6 months on T and 3 weeks post op

I really should update this more but I'm getting useless at recording changes and what not!
I'll start with surgery updates. I've had all my dressings off and I've seen my chest. It was fairly swollen but most of that has gone down now. It looks very natural and nipple placement is great. Talking about nipples, one is still scabbed over but the other is not, it looks rather horrible at the moment and I'm a little worried. I will call the hospital tomorrow to ask about it!
I had an infection which was causing my scar to seep a little fluid. I've been on antibiotics for 3 days now and it's much better. I don't wear any tape on the incisions now, so I can apply vitamin e to the scars. I've actually been using a cream for stretch marks as it also contains collagen and elastin.
As far as testosterone goes, my changes are slow and steady. I am constantly getting hairier and my fat distribution is changing. I really need to hit the gym as soon as I'm totally recovered from surgery!

Dressings off tomorrow!

Eeeeeeeeeeeee!! Can't wait, I get to see my chest tomorrow and I'm crazy excited. Not sure if I will actually be able to sleep tonight, and not just because it's uncomfortable!

3 days post op and my surgery experience

Today is the first day I've felt like blogging. I'm still quite sore but I'm adjusting to the tightness and the lack of arm movement. I'm taking tramadol for the pain and it is working well. The tightness of the bandage is the only real discomfort I have at the moment but I know it's totally worth it.
So, on Monday we arrived at the Welbeck hospital at 2pm and I was shown to a private room (with bathroom and tv). A nurse came in with the anaesthetist to ask me lots of questions and talk me through the anaesthetic. She was amazing and told me not to worry about anything. A bit later, Miles Berry came in to ask me some more questions and to make sure I understood any complications that could occur. He then drew on my chest and I got changed into the gown, surgical stocking and amazing paper pants! I then waited for about an hour to walk down to theatre.
I was led down to the recovery room where I had to lie down on the table. The IV was put in and the monitors were attached to my back, side and finger. I was given some oxygen and the anaesthetic and that's all I remember.
I woke up back in the recovery room and felt wide awake straight away. I had a lot of pain in my chest and sides where the drains were. I lay there for about 20 minutes and then they wheeled me back upstairs and into my room. The hard part was moving across into my bed. That was agony! The day nurse I had was not great. She made me wait 15 minutes to go to the toilet. She was off having a chat. I was relieved when the night nurse came to take over. She was awesome! I managed to go to the bathroom on my own after the first time. I just carried my drains and put them in the sink! I had a couple of hours sleep and then it was time for the drains to come out.
Dr Berry came in to see me in the morning and said that the drains could come out and I could put my compression vest on. I was nervous about the drains but they actually didn't hurt at all. I felt the left one moving under my skin but no pain, and I didn't feel the right one at all. In fact, the only pain I had was when the nurse removed the tape holding the drain in place! After that I was able to get dressed and go home! So now I'm 3 days post op and will update soon!

One week until surgery

It's Tuesday today, surgery is on Monday next week. Safe to say I am a massive bundle of nerves, excitement and happiness! I have started to take arnica 4 times a days as instructed by the hospital. I will continue to do so after surgery for ten days.
I'm now not allowed to take anything containing aspirin, drink or smoke for the next week. Not that I would be smoking anyway! I'm trying to make a list of things I will need for after surgery. Thank goodness for YouTube on that one!
I think I'm going to load up my iPad with movies, books, music and games just in case I feel well enough to be bored!

Consultation update and surgery date!

Today I went to see Miles Berry for my top surgery consultation. I don't think I've ever met a doctor who made me feel more comfortable. He was funny, friendly and most of all professional and knowledgeable. I am so impressed by his ability to put me at ease so quickly. Anyway, the consultation was at welbeck hospital in London and this is how it went:
Arrived at hospital
Filled out forms about medical history
Met with surgeon
Talked about the procedure
He looked at my chest and took measurements
Talked more about the procedure
Booked a date
Paid for consultation
Went home

Smooth, simple. Easy.
I'm over the moon, I really am. My surgery is scheduled for may 14th which is just under 3 weeks away. I'm thrilled that its booked in and so happy that it's soon!!

Stealth- To Be or Not To Be?

There's something I want to talk about while it's fresh in my mind. I am subscribed to someone on YouTube that I admire a lot, he is always positive and helpful. He posted a video about coming out as trans after having lived as stealth for a long time. For some, I think this is a wonderful thing to do. It brings awareness and with awareness comes information and education. But I could never do it. I'll tell you why. I have lived as male for about 5 years now, even though I am only in the early stages of medical transition I have never had a problem passing. The reason I am transitioning is to eliminate the question in the back of people's minds when they ask how old I am. I looks about 14 and people just don't believe I am 21! I am also medically transitioning so I can feel more at home in my body. Something that is happening very slowly but I am getting there. Personally, if I came out as trans, I feel people would treat me differently. Instead of being "one of the guys" I'd be "that transsexual", a role I do not wish to play. I am a man, a boy, a guy, a dude, a chap. I am all these things but I do not wish to be trans. I'm proud of who I am and the journey I am on but I do not wish everybody to know. Perceptions change and friendships can become strained. It's just not for me. But for those who are out and proud, I salute you. You are braver men than me and you have my respect. I play my part at the sidelines, on here and on YouTube. I aim to educate and help those who seek me out but that will always be the full extension of my participation in the community. Just wanted to get that off my soon to be flat *fingers crossed* chest!

So many hurdles!

So today we called Welbeck hospital to book in with Dai Davies and have been informed he is taking a 6 month sabbatical. I hope he is alright but this does mean that he won't be my surgeon like I hoped. We were told that Dr Miles Berry has taken over Dai's patients and that I can see him if I choose to. I will call tomorrow to make an appointment with him as I have looked him up online and he seems to be very qualified!
These set backs do irritate me as I like to plan everything down to the minute but I have to get used to it. This is a journey with lots of bumps in the road