#surgery advice

Hey! It's completely normal to be nervous, it's a big decision with a lot of parts to think about. I'd ask myself what it is that I want to get out of a hysterectomy. You don't actually have to get rid of *everything* down there so you have some wiggle room so to speak.

Personally, I don't want to be able to get pregnant and I don't want to have my period ever again – so getting rid of my uterus and fallopian tubes was the best option. I'm planning on stopping T now as I'm happy with where my transition is, so I'm keeping my ovaries in order to keep some estrogen in my system, otherwise it would lead to serious health effects if I had *no* hormones going into my body.

If you're worried about pain, honestly from my own experience now and what I've heard from others, it's actually not that bad (and I'm a total wuss about pain trust me). I feel like I'm just having period cramps tbh. But still make sure you have someone with you while you recover! Dropped my toothbrush the other day and would have cried real tears if my partner wasn't there to get it.

Work on your core strength, it will save you so much.

If you can stand up without your arms, that is a bonus. If you can sit up with just your legs and core, good. You can put your own undies on if you have enough core strength to stand on one leg for a bit without wobbling (please have a wall next to you, I will not be responsible for any skull fractures).

TAKE THE FULL SIX WEEKS

TAKE THE FULL SIX WEEKS

TAKE THE FULL SIX WEEKS

TAKE THE FULL SIX WEEKS

TAKE THE FULL SIX WEEKS

My scoliosis was found when I was 12. I had surgery when I was 17, the summer before my senior year of high school (you really should do it in the summer). It was ultimately up to me when to have the surgery and I definitely cried a lot while making the decision and after. It's a tough choice to make. So don't feel bad.

I was in the hospital for about a week and honestly now I don't remember the pain--morphine is a god send!

Sitting up for the first time will make you VERY dizzy. And walking is weird at first, but don't be afraid to lean on people and ask for help. I also didn't eat a lot in the hospital, but crushed ice and crushed popsicles are easy and light.

Since you'll be on a bed for a week, they're going to come in an flip you to avoid bed sores. It will be uncomfortable at first, but you get used to it. 

They'll also do breathing treatments to avoid getting clots in your lungs. For some reason they do them late at night, but the treatment has a weird yet awesome taste to it.

Something I never would have thought of--your hair. If it's super short, you'll be fine. But if it's long like mine, braid it or have someone brush it. After a week on a bed, it gets horribly knotted and it'll hurt if you don't worry about it. 

When you get home, if you don't have pads on your shower, put them in. And the best sleeping situation is between two walls of pillows. It'll keep you from turning but it's comfy!

Honestly, don't be scared about the surgery. Don't. It'll be fine. The recovery will take a long time, but have friends and family visit to have things to look forward to!

I watched a lot of Disney while I recovered, it's comfort TV. I suggest having movies and shows that make you feel good out for easy access.

You're going to sleep a lot which is great, it's what you need.

Now, I'm going to be honest with you. You will always have back pain. It definitely lessens over the first few years, but it will still be there. I model with someone who had it years before I did and we recently talked about how the pain/discomfort is always there.

But on the plus side, it's preventing any further damage to the inside of your body. Pain will always come and go, but your organs will now have the room they were meant to and you won't end up unable to walk. 

If your curve is bad like mine was, weight might shift because you've even. You might get stretch marks from the sudden shift, but people are going to be fascinated with the scar on your back. 

I don't know if one of your parents will be staying with you while you recover, but just let them know that you'll need their help, support, and understanding.

One last thing! Nurses are awesome, be nice to them and your stay/recovery will be amazing!