day 8

[nilchance]

as it says in the cut, I went to my first postop appointment today. T kindly drove me to their office in DC this morning, where I waited for maybe fifteen minutes before the physician's assistant turned up and we got started.

downside: I did not get my drains out. there's too much fluid, so it'll have to wait until next week. that means driving down to DC again and also T having to take the day off, which is not ideal, but it's better than a hematoma.

upside: I saw my chest!!! I did not quite cry in the appointment, but it was close. it's so flat, and the surgeon did such an incredible job. there's still a lot of swelling and bruising, but I'm so happy. the pure gender euphoria every time I look at my chest (because this just seems RIGHT) makes every second of bureaucracy and anxiety and pain so very worth it. I wandered around the apartment shirtless after my shower, air-drying for a few minutes before putting the surgical binder back on, and I was just beaming.

also, I got cleared to take my first shower after a week. I needed some help from T, but my hair is clean and nongreasy! I will never forsake you again, beloved shower.

after the shower, because I was cleared for gentle walks, I accompanied T and the dog on their evening walk for the first time since surgery. I was hella slow and I am sore / tired from the exertion of shuffling along behind them, but it was so nice to get some air after a week trapped in the apartment.

tonight I will hopefully sleep hard because I didn't have a chance to nap, and tomorrow I will rest and take the dog for more walks. I will probably update again at the two week mark. but omg yay, my chest is so flat!!!

Comments

[dine]

so so cool! I'm very happy for you - it's awesome to hear

also, glad to hear you're able to get out; being stuck at home can suck, even if it's a nice place. enjoy your walks, and fresh air

[nilchance]

thank you very much! I'm definitely loving the chance to get some air when we're walking the dog. much much better than being cooped up.

[batdina]

YAY! This mirrors me so well I'm so fucking happy for you!

(And isn't clean hair a gift? Everyone needs to appreciate that they have a waterfall in their home.)

[nilchance]

oh my gosh YES, showers are a miracle. I've had several since the shower embargo lifted, but I'm still appreciating them like never before.

and I'm so glad you also had this joy. one of the best decisions I've ever made. <3

[weyrlady]

Aww, your joy just shines from this entry. I'm so happy for you. <3

[nilchance]

thank you! I'm so, so glad I did this. every time I glance down, it's a little jolt of sheer relief.

[azurelunatic]

Congratulations!