As some of you know, I am having surgery on Feb. 22. I am not too nervous about the surgery itself, but am very apprehensive about becoming seriously depressed post-op. A lot of people seem to have horrible "crashes" after surgery. I do take estradiol, so hopefully I won't experience the "I have no hormones at all" effect that seems to be so problematic. Also, a lot of people who have the depression problems seem to be the ones who did it for fetishistic/self mutilation fantasy reasons. This is not me, and it's no wonder that something motivated my sexual desire would backfire when the source of that desire is over and done with. I have never really heard of any transgendered people, such as myself, having serious post-op problems. This may or may not be true. Any advice would be great, from both sides.

It may be presumptuous of me to say anything, but my advice would be not to overload the surgery with unrealistic expectations. If you just want to bring your body into line with your self-image, you should do fine. If you expect all your problems to vanish and to "live happily ever after," you may be bitterly disappointed. Nothing as simple as surgery could ever accomplish the complete renovation of a life. Rather, the surgery removes a major obstacle to your happiness. Even with this obstacle removed, the hard work of building a new life belongs to you. Have the surgery with realistic expectations and you're less likely to fall into depression.

Hi, dear. I have had a lot of surgeries (starting at age three months old) due to birth defects, as well as because of transition. There is often a bit of depression or physical weakness following them. They do not last all that long, though.

Regarding TS surgery, regret is rare. Mainly, it occurs due to poor results, and not due to the underlying reasons for having TS surgery.

As with you, I hear of so very few "crashes" like what you describe post-surgery for transgendered people. Indeed, it is usually a wonderful, permanent step in the right direction if you are the right person.

Just as personal experience, I had the orchie and SRS seperately, and was elated because of each of them. I have never had a second of regret.

And regarding hormones, since you will still be taking estradiol, you should not suffer from hormone problems, as you have already stated.

I do hope that you are right for the procedure. If so, it is a wonderful thing.

Warm hugs,

Kelly

I know I am right for the procedure; I just hope I get what I want out of it I cannot take anti-androgens and stick to a very low dose of estradiol because I fear blood clots and other nightmares. I'm hoping that the surgical reduction in testosterone will help with reducing my body hair, as well as reverse some of my other "manly" characteristics. I'm almost done with my facial electrolysis, but body hair continues to be the bane of my existence. I still have some FFS to get out of the way, but this is the only "down there" surgery I plan on.

I'll post more once I actually get through it. Apparently the abdominal approach is supposed to be pretty painful, so it may be a few days post-op before I am able to tell much of anything. At any rate, it's not until the 22nd.

WeRNotAfraid (imported) wrote: Wed Feb 02, 2005 10:04 pm As some of you know, I am having surgery on Feb. 22. I am not too nervous about the surgery itself, but am very apprehensive about becoming seriously depressed post-op. A lot of people seem to have horrible "crashes" after surgery. I do take estradiol, so hopefully I won't experience the "I have no hormones at all" effect that seems to be so problematic. Also, a lot of people who have the depression problems seem to be the ones who did it for fetishistic/self mutilation fantasy reasons. This is not me, and it's no wonder that something motivated my sexual desire would backfire when the source of that desire is over and done with. I have never really heard of any transgendered people, such as myself, having serious post-op problems. This may or may not be true. Any advice would be great, from both sides.

Good luck, and tell your pshrink I said hi.

I wish you well keep us updated