Had a wonderful time at the transgender Be-All Conference late last week and this past weekend. Once again it was a great opportunity to renew old friendships and to make a few new ones in the process.

My spouse and I presented a seminar at the conference on Coming Out and Acceptance. It went over well enough that we were asked to do an interview that was video recorded and will be on the local broadcast channel here in Chicago later this month. We were also interviewed by a representative from the Transakpipeline group for posting on their web site later this month. For those not familiar, it is a transgender organization located in Alaska.

I also did a bit too much "partying" with my sisters. I consumed more vodka in a four day period than I would normally in four months, but what the heck...it only comes once a year so you have to enjoy it while you can!

Hi Everyone,

Well I decided to make another change in my hair again so this time I changed the color to an ash tone platinum blond and had my bangs cut at an angle, shorten and sliced choppy. I absolutely love the change in the style and most of all the color. My new avatar reflects these changes.

I thought for awhile about growing it back out to a longer length, but I'm only kidding myself. I don't have the patience to wait several years for it to grow again and the ugly stages it will go through in the process because it is very short, so I'm just going to be a short hair girl for a long time to come.

Love'n my pixie cut more and more every day!

EricaAnn (imported) wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2010 6:45 am Hi Everyone,

Well I decided to make another change in my hair again so this time I changed the color to an ash tone platinum blond and had my bangs cut at an angle, shorten and sliced choppy. I absolutely love the change in the style and most of all the color. My new avatar reflects these changes.

I thought for awhile about growing it back out to a longer length, but I'm only kidding myself. I don't have the patience to wait several years for it to grow again and the ugly stages it will go through in the process because it is very short, so I'm just going to be a short hair girl for a long time to come.

Love'n my pixie cut more and more every day!

I love the new cut and color. I hope to see you in August. I will be bringing my camera and would like to capture your beauty.

Hi again everyone,

Well after giving the idea of breast augmentation some long and serious consideration

EricaAnn (imported) wrote: Sun Feb 19, 2006 12:06 am , I have decided to proceed with th

is cosmetic enhancement.

I have consulted with three different plastic surgeons on this matter, gotten their opinions as well as their prices and have decided to go with Dr. Zurkowski for the procedure.

They all agreed that my breast have developed as large as their going to get after 4 years of hormone therapy and while I'm fortunate to have achieved a small "C" cup size, which by the way, is very good for a transgender woman, based on my frame and shoulder size, I really need to be a large "D" cup to look in proportion, so that's what I'm going with.

The surgery is scheduled for Thursday, August 19th and I've got to tell you, I'm very excited for the outcome. I'll continue to post further details as the date approaches.

Hi Erica Ann,

You told me you were consulting several surgeons for breast augmentation. I'm glad you found one you are comfortable with. I know you are excited and I can relate. I'm sure you will be thrilled with the results.

Hugs,

Danya

I was pretty afraid about surgery but I have to say the people taking care of you make a huge difference. Good luck and a fast recovery!

I had my pre surgical conference with Dr. Zukowski this evening. I had to go through, read and initial a number of consent forms. He then photographed my breast. Front, profile and 3/4 views. After wards I joked with him by saying "I hope I don't find these shots on the Internet tomorrow." He responded, "No, these are for our private records." I don't think he appreciates my sense of humor. But I did get a smile out him when on one of the forms I filled out there was a question about things you may be allergic to. I wrote annoying people.

We then discussed the size of the implants and decided to go with something in the range of 375 to 400 cc's.

I was issued four prescriptions one to relieve swelling, Vicodin, Valium and an antibiotic which I need to get filled prior to the day of surgery. I also gave him my down payment equaling one half of the amount of the procedure in order to secure my surgery date, August 19th or exactly one month from today. I'm really getting excited now. The count down begins...31 days.

I had my breast augmentation procedure this morning. Went into surgery about 8:00 AM and woke up in the recovery room at about 10:20 AM. When I came to my legs were really acting up due to my RLS and I was in a lot of pain and had quite a bit of pressure on my chest.

The ride home was really rough as the pain increased quite a bit on the way. I was almost in tears from the pain by the time I got home Thank God that my partner brought my Requip meds for the RLS with her when she picked me up. When I arrived home I took some Vicodin and Valium which after about an hour brought the pain level down enough that I could sleep, which I did for about 3 hours. I also drank a lot of water this afternoon as my mouth was so dry from the anesthesia. It felt like it was lined with cotton.

Tried to eat a light diet this afternoon, mostly soup and some eggs for dinner. Sleeping could be a bit tough for the next few nights as I have to sleep propped up on the sofa to help with swelling. I have to return to the PS on Monday to have the dressings and sutures removed so I really won't see my new "girls" until Monday, but from what I can tell at this time, there has been a definite improvement in their size.

Didn't sleep all that well last night as the sofa as sitting up is not the most comfortable position for sleep. I'm going to try sleeping in bed tonight on my back with a few pillows propped up under my head and back in order to elevate the upper portion of my body in order to control any swelling that may occur. It's got to be better than the sofa, that's for sure!

The Vicodin is doing a great job controlling the pain and the pressure on my chest is much better this morning though my chest does seem a bit larger this morning. Have no idea why, but that's probably a good thing.

I have to start my antibiotics today as well as the medication to control swelling.

I can't wait for Monday to get the dressings removed and the official unveiling of my new "girls".

Pharmacies that sell home health care equipmemt sell foam wedges that elevate your head and shoulders about 45 degrees. I am not sure how much they cost but it would be more stable than two pillows. A foam wedge can also help people with acid reflux.

I hope you heal quickly and soon be pain free.