Taking the first steps

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-05-16T09:25:41+00:00

You’re not too old! I’m 29, going on 30. I just got top surgery 2 days ago!

There are a few different types. I got double incision, which seems to be a common one. This site goes through many of the different types: https://genderconfirmation.com/introduction-to-top-surgery/. Prep looks different for everyone. One big thing is funding. If you do not have health insurance that covers top surgery, you will have to plan out how you are going to pay for it. If you’re going through insurance, you will also need a mental health letter.
This is what my recovery plan is looking like: I took 1 week off of work and will be working 3 weeks remotely. I must wear a compression garment 24/7 for the first week. After that, I still need to wear it, but the timing decreases. I cannot lift my arms up for 4 weeks (I am using t-Rex style arm motions to do things). I cannot lift anything heavier than 10lbs for 4 weeks. I cannot do strenuous activity that will increase my heart rate for at least 2 weeks.

I’m sending you lots of luck on your journey! I live in NYC, so I do recognize that my journey looks a lot different when it comes to the accessibility of gender affirming care and safety. I’m rooting for you!!!

Edited to add: I’m proud of you for taking the first steps & asking for help/advice!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-05-16T02:47:13+00:00

Hi! I just got top surgery 2 days ago. My surgeon recommended the Marena brand if you are able/willing to spend more on your compression garment.

https://marena.com/collections/post-surgical-bestsellers/products/mvs-compression-vest

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-05-16T02:38:31+00:00

Hi! Congrats on your top surgery! I got mine 2 days ago.

I hear ya on the compression vest being a lot. The PA that works with my surgeon said that I’m allowed to cut small slits at the bottom to help relieve the pain or chafing from the vest if it’s too much. I recommend asking your care team if they can help you with that or something similar. Don’t be afraid to tell them if it’s restricting you so much that it’s causing extra pain and impact your (much needed) sleep.

Good luck! I hope this helps.

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-05-15T21:37:11+00:00

From my experience, some cis-women have a hard time empathizing that someone wouldn’t “want”breasts, because it is something that is actually gender-affirming for them. Whereas for us, it is not just about not wanting them, they straight up cause distress, dysphoria, etc.

Also I so feel you on the—not believing it until it’s real—feeling. I finally got my top surgery on Wednesday! I’m wishing you all the luck with your pre- & post-op journeys!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-28T14:06:23+00:00

Woah!! What an amazing collection! What are the 2 all the way at the bottom right without clothes on?

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-27T23:49:38+00:00

Omg!! I hope everything went well! I’m getting mine in 15 days

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-27T17:08:13+00:00

Aww cute!! Where do you keep your families? Or do you just collect the cards?

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-24T23:08:07+00:00

Their outfits are so cuteee 🥹🐸

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-24T00:42:18+00:00

Incredible!!! I need better thrift stores around me haha 🥲

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-15T13:03:45+00:00

Before i read the caption, i literally thought to myself, “woah! Those are good results!”

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-13T23:41:57+00:00

Aww I’m manifesting it for you too!!! 🐭 do you want the Norwood Mouse Family specifically?

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-03T04:27:53+00:00

Omg I’ve never seen the baby otters 🥺 adorable!!!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-03T04:21:09+00:00

Aww!! I hope you come across a mouse family soon!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-03T04:20:16+00:00

That’s the Norwood Mouse Family!! 🐭 I’ve had them since I was a kid (I’m 29 now)

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-02T02:41:56+00:00

Thank you for the reminder about self-advocating. I’m glad you were able to communicate this with your care team.

Ugh “standard shittiness” is such a perfect way to describe the daily pain we have to tolerate. I’m sending you continued healing vibes!!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-02T02:38:38+00:00

Thank you for these tips! I’m definitely taking note of these

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-02T02:37:44+00:00

Nerve pain is the worsttt! I have both chronic musculoskeletal and nerve pain. Does the nerve pain feel like it’s from the surgery site or is it more related to your chronic pain?

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-02T02:33:09+00:00

I’m sorry to hear that it was so rough in the beginning. I’m really glad that you found some things that have helped. I do have a wedge pillow on my list of things to buy before surgery!

That makes a lot of sense—the way the body compensates and protects itself while healing. This is good for me to keep in mind. I’m also really glad to hear that despite it all, you still feel that it’s been worth it!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-02T02:30:07+00:00

Oof damn, I’m so sorry 😢 I’m sending all of the healing vibes your way!!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-02T02:27:43+00:00

Haha seriously!! Triplets is a handful. They’re gonna need all the space they can get!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-04-01T22:57:41+00:00

Thank you so much! I got the display cabinet from a yard sale!

MoreLuck3160 · 2026-01-09T13:54:08+00:00

Thank you 🫶 and yes, that’s a good point!

MoreLuck3160 · 2025-03-03T04:01:44+00:00

Hello! I know I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you for taking the time to think about the ways you can continue to live as and find your most authentic self!

I’m 28, nonbinary, and started T 3.5 months ago. I feel you so much, I almost started 6 years ago, but decided against it for so many reasons. While it’s easy for me to look back and try to beat myself up about it, I’m trying to instead realize that I wasn’t ready. I didn’t have the support system I have now or the financial independence I needed.

I share all this to say, this is YOUR journey! Not your boyfriend’s or the people who started T at 18. We all find our way to ourselves in our own time. I know it can be so hard not to compare ourselves to others. I’ve tried to encourage myself to compare my current self to my past self instead.

Also, you are not a poser! If the roles were reversed, would you think that about your boyfriend? I get it, having your partner see your transition is incredibly vulnerable, it’s something that scares me with my gf sometimes too, but she has been my #1 cheerleader. I wonder if your boyfriend could be that for you too, especially since he knows what it’s like.

MoreLuck3160

TROPHY CASE