Post-Surgery Recovery and Tracking

Recovery after gender-affirming surgery is a significant part of the journey. Gender Journey gives you tools to track your healing, manage follow-up care, and document your progress.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication.

Recovery Journaling

Your My Diary is an ideal place to track your recovery experience:

• Daily updates — Note your pain levels, mobility, energy, and mood each day.
• Medication notes — Record any pain relief or other post-operative medications you are taking.
• Milestones — Document when you reach recovery milestones, such as your first walk, first shower, or return to daily activities.
• Mood tracking — Post-surgical emotions can be complex. Use mood tags to track how you are feeling over time.

Visual Documentation

Use My Photos to document your healing:

• Take photos at regular intervals (e.g., weekly) to track visible changes.
• Use consistent angles and lighting for the most useful comparisons.
• The before-and-after comparison tool helps you see your healing progress over time.
• All photos are stored securely and privately.

Follow-Up Care

Use My Calendar to manage post-operative follow-up:

• Follow-up appointments — Schedule and set reminders for all post-surgical check-ups.
• Wound care — Set reminders for dressing changes or other care tasks as instructed by your surgical team.
• Medication reminders — If you have post-operative medications, track them in My Medications.
• Activity milestones — Note when your surgeon clears you for specific activities (e.g., driving, exercise, returning to work).

Blood Tests After Surgery

Your provider may recommend blood tests after surgery, especially if your HRT regimen has changed. Log these in My Health to maintain a continuous record.

Communicating With Your Surgical Team

If you have concerns during recovery:

• Review your diary notes and photos so you can describe your symptoms accurately.
• Contact your surgeon or GP promptly if you notice any signs of complications such as unusual swelling, persistent pain, or signs of infection.
• Bring your Gender Journey data to follow-up appointments for a complete picture of your recovery.

Emotional Recovery

Surgery is a significant life event, and emotional recovery is just as important as physical healing. Consider:

• Journaling in My Diary about your emotional experience.
• Reaching out to your community in My Connect for peer support.
• Chatting with GALE (Hatched plan) for wellness support.
• Speaking with a therapist if you need professional support.

Take recovery at your own pace. Every person heals differently, and there is no set timeline for how you should feel.