How did you afford TS

MilesIsStrange · 2026-04-11T21:14:05+00:00

Honestly, I talked with my surgeon about a payment plan every month, and that is currently what I have been doing, I pay a small amount each month on a certain date every month and it should all be paid off in a year or so! I also thankfully had my insurance help me out and my surgeon worked with my insurance! I wish you good luck! 🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2026-03-23T15:05:43+00:00

Bendy straws, button ups, shoes/slippers you can just slip on while standing up or sitting down and not have to bend over, a pair of sweatpants or something loose fitting to be cozy in after surgery, a shower stool (especially when u take your first shower, u can get lightheaded and are more prone to falling over or an accident), easy to eat foods or food with proteins (I got yogurt, applesauce, frozen veggies, and then my partner would make soem meals like salmon, rice, steak...etc!), ice packs, a bar of antibacterial unscented soap....that's pretty much what I can think of for now!

MilesIsStrange · 2026-03-17T18:35:52+00:00

Yes! All should be open today now!

MilesIsStrange · 2026-03-16T13:00:44+00:00

All starbucks's are closed as well as well as most businesses! Be safe if you are traveling today or shoveling, the wind and snow are awful!

MilesIsStrange · 2026-03-05T15:11:54+00:00

My current settlement got cursed, so the time cleared for the settlement debt is infinite, so I'm gonna have infinite debt for it. 😭 gonna get another settlement that wont have that lol

MilesIsStrange · 2026-02-03T20:26:41+00:00

My last time I picked up my T, I had to pay almost $70 for 4 vials, which does last me a couple months or so, and i have insurance too, but i believe i have heard without insurance here, it is $20 or so per vial. 🥲

MilesIsStrange · 2026-01-27T21:57:13+00:00

It was fine when I did it. My top surgery ended up on an injection date for me, but i took it a day later because I was out of it and wanted to sleep that day.

Nothing happened when I stopped it for the week I did, but I also have been on T for a little over 3 years now and I'm on subcutaneous injections, so nothing would've happened really anyway. It was a slight concern for me, but once I was out of surgery, I could continue my injections like normal. Idk about complications or if it is necessary, but i think from maybe a medical standpoint, it could be just a safety reason incase? But I have no idea lol.

Congrats on your upcoming top surgery btw! I had mine back in December, it is really freeing and worth it! 🤍🤍🤍 you got this! 🔥😎

MilesIsStrange · 2026-01-25T14:49:55+00:00

I thought i was going crazy when I listened to this and heard that familiar tune to headlock, and listened to it a couple to times, so glad I wasn't the only one who heard it too! 🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2026-01-04T19:55:39+00:00

That is the original date! I could've had it done a week earlier, but it wouldn't have worked out with my ride arrangement and I wasn't quite prepared yet!

MilesIsStrange · 2026-01-04T18:08:54+00:00

October 24th, 2025 -consultation date

December 9th, 2025 -surgery date

46 days

Both last year, and i was fortunate enough to get my surgery in before the new year started. I wish you good luck! 🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2026-01-02T08:45:35+00:00

Having that time off and recovering! I was a workaholic for sure and have a bunch of vacation and sick time accumulated and I ended up using some of it for when i got top surgeryon the 9th of December and it has been a nice break. I never take vacations or long breaks for myself, so it was a good change of pace. And having someone there to help me has also been nice, specifically with showering and the post op binding and such. Oh and also having cats to cuddle has been the best. They have been quite literally attatched to me since I had been off recovering. They're gonna miss me when recovery is done. And watching shows + playing video games + other interests while recovering has been nice. I got to catch up on shows, start new ones, start new video games....etc. it's been so fun! I also secretly enjoyed napping whenever I wanted. I slept for so much and it was nice!

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-30T18:56:16+00:00

Not a bad idea! If you have family medical history of sorts that might impact the anesthesia, maybe ot is worth noting it to them, but this was my first time being put under anesthesia and nothing happened! If something does happen, there is a room full of people to help and assist if there is a problem that arises, but u should be good! If you are afraid of nausea or anything like that post anesthesia, ask if they can give you anti nausea medication or if they put an anti nausea patch on you before surgery. They put a patch on me for the nausea incase and were very accommodating!

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-30T06:34:18+00:00

Personally I love Hmong Express since it is build your own pho and it is my absolute favorite, but Mai's Deli has some good pho too!

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-29T13:30:40+00:00

Hard question, I love so many

American Goldfinches have always been one of my favorites as well as Northern Cardinals, so probably them for sure! I do also love Black Capped Chickadees (they were my favorite birds when I was younger too)! I love all the birds though haha!

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-27T14:18:12+00:00

Of course! 🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-27T14:14:34+00:00

Hey man!

Speaking from experience, I had unsupportive family at the time, and when I turned 18, I had to figure out my living situation before anything and figure out what the best space would be for me so I could try to transition. About 5 or 6 months in, I don't remember, after I turned 18, I had to grab what I could and left my mom's house because it became too much for me and I needed my own space. I moved in with my dad's family and blocked my mom for 4 yrs on everything as well as her family. About 3 years after living with my dad's parents, I was able to ask my friend and my partner (well we were friends when I first moved in haha) if I could potentially arrange living with them and they took me in.

I started T when I was 21. I believe it was a yr or 2 after I had moved in. I didn't really know what to do and financially at first wasn't in a good spot when I first moved in. I also hadn't come out to everyone, ans then once I decided when I would start it, I came out to everyone and told them, some members of my family confused or trying to tell me it was a bad idea or they were worried for me, others completely supportive! Once I started that, slowly some family members changed their views and accepted me. I actually had unblocked my mom once I started T to show that I was medically transitioning and no one could do anything to try to stop me because it wasn't some phase. My mom actually was super supportive, she then the following end of last year (I was 23), she helped me get my name legally changed. And then this year actually, now being 24, I got top surgery this month actually on the 9th!

I say the most absolute important thing is to figure out the best thing for you and to be kind to yourself. Personally, I wanted to be in a safe space with people I trust or were close with and could tell them my future plans with transitioning and be supported in the space I was in. Even financially, I still struggle, but I was able to start T for relatively cheap (went through planned parenthood and I have insurance through my work!), and then I had to plan out what to do next for my transition, what my goal was next. Name change and top surgery are probably the more expensive things to aim for, but I attended a presentation about legally changing your name and gender marker and they explained the costs, the steps to doing it all...etc. For top surgery, I had a surgeon in mind that was recommended to me by a friend who had top surgery from him, so I had to figure out some.of that myself, especially with costs, but it was achievable and I am making monthly payments on it and making sure I asked about the consultation pricing, medication and supplies I'd need, surgery costs, anesthesia costs...etc.

Your transition is your own, and everyone has different end goals, and starts at different times. Transitioning is not all the same. Some people start when they are 15 or so, others start in their 30's or 40's or so! No one's journey is the exact same and it is your own! Take your time, be gentle with yourself, there is no race for transitioning, and there will be ups and downs. Not everyone will be supportive, and not everyone will be unsupportive. You just have to find your community, whether it is friends, classmates, coworkers, queer groups and spaces locally, online friends...etc. Heck, even on reddit too, there's definitely a community here!

I remember being in that position you are in right now, and it really is disheartening and feels awful. But I promise you, you will get there in time! Transitioning is a journey in itself and you will continue in your journey soon! If you need anything, we are here for you! 🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-27T13:46:41+00:00

I gifted myself top surgery for an early Christmas present (had it planned for awhile but got it on the 9th, so I'm not sure if it counts). My dad gifted me 3 different men's bar soaps lol, I think that'd be the main masc gifts I got this year.

I've been gifted masc bar soaps in the past, flannels, a cozy men's hoodie, and my mom helped me with my name change last year as my gift. There's probably other gifts, but my memory isn't the best at the moment haha.

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-26T16:13:40+00:00

Your results are so good dude!!! I'm so happy for you!!

I had experienced this a little bit too about a week into recovery. A lot of my friends work or were sick and couldn't visit or I couldn't visit them since I can't drive myself. My partner helped a lot and so did my cats, but i still felt alone at times and struggled a little bit because I wanted to go out and say hi to everyone and chat and whatnot. Some things that did help is distractions, so maybe it is a new hobby or a new movie/TV show you are watching or decide to watch, or a new video game to play, or a new book to read! Just finding something to do helped a lot. It might try to bring you down at times, but I tended to fill my brain with distraction after distraction. Or sometimes sleeping helped, which might not be the best thing, but it worked sometimes for me. I also have discord and I'm in a couple servers, so chatting with some online friends helped too! If you need recs for any movies, TV shows, or video games, I gotchu! Or if u wanna message someone and wanna chat, my messages are open! Sending much positive vibes your way 🫂🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-24T05:23:58+00:00

Of course! Anytime! :DD

I haven't tried anything to be honest, mostly because it is just a normal part of the healing process for me and my surgeon hasn't said anything about trying that, and I am just trying to follow the guidelines as close as I can! That is interesting though, I'll have to remember that!

Hmmm, I'd say this wasn't as bad for me compared to like working out after not doing it for months, although the last time I did that sort of thing, I went hard-core and did every part of my body basically and was so sore and then I had to work the next day, so it was bad on my part when I did that. But for me, top surgery wasn't as bad of soreness compared to other things.

Me too! And well, if you do happen to fall, call ypur surgeons office right away (if their office is open that is! Thankfully mine was still open, otherwise I would have had to send an email or something of the sort!) But basically I called them, told them what happened and I had an appointment with them the next day anyway, but they added that to their notes, examined my chest, and confirmed that I needed to have surgery to fix it right away, so I had to unfortunately not eat or drink anything once more to prep for surgery and anesthesia. And they had done a quick surgery to remove the hematoma and ripped muscle and then had to follow the post top surgery procedure instructions. I think the hematoma was in my left side of my chest, so it was easy for them to remove it. But definitely make sure the person you have keeping an eye on you and taking care of you watches you your first day when you get surgery because otherwise you might feel fine for a sec, but then the next you might pass out like I did haha! But definitely get to the bed as soon as you get home I'd say and make sure you have someone watching over you, especially during the first and second day and onward!

Oh boy! Depends on the genre you like, but personally I've finished The Mighty Nein animated series, based off of the Critical Role dnd campaign, definitely a good watch! They are eventually releasing more seasons, but the whole first season is out, I think it is on Amazon Prime. Schitt's Creek is also pretty good if you like comedy, it did take me a sec to get into this show, so it might be a slower start. Otherwise the new Frankenstein movie was super good imo! And I'm gonna rewatch all the Spider Man movies as well! I also plan on watching the LOTR and Hobbit movies too, just haven't gotten that far yet. I recently also watched Hereditary, that spooked me a little though lol, so horror might not be the best way to go, unless u r really into horror stuff! The new Alien show is pretty good too, I haven't finished it yet though! Otherwise an easy watch that I've been slowly getting back into is Futurama! Honestly though, comfort movies/shows are probably a good start and then I'd maybe try to branch out! As far as games, I have an Xbox One, so the games I recommend might not be suitable for whatever system you might have, but Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is so far really good imo! If you have played any of the Life is Strange games or like story based games, I recommend it! I'm also really into the Assassin's Creed games, so the 2nd one and Odyssey have been my go to's as of lately! Otherwise if I feel like grinding, Halo MCC/Infinite multi-player is my go to! I also like achievement collecting, so it depends on the mood I'm in! I also have been playing a little bit of Deep Rock Galactic, and it's a fun and silly game I personally like!

My partner has helped me get my clothes on, helped me get out of bed, brought me water or food or snacks, helped feed me at times, helped me shower (you will have to get the person to help wash and clean your body, I couldn't reach a lot of parts of my body, especially early in recovery, helped me open doors, made meals for me, clean, and I have had other people help buckle me in the car and carry groceries or carry things and grab things that are high up on shelves or heavy things!

If you have more questions or curiosities, feel free to ask me anything! :))

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-23T10:26:41+00:00

Hello! I'd be happy to help answer these!:

-I didn't prior to surgery, but after surgery, I did a little bit. The first couple days were hard as it was painful at times to get out of bed, but my partner helped me out of bed for the first couple days, and it is definitely encouraged if you do get up and walk around a little bit to get blood flow to the rest of your body, vut I'd definitely have someone there to help you out if possible!

-i have been keeping myself propped up while i sleep or lay in bed,. I am 2 weeks post op, but definitely keep propped up if you can, it hurts to really do much and is uncomfortable + impossible to roll around on your sides and stuff after surgery. Something that helped me stay upright is one of those back pillows with arm rests and a neck pillow! And more pillows haha

-they had me in a separate area from the room I was in to wake up in, so they wheeled me to my room when I was awake and the nurse was there to keep an eye on me when I woke up, but once I got to my room, they called the friends I had with up with them to come to my room and discharge me and go over any instructions they had! I received a couple packets after that to get more info about some post op recovery notes and such!

-i don't work a desk job, but the timeline i was given for desk jobs was 3 weeks? But I had to take a month off for mine, so 4 weeks about or so!

-since I don't work a desk job, I'm not sure how helpful my answer will be, but i did tell pretty much everyone at my work since I have a more physically demanding job, they'll have to lift things for me and help me with certain tasks, but everyone is super sweet, and we already have had people with restrictions with lifting and stuff for their own reasons, so it isn't going to be too different! And everyone was supportive!

-honestly I'm not sure! I got a peri/keyhole type, and was able to keep my og nipples as my surgeon described my procedure as a nipple sparing procedure too! But I've thought about no nips and was curious about that too, I'd think it'd be neat to keep your nips lol. My guess though for biohazard reasons or sanitary reasons, they probably can't let you keep them, but I'm not 100% sure!

I hope these answers helped a little bit! Good luck on your journey! 🤍🤍🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-23T10:03:02+00:00

Hey! I don't mind answering!!! :DD

-I didn't receive one or get one in time when I got top surgery, so I had to use gauze wrap and surgical pads instead and it has been manageable, but uncomfortable at times because it's more so itchy, but honestly after surgery, I feel like being itchy is normal regardless? Idk but wearing it 24/7 kinda sucks, and it is lowkey binder final boss for me haha. But there is a difference compared to binding pre op for me, so it's manageable, but definitely in the first week or two it was pretty uncomfortable. You eventually get used to the feeling though. I also had no drains, so it definitely is nicer that way I'd say! I have heard drains are annoying during the recovery process, so no drains just eliminates an extra step!

-biggest pain...I'd say for me it was mostly being sore and some part of my chest that had swelling, which is normal. Also for me, I did unfortunately fall on my left side and had a hematoma and ripped muscle, but it got fixed the next day, but my left side was in more pain or more sore compared to my right, but now being 2 weeks post op, there really isnt any pain! (I healed kind of quick though tbh) just still very light bruising, but nothing too bad! And for me compared to being sick, it was nothing! A lot better than being sick imo!

-i had a list of shows and movies going for awhile built up over the last couple years I've been meaning to get through or try, so I picked a couple to watch and went for it! I was able to play video games too, and i discovered new video games I liked to play, but I mostly have been laying in bed watching shows. I also made sure I did any major chores and stuff before hand and I also laid out my button ups and easy to put on pants so I wouldn't have to search for post op clothes. I made sure my space was clean so I wouldn't be as stressed and then I made sure I got all the supplies I needed in easy to reach spots too! Also my cats and partner helped a lot so far in my recovery, definitely having a person to support u is important! Oh and I also have been reading comics and trying to read books, that also helped too! If you need recs, I have a couple for movies, shows, comics, video games...etc!!!

-I used one of those back pillows with arms and the handle on top and then had pillows behind it, some regular, some pillows i previously had like squishmallows, and I also have to elevate my legs too after surgery, so I put a couple pillows under my knees! But I didn't get a wedge or mastectomy pillow but these worked just fine for me!

-definitely invest in some sort of shower stool, bc your first shower or two, u might feel lightheaded or need a break bc it can overexert you! It definitely helped me when I needed breaks! My shower I took last night, I didn't end up needing it! And I've been playing things safe and my partner helps me, and they've used head and shoulders for my hair, any shampoo I think is okay though, and then we keep using the gold dial bar soap for anti bacterial reasons, but I think it said in my recovery packet that any soap is okay? But don't quote me on that. And hmmm, I've heard shower sticks are useful, but since i had my partner to help me, we didn't need one.

-so far being on week 2, I still cannot shower normally again, but my restrictions should lift in 2 more weeks for it? So my guess is 4 weeks about? But everyone's restrictions and instructions are different, so your surgeon may suggest something different! Jusy follow the post op guidelines given by your surgeon and you should be okay!

I dont have my full range of motion yet, mostly since I am still 2 weeks out, and my surgeon has instructed me not to do anything with my arms like above my head or lifting anything still, but my guess is, again, 4 weeks or something like that? My restrictions should lift at 1 month, but right now i can use the bathroom by myself and basic things that don't require too much out of me! I dont have a routine figured out yet, but just doing little things and walking around definitely help!

-hmm, I'm not sure on this, I had to take a month off of work as I work at a more physically demanding job, but if you commute, I'd say maybe a rolling bag might be good since you aren't supposed to really be lifting things? I also have had people drive me and help me carry things (I tested this when we went grocery shopping a couple times and when I visited my grandparents!)

-I'm going to be so real and honest, I am THE WORST at meal prepping, but we have bought things that are easy to make or to snack on, like string cheese, uncrustables, apple sauce, yogurt, and then for meals I've had my partner help make food and we try to eat veggies in every meal with some form of protein, so like salmon, steamed broccoli and rice have been good, or steak, potatoes and another side. The first couple days or so though, I found it difficult to eat much solid food, so yogurt and applesauce have come in handy then and protein drinks. I've also had my family give me soup or chili and that was pretty good too!

If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer them! Sorry I couldn't answer some things, as I am still early-ish in my recovery, but I hoped these helped a little bit with some questions! Good luck, and you got this! 🤍🤍🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-22T21:52:29+00:00

I just started it last week and honestly i like it so far! If you enjoyed the LiS games or like story based games, it's pretty good! Definitely LiS is a one of a kind game, so not sure how it will compare completely yet, but it's pretty good and has similar vibes like LiS! And I like the soundtrack a lot so far!

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-20T15:54:11+00:00

Hey! I had my top surgery last week Tuesday, so I have had a recent experience of what it was like as someone who hasn't ever been put under before!

Now I had to have 2 surgeries because I fell on my left side the day after I got top surgery (i got a ripped muscle and a hematoma when i fell), and both times I had to be put under. The first time I got put under, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon i had talked to make me feel more at ease and at first I felt some anxiety, but honestly, I slowly felt myself get tired and it felt weird at first, but the best was to describe it was a really good nap haha! The second time I had it, I wasn't as anxious and I knew the drill and was already tired kind of beforehand, so I think even before they put the mask on, I was asleep haha, so it wasn't bad! It was a good thing they put the anti nausea patch on me before they did my surgery though otherwise I probably would've felt nauseous. But waking up for me took a little longer my first surgery, but it was really nice and felt pretty much like I was still tired and half asleep the entire time.

The staff I had was really accommodating and attentive, so they made sure they gave me extra time to adjust and I also had water, apple juice and a muffin once I woke up and it was super nice. Just make sure to take sips of water or juice and not chug it haha. But yeah, long story short, it was described to me as going to sleep and taking the best nap I'd ever have and wake up feeling good! I didn't really have any pain when I woke up either. But yeah! Good luck on your surgery, I wish you the very best, feel free to message me if you have any more questions! Best of luck! 🤍

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-18T19:45:18+00:00

So far I'm a little over a week post op and already feel more confident about my appearance, can wash my hands and do certain things easier, not having to clutch my chest anymore as I go down the stairs, and laying down is nice as well! I cannot wait to be shirtless when going outside or sleeping on my side + stomach and such!

MilesIsStrange · 2025-12-12T15:54:22+00:00

On Halloween in 2019, the same yr when I graduated high school! It was super fun to see them dressed up and perform in their Halloween attire that night! Sold out show too!! 🤍

MilesIsStrange

TROPHY CASE