It seems like forever since I started then on the other hand it seems like just yesterday. I feel very fortunate that it has been a smooth journey.
The biggest thing that has happened is my chest surgery. A lot of people wait/have to wait years before they can have surgery due to financial, life etc. I don't know that I could have waited without it affecting me badly. My healing is going well. The right side has a bit more fat tissue left over so it cause some discomfort. Hopefully I can start losing some weight now and that will go down. I go back to the Dr. the end of June and we will see if a revision can be done to get rid of any excess skin. I hardly wear a shirt around the house anymore, only when it's cold. We went to a gay bar on Sunday and I only wore my leather vest. It was a huge step for me but I just forced myself to be okay with it. My friends were very supportive. Today I went outside and sat on the door step without a shirt. I'm forcing myself to take these steps to get more comfortable and to get some sun on this white belly! It takes a lot of work to get over 47 years of "female society". Gay Pride is the first weekend of June and I want to go shirtless. I'm proud of finally being where I want to be and want to show off!
I went back to work 3 days ago after having 8 weeks off to heal. It is weird to be back. I am feeling a bit self conscious. Nothing has happened but I feel like some people don't know how to act. It's probably just in my head. I know it will pass with some time.
WARNING: This next paragraph will be a bit personal about below the belt.
My other new learning point is using the mens restroom. Luckily I have enough facial hair now to not draw attention. I bought a STP (Stand To Pee) device. It is a silicone, funnel, hollow penis replica. I wont go into too much detail but it does work pretty effectively. Again, it's hard to break 47yrs of behavior of using the womens restroom.
For those who are wondering, I will not be having bottom surgery. It is very expensive, extensive and very few surgeons can do it "perfectly".
So 6 months later and I am working through my fears of retraining 47yrs of female actions into male life!
Here is a picture of the first week 6 months ago and today!
