#top surgery recovery

[lycandrophile]

12 weeks post-top surgery thoughts

most importantly, i’m absolutely fucking in love with how things look! it’s still not set in stone yet, my surgeon said i won’t really see the final result until up to a year after, but I’m so happy with it already.

my surgeon’s default timeline would’ve had me starting scar tape at 4 weeks, but i still haven’t started yet because some little scabs are still hanging around even though most of my scars are completely healed. my surgeon didn’t seem concerned about it taking longer than expected, she just said everyone’s body is different. given that i have a connective tissue disorder and skin that just hates being messed with at all, i’m not surprised that it’s been slow going and i’m just happy that the rest is healing so well. i just had another post-op today and was cleared to start using scar tape because the scabbing is so minimal at this point, so i can finally move on to the next stage of healing.

i can (mostly) lift my arms now! they still can’t quite go all the way up, but i have enough of my mobility back that the only things i really struggle with are super high shelves like the ones above my fridge, and things like the washer and dryer that i have to reach really far to get into. technically, i was supposed to wait six months before raising them because that’s what my surgeon usually recommends for aesthetic purposes, but i have to be able to raise them to do my job anyway so i’m not limiting myself beyond the natural limits of discomfort at this point.

my chest muscles are mostly back to normal too, but they’re still very sensitive. when i flex them, it doesn’t hurt or feel uncomfortable but i am a lot more aware of the feeling than i was before. they also still tire out more easily than they used to — i’m back at work now, and i’ve learned the hard way that i tend to favor one arm over the other for certain tasks because when i do any of them for too long, i start to feel it in that side of my chest. it’s not anything too bad, but i’m still making sure my shifts are spread out because i don’t want to risk overdoing it.

i’m getting used to touching my own chest, but being touched by other people still feels super weird and honestly uncomfortable at times, particularly when it’s my bare chest and not over my shirt. i’ve been touching it a lot to try to desensitize it since around week 3 or 4, and it seems to be working as far as my own touch, but other people is a whole other story — when my boyfriend is touching my bare chest and their hand touches the scars, it doesn’t actually hurt but i react to it like it does. i suspect it’s more of a mental thing than anything, that since i’m still instinctively protective of it and not quite used to how it feels, touches that i’m not in control of just automatically set off alarm bells. it’s also just a generally foreign feeling even without the weirdness of healing because my boyfriend never really touched my chest before surgery since i was dysphoric about it, so it seems to require desensitization on multiple levels. i’ve given them permission to keep touching it even when i flinch (unless i explicitly ask them to stop) because i want to make sure i start getting used to the feeling.

i’m also still very sensitive to pressure against my chest, especially the front of it. it’s getting easier to lie down on my side now but i’m still using my body pillow to take some pressure off of the scars under my armpits, because if i don’t i usually can only stay in that position for a little while. my boyfriend can mostly lay their head on my chest for short periods of time now, but the position matters because if the weight isn’t distributed evenly enough or if it’s on the wrong part of my chest, it hurts. that being said, less intense pressure on the front like a hug or holding something to my chest is pretty much fine, i’m just still more sensitive to it (as with everything). i’ve been able to lay face down on top of my boyfriend a couple times without discomfort too, but i’m still erring on the side of caution and not laying on my chest too much yet.

when i was around a month in and thought i would be starting scar care soon, i was really nervous about it — particularly about the scar massage — because of the state my chest was in. i still didn’t feel like i could press on it or move the skin around or pick it up with my fingers at all, and the scar tissue underneath was still really thick and firm. i assumed that all of that would stay the same until i did the massages to break down the scar tissue and loosen things up, but i can now confirm after another month and a half of doing nothing while things healed, my skin is naturally a lot more mobile and a lot of that really thick scar tissue has already broken down. obviously i’m still going to start massaging now because i want to give myself the best possible chance of healing well, but i wish i had known how much my chest would be able to bounce back on its own. in hindsight, i’m glad i ended up having to wait to start the massage instead of doing it back when my chest was much less healed, because i’m much more comfortable manipulating it now.

every once in a while, i’ll get sharp pains in my chest. they aren’t horribly painful, mostly just unpleasant. they feel a lot like the nerve zaps i was getting earlier in recovery so it might be another round of nerves reconnecting, but it also happens more often when i’m working so it’s hard to say if it’s nerves or over-exertion. either way, i always make sure to take it easy when i start to feel that, just in case it is a sign of me doing too much.

i typically almost never eat meat, but i chose to reintroduce it into my diet after surgery to get more protein, because i wanted to make sure my body had everything it needs to heal and protein is a huge part of that. now that i’m pretty much all healed skin-wise and just waiting for everything to settle, i’ve decided it’s time to go back to my usual diet of not-fully-vegetarian-but-pretty-damn-close. i’m sure the diet change wasn’t strictly necessary but i don’t regret doing it, though i am glad to be switching back now.

putting on shirts still hasn’t gotten old. seeing how they look over a flat chest honestly feels surreal, but in the best way. hugging people and being able to press all the way into it js also still such a great feeling. i’m far enough in now that i can do all of that stuff without worrying about it, but still early enough that it all feels really new and special, and i’ve been thoroughly enjoying that.

wearing a more genderfucky outfit out in public for the first time post-op was a fucking blast. my boyfriend and i went to a new year’s eve party, and getting to show off my chest through a sheer lace top and my facial hair alongside makeup was so much fun. it was the first time i’ve been able to go all out without the lingering feeling in the back of my mind that dressing up means inevitably being seen as a woman. i definitely didn’t look like a cis man to any of the people who saw me, but they could clearly tell i wasn’t a cis woman at the very least, and knowing that made me so much more confident.

i’m far enough away now from being in the trenches of early recovery that the reality of the fact that i got such a big surgery has started to fade. when i really think about the fact that my body went through all of that and about how hard early recovery was, it doesn’t quite feel real anymore. i’m starting to reach the point one of my friends told me about, where my chest being like this feels so normal that it’s just like “yeah, of course, it’s always been like this, right?” it’s wild, really, the difference a couple months can make — it wasn’t that long ago that i was exhausted and arguably depressed from the early recovery process, and now it all feels so normal that i have to remind myself it took all of that to get here. i never really doubted that it would be worth it in the end, but i’m still more sure of that now than i ever have been.

the last couple months have been a long road, but somehow they’ve also flown by. it’s given me so much appreciation for my body — its potential to transform and what it’s been able to withstand. i wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

[jeffbytes]

edit: i am ok now!! omg thank u so much everyone ;; ♥️

everyone pulled out the stops for me while i slept and im going to be set rigjt through my recovery now, there arent words in the dictionary to describe my overwhelming gratitude 😭♥️ yall have been here from start to end and i'm finally going to be able to start living life authentically. i'm nearly 28 so i've already lost so much time to be authentic and every little helps in getting me on my feet quicker and comfier so i can expedite that process even further. so so much love, faith in humanity and every friend and individual who helped and is continuing to help me pull this off, im lost for words 😭♥️

please reblog ;;

beyond words anxious and upset to post this, there was so much not provided and i just cant do this alone. this is the one last final push, so i can focus on the medical anxiety over the financial anxiety. thank u so much

[angelic-transsexual]

Things I learned post top surgery (peri edition) 5 days post-op

Being put to sleep and waking up wasn’t as scary I thought it was gonna be

Huge amounts of tightness and soreness in my chest area

Numb chest

Drains are annoying little bitches

T-Rex arms are real as fuck

I actually had a bit of trouble trying to pee the night I got home, it took my body a bit to get back to being able to pee normally

Neck pillows are both your friend and your enemy

Bad posture due to binder from hell

My back is sore from my bad posture and sleeping elevated

Applesauce is your best friend the first few days post-op

Liquid IV helped my sore throat from the tube they put down my throat

Car rides are a no

Help from others even if it’s just little things is a big yes

LOTS OF WATER

I got orange stained skin from something they put on my body during surgery, don’t know exactly what it is

I’m actually very slow at walking

Walking around every few hours is one of the best things you could do

You need assistance to bathe, and I couldn’t take a shower for 48 hrs after surgery

Wipes are your friend

Greasy hair is expected to

Flannels and sweatpants are the best clothing options

My hunger has been up and down, sometimes I’m super hungry and sometimes I’m barely hungry

Painkillers and Tylenol are your absolute best friend

[flowercrowncrip]

Recovering from top surgery is so beautifully surreal, especially after being refused so many times and having to wait so long. Up until now I had barely allowed myself to daydream about how my chest and my life would be after surgery, just in case it never happened and I had to live with all of that hurt.

But now it's happened! I am officially de-boobed! And I'm letting myself have all of those daydreams that were too painful before. I'm thinking about going swimming without a binder, and going shirtless at the beach. I'm trying to imagine what it's gonna be like to put on a T-shirt with nothing on underneath, and what it will be like to shower without carers having to lift my boobs. I'm wondering what I'm gonna wear to Pride in the summer that will show off my queerness and my scars

I have the whole of the rest of my life (however long that is) with a chest that is finally mine again – that's more outfits, more showers, and more beach days than I can even imagine!

[waywarder]

Had top surgery yesterday, and I'm wishing every trans friend who wants this out there gets to have as gentle a recovery process. My best friend made me a little plate of cheese and crackers when I was back home and allowed to eat something, we watched Finding Nemo and Anastasia. I have my stuffed penguin and my favorite book. My nipples are GONE. I'm so happy. If this is something you want, I hope you get it and that someone you love makes you a plate of cheese and crackers.

[sapphicslut777]

favorite thing to do post op is flash myself every time i see myself in a mirror. it’s like a lil treat to remind myself that i have no tits :3

[morroodle]

GUYS I GOT MY DRIAINS OUT AND SAW MY CHEST FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!

It's gross and my sides are still sore but I'm very happy. My main reaction is kinda just "what the fuck" but it's a good wtf

also: I CAN SLEEP ON MY SIDE AGAIN!!!

[laufs-very-serious-medical-blog]

Absolutely no shelf is safe from my short ass anymore

[beautifulqueerexistence]

Day 1 post op (Top Surgery was yesterday) - Woke up and I could tell the nerve block in my chest is starting to wear off. Ended up opting for the stronger meds and I’m waiting for those to kick in before we change the gauze underneath. It’s not too horrible, but the pain is definitely a consistent ache in my chest and upper arms. I feel really weak and sitting up on my own is hard without a hand as leverage. I ended up falling asleep REALLY hard last night, didn’t even text my partner goodnight. I keep telling myself that this is the hardest part. The first few days are the hardest.

[hydeingpurples]

Here's a reason why you should fight for inclusive architecture and a more disability friendly world.

I had top surgery a week ago and for a while after the surgery, you can't pick up anything heavy because you risk pulling stitches or damaging the incisions. However, I and my Mom stayed for a week in a hotel near the hospital incase anything happened, so naturally we had a suitcase each.

London is praised for its public transport, however, the underground isn't very accessible and we had quite far to travel to get out of London. Mom thought getting in and out of each underground station would be easy, but most underground stations have step only access, no lifts and I couldn't lift my suitcase.

Every station we had to change at had no lift. Mom had to take her suitcase up/down, leave it unattended, then fetch mine. She was shattered by the end.

This wasn't exactly a massive issue, we managed. But my point is, by having lifts, you not only help those who are physically disabled, but also those who may have had surgery, who may have an injured limb, children, a pram, a suitcase, multiple bags, the list goes on. You help a multitude of people.

[dino-boyo-agere]

I have an infection beneath my top surgery scar, a piece of stitching seems to have been eaten by the skin and is now causing infection.

I'll go to the clinic on Thursday (23.11.23) to get it removed, I'll make an update after!!

Look at this annoying little guy, causing me pain and discomfort.. How dare he be so cute & smol?!

And hat's what the area looks like:

!cw: swollen & red skin

It's hot to the touch and really tender, raising my left arm hurts and I'm really uncomfortable. :(

[lycandrophile]

i’m officially one year post-top surgery today!

are there any questions y’all want to ask, things you want to hear more about, experiences you want to know if i had, or anything else you want to know about from the perspective of being a year post-op?

i want to make an update post, but i don’t know what to talk about that i haven’t already said, so i figured i’ll just go with whatever people say would be helpful!

[asdro]

It's been six months since my top surgery!

The recovery process has definitely been easier than I thought, I'm so happy for doing this, for being able to have surgery in my hometown and for how I'm looking today.

Thanks to everyone who donated and/or shared my top surgery campaign, it was truly so helpful and I just couldn't have done it without your help.

And thanks to all the people out there trying to create a more inclusive and accesible world.

[angelic-transsexual]

I am getting a revision surgery for top surgery.

I am not upset by this. Needing revision surgeries are not something people should be ashamed of. Sometimes things just don’t workout the way you expect them to.

Also please don’t shame people for needing revisions?? I was not “botched.” Or anything of the sort. My results simply are not what I was expecting and I feel very neutral about getting another surgery on my chest. I’ve gone through top surgery recovery once, this is not new to me.

[flowercrowncrip]

Recovery from top surgery is going well. I’m mostly doing lots of sleeping. Sleeping on my back hasn’t been difficult so far despite being a life long side sleeper which has been a nice surprise.

I’m not in much discomfort from my incisions except when I’m being rolled or hoisted but even then it’s bearable and already feeling better than immediately after surgery. I think if my incisions didn’t go as far back this would be less of a problem.

My post op binder is a bit uncomfortable but also bearable. Hopefully my surgeon will give the all clear to take it off at my post op on Thursday.

Emotionally I’m feeling really happy through the sleepiness. So far there’s no sign of any kind of post op depression or anything like that. Every time I remember I’ve had surgery I just smile.

[trailmixedup]

OKAY! So!! I am one week post op from top surgery and here are the things I have learned:

• nothing prepares you for how fucking bloated you get. It is emotionally and physically devastating.

• eat protein or you’re going to start dreaming about it.

• get ready to literally not have any reading comprehension or speaking ability until you’re after the heavy pain med. and then after that as well…

• holy shit your back is gonna hurt. You can’t crack it. No twisting.

• you can’t use ice packs on your actual chest, but they’re lifesavers to sleep with- I put mine under my neck on my pillow to keep my neck from cramping.

• the pressure and tension on your chest is uncomfortable but not unbearable. Mostly it’s just annoying.

• you need pockets. Dear gods you NEED pockets.

• you do not want pants with a button. The button pants will not fit and it will make you sad. It’s just not even worth trying. Just have drawstring pants, it’s easier on the ego.

• wiping your ass is hard now. I’m sorry.

• blowing your nose hurts. Sneezing hurts. Coughing hurts. Laughing hurts. Just… avoid needing too much lung capacity all at once.

• If you have body hair prepare for your compression garments to hurt. My skin is so tender and painful all of the time. And there’s no break.

• if you keep your nipples you won’t be allowed to shower for 2 weeks. You’re going to start stinking. Have someone around you that is willing to wash your hair like how they wash babies hair. Also have rubbing alcohol so that you can neutralize your armpit stink because deodorant is off limits for your healing incisions.

• chapstick is not optional. You’re going to want it.

• same goes for a big cup with a well-sealed lid and a straw. Drink so much water.

• you’re going to feel helpless and useless. It sucks. It’s okay. Don’t push yourself.

• you’re going to want to wear pants with pockets to bed so you have somewhere to put your drains. You’ll be so tired that it doesn’t matter for the first couple days.

• you want the longest phone charger known to man. I promise. There is no such thing as too long.

• ask for the anti-nausea patch. You’re going to want it, and it lasts like 3 days. Throwing up HURTS.

• the healthier you can be before the surgery the easier your recovery is going to be. It isn’t fatphobic or stuck up or whatever else people say to lose excess weight and eat super clean before your surgery. Start moving your body every day. Start practicing going from sitting to standing and laying to standing without using your hands. Your body will reward effort to be healthy with safer surgery and easier healing.

• oh my god buy a serious laxative that you know works for you. Your body will literally forget how to shit.

• if you can, buy paper medical tape, gauze pads, and extra strength Tylenol. You will use them.

• plan to take naps. There is no weakness in a nap.

• get up and stretch your legs hourly. I promise it’s worth it. You will feel so much better.

• you’re going to want a hat or some sort of hair control.

• if the binder doesn’t fit you in the arm holes, you don’t have to let it chafe at your armpits and hurt like a mother fucker. Just cut the arm holes wider with a pair of scissors.

• have some sort of routine. You’ll fall apart otherwise.

• you’re going to be snippy and bitchy. Get ready to apologize for being an asshole. Short tempers happen, but don’t forget to say sorry.

• prepare yourself for all the random tape and other stuff to itch. You just have to grin and bear it. Things are so itchy.

That’s all I can think of right now, plus I’m sleepy. I will add to the list when I think of more ^_^