will be carrying my clothes in. Matter of fact my bag snagged on my last trip and I need a new one so maybe I should buy a bag so that I can pack?!
I have to do laundry tomorrow.
I have to make sure my dog gets to my friend who is watching her while we are away.
Then maybe I can pack?!!!
Somewhere in there sleep might be a possibility.
I have to do laundry tomorrow.
I have to make sure my dog gets to my friend who is watching her while we are away.
Then maybe I can pack?!!!
Somewhere in there sleep might be a possibility.
Friday, August 13th, 2010
I got a call today from Janet who works with Dr. Bowers. Janet is the woman who currently does all the insurance coordination/ prior Authoriztion stuff for Dr. Bowers. When I got the call my heart started racing because I was nervous something was wrong.
I was relieved when she told me that she was calling to give me her cell number because she will be the one picking us up at the airport and if there is any delay to let her know. Things are still a go for insurance.
Surgery in 4 days. It is starting to feel real!
I was relieved when she told me that she was calling to give me her cell number because she will be the one picking us up at the airport and if there is any delay to let her know. Things are still a go for insurance.
Surgery in 4 days. It is starting to feel real!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
4, 6 and some other stuff.
4 days until I leave for Trinidad, CO.
6 Days until surgery.
Post op guys who have had meta have been really good about helping me with preparing. (Thanks guys!) I am realizing that there are things that I saw on my list to get but overlooked because I thought they weren't important. One example of this would be Sanitary napkins (AkA Maxi pads). I find it very interesting that upon getting rid of that dreaded hole I will have to wear those things, WTF?!
It was explained to me that there is leaking and discharge from surgery so the pads help catch the junk that is leaking so that I don't mess up my underwear and/or furniture.
I thought this would make me feel weird or dysphoric but surprisingly I am pretty okay with it. My wife will be the one purchasing these things NOT ME lol, but other than that I am totally fine with the pad thing. To be honest I will probably be so high on pain meds that I won't even notice and even if I do notice I probably won't care.
In terms of other things on my list that I need to get I am pretty set. I am supposed to get antibiotic ointment/ neosporin which I have already here at home and I will get some the day before surgery. Anything else I need I plan to get in Colorado since there are stores where I can get stuff for cheap within 10 minutes of the hotel I will be staying at.
I have a friend who fractured her tail bone and her pelvis a few months back and needed an inflatable cushion. She said I could use hers. She actually had an inflatable cushion and a foam one and gave me both so I have options. They are light and will be easy to pack.
I guess I am starting to get kind of excited. I say kind of because it doesn't feel real that I am having lower surgery in 6 days. What does feel real is that Friday is my last day of work and that I am definitely celebrating. *Does a happy dance*
Some of my Co-workers are freaking out that I will be away. Word is starting to get around that I will be out for about a month. People have been asking me if everything is okay and I have just been saying very casually "Oh, I just need time to take care of something no big deal." For all they know it could be a medical thing for me, a family thing or something else entirely.
6 Days until surgery.
Post op guys who have had meta have been really good about helping me with preparing. (Thanks guys!) I am realizing that there are things that I saw on my list to get but overlooked because I thought they weren't important. One example of this would be Sanitary napkins (AkA Maxi pads). I find it very interesting that upon getting rid of that dreaded hole I will have to wear those things, WTF?!
It was explained to me that there is leaking and discharge from surgery so the pads help catch the junk that is leaking so that I don't mess up my underwear and/or furniture.
I thought this would make me feel weird or dysphoric but surprisingly I am pretty okay with it. My wife will be the one purchasing these things NOT ME lol, but other than that I am totally fine with the pad thing. To be honest I will probably be so high on pain meds that I won't even notice and even if I do notice I probably won't care.
In terms of other things on my list that I need to get I am pretty set. I am supposed to get antibiotic ointment/ neosporin which I have already here at home and I will get some the day before surgery. Anything else I need I plan to get in Colorado since there are stores where I can get stuff for cheap within 10 minutes of the hotel I will be staying at.
I have a friend who fractured her tail bone and her pelvis a few months back and needed an inflatable cushion. She said I could use hers. She actually had an inflatable cushion and a foam one and gave me both so I have options. They are light and will be easy to pack.
I guess I am starting to get kind of excited. I say kind of because it doesn't feel real that I am having lower surgery in 6 days. What does feel real is that Friday is my last day of work and that I am definitely celebrating. *Does a happy dance*
Some of my Co-workers are freaking out that I will be away. Word is starting to get around that I will be out for about a month. People have been asking me if everything is okay and I have just been saying very casually "Oh, I just need time to take care of something no big deal." For all they know it could be a medical thing for me, a family thing or something else entirely.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Almost there and more to do.
Next week this time I will be in Trinidad, Colorado. It is crazy how fast time is flying. It is good and starting to be a little ... WOW. Not a bad thing. I still need to pack. I have to make sure I have everything for my trip. I haven't started packing and I have a crazy week ahead so that is um something I need to be on top of! I also have to make sure I pack my trip confirmation, hotel confirmation and get everything together on my list of things for surgery. Speaking of that. I should go look at the list again. The only thing I remember is the inflatable cushion. Yikes!
2, 7,9
2 days until my birthday.
7 days until I leave for Colorado.
9 days until I have my metoidioplasty.
7 days until I leave for Colorado.
9 days until I have my metoidioplasty.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
How will I get around?!
I was going over the logistics of my trip to Trinidad, CO for bottom surgery. My wife and I are from a big city where you don't have to drive to get around so not only don't we have a car but neither us have a license.
I was thinking about it and realized Trinidad, CO is a small town so the chance of catching a cab is slim to none! I was starting to get nervous because I made arrangements to get to the hotel from the airport and get to the airport when time to leave but what about in between? Luckily Dr. Bowers' office makes arrangements regarding this for patients to get around during business if they can't or don't drive which is fine. I am very happy about this. I called Robin the office coordinator to confirm and I was happy to find out that I will be able to get a ride to and from my pre-op appointment the day before surgery. To the hospital the day of surgery. My wife will get a ride back to the hotel since I will have to stay in the hospital. They will bring my wife to come visit me and take us back to the hotel and all that good stuff. Also if we need to stop at the local store for snack, groceries and my prescriptions we will get a ride there too. I am very happy about this. Everything is really a 10 minute drive or less away. We were sure to get a nice hotel as close to the hospital as possible. That's all for now soon I will have more to post about surgery. I also plan to post more life stuff because this blog isn't just about my lower surgery journey. I blog mostly about lower surgery because it is the biggest thing on my mind right now.
I was thinking about it and realized Trinidad, CO is a small town so the chance of catching a cab is slim to none! I was starting to get nervous because I made arrangements to get to the hotel from the airport and get to the airport when time to leave but what about in between? Luckily Dr. Bowers' office makes arrangements regarding this for patients to get around during business if they can't or don't drive which is fine. I am very happy about this. I called Robin the office coordinator to confirm and I was happy to find out that I will be able to get a ride to and from my pre-op appointment the day before surgery. To the hospital the day of surgery. My wife will get a ride back to the hotel since I will have to stay in the hospital. They will bring my wife to come visit me and take us back to the hotel and all that good stuff. Also if we need to stop at the local store for snack, groceries and my prescriptions we will get a ride there too. I am very happy about this. Everything is really a 10 minute drive or less away. We were sure to get a nice hotel as close to the hospital as possible. That's all for now soon I will have more to post about surgery. I also plan to post more life stuff because this blog isn't just about my lower surgery journey. I blog mostly about lower surgery because it is the biggest thing on my mind right now.
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