There is life outside of gender! Tomorrow, March 8, 2010, I will have an Advance® sling to correct a bladder problem that the urologist assures me arose from the prostate surgery I had in May, 2001. Actually, I don’t know if I will get the male version referenced above, or its female equivalent.
The problem began nearly two years before my SRS, and has nothing to do with it; it just happens to be in the same area. My surgeon tried hard but was unable to coordinate with a urologist to have the sling installed at the time of my vaginoplasty, and so I’m having it now.
I am really excited — and more than a little worried. The device insertion itself is a short operation (only about an hour). If it works, I will be able to live without a bladder protection pad between my legs. I might even begin to feel my labia without a wad of cotton surrounding them. In short, I will have something like a normal life again. I might even be able to think about having sex without peeing on my partner!
I don’t know if there is a Plan B if the sling doesn’t work.
I am anxious because I still have a cough from a cold that began before Christmas — almost three months ago. Can I cough hard enough to tear out the sling after it’s been inserted? I hope not, but when the mucous fills my bronchial tubes I can cough pretty forcefully so I can get air into my lungs.
I’ll post a followup to let my readers know how it turns out, though it may be six weeks or more before I’m sure. Until then, I pray that God’s will may be done in my life.