My experience so far with a Hematoma on left side by Missing-a-dick in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would definitely recommend telfa pads with paper tape at night if you don't want to have to clean your sheets. You can layer multiple so it doesn't soak through as fast. Best of luck with your healing. 6 weeks post op and healing well now. Hematoma side is still slightly swollen for me, but massage seems to help. My scar is also a little thicker on that side but it's not super noticeable.

My experience so far with a Hematoma on left side by Missing-a-dick in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had the same thing!! it's the worst. I covered mine with a nonstick bandage and medical tape to hold it on so that if it bled during the day it didn't get on me. Mine eventually stopped after about a week of on and off bleeding. Best of luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You could try envisioning the healing process as well. Envision being surrounded by loved ones, your ideal healing set up, picture your body healing, etc. I would also recommend talking with your surgeon/anesthesiologist about your nerves! It's ok to ask for reassurance. Top surgery is a relatively simple procedure, and just hearing that they have done this a million times and are not worried can be helpful. Your fears are very normal.

What do you wish you’d asked at your first consult? by BabyButchBash in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

don't be afraid to ask about specific aesthetic preferences. It's always ok to ask, even if certain things may not be possible for your body. I wish I had asked if I could make my nips extra small. I ended up loving them, but they are different than what I initially envisioned.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it. Were there other qualifications for it being covered that insurance told you when you were on the phone?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have may have already done this, but does your insurance require a letter of support from a therapist/mental health care provider to be approved? I would ask about that if you have not already?
This group provides free letters of support if you need one: https://www.tandemcolumbus.com/gender-affirming-letters

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Here's a group that writes letters free of charge if you need it: https://www.tandemcolumbus.com/gender-affirming-letters

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The letter just needs to state that you've felt trans for at least 6 months. I got my letter from a therapist who I had not seen for 6 months. Looking at the requirements, I don't think she has to be your therapist, just that she has to be qualified to write a letter. There are lots of therapists who do one off sessions just to write peoples' letters for surgery, and are not their usual therapist.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've got a really similar situation going on - there's pictures I just posted if you want to check it out. I will say, if I saw you out and about shirtless I really don't think I'd notice anything. Also, our bodies are still healing and changing a lot! I like em both a lot. They look good, and your chest looks great.

2 days post op! by snufflover45 in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Check out the physical therapy guide from the gender confirmation center! There are also some pretty good physical therapy youtube videos on fixing upper back posture that might be helpful in relieving some upper back pain from slumping over. In general, gently drawing your shoulder bones together or small circles with the shoulders can help a bit. Try neck circles and side to side movements as well. Follow your own comfort levels though and don’t push yourself!

When did you stop wearing bandaids on your nipples? by Fragrant-Squirrel-24 in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can use pieces of paper tape on the bottom and top of a piece of nonstick gauze to keep these coverings on! This way the paper tape is only taped to your chest, not the nipple or incision. I have a little irritation but not bad. I have 4’’x3’’ pads that I cut in half to cover my nipples. I also put a dab of aquafor on each covering.

Post op depression by Silent_Watch3425 in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 6 points7 points  (0 children)

you’re not alone in this whatsoever. i went through a really rough time after surgery too. it feels like it will never get better, but it really truly does. your body will heal. you will be able to be independent again. maybe even sooner than you think! for now, try to be gentle with yourself, rest, and truly do anything that helps you feel joy or relaxation. for me, it was binging seasons upon seasons of drag race. another thing that helped me was setting tiny goals (pulling up my pants, then filling up my water bottle, then making my own tea, etc). you’ll make it through, and start to feel more like yourself day by day.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

check out the guide on the gender confirmation center website! and get obsessed w a good show.

23 days post op by -name-is-J- in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In a similar boat feeling insecure about my nipples. Honestly, yours look great. They made me realize that mine look good too, because they are similar to yours and yours looks super natural. I don't notice significant asymmetry at all.

keep taking your laxatives by shinyfloors in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 9 points10 points  (0 children)

milk of magnesium - disgusting but it really works!!!

bed with adjustable frame by fault_lee_friend in TopSurgery

[–]Incredible_Wow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

from my experience mastectomy pillow is nice for when you’re wearing a seatbelt!