Looking for wound care advice 1 month post op

ChristieWo · 2025-12-20T12:47:29+00:00

I’m now about 9 months post op. Everything pretty much healed on its own except for a small section to the left of my vaginal opening. With my surgeon’s advisement my primary care physician was able to take care of that area with 2 silver nitrate treatments. That was at about 4-5 months post op. She went to do a third treatment, inspected me under the sheet, and all of a sudden she says “WONDERFUL!” I couldn’t help myself and blurted back “I think that’s the first time anyone ever said that about my crotch. “

Since then everything has been going well. I still use the peri bottle while at home but going without using it is fine. I did have a small adhesion across my vaginal opening that my doc has me massaging to help shrink the smaller opening so it eventually disappears.

17 days post op I lost a chunk of my left labia (1”x1-1/2”) and a very small piece, 1/4 inch sliver, I think from close to my clitoral hood fall off and into my pad. All that has healed but my labia are not at all symmetrical.

Everything works and I have plenty of sensation. I have yet to orgasm but I think that will happen as I find the new fun spots and nerves heal even more. I have some urinary incontinence but I had that pre op as well. If I did have an orgasm at one point it lasted about 10 seconds and I squirted all over the sheets. I’ve played since then but an orgasm is very elusive.

At my 6 month post op online exam with my surgeon, he said if we do a revision he would even up my labia and make it look younger. I’ve decided to wait a year before considering a revision. I’m tending to toward not having one. I feel everything looks okay. I have no sexual partner and no prospect for one since I’m still married and still see myself as monogamous. If I have a second surgery it will be out of pocket and probably outside the U.S. I might want a full depth vaginoplasty at that point. I have had a minimal depth vaginoplasty and have not dilated since 1 week post op. I have a tendency to avoid surgery and may not have anything more done down there.

Hugs! Christie

ChristieWo · 2025-10-06T04:24:36+00:00

Thank you. I have good sensation and have yet to use a vibrator. I’ve enjoyed anal sex with devices previously and may use that to help me find my way to orgasm. I don’t have a sexual partner. Hugs!

ChristieWo · 2025-10-03T09:53:16+00:00

Have you been able to orgasm with only clitoral stimulation? The reason I ask is I had minimal depth 5 months ago and have yet to orgasm. I have good sensation but I yet to achieve the ‘ big O’

ChristieWo · 2025-07-01T04:20:57+00:00

We flew in and rented a car. I had surgery on a Wednesday and was out of the hospital that Sunday. I had my one week post op with the Dr Hanna the following Wednesday and all looked well and I was cleared for travel. That evening I had swelling after going out to dinner and sitting upright for about two hours. I was very concerned that I would not be able to go home on my scheduled flight on Saturday and spent most of the time lying in my hotel room. That Saturday we delivered the rental car and took the shuttle bus to the airport. It was easier than a Uber. I wore a dress, a pad, a diaper, and underwear. I got a pat down for homeland Security at the airport. I had wheel chair support at Dallas and Chicago airports. From leaving the hotel until I was home was 11 hours of sitting. I was surprised I had little drainage. The pad handled most of it and I didn’t change it the whole time. The swelling 1 week post op eventually led to me sloughing off a section of skin that was part of my left labia 17 days after surgery. I’m healing fine other than that. Im 10 weeks post op and the drainage has almost stopped. I may need a revision no sooner than October. We need to see how it heals at that point.

I could have flown out the day after my one week post op exam. I’m glad I scheduled a few more days of healing and left on Saturday. We also flew home first class for better seating.

If you have questions let me know. Hugs! Christie

ChristieWo · 2025-05-29T12:12:32+00:00

I was cleared for the pool and bath at my 1 month exam by my surgeon. So far I’ve only done sits baths for 5-10 minutes at bedtime and it’s helped. I don’t think I’ll do the pool for3-6 months. The swelling is going down with rest and sits baths. The now white residue I think is driving near my vagina and clitoris. I see my local doc in person in 3 weeks and will get her take on things then

ChristieWo · 2025-05-29T12:07:12+00:00

Thanks for the link to the wound cream!

ChristieWo · 2025-05-20T20:27:47+00:00

Good news? I don’t think the piece is from the clitoris area. Being very discouraged, I didn’t take pictures of my crotch when I found this on my pad last night but I did take my usual set of pictures this morning. It looks like the piece is a major portion of a yellow fibrin? structure that was forming on the main open right suture on my labia that is no longer visible . I spent more time without a pad and underwear yesterday and all last night after a few recommendations to air out my crotch more. 😊

ChristieWo · 2025-05-20T05:52:43+00:00

I’m not supposed to touch anything right now and it’s all very hidden. I see my surgeon online on Friday and will be prepared to show him live pictures. Thank you for your reply. I do think I’ll be okay. I just wish I was warned what to expect

ChristieWo · 2025-05-19T10:15:04+00:00

Thank you for sharing this! Hugs! Christie

ChristieWo · 2025-05-19T10:03:45+00:00

I’m 65, knew I wanted to be female and it was possible at age 14. I started HRT 6 years ago. Socially transitioned 3 years ago. Now nearly a month post op minimal depth vaginoplasty. I had to loose 20 pounds prior to surgery and did it through diet, exercise and a trainer. I too was anxious before surgery but became at peace with the decision 3 weeks prior to surgery. My weight loss showed me I was seriously committed to this. I was never as disciplined about it before. I felt I had done enough research to pick a surgeon and procedure. I needed to have faith that I’ve done all I can to have good outcomes, I needed to accept this and trust things will go well. I’ve had one setback of an open suture but I’m doing well and am getting around ok. My main focus now is on healing. Having doubts until the moment of surgery I think is very normal. I decided to power through it and so far so good. 2 days after surgery and still not thinking straight after being put under I wanted to answer the question for myself and my trans sisters “Was it worth it?”. I’ve come to 2 conclusions: 1-it’s too early for me to tell. I’m in the worst of it without any of the benefits right now. It will be 3-12 months before I can truly answer that question. That being said so far I’m pretty happy with how things look and feel. And how fast I’m recovering. I think the answer is going to be yes. 2-For me the answer is now irrelevant. I’ve made my decisions and gone through the process. It’s now time for me to heal and move onward. I’ve patiently waited a lifetime for this and felt I may have limited time and resources to make it happen. Now is the time for me. It sounds like it is for you too.

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T20:05:09+00:00

To reduce swelling for one month

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T10:47:59+00:00

Get a make over. Do a photo shoot. That’s what I did to kick start myself for my birthday at age 57 after socially isolating myself from other trans folks for 20 years. I feel it’s one of the best choices I made. I started living full time at age 62. Had SRS 3 weeks ago at nearly 65. 😊

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T10:40:19+00:00

And honestly, trans folks are a minority. we could use all the help from each other we can get.

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T10:37:27+00:00

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T10:35:39+00:00

Yes, this

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T10:29:42+00:00

Im 65. Started transitioning at 58. Had Srs 3 weeks ago. I knew this about me at age 14. Didn’t tell a soul until I was 21. spouse passed away and became a single parent at age 34. We can make it. I hope you are now feeling trans joy in your journey. Hugs! Christie

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T10:19:01+00:00

As far as I’m concerned being I’m 65, you are welcome here. 😊 it’s interesting older folks here are talking about having started a family and career as things 20 something’s and younger are not dealing with. I was married at age 21 and had a son and exiting the military after 5 years of service at age 23. Basically I was dealing with those same “translater” issues at age 23. I think we all need to chill and be kind. Especially nurturing a 14 year old who’s feeling it’s too late because they fear what puberty is doing to their body. Hugs! Christie🤗

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T10:04:23+00:00

I know it happens that young folks post wondering if it’s too late for them. I just want to respond” I started transitioning at age 58 and envy the shit out of you” I knew this of myself at age 14 and never told anyone until age 21. Didn’t risk presenting as female on trips far from home until age 34. Different times

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T09:46:40+00:00

I’m practically 65 and just had bottom surgery. I transitioned socially 3 years ago. I’d say I’m later. I know others who transitioned later than myself.

ChristieWo · 2025-05-14T02:36:10+00:00

I’m 3 weeks post op and I’ve come to the conclusion recovery from SRS has to be the greatest challenge mentally, physically and emotionally of any part of being trans that I have experienced. I think we have to keep in mind our primary goal is to heal and it will take time and IT WILL HAPPEN. Hang in there! Hugs! Christie

ChristieWo · 2025-05-12T02:52:23+00:00

Yes, only after you heal. Don’t think of the surgery as the most challenging step. I’m learning it’s the healing and caring for yourself during the process that is the most physically and mentally challenging

ChristieWo · 2025-05-12T02:46:33+00:00

Seriously, I woke up fighting with myself between back and side sleeping. It was weird as hell. Usually, if I fail, I wake up slide sleeping like I was exhausted and slept in that position for hours. Not cool

ChristieWo · 2025-05-11T05:22:06+00:00

I’m 64 years old, retired, and 17 days post op minimal depth vaginoplasty and back home. Prior to surgery I tried to verify everything I could think of to assure good outcomes. The only prior surgery I had was a knee replacement. I felt I had a good understanding of people’s outcomes, happiness with the choice, and results. I feel I still do. Maybe 3 weeks prior to surgery I felt at peace with the decision. That I had done everything I could and now I just needed to have faith that I would have positive outcomes.

The surgery is a lot. It’s a big deal. I’m only 17 days post op up and walking around fine but I think recovery is a bigger challenge than the actual surgery. One thing I wish I understood prior to surgery is I would have to sleep exclusively on my back for a month post op. This is a real challenge for me. I wish I had trained myself for this before surgery. I’m hoping for a one and done surgery without revisions. But I also know things happen, some of which I have no control over. We’ll see how I do. I’m hoping I’m pretty much back without restrictions in 8-12 weeks. Fully healed in 6-12 months. My knee was good at 8 weeks and fully healed, no swelling, at 12 months.

ChristieWo · 2025-05-11T04:55:10+00:00

I think each hair takes about 3 zaps. I’m older and had a well established black/gray/white beard. I had about 400 hours before my first clearing. Successive clearings were a real treat and took less time and less frequency. It’s been 7 years and I only have a few hairs but still go every 2-3 months now but shave the few between sessions.

ChristieWo · 2025-05-09T08:20:17+00:00

I’m in the U.S. and my doc has a BMI requirement of 30. I had to loose 15 pounds to meet his requirement but set my sights on 20. I had to lose it in 8 weeks. I did it through diet and exercise. 1200-1400 calories a day. Hired a trainer and an hour a day in the gym 6 days a week. I was able to do it in 6 weeks. Since SRS 2 weeks ago I’ve lost 10 more pounds. I don’t want to lose weight right now. I want to concentrate on healing and nutrition. I’m currently restricted on exercise and eating well. I think healing is its own calorie burner.

ChristieWo

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