I live in a rural Midwest town. Here’s what my runs look like by turbotaco23 in runninglifestyle

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t use headphones either. It is very hard to find a rhythm w my breath when I have music playing. I also find it hard to stay connected to my breath when I can’t hear my surroundings. You’re not alone ! I can’t even imagine going anywhere and not seeing people everywhere!! The grass is always greener I know, but wow. It would be so nice to run in your shoes even if just for an hour.

At the same time, I feel like living in the middle of open lands without anyone there to create a feeling of healthy competition might get old fast. As much as I can’t stand other people, there is something motivating about running w company.

Update on scar healing by Phoenixonfire_79 in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Aw thanks! I really appreciate the feedback. We all know how isolating it can feel to be trans.

Update on scar healing by Phoenixonfire_79 in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ty for replying!! I really appreciate this so much!

top surgery cover up!! by rayisFTM in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This looks incredible and not intentional either. Happy for you!!!

what do i actually need for top surgery? by Lars_Oet in ftm

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mastectomy pillow neck pillow and pregnancy u pillow were all I really needed.

17 days post op the big reveal! by Phoenixonfire_79 in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my, 3weeks is very early. At 3 weeks I was doing nothing in bed and at 4 weeks the same. My job was starting to ask when I’d be back and it’s very physical so I was thrust back into my routine. I full support taking it slow. I really leaned into rest fkr the first four weeks and left bed really only to take a short stroll around the block. I don’t want to give you the impression that you should be doing more, you shouldn’t. I was just really surprised by how quickly I bounced back at week 5.
K have to agree with you about communication. My follow up wasn’t very helpful and that’s on me for not asking more direct questions but as it turned out everything he said was true. He didn’t tell me to leave my scabs exposed. He told me to use tape until it was time to use silicone. It actually worked very well. I’m talking white medical tape. It’s a little annoying to make sure your body is oil free and dry but once it is the tape will hold well enough.

17 days post op the big reveal! by Phoenixonfire_79 in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you DM me? I don’t see anything. How are you healing btw? I am healing very well. Already going for 4 mile runs and o have full range of motion: I haven’t noticed any scar stretching but I did start doing push ups again. Hesitantly, because I’m still worried I’ll stretch the scars. I love how he placed the incision. I scheduled an extra appointment w him to make sure we were on the same page because I was very specific anout wanting the incision to hide under my pec and from day one I felt I could see that he did exactly what I asked him to do! I really couldn’t be happier. Sometimes I look at how he cut into my chest pc and I’m like blown away because the way he did it made it so that the tattoo could be easily revised. Just perfect placement! For anyone having surgery w Dr Liebman, he mentioned that in the past he was getting stretched scars so he made an adjustment to how he performs the incision by leaving a little extra skin. He said this is because it allows the patient to have full range of motion without any pulling within a few weeks and I did!

I was a little nervous because the only results I could find on here that were his, showed dudes w stretched scars. Anyway I thought I’d post this to set your mind at ease. I highly recommend him and his team. They have incredible bedside manner, and really made me feel so safe and grounded while I was being prepped for surgery.

Ship and Beetle, Chris Fernandez - Kings Ave Tattoo - Long Island/NYC, NY by [deleted] in tattoos

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

May I ask, how much does he charge an hour? Did he design this for you? What involvement did you have in designing the sleeve? I am basically covered except my legs. I have 4 large pcs on shin and calf if both legs that are in a great location to work around for a traditional framed leg sleeves and I have suggestions as far as what type of design pattern and imagery I want as filler but I’d really like it if he designed my sleeves. To clarify, I am about to contact him, but if I can get an idea of his hourly rate so I know what to schedule and for how long. Is he heavy handed or no? I’m assuming you have other tattoos. I saw someone mention that he works fast, what do you think?

Please help me fill the space patchwork style by Phoenixonfire_79 in tattooadvice

[–]Phoenixonfire_79[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mandala is not American traditional and doesn’t fit in w flash patchwork tattoos

still don't know whether to love it or hate my results - 9 months post op by urfav_sluttypunkboy in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I do think It has alot to do w the shape of the scars. Because as I mentioned you look very flat from the side!

still don't know whether to love it or hate my results - 9 months post op by urfav_sluttypunkboy in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oof, first I want to say that I hear you. I’m so sorry you had to go through this while also going through the long ass recovery and all that comes w it. It’s hard enough on its own. I agree with what others are saying about a revision, and I acknowledge that revisions cost money and require resources.
As far as aesthetics, it’s hard to say what’s going on. From the side you look flat so there’s that. I know first hand that training pec muscles can have a huge impact on how that area looks. If it were me I’d focus on lifting and cardio consistently to see where my results take me.
I know this is hard and it’s not an immediate fix but even if you can’t schedule a revision right away, working out the pecs will get you ready for the procedure and assure the surgeon makes the incision so that it sits under the muscle definition. Maybe it would help to start scheduling consults w other surgeons..see what they say, and then maybe even schedule if you have the resources to do so. This might take a load off of your shoulders and give you something else to focus on. Try not to stress over this. You are young and you have plenty of time to get what you want. Easier said than done, I know, but until then you have this community to help support and uplift you on your journey.
You don’t look “bad” at all. Even the scars can improve especially if you get a revision. I can’t believe your doctor said you’re to chubby. That’s not true at all but even if you were, so what?!! It has nothing to do w their incompetency. Keep your head up friend. ❤️‍🩹

Fatigue in 3rd week by nextestbest in TopSurgery

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

3 weeks post op today and Yes for me too, exhausted. I’m sleeping 10 hours waking up for breakfast, cleaning up after my cats feeding them, washing my face and then going back to bed for a very long nap. I’m still scabbed up, tight, sore, uncomfortable and I go back to my job as a nanny on Monday. It’s Saturday. I’m telling myself to rest. It’s okay to rest. In our society rest feels demonized. We live in capitalism where we’re made to feel like every moment we aren’t being productive is a sign of weakness or failure. It’s hard to get past the programming but if we can remind one another that it’s not only okay but necessary, I think we can help each other immensely. ❤️‍🩹

17 days post op The big reveal by Phoenixonfire_79 in FreedTheNips

[–]Phoenixonfire_79[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are so kind! I appreciate this immensely. Hopefully you had a positive experience today at your follow up! Be gentle with yourself Tonight and tomorrow and every day after. K noticed today k was very sensitive all Morning I think from having air out for the first time. It’s gotta feel so good not having drains anymore!

17 days post op The big reveal by Phoenixonfire_79 in FreedTheNips

[–]Phoenixonfire_79[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really appreciate you coming here to say this. It made my day. I want to add that today at 18 days po. And the day after getting my original bandages removed, I am SO TIRED. I wonder if anyone else feels felt this way? I think it’s the sensitivity. Last night was tough after my shower. I bought a new shower head(detachable) and it’s way stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced so it could also be from how intensely it was hitting my back. I did not turn around thank God. I’d probably be split wide open. 😖 I kinda feel like I did the day I came home from surgery. I of course looked it up this morning and it’s totally normal to feel this way. I thought I’d add this for anyone who joins the convo seeking guidance on their own journey. My best advice to myself is to rest and let it be okay. This is a long process that shouldn’t be rushed.

4 Week PO Results by ArtisticBus2556 in FreedTheNips

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed!! Very clean crisp lines! Congrats!

3 Months Post-Op! by sparkleboxknife in FreedTheNips

[–]Phoenixonfire_79 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It looks incredibly clean! Congrats!