[embodiment] brief observation re top surgery

[kaberett]

I was aware, of course, that Nipple Sensation Changes and can be destroyed permanently by double incision, being the type of surgery that was performed on me.

The thing I didn't really register in advance, or even properly after the fact until I did start getting some nerve regrowth to the areolae/nipples themselves (and at nearly 3 years on I have some sensitivity to pressure and pain, but it's diffuse and nuance is still entirely absent), is that another major factor in sensation-change is the removal of, well, mammary tissue -- which has a lot of Structure and results in a lot of fairly distinct Sensation that is just now and forever entirely absent for me, but which doesn't really seem to get talked about explicitly, or at least I don't recall anyone discussing it with me.

(And this is some of why we support trans kids and let them access puberty blockers, of course.)

Comments

[alexwlchan]

<3

[batrachian]

<3

[hydrangea]

Thank you for this post!

[vass]

Same, re current state of nerve regrowth. Re the mammary tissue sensation: I hadn't noticed that, but I do sometimes get ghost breasts. And then have to feel my actual chest for reassurance.

[silveradept]

That is something that piques curiosity, but also, very much, we give kids the blockers so they don't have to go through something that will require a lot of adjustment away from.

[indywind]

I love learning about other people’s experiences of body stuff, especially where I have something to compare to. I’m mostly happy to have significantly reduced nipple sensation, since before surgery mine were uncomfortably sensitive much of the time. But I feel like I have more sensation in other areas of my chest now than I did before, and it’s kind of weird.

I would like to leave kudos on this post.

[lokifan]

Oh, interesting. Makes sense.

And SERIOUSLY PUBERTY BLOCKERS FOR ALL TRANS KIDS WHO WANT EM JFC WHY IS THIS EVEN A DEBATE. (I don't know when/if I'll forgive the Guardian for the op-ed on the Tavistock decision.)

[kaberett]

Iiiiii have absolutely no intention of forgiving them for that and, well, Everything Else until such a time as they have ISSUED A DAMN APOLOGY. :|

[lokifan]

100000000%

[sfred]

(Am very behind on DW.)

Yes, this.
<3