Orchiectomy, why not start first for a more normal MtF transition, ???

[Francis Ann Burgett]

I've been on & off HRT most of my life & for some reason I have not moved all the way forward. I think these wrong hormones were part of the reason I did not adjust normally. I'm starting back HRT & think I should have orchiectomy first this time to move forward & remove the wrong hormones into my body.

Does any member have any suggestions on Physicians in the Southeast US, Atlanta area that they could suggest???

Any thoughts on the subject??

Francis Ann, located in southeast US.

[Caith]

Dr. Jenelle Foote is a urologist in Atlanta, GA who performs orchiectomy.  Dr. Fara Movagharnia is a cosmetic surgeon in Atlanta, GA who also performs orchiectomy.  Dr. Harold Reed is a urologist in Miami, FL who also performs orchiectomy.

Good luck to you!

[Francis Ann Burgett]

Caith,

Thank you. I've looked at Dr. Reed's website for the past year or so, while thinking about this initial procedure. If I may ask why did you choose his practice? Were you satisfied?

I live closer to Atlanta & if a physician there is professional & caring it would be easier for me without flying to Miami.

Thanks again,

Francis

[Ann Onymous]

My guess would be that for some it might make sense.  I would probably not have opted to go that route for the simple reason that I tend to be rather averse to more surgical intervention than is necessary.  If I can reduce the number of times I have to be under anesthesia, the better off I am from the risk-based standpoint.  Whether it is rational or not, I still recall the concerns when I had wisdom teeth out 30'ish years ago and they were worried that my RESTING BP and pulse numbers were lower than they wanted to see AFTER I had gone under...and when an anestheologist is showing signs of concern, that is when I figure that *I* need to be paying attention. 

And that goes for ANY sort of surgery...it is one of the reasons I never had either knee operated on and why I declined to have surgery on my hand after a small series of fractures near the wrist that stemmed from athletic injury in competition... 

[cynthialee]

One of the best benifits to having an orchi in my opinion is that you can no longer crack your nuts. I ussed to do that all the time. Like they wern't properly maped in my brain cause I was constantly having them get in my way.

[Francis Ann Burgett]

Little things are a nuisance that's for sure. I should have had them professionally removed years ago.

[Francis Ann Burgett]

My plan is enclosed, I could use any advise or suggestions from any girl friends that have taken the orcie route.

Orchiectomy & HRT then just relax, enjoy life, gardening, etc.. a while on my farm in the mountains around Tennessee. Age mid 50's, passable except for too much facial hair, 5-9, average weight, pretty face, financially secure, no family to be concerned with. I've planned this change for a long time. I've been back & forth so many times & this time I do not want to slip back male, my reason for orcie to be done with those things & wrong hormones.

Maybe after 1 year & changes to my body, living more full time as Francis to most everyone around me then I can schedule SRS.

Does this seem a good plan??? Any advise appreciated. I read so many horror stories it's scary. I want to be just a normal healthy nice looking woman. I am trying not to have any trouble or problems with my transition.

Thanks to all girl friends for your advise, suggestions.

Francis

[AbraCadabra]

Thought about it and dropped the idea as: After 1 1/2 years of HRT I'll save squat on 'mones and AA. The same be the case pre- or post-op my current understanding.

Yes, I go with Cynthia and cracking them nutty "twins" rather often not nice. Ouch.

In any case I decided for GRS to take care of the lot.

Lastly I feel an odd aversion for a "big clit" and no vag. Just IMHO and a pretty personal choice.

So take you pick :-)
Axelle

[Francis Ann Burgett]

I hope to have a nice normal size vagina one day. That will be a great day. I enjoy men 100%. I so look forward to normal good sex with a normal man inside me. From all I've read the other things are not used & just seem to be in the way. Am I wrong? Is the other excess skin used in any way to create a nice vagina?

[AbraCadabra]

*Is the other excess skin used in any way to create a nice vagina?*

YEEEES, big time. Unless you would want to go through the nasties of what in short is called colon-section in order to give you some required depth by using a portion of your sigmoid-colon.

It is a far more invasive procedure then inversion and only used if you have too little skin for scrotal-penile-inversion.

Goggle: Colon-section and or Colovaginoplasty.
Axelle

[Caith]

Thank you. I've looked at Dr. Reed's website for the past year or so, while thinking about this initial procedure. If I may ask why did you choose his practice? Were you satisfied?

If I had found references to Dr. Foote in Atlanta before sending the initial deposit to Dr. Reed, I would have gone to her, instead.  Rather than flying to Miami, I could have driven to Atlanta.  The other thing about Dr. Reed is his North Miami Beach location is a very nice vacation spot.  I was enjoying a walk on the beach the afternoon following my surgery, and the ocean breezes were fabulous.

[jamie nicole]

the most advantagous thing is that if you're not planning on SRS for quite some time, having the orchi before hand will allow you a lower dose of E and no more anti-androgen meds

[Francis Ann Burgett]

Jamie, thank you for your reply & I'm so glad for you & hope that all things proceed very well for your upcoming SRS. I'm sure you will be such a happy girl on that day. You have such a pretty picture as posted.

On the orchi it just seems to me it would be more normal for my body not to have to take any more extra anti-androgen medications. After this is complete I do plan SRS perhaps with one year. To me it seems a more logical transition with less medications.

My best to you in your new life & thank you again.

Francis

[Francis Ann Burgett]

Caith,

Thank you so much for your advise & suggestions. I'm sure your walk on the beach that day was a most pleasant walk.

I'm going to try & follow up with the Atlanta Physician you suggested since I'm so close by. I so look forward to my walk in the park the day after. I so hope I can just relax & finally resolve this problem so I can move forward in my life as you have.

I'm so glad for you & hope you have a great day & week.

Francis

[jamie nicole]

Jamie, thank you for your reply & I'm so glad for you & hope that all things proceed very well for your upcoming SRS. I'm sure you will be such a happy girl on that day. You have such a pretty picture as posted.

On the orchi it just seems to me it would be more normal for my body not to have to take any more extra anti-androgen medications. After this is complete I do plan SRS perhaps with one year. To me it seems a more logical transition with less medications.

My best to you in your new life & thank you again.

Francis

awe, thank you. I remember when I had my BA done in 2008, I awoke from surgery with a smile on my face.....I'm sure when I awake from SRS....regardless of any pain, I'll be ecstatic!! 

One other thing I would suggest is that whichever surgeon you choose for the orchi, be sure they are familiar with SRS techniques.  I had my orchi back in early 2008, but was medically necessary.  I made the surgeon consult with Dr. McGinn in Philly to ensure that whereever he incised, it wouldnt complicate my SRS.....tubal ligations, site of incision and such.

[cynthialee]

Getting rid of the twins is a godsend for me.
No need for anti androgens and no inadvertant hurting myself.

I would love to get srs but I see no avenue to that goal at this point. So an orchi was the obvious answer. It isn't a sex change but it is removal of the most male part of the body which makes all the diferance.
Before the orchi I had zero fat on my ass and legs. Now I am starting to put on a nice layer of girly fat.

When I woke up from the orchi I felt ALIVE and refreshed. I had been under general before and every other time it was traumatic. Not the orchi. I was slightly sore as to be expected but the removal of my 'manhood' was so much a burdun lifted that the post surgery blues didn't have a chance to take hold of me.

[Jillieann Rose]

Getting rid of the twins is a godsend for me.
No need for anti androgens and no inadvertant hurting myself.
I would love to get srs but I see no avenue to that goal at this point. So an orchi was the obvious answer.
It isn't a sex change but it is removal of the most male part of the body which makes all the difference.

I am also in the same postion as Cynthia am a pre-Orchi position because at this point don't have the funds for the Orchi.
I only have a couple of weeks at the most before I am permanently layoff.
And SRS is definitely way out at this point.

[Francis Ann Burgett]

Jamie, we are all so happy for you & hope only the best with your surgery & maybe you will not have to endure too much pain. I know support you & am just thrilled for you, If I were close by I would hold your hand & maybe cry or laugh a little with you. You will be such a beautiful woman.

Thanks to all girl friends for your advise. I have such a long way to go until my new life day but I so look forward to the physical changes. If I can help any girl friend to talk through anything please just let me know. You are all my sisters & we all need to take care & nurture each other as best we can.

Francis