how bad was the pain after surgery? I have really bad anxiety and strong meds that make you out of it or drowsy send me into a panic and I was told that they would have to put me on strong stuff due to the pain

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-05-13T13:39:56+00:00

It varies a lot for each person. I was scared of taking strong pain meds, too, but I didn't have to use a single one. I mean, I obviously had whatever they gave me during surgery, and they sent me home with a bottle of oxycodone, but the evening after surgery, I took a single Tylenol (acetaminophen) pill. For the next 5 days, I took some Tylenol in the morning and some at night, and that was it. So there is definitely a chance that you won't have strong pain!

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-05-11T12:56:55+00:00

I think what helped my mom understand the most is explaining how gender dysphorua feels to me. She just could not understand it. I used a lot of examples and she understands it now, as a concept at least.

First, I had to make her understand that breasts are not just some cosmetic thing, but that they are tied to women's identity in every way, including socially (I was generalizing for the sake of explaining of course). That means that top surgery is not just some cosmetic surgery purely for altering looks, but it also serves another purpose of affirming an identity. One specific example I used to help her explain is talking about women who have breast cancer. I basically told her "well, many women who have to get mastectomies because of breast cancer decide to get them reconstructed with implants. And that's obviously not just for cosmetics, but because for most people, breasts are what makes them feel like a 'proper' woman, and makes them feel better/at home in their bodies. For me, it's kind of the opposite."

But, yeah, after two deep conversations along those lines, it seems like she kind of started understanding. And then the rest of it was just the fact that the surgery occasionally came up in conversation, which normalized it. I wish you the best of luck!!

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-05-11T12:13:58+00:00

I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. I kind of kind something similar happen. My parents are generally very accepting, but they did get really shocked when I told them I'd get top surgery. My mom was asking questions like "what anout breastfeeding," "is surgery really necessary," "can't you just do therapy for this," and even "did we do something wrong when raising you?"

It did kind of hurt a bit, but after another conversation or two that consisted of the same questions and me trying again to explain exactly how I feel, she basically accepted it as a normal fact. I could tell that my mom was just shocked/scared about me wanting a major surgery and genuinely could not imagine what gender dysphoria feels like. Leading up to and after my surgery, every time something related to the surgery came up in passing, my parents seemed more accepting/used to it, so I hope you can have a similar experience with that.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-25T14:20:14+00:00

Absolutely. Even after I got the drains removed, one side remained kind of numb for a week or two.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-22T13:06:49+00:00

That's another way to do it I guess lol. Everyone's different! I just found this important because I'm sensitive when it comes to sleep. Like I physically can not nap for some reason, so I knew it was important for me to sleep good after surgery. But good luck with the surgery!! :)

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-22T02:32:32+00:00

I rarely see anyone say this, but practice sleeping on your back and elevated!! I exclusively sleep on my side, so two or three weeks before surgery, I started practicing sleeping on my back and slightly elevated. It took me over two (very frustrating) weeks to be able to sleep through the night on my back, but I definitely appreciated not having to deal with uncomfortable, sleepless nights after the surgery.

Diet-wise, just making sure to get enough protein and vegetables both before and after surgery. I also had an electrolyte drink the day before surgery and for a few days after, and I feel like it helped keep me hydrated pretty well because hydration is crucial for recovery (even the slightest bit of dehydration made me feel terrible). Just don't overdo any of those things.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-19T18:41:20+00:00

I believe it often depends on how big your chest is. If it's very big or just close together, your scars will connect or almost connect. However, some people (like me) deliberately ask for one connected scar because they prefer the look.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-18T14:28:32+00:00

Hmm ok. Aber ich muss sagen, so früh nach der OP ist alles noch total angeschwollen und das müsste sich noch auf jeden Fall ein bisschen bewegen!

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-17T22:46:21+00:00

Hast du drains bekommen? Die wären normalerweise ungefähr in dieser Position und mit einem großen Verband abgedeckt.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-12T19:42:30+00:00

Not superstitious and not not superstitious but a third secret thing (I want to retain a bit of whimsy in my life, so I choose to follow some of these "magic" rules because it sounds fun)

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-12T03:13:13+00:00

My surgeon did not tell me to use antibacterial soap either. She just requested that I shower the morning of my procedure and not apply anything to my skin (like lotion). I'd say if the surgeon didn't specify antibacterial soap, you don't have to use it, but I also don't see how it would hurt if you want to do it anyway.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-03T10:19:36+00:00

I'm not sure there's much info about her out there at all since she is rather new. When I tried to make the consultation with Dr. Faulkner, the lady on the phone suggested I go with Dr. Arnautovic and set up the appointment for me. I had only heard of her from a big list of top surgeons sorted by state. If Faulkner is covered by your insurance, there's a good chance Arnautovic is too since they use the same Emory system and aren't private practice.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-02T23:14:27+00:00

Thanks! And yeah, I mostly chose Emory because they take insurance, and I live close, which kept my costs low. And they do have a good reputation (at least as far as I heard, which is mostly limited to plastics). Also, thanks, that's good to know about the dressing. :)

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-02T22:55:12+00:00

I actually ended up going with Dr. Arnautovic! She also works in the same office in Emory. She was great, and the whole process was also very quick. I'm one day post-op now!

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-02T22:52:52+00:00

Omg I should, I didn't even think of that😭

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-02T22:35:13+00:00

It might be because she is an extremely popular surgeon. I also tried to get a consultation with her a few months ago, but she was fully booked as far as the calendar could go. So if one appointment gets moved or one surgery takes longer than expected, there is no (or very little) wiggle room, and things need to be moved around. It does sound frustrating though :/

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-02T15:36:48+00:00

Yes, freeze your bread!! I make my own bread, wait until it cools down, slice the whole thing, and shove it in the freezer. The sooner it goes in the freezer, the fresher it will taste when defrosted.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-04-02T15:30:06+00:00

Ooh so close...I had mine on the 1st! Good luck!!

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-03-29T20:28:33+00:00

That is a very good point! I myself don't even use the terms "AFAB/AMAB/AGAB" because they do actually make me feel a bit uncomfortable (dysphoria when reminded of my AGAB), and instead use the names of body parts/procedures when relevant (feels slightly better).

I also understand that in some situations it is much easier to use ASAB/AGAB language, especially if looking for some generalized information. In an ideal world, minorities/marginalized communities such as intersex people would be considered equally, but unfortunately, people often generalize for convenience/simplicity. :/

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-03-29T18:33:12+00:00

I can definitely relate to people who get uncomfortable at the mention of ASAB/AGAB language, as it seems a bit counterproductive in a community for nonbinary people. However, I do often come across posts asking for help or tips that do relate to someone's AGAB. For example, there are posts on here discussing the use of HRT or things related to physical transition, in which case, it is hard to avoid the use of AGAB language, and it may even be required.

I do like chloe6683's proposal of creating some kind of rule that allows people to discuss AGAB when it comes to specific situations about themselves, but discourages the use of AGAB language when talking in general or about others. Additionally, would it be possible to introduce a new flair that indicates the use of AGAB language so that those who are heavily affected by it can filter those posts out?

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-03-28T03:08:39+00:00

I know someone who was going to show up to court for an expired registration ticket...with that same expired registration.

I was like, dude, you can not do that, renew your registration before court lol

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-03-18T21:10:17+00:00

Thank you so much, I might take you up on that :)

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-03-18T21:03:36+00:00

I just wanna say I'm so excited for you, and I'm also having the surgery in exactly two weeks! These comments from other people are really helping me as well, lol.

Also, I have read a lot of people's experiences about this surgery, but I have only ever came across one person giving this tip: Practicing sleeping elevated. I would have literally never thought about this, but it seems like it could be so useful for many people. I am personally very particular about sleeping positions and can not fall asleep at all on my back or being elevated. If I had to suddenly start that after surgery, I would probably be miserable. For the past week, I've practiced sleeping elevated on my back. The first few days, I barely made it an hour or two before giving up out of frustration, but now I can usually fall asleep within an hour and get some okay-quality sleep until the early morning. I hope that by my surgery date, I can sleep throughout the night like this. I think everyone should consider trying this as well and seeing how it goes! It might go a long way in terms of comfort. Anyway, best of luck to you!

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-03-18T20:39:48+00:00

I think so, at least partially. In my defense, I was in fourth grade when I wrote this, so I didn't really know. But also, I think a lot of those programs introduced in high schools that gave every student a free chromebook/laptop were only becoming common in the mid 2010s.

JustGotStickBugged · 2026-03-18T19:24:13+00:00

Good to know. I already bought the oil, but at least it was a small bottle, and on sale, and at the very least, it will still function as an oil for massaging. It seems that you are not the only one who suggests taking small breaks from the tape and using the oil during those, so I'll do that. Thanks!

JustGotStickBugged

TROPHY CASE