Decision Made & Going For It!

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Well, this is wonderful news.

After my most recent electrolysis session this past Saturday afternoon, which by the was was a rough one, my face was sore and all bumpy for almost a day and a half...ouch! I went to schedule my next two hour session for this coming weekend and my electrolysis tech said to me "Well Erica, after next week's session, I'm going to start spacing you out." This means that I'm almost to the very end of my facial hair removal process. She's going to start seeing me like every other week and for only an hour at a time, just to take care of any minor regrowth that pops up. In another month or two I'm going to be 100% free of any and all facial hair. As it is now, I haven't shaved my face once in the last 2 weeks.

This is absolutely wonderful. It is so nice not to have any hairs or stubble on my face or neck and most of all not to have to shave anymore. Shaving one's face is just such a "guy" thing and it used to be kind of depressing to do every morning. It's also made a huge difference in my complexion and the texture of my skin. It's now so smooth and soft.

It's wonderful being a girl. I just love it!

[Danya (imported)]

Congratulations, Erica! I know all about how depressing it is to have to shave your face every morning. I don't like it at all. One day, I'll be at the point you are. I'm very happy for you. And I agree; it is wonderful being a girl.

Hugs,

Danya

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Hi Everyone,

I haven't posted in a

long time so I thought I'd just check in and bring everyone up to date on what's happening in my life.

Things continue to go very well for me. Still working at the same job, which normally might not be much to report, but in today's economy, that's very good news. The weekly paycheck doesn't hurt either. At the urging of my employer, I took a 1 day seminar on Green Construction technology back in January, studied very hard for about 6 weeks and recently took the test to become an LEED Green Associate. A passing score for this test is 170 and I achieved a 186, which by the way is a better score that my instructor got when he took his exam. I am now a fully credentialed LEED GA. A little continuing education never hurts and it looks good on the resume considering that green technology is the up and coming trend in the construction industry.

My electrolysis is finally beginning to wind down. After spending almost 70 hours with my current technician under the somewhat intense pain of having an electrified probe pushed into one's face at each hair location, the results are finally paying off as I have not needed to shave my face or neck in almost 4 months now. The results are amazing. My skin textured has changed so much and my complexion is so much finer. It's just remarkable and I'm loving it!

My weekly hormone regime continues at a dosage of 0.3 CC's of estrodiol and believe it or not, even after being on female HRT for almost 4 years, my breast are currently experiencing another growth spurt over the past 3 weeks. I'm now up to a full "D" cup without any enhancement or help from my bra, if you know what I mean. This is another thing that I'm really loving!

Dilation continues and is now pretty much a daily part of my life though I'm now down to performing this task once a day, 5 days a week. It's my understanding that my GRS surgeon, Marci Bowers, is moving her practice from Trinidad, CO. to San Francisco in the next few weeks. For all of us girls that live out east and in the Midwest, this will mean additional expense to use her, i.e.; additional travel cost and knowing San Fran, most likely higher lodging and food expenses, not to mention the discomfort of having to sit on an airplane for a longer period of time. Sitting was not my favorite thing to do for about 6 weeks after my GRS.

Continuing to get out to the nightclubs on occasion though I have cut way back on these activities. I guess that living full time as myself for almost 3 years now has diminished the need to get out on the weekends in order to live my life as me, but don't get me wrong, I still enjoy partying and I still continue to welcome everyday as it provides another opportunity to just be me and the woman I have always been.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Well, here we are in the middle of May and after enjoying some very nice weather during the month of April, May is turning out to more resemble March instead of May from a weather standpoint here in the Windy City. I just wish it would warm up and stay that way!

I now have completed 10 months or about 86 hours of electrolysis with my current technician. This includes not only my face and neck areas but my ears and eyebrows as well. We're finally down to the very bitter end! This past Sunday, she touched up my eyebrows and ears and then spent the rest of the session picking off some little tiny fizzy ones that still haven't yet gotten the idea that they're just not wanted. They'll catch on eventually, I hope.

Celebrated 34 years of wedded bliss with my partner this past Saturday. She truly is the most understanding and loving woman that could ever be. I'm truly blessed to have her as a part of my life!

We are also going to be presenting our own seminar this year at the upcoming Be-All conference. Our topic is going to be Coming Out and Acceptance. We are most certainly not experts in this field, but I feel we have done a darn good job of maintaining and strengthen our relationship since I transitioned and if we can help just one other couple to stay together, it will be well worth the time and effort.

[bobweekend (imported)]

EricaAnn how does that work from a legal perspective? Are you still considered husband and wife? or once your transition was final you had to divorce because of silly laws? Do you still get to file federal income tax as a married couple?

I am glad you managed to keep the relationship together from a personal perspective, just curious about the legal aspects of it in this backwater conservative legal system we have?

[EricaAnn (imported)]

EricaAnn how does that work from a legal perspective? Are you still considered husband and wife? or once your transition was final you had to divorce because of silly laws? Do you still get to file federal income tax as a married couple?

I am glad you managed to keep the relationship together from a personal perspective, just curious about the legal aspects of it in this backwater conservative legal system we have?

Hi bobweekend,

I too had the same questions in mind once I had the legal name change, the GRS procedure and had the gender changed on my birth certificate so I did consult a friend of mine who is an attorney regarding this matter.

She informed me that since we were legally married prior to my transition and had the paperwork that could prove that I was indeed the person that was listed on the marriage license, we still have a valid marriag

e in the eyes of the State of Illinois

even tho this state does not recognize same sex marriages.

We have filed both our federal and state income tax returns as married filing jointly for the past several years now and have not yet been challenged by either departments of revenue.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Hi Everyone,

Well after a lot of thought and searching, I decided to go for it and cut my hair into a new, trendy, chic and bold pixie hair style as seen in my new avatar. The pixie cut is the hot new hair style for this year and is being worn by quite a few Hollywood celebrities.

I've been wearing extensions for the last 5-1/2 months while wanting for my hair to grow out a bit from a very, very bad hair cut last November. Just couldn't stand the extensions anymore so I went to the salon, had them removed and then had my hair cut into this fabulous pixie. It's pretty short, but I'm loving it and I promised myself if I did get this cut that I was going to keep it this way for at least one year. I have been told that the new style makes me look younger, which is something I sure can use.

Going to be so much easier every morning as it's basically wash and wear. Just blow dry and style it with your fingers. The only down side is that it will require monthly trims to keep it in shape.

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Looks very nice EricaAnn..I'm glad for you dragonfly

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Looks very nice EricaAnn..I'm glad for you dragonfly

Thank you for the very nice compliment dragonfly. I do appreciate it!

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Well, I just didn't like my new hair cut all that much after looking at it for the past several days so I did something very radical tonight. I went to the salon and got it cut really short as seen by the new avatar.

It's totally funky and punky now and about 2" long on top. I'm really loving it now!

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Had a wonderful time at the transgender Be-All Conference late last week and this past weekend. Once again it was a great opportunity to renew old friendships and to make a few new ones in the process.

My spouse and I presented a seminar at the conference on Coming Out and Acceptance. It went over well enough that we were asked to do an interview that was video recorded and will be on the local broadcast channel here in Chicago later this month. We were also interviewed by a representative from the Transakpipeline group for posting on their web site later this month. For those not familiar, it is a transgender organization located in Alaska.

I also did a bit too much "partying" with my sisters. I consumed more vodka in a four day period than I would normally in four months, but what the heck...it only comes once a year so you have to enjoy it while you can!

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Hi Everyone,

Well I decided to make another change in my hair again so this time I changed the color to an ash tone platinum blond and had my bangs cut at an angle, shorten and sliced choppy. I absolutely love the change in the style and most of all the color. My new avatar reflects these changes.

I thought for awhile about growing it back out to a longer length, but I'm only kidding myself. I don't have the patience to wait several years for it to grow again and the ugly stages it will go through in the process because it is very short, so I'm just going to be a short hair girl for a long time to come.

Love'n my pixie cut more and more every day!

[tugon (imported)]

Hi Everyone,

Well I decided to make another change in my hair again so this time I changed the color to an ash tone platinum blond and had my bangs cut at an angle, shorten and sliced choppy. I absolutely love the change in the style and most of all the color. My new avatar reflects these changes.

I thought for awhile about growing it back out to a longer length, but I'm only kidding myself. I don't have the patience to wait several years for it to grow again and the ugly stages it will go through in the process because it is very short, so I'm just going to be a short hair girl for a long time to come.

Love'n my pixie cut more and more every day!

I love the new cut and color. I hope to see you in August. I will be bringing my camera and would like to capture your beauty.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Hi again everyone,

Well after giving the idea of breast augmentation some long and serious consideration

, I have decided to proceed with th

is cosmetic enhancement.

I have consulted with three different plastic surgeons on this matter, gotten their opinions as well as their prices and have decided to go with Dr. Zurkowski for the procedure.

They all agreed that my breast have developed as large as their going to get after 4 years of hormone therapy and while I'm fortunate to have achieved a small "C" cup size, which by the way, is very good for a transgender woman, based on my frame and shoulder size, I really need to be a large "D" cup to look in proportion, so that's what I'm going with.

The surgery is scheduled for Thursday, August 19th and I've got to tell you, I'm very excited for the outcome. I'll continue to post further details as the date approaches.

[Danya (imported)]

Hi Erica Ann,

You told me you were consulting several surgeons for breast augmentation. I'm glad you found one you are comfortable with. I know you are excited and I can relate. I'm sure you will be thrilled with the results.

Hugs,

Danya

[mrt (imported)]

I was pretty afraid about surgery but I have to say the people taking care of you make a huge difference. Good luck and a fast recovery!

[EricaAnn (imported)]

I had my pre surgical conference with Dr. Zukowski this evening. I had to go through, read and initial a number of consent forms. He then photographed my breast. Front, profile and 3/4 views. After wards I joked with him by saying "I hope I don't find these shots on the Internet tomorrow." He responded, "No, these are for our private records." I don't think he appreciates my sense of humor. But I did get a smile out him when on one of the forms I filled out there was a question about things you may be allergic to. I wrote annoying people.

We then discussed the size of the implants and decided to go with something in the range of 375 to 400 cc's.

I was issued four prescriptions one to relieve swelling, Vicodin, Valium and an antibiotic which I need to get filled prior to the day of surgery. I also gave him my down payment equaling one half of the amount of the procedure in order to secure my surgery date, August 19th or exactly one month from today. I'm really getting excited now. The count down begins...31 days.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

I had my breast augmentation procedure this morning. Went into surgery about 8:00 AM and woke up in the recovery room at about 10:20 AM. When I came to my legs were really acting up due to my RLS and I was in a lot of pain and had quite a bit of pressure on my chest.

The ride home was really rough as the pain increased quite a bit on the way. I was almost in tears from the pain by the time I got home Thank God that my partner brought my Requip meds for the RLS with her when she picked me up. When I arrived home I took some Vicodin and Valium which after about an hour brought the pain level down enough that I could sleep, which I did for about 3 hours. I also drank a lot of water this afternoon as my mouth was so dry from the anesthesia. It felt like it was lined with cotton.

Tried to eat a light diet this afternoon, mostly soup and some eggs for dinner. Sleeping could be a bit tough for the next few nights as I have to sleep propped up on the sofa to help with swelling. I have to return to the PS on Monday to have the dressings and sutures removed so I really won't see my new "girls" until Monday, but from what I can tell at this time, there has been a definite improvement in their size.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Didn't sleep all that well last night as the sofa as sitting up is not the most comfortable position for sleep. I'm going to try sleeping in bed tonight on my back with a few pillows propped up under my head and back in order to elevate the upper portion of my body in order to control any swelling that may occur. It's got to be better than the sofa, that's for sure!

The Vicodin is doing a great job controlling the pain and the pressure on my chest is much better this morning though my chest does seem a bit larger this morning. Have no idea why, but that's probably a good thing.

I have to start my antibiotics today as well as the medication to control swelling.

I can't wait for Monday to get the dressings removed and the official unveiling of my new "girls".

[tugon (imported)]

Pharmacies that sell home health care equipmemt sell foam wedges that elevate your head and shoulders about 45 degrees. I am not sure how much they cost but it would be more stable than two pillows. A foam wedge can also help people with acid reflux.

I hope you heal quickly and soon be pain free.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

I'm now two weeks post op from my breast augmentation procedure and I'm doing GREAT! The bandages, tape and sutures have been removed. I still have some bruising on the lower side of my breasts toward the arm pit area, more so on the right side than the left, but hopefully this will fade in the near future. I've been wearing this wonderfully fashionable surgical bra for almost two weeks now and I can't wait for two more weeks to pass so I can trade this "granny" bra in for something sexy from Victoria Secrets. The only problem I'm currently experiencing is that my nipples are sore from being erect all the time and rubbing on my bra. The PS said this is very common and they will return to normal in about a month.

I did go through my dresser drawer last week and gathered up all of my old bras and gave them to a clothing charity. I was surprised to see that I actually had eight different bras of various sizes. My collection and progression on hormone therapy.

My boobs seem to have grown a bit in the last week or so. From the research I've done this seems to be normal for the under the muscle placement of the implants. It appears that as the pectoral muscle stretches to accommodate the implants the muscle relaxes and does not compress the implants as much as at first. The term used for this is called "fluffing". Kind of cute...like a pillow! Since my follow up visit with my PS from last Friday, I have now started the daily massage routine. I have to do this for 5 minutes every day for the next 2 months or so. This is supposed to help the implants drop into the pocket that the surgeon provided for them as well as to soften them up, which is part of the "fluffing" process.

I did measure myself the other day for the first time since surgery and I'm currently a 40DD, which means a two cup size increase for me.

I'm thinking about doing some shopping for a new bra as well as a few new blouses this weekend as some of my tops no longer fit me.

[EricaAnn (imported)]

Well I just had to stop wearing that surgical bra today. There are two seams sewn into the lower portion of the cup areas that have just irritated my breasts something fierce, especially my left one, so I'm trying to wear a D cup bra that I've had for a while instead. It's definitely too small for me, but being that it's too small should provide the same support and compression that that nasty surgical bra is supposed to do. Besides it's also a bit more fashionable too!

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Wow, EricaAnn...those are some mighty large new breasts...No fooling around here...Good luck...take care of them...dragonfly

[Mac (imported)]

Erica Ann those breasts sound lovely. Show them proudly. I would be satisfied with "C" or possibly "D" sized ones.

[dancinggizmos (imported)]

Sounds like you are doing good, I hope progression is still doing good for you.

Good luck!

Well I just had to stop wearing that surgical bra today. There are two seams sewn into the lower portion of the cup areas that have just irritated my breasts something fierce, especially my left one, so I'm trying to wear a D cup bra that I've had for a while instead. It's definitely too small for me, but being that it's too small should provide the same support and compression that that nasty surgical bra is supposed to do. Besides it's also a bit more fashionable too!