Surgery #2

10 days later I went under the knife again to get my IPG setup. They hallowed out a pocket in my left chest over the ribs where the IPG now sits. They hooked up two wires (left and right) and threaded it up my neck and under my scalp. An incision was made in my scalp so the wires could be connected to the wires coiled up from the last surgery.

I was delighted because this surgery wasn’t as invasive and I would go home the same day. They gave us the same wound care instructions not to let a scab form because it is a sign of infection that could travel along the IPG wires into the brain. I was surprised how heavy the IPG was, making it rather hard to breathe. It sure seemed big but I chalked it up to swelling.

I was absolutely horrified when I removed the bandage and saw exactly how BIG this monstrosity was! I cannot begin to tell you the range of emotions that I felt. I was mentally prepared to shave my hair but I was not ready for this. I had a game plan for my hair with wigs (more on that later). My hair was a temporary but this is forever. I lost some of my feminine identity that day…