Post Op Depression

[Melanierose]

About 2 hours after waking up from the anesthesia.
First just stsnding and a few steps inside the room, and the next days I walked about 2 miles each. One mile in the morning, one in the afternoon.
I want to be as fit and healthy as possible when I get out on Wednesday.

Hugs
Linde

I would be careful about walking so far your not going to lose fitness over night but you can easily burst a stitch

 

[Linde]

I would be careful about walking so far your not going to lose fitness over night but you can easily burst a stitch

The docs agreed with my walking schedule. Now that the support of the packing is gone, I walk a little less.

Hugs
Linde

 

[pamelatransuk]

I hadn’t read about post op euphoria, so when it happened it took me by surprise! Being not expected I know it was genuine, ie, I hadn’t talked myself into it! I guess mine started at the unveiling when I let go 65 years of frustration in tears and everything felt so right after that!

Great point @Pamela that depression could come months later. I will be aware!

Hugs,

Allie

I don't wish to depress anyone with this comment but if we are honest, I think most of us will have been depressed either due to being trans ( before HRT or GRS) or for other reasons and probably a mixture of both.

I strongly suspect that most of us months or years after GRS will become depressed again either due to the "other" reasons above or because fresh problems occur; circumstances can go against us; it's a strange thing the mind - many times we think we are "over" a previous problem or disappointment but it comes back to haunt us.

The good news is that having had a really serious problem being trans and then having solved it by HRT and GRS, both our resilience and our contentment should be high such that we are able to overcome further problems. The depression having returned is thus removed.

Hugs

Pamela xx

 

[Monica]

I wonder if that is a thread Pamela. Is it something you would want to talk more about? In my head I kind of separate post op depression from general depression. For one thing I see post op depression as short term and in response to what one goes through with surgery. Personally I think it could be interesting to compare notes on depression.

 

[TonyaJanelle]

I strongly suspect that most of us months or years after GRS will become depressed again either due to the "other" reasons above or because fresh problems occur; circumstances can go against us; it's a strange thing the mind - many times we think we are "over" a previous problem or disappointment but it comes back to haunt us.

I wasn't depressed at any time before surgery but I'm borderline with it now. Can't say if it's related to surgery. Could be, been a lot of of why the hell didn't I do this 30 years ago and hating on my younger self for not understanding it. I know that's all irrational but my head goes there.

 

[Linde]

I don't think that I was depressed either prior to surgery.
I don't think that I will get much post surgery either. But my sexuality is starting to mess around with my brain.
I was as sure as anybody could be sure that I am a lesbian, simply a pretty steaigth out homosexual with mostly asexual leanings.
But now that I have long nights and days in the hospital, I start to wondrr if a relation with a guy might be fun, now that I have the parts that are made for such a relation.
I was getying minimum depth only, because of the lesbian orientation, and all of a sudden I made the ladt minute decission to better go with full depth. Here I am now, dilating a 5" full size vagina!

I still wonder, if I am going nuts?

Hugs
Linde

 

[pamelatransuk]

All I can add at this point is that I have never had post op depression - Allie referred at the start to after any surgery. I cannot predict if I will suffer it after GRS; I expect not but am prepared for it.

The depression I suggest which we must avoid and which thankfully I have not really suffered is long term depression. I consider I have a good sense of resilience for the foreseeable future to fight minor setbacks in life.

Hugs

Pamela xx

 

[Melanierose]

I don't wish to depress anyone with this comment but if we are honest, I think most of us will have been depressed either due to being trans ( before HRT or GRS) or for other reasons and probably a mixture of both.

I strongly suspect that most of us months or years after GRS will become depressed again either due to the "other" reasons above or because fresh problems occur; circumstances can go against us; it's a strange thing the mind - many times we think we are "over" a previous problem or disappointment but it comes back to haunt us.

The good news is that having had a really serious problem being trans and then having solved it by HRT and GRS, both our resilience and our contentment should be high such that we are able to overcome further problems. The depression having returned is thus removed.

Hugs

Pamela xx

Yes I was depressed because of trans issues before hrt but from then on no problems

 

[Monica]

I really hope we aren't talking anyone into depression. It may or may not be something that you experience. I saw this short video. Some of you are familiar with this doctor. I think I used online forums for support in my case. I'd urge anyone who is having surgery to not hide what you are feeling. Express it. Slap us upside the head if you think you aren't heard.

 

[TonyaJanelle]

I really hope we aren't talking anyone into depression. It may or may not be something that you experience. I saw this short video. Some of you are familiar with this doctor. I think I used online forums for support in my case. I'd urge anyone who is having surgery to not hide what you are feeling. Express it. Slap us upside the head if you think you aren't heard.

Isn't she in Florida now?

 

[Confused]

I struggled with dyshoria and depression as a teenager and again with depression after my prostate surgery. Because of what that surgery caused, my blood sugar started getting out of control until I found the answer. That answer is GCS. Since starting therapy and shutting down my T, my dysphoria is almost gone and my blood sugar is now below pre-diabetes. Some of you over the last year+ have helped me to understand myself better and learn more about what I am getting into. My only question mark at this point is knowing I am not binary and how that affects the outcome post GCS for euphoria or dysphoria. That said, I know I have friends here to talk with afterwards.

Both Kim and Nicole have told me they will pay me to slap you upside the head Moni.

Hugs,
Mike

 

[Monica]

Both Kim and Nicole have told me they will pay me to slap you upside the head Moni.

I don't think you get the idea of harassing me, Mike. You have to threaten me with something I wouldn't benefit from. lol

 

[Linde]

Isn't she in Florida now?

No Tonya, she is in Miami, which is Havana II

Hugs
Linde

 

[OzGirl]

From the video Moni posted, literature I have read, and a power point I saw, we can't underestimate the problems caused by hormone variations. It is bad enough that the hormone factories are removed during surgery, but to then deprive a patient of their normal hormones for up to a month before, during the hospital stay, and 2 weeks after surgery must have some effect. I know it affected me physically during my hospital stay, and if I hadn't returned to my hormone regime as soon as I got home, I feel I could have become depressed. Maybe some of my euphoria was due to restoring my hormone levels! The frustrating thing is that denying hormones is unnecessary and shows the surgeons who live in the past!

Hugs,

Allie

 

[Linde]

The reason that I might have no depression could be that I had my orchi several years ago already, which means no new adjustment to hormones. And that I was without estrogen for about a werk only. They injected E into me the next day after surgery, and my life just continued normally, except that I am in a hospital bed.
But depression is not on my table, just the thought, how to keep the cold Minnesota air away from my brand new parts.

Hugs
Linde.

 

[Kenna]

I really hope we aren't talking anyone into depression. It may or may not be something that you experience. I saw this short video. Some of you are familiar with this doctor. I think I used online forums for support in my case. I'd urge anyone who is having surgery to not hide what you are feeling. Express it. Slap us upside the head if you think you aren't heard.

Yes, post-op depression does happen, but there's also plenty of times it doesn't happen. Please don't let this discussion become a self-fulfilling prophecy! It's obviously responsible to have supports in place, including friends here, should it happen but they can be also be great companions to share one's celebration and ongoing joy with.
-Kenna

 

[OzGirl]

Yes, I think the message is be aware and prepare, but the posts so far seem to indicate it is an unusual thing! This thread was started as the info given by my surgeon includes resources to handle post op depression, and I have seen it mentioned in many other texts. I would hope it is making people aware of both the possibility and the low incidence reported here. We have also highlight post op Euphoria, and it would be prudent to also mention not everybody will experience this, but good to know it happens!

Hugs,

Allie

 

[Monica]

You're both right! Dang Aussies are so smart!

 

[Madrhode]

You're both right! Dang Aussies are so smart!

Shhh!!! Those Aussies do not need to know that. We can’t keep them down under too long.

 

[Rachel]

Congratulations all that are getting GCS, FFS and other surgeries.

I think exercise that causes heavy breathing helps heaps.

I started morning PT post op. I was on a SSRI (high dose) and was still having issues. I started doing squats, walking steps (21 stories) and doing 100 push ups at 0500 hrs. I also joined a gym and did spinning and lifting. Post covid I am now back to 100 squats and walking up 9 stories. Next week my plan is to increase the stories to 15 stories. Stamina is an issue with me post covid.

The gym just reopened this month due to Philly restrictions being lifted. I want to rejoin in February.

I think the endorphins released from high intensity exercise has huge impacts on the mind and body throughout a day. I was able to get off the SSRI by walking steps, pushups and squats and spinning and lifting. Also, I confronted my greatest fears. Being naked in crowds and asking for people to play. I did that at the hall and I do that at parties. The parties have a few woman and a lot of men. So asking to play at parties is about sex.

I will be going to another venue Saturday. Again challenging my norm.

I looked at my fears and did what I was afraid of doing. When I started doing steps I walked up 9 flights and had severe induced asthma. I slowed my pace greatly and built up my lung capacity. I did not stop because of the extreme discomfort and fear of not being able to breath. I really think my depression was about doing what others wanted me to do and not doing what I wanted to do. Also, to challenge how I do things. Stop doing what is done mindlessly. Initiate new challenges and thought.

Funny, I incorporated what I learned about brain resiliency and rewiring new brain pathways into my work management style. Incredible results have happened. Yup, holding back and living your life as others want you to be caused me pain and it morphed into depression. Maybe it affected my staff too.

When I was 5 I started team swimming. I swam all year long and was on three teams ( I was mortified not having any bulge in a speedo). Saturdays were swim meets and a huge amount of competition. I hated team swimming. I hated swim meets. I hated speedo swim gear. Yet, I had to do it until one day I just could not do it. I stopped. I walked off the line, got dressed and went home. The world did not stop. I was made to feel like such a looser for stopping. I was 15.

I think a lot of what I did in life was what others wanted me to do. When I started changing my stress escalated. My coping mechanisms were overwhelmed. Yet I persevered; I think I just could not go on doing their routine. I learned I can do what I want to do. I can act out on my fantasizes. The world will not stop and no one really cares. I learned new brain pathways and reward systems. Depression was not part of the plan.

I will be starting the Wim Hof breathing techniques to increase endorphin release and respiratory capacity. Presently when I do 9 stories I am tapped out. Also, I need to exercise my respiratory system and get back to completing my morning steps. Perhaps being sick has presented me with a new opportunity to learn something new or challenge how and what I am doing presently.

Perhaps GCS, FFS, hair transplants and BA were all pivot points and the change and feelings were all new. Not all of the old was not good but it all changed. Perhaps the depression from lack of action and then actions that removed the bad with the good in my old life. I have passed through hell and I kept on going.

Three in the office had Covid in a cluster. I returned in 10 days, one returned in a month (still is having issues and works partial weeks and days) and the other is still out (6 weeks). Life is for the living. Every day is precious.

Rachel