Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Gender Correction Surgery => Topic started by: KathyLauren on February 15, 2019, 10:07:12 AM

Title: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on February 15, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
I just got approval from my insurance for GRS funding, so it is time to start a thread to document that process.  Do not expect a lot of activity right away, the initial steps take months.  But it is going to happen!!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: JudiBlueEyes on February 15, 2019, 10:13:02 AM
Congrats!  Every journey begins with a single step.  Time will fly!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Jessica on February 15, 2019, 10:57:57 AM
Congratulations!
This is cause for a SQUEEEEEEEEEEE!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on February 15, 2019, 07:43:27 PM
@JudiBlueEyes, @Jessica

Thanks, ladies!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Northern Star Girl on February 15, 2019, 07:50:34 PM
Quote from: KathyLauren on February 15, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
I just got approval from my insurance for GRS funding, so it is time to start a thread to document that process.  Do not expect a lot of activity right away, the initial steps take months.  But it is going to happen!!

@KathyLauren
Dear Kathy:
Thank you for sharing your future GRS plans.... one of the big, big steps in your journey for sure.
I hear you about the initial steps taking months, but me and your followers certainly want to follow you all the way.

I am so glad that you started your GRS thread so that we can follow you and continue to root for your success.

I will be eagerly looking for your updates as you feel free to post them.
Hugs & Well Wishes,
Danielle

Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Maid Marion on February 15, 2019, 09:10:46 PM
That is great news!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: NatalieRene on February 15, 2019, 09:18:52 PM
Quote from: KathyLauren on February 15, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
I just got approval from my insurance for GRS funding, so it is time to start a thread to document that process.  Do not expect a lot of activity right away, the initial steps take months.  But it is going to happen!!

Congratulations! I know that you must be super excited. Do you have a date and surgeon picked out yet?
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: sarah1972 on February 15, 2019, 10:06:40 PM
Congratulations!!!! How exciting! Very happy for you!

Hugs,

Sarah
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: LizK on February 15, 2019, 10:37:33 PM
Great news wool eagerly await your updates...Hope everything goes really well

Liz


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Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on February 16, 2019, 06:02:32 AM
Quote from: NatalieRene on February 15, 2019, 09:18:52 PM
Congratulations! I know that you must be super excited. Do you have a date and surgeon picked out yet?
The surgeon will be Dr. Brassard.  He is the only one that my insurance will deal with.  The date will depend on his schedule.  It is a long process to get into the queue, and the queue itself is long.  Stay tuned.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Donica on February 16, 2019, 09:49:16 AM
Quote from: KathyLauren on February 15, 2019, 10:07:12 AM
I just got approval from my insurance for GRS funding, so it is time to start a thread to document that process.  Do not expect a lot of activity right away, the initial steps take months.  But it is going to happen!!
Congratulations Kathy! <<<Squeeeeyay>>>

Hugs!!!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: jill610 on February 16, 2019, 10:01:23 AM
Congratulations, a very exciting adventure!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Mariah on February 16, 2019, 03:08:46 PM
Congrats on the approval. Hugs
Mariah
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Stevi on February 16, 2019, 04:27:26 PM
Kathy,

Congratulations from me, as well!!!!

Stevi
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Anne Blake on February 16, 2019, 06:21:34 PM
Kathy, now that you have this thread started we are going to expect a lot of updates. Actually I am looking forward to when you get your consultation appointment set.

I have a procedure scheduled for about seven weeks from now and Deb tells me that I need to start a thread for that soon. You do your thread so well, I don't do them well at all....I will be looking for your examples to follow.

Tia
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: tgirlamg on February 17, 2019, 01:17:24 PM
All good things to you in the days to come dear sister!!! Enjoy the feel of the ground under your feet as you journey forward!!! All shall be well 😀👍

Onward we go brave sister!!!

Ashley 🙋‍♀️💕🌻
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on February 17, 2019, 02:07:28 PM
Thanks, everyone! :)

Quote from: Anne Blake on February 16, 2019, 06:21:34 PM
Kathy, now that you have this thread started we are going to expect a lot of updates.

Tia @Anne Blake, I will definitely update this thread when I have something to update it with.  I expect to do a whole bunch of waiting between updates. 

The next thing will probably be a consultation with my doctor prior to submitting my application to Dr. Brassard's clinic.  Then, several months' wait until they respond.  Then waiting for a date, then waiting for the date to arrive.

So, I don't recommend holding your breath waiting for updates!  But I promise to update it whenever something happens!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Laurie on February 18, 2019, 10:38:03 PM
Congratulations Kathy. Wanna race? I'd wager you will have your GCS before I can even though I have been referred and have a consult date. July30, 2019 then a wait for a date and a wait for the date after. Roughly 2 1/2 years to go. Good luck Hun.

Hugs, Laurie
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Megan. on February 19, 2019, 12:34:51 AM
Good luck Kathy, best wishes for a smooth process and a quick recovery. X

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Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on February 21, 2019, 09:09:49 AM
Thanks, ladies!

@Laurie, this sure doesn't feel like a race.  I'm not going to take any bets on who gets there first.  Hopefully, we both make it.

I have an appointment March 5th with my doctor to go over my application to GRS Montréal.  I could have let her submit the application on her own on my behalf, but it is worth driving into the city to make sure everything is right.  I want to make sure that I am requesting the right procedures (vaginoplasty without vaginal cavity, and trachea shave) and that I can sign anything that needs to be signed.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: steph2.0 on February 21, 2019, 09:36:13 AM
Quote from: KathyLauren on February 17, 2019, 02:07:28 PM
Thanks, everyone! :)

Tia @Anne Blake, I will definitely update this thread when I have something to update it with.  I expect to do a whole bunch of waiting between updates. 

The next thing will probably be a consultation with my doctor prior to submitting my application to Dr. Brassard's clinic.  Then, several months' wait until they respond.  Then waiting for a date, then waiting for the date to arrive.

So, I don't recommend holding your breath waiting for updates!  But I promise to update it whenever something happens!

I'm watching and cheering for you from the Peanut Gal-ery!


Stephanie
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Denise on February 23, 2019, 09:09:58 AM
Quote from: Steph2.0 on February 21, 2019, 09:36:13 AM
I'm watching and cheering for you from the Peanut Gal-ery!


Stephanie
And the pea-no-nut gal-ery too.  I'm excited for you. The time will fly by when you look back.  <<<Hugs>>>

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on March 05, 2019, 10:21:45 AM
Today is the day I was supposed to see my doctor to go over my application to the GRS Montreal clinic.  We had a major snowstorm yesterday, and the roads were in no condition for long distance travelling, so I didn't go.  She doesn't actually need my presence to write whatever letter she needs to write, it was just an optional appointment anyway.  So I told her to go ahead and send the letter and call me if she needed any information from me.

She is pretty efficient, so I will assume that the letter will go to Montreal some time this week.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Anne Blake on March 05, 2019, 11:09:16 AM
Kathy, good choice to avoid the icy and snowy road drive. Congratulations on taking the next step, how long until you expect to hear back from the Montreal clinic?

Tia Anne
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on March 05, 2019, 11:15:07 AM
Quote from: Anne Blake on March 05, 2019, 11:09:16 AMhow long until you expect to hear back from the Montreal clinic?
Thanks, Tia.  I am told that it takes them about three months to respond.  After that, I will get a date that will be at least six months in the future.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: steph2.0 on March 05, 2019, 11:28:12 AM
Quote from: KathyLauren on March 05, 2019, 10:21:45 AM
Today is the day I was supposed to see my doctor to go over my application to the GRS Montreal clinic.  We had a major snowstorm yesterday, and the roads were in no condition for long distance travelling, so I didn't go.  She doesn't actually need my presence to write whatever letter she needs to write, it was just an optional appointment anyway.  So I told her to go ahead and send the letter and call me if she needed any information from me.

She is pretty efficient, so I will assume that the letter will go to Montreal some time this week.

I understand wanting to be there in person, but you did the smart thing. Another step forward, regardless. Awesome!!

Stephanie
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Donica on March 05, 2019, 04:35:23 PM
Yes I have to agree Kathy. I'm glad you didn't venture out on to those icy snow packed roads. I hope things go ok with your letter.

Hugs.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Rayna on March 08, 2019, 04:18:51 PM
Just getting caught up. Congratulations on getting into the process, Kathy! It will be exciting for all of us to follow and support your progress.
Hugs, Randy
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Rachel on March 14, 2019, 07:26:15 PM
Congratulations. Six months will be in the fall, a nice time to have the procedure. Time will fly and before you know it, the day will be here.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on March 26, 2019, 01:09:19 PM
So, I get back from the mailbox, and I am checking through a stack of mail.  Hmm, bills, more bills.  Oh!  Who do I know in Montreal?  ???

I got my information package from Dr. Brassard's clinic in the mail!!  ;D  Some preliminary info and some forms to be filled out by me and my doctor. 

SQUEEEEE!!!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: steph2.0 on March 26, 2019, 01:16:48 PM
Quote from: KathyLauren on March 26, 2019, 01:09:19 PM
So, I get back from the mailbox, and I am checking through a stack of mail.  Hmm, bills, more bills.  Oh!  Who do I know in Montreal?  ???

I got my information package from Dr. Brassard's clinic in the mail!!  ;D  Some preliminary info and some forms to be filled out by me and my doctor. 

SQUEEEEE!!!

Squeeeee indeed!! Congratulations on another step forward!
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Northern Star Girl on March 26, 2019, 01:24:24 PM
@KathyLauren
Dear Kathy:
Wonderful news for sure!!
Yes indeed.... SQUEEEEE!!!  ....
and I will add my  Wow-Whee  to that!!!

Thank you for keeping your followers and fans updated.
Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Donica on March 27, 2019, 10:32:07 AM
Quote from: KathyLauren on March 26, 2019, 01:09:19 PM
So, I get back from the mailbox, and I am checking through a stack of mail.  Hmm, bills, more bills.  Oh!  Who do I know in Montreal?  ???

I got my information package from Dr. Brassard's clinic in the mail!!  ;D  Some preliminary info and some forms to be filled out by me and my doctor. 

SQUEEEEE!!!

Yay!!! It's happening girl. That deserves a SQUEEEE for sure.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Anne Blake on March 27, 2019, 03:47:52 PM
Congratulations girl! It is indeed moving along. SQUEEEEEE
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on May 31, 2019, 05:16:56 PM
It's been a couple of months.  In that time, I got all the requisite forms filled in and sent off.  The basic paperwork is done and I have confirmation that I am in the queue.  The next step will hopefully be to receive a tentative surgery date.  That might take a couple of months, and then the actual date may end up being a year later.  But I'm in the queue. :icon_nervious:
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: CynthiaAnn on May 31, 2019, 06:12:24 PM
Quote from: KathyLauren on May 31, 2019, 05:16:56 PM
But I'm in the queue. :icon_nervious:

I just spotted your topic Kathy, and very happy for you.

The wait, it's an event in it's self, may the planets align, when it's your time, and I have no doubt, you will do fine

Hugs

Cynthia -
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: KathyLauren on January 18, 2024, 03:21:46 PM
Well the site crash terminated this thread at an unfortunate place in the narrative.  All the good stuff is gone.   :(

Long story short:  I had my GRS in March 2020 with Dr. Brassard.  The surgery went well.  I flew home a week later by myself.  The incisions and sutures all healed up quickly and with no problems.  Unfortunately, I was left with ongoing pain that didn't go away.  I went back to Dr. Brassard a year later, but he couldn't see anything wrong, so there was nothing for him to fix.  (That unproductive visit cost me about $100 per minute!) 

I am now, 4 years later, gradually weaning myself off anti-inflammatory meds.  The pain is no longer continuous.  Interestingly, it seems to come and go on a 26-day cycle!!  :o

Was it worth it?  Yes, I think so.  If I had to do it all over again, knowing how it would turn out, I might opt for something less invasive, like maybe an orchiectomy.  But, even with the pain, I like my new configuration.  I think I really did need it.  So maybe I'd do it the same all over again.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: davina61 on January 18, 2024, 05:09:19 PM
Good to see you are okay, I had (have) a uncomfortable spot on the right side from an infection that is still painful dilating so I have stopped. Not that it makes any difference these days.
Title: Re: Kathy's GRS thread
Post by: Gwendoline on January 23, 2024, 02:51:35 PM
Congratulations, and I hope waiting list and que will be short for you!