FTM's and Transitioning

[Goofy]

Congrats Drew! I'm glad to hear your surgery went well.

Originally Posted by Linus

Anyways, I do have a question: for those that got a recliner, what kind (manufacturer/make?) did you get? I tend to sleep on my side and a recliner might be a good way to avoid that -- plus I've always wanted one.

Linus, I'm a side sleeper too and that was the main factor in getting a recliner. I wanted a Lazy Boy, but couldn't get one delivered in time for my surgery. I went to a ton of furniture stores and tried out a ton of recliners. I wanted to make sure it was comfortable in a reclined position as well as upright. I don't remember the actual manufacturer, but I got it from the Room Store, I think. I slept in it for a month or two before I was able to sleep on my side comfortably.

Originally Posted by T D

I'm curious about how much help you've needed post surgery. Are you able to take care of your needs alone, or have you had someone come in or around to help you out? This is always a question for me when considering any surgery.

I need help. I had drains on both sides and there's no way I would have been able to take care of them by myself. My arms were pretty much pinned to my sides at the elbow for at least two weeks. I was also a little paranoid about doing anything that would stretch the incision sites. Arwen came down and stayed with me for 2 weeks, I think, and was an invaluable help. As Oopster mentioned, it is really helpful to put things you will need at counter height. One thing I didn't take into consideration after Arwen left was that my microwave was over the stove. I could put food in there, but had a hell of a time getting it out. I eventually got a step stool that eliminated that problem. Also, gallon jugs of milk or juice and things like that were troublesome for me too.