One man cannot take an oceanliner out to sea
We see an occasional “go it alone” MTF vaginoplasty patient, but this is to be discouraged. If there is anytime a friend, lover, family member, spouse is needed to be nearby, this is the primal call for togetherness. They are helpful in so many ways and with patient permission are encouraged to be present at all interviews and consultations, and if possible even during examinations. This ensures every word bite is heard and understood. Discharge instructions on the final day (putting it all together) is so important. We do this with a typewritten sheet, but we have to make this come alive with emphasis and foresage what may happen if instructions are not followed. The use of stents afterwards is key. Without the mast, the sail will not stand. So until the vagina becomes well fixated to the surrounding tissues and hopefully enlarges to better fulfill the needs of penetrating sex, stents are de rigueur. “Please no more anal sex, you may get a recto-vaginal fistula.”
Togetherness is seen in many ways. Often a previous patient of ours will accompany another. At times such as this week, both may have a touch up together, usually under local. Great friendship and comfort in each other’s presence.
Imagine this scene. Our office is loaded with patients in every examination room, office and waiting room, as well. So taking advantage of 2 clean beds in the recovery room, both postops and placed there for a wound check.
They lie on adjoining beds, with their skirts up, no partition drape is drawn per their request, and to speed things along, after they are in this postion I am called in to see both the same time. “Gorgeous” I exclaim, but that is not all. Hand held mirrors are always nearby, and both patients are encouraged to see how it turned out and confirm that every detail has been revised to their complete satisfaction. While this had been done before they got off the OR table 4 days ago, today is a new day and let’s do this once again just to be sure.
Smiles and thanks… the tips we work for. Oh happy day.
Harold M. Reed, M.D.
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