Just had top surgery yesterday- July 16,2012

[kenton_07]

hey guys! had my surgery yesterday with Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore in Albany, NY and the staff at the St. Peter's Surgery center were incredible. They make you feel completely comfortable and my nurses had spectacular personalities. My procedure took just two hours and I was in recovery for a little over an hour. Make sure you all keep up with your pain medications and antibiotics because YOU WILL  NEED THEM! I am sore (which is a given) and I can't drive for a week or do much of anything. Just need to chill out for a while. The nurses advice was to try and focus on using my abs and thighs to do things such as sit down and go to the bathroom as well as getting up. You basically want to use your arms as a last resort. I'm not allowed to lift, push, or pull anything more than 5 pounds. I needed help with emptying the drains because I didn't want to stress out my arms and chest muscles by opening the drains up to empty them. The reason Dr. Rockmore is having me do minimal things is so that there is less bleeding and bruising. You can tell if you are doing too much if your drains have a lot of blood in them so definitely take it easy. I am open to any questions and wouldn't mind talking to anyone since I will definitely want something to do while I'm recovering!

[Natkat]

congratulation.. and yes you diffently need a vacation, dont push yourself just relax relax..

[Edge]

Congratulations! How does it feel? (Other than sore.)

[kenton_07]

I can't feel much because I have to wear a compression vest at all times. I can barely feel the soreness because of the pain medication. I didn't have much to my chest in the first place so for now it doesn't seem like that big of a change but it definitely will be once I take the vest off. I'm allowed to take it off to shower but I haven't done that yet because I'm pretty nervous!

[shean R]

I am having DI with Dr Rockmore on Friday July 20th, a bit nervous about the surgery.  I am really glad to hear the staff at St Peters was really pleasant, I was a bit anxious about that.  Were you in a lot of pain when you first woke up after surgery?  I didn't realize I would have to wear a compression vest, how long do you have to have it on for?

[kenton_07]

I am having DI with Dr Rockmore on Friday July 20th, a bit nervous about the surgery.  I am really glad to hear the staff at St Peters was really pleasant, I was a bit anxious about that.  Were you in a lot of pain when you first woke up after surgery?  I didn't realize I would have to wear a compression vest, how long do you have to have it on for?

I wasn't in a lot of pain when I woke up because they had just given me the pain medicine. Today (the 3rd day) was the most painful. I have to wear the vest until my follow up appointment on Monday which is scheduled for a week after surgery. I did not have DI so you might have a little bit more pain. The drains are starting to get irritating though. You must keep the vest on at all times.

[shean R]

Thanks for the info.  Be glad when I am on the other side of the surgery and looking at recovery.  I will let you know how it goes.  Hope your recovery is swift.

[Tad]

weird, i never had to wear a compression vest... nor did i take antibiotics.. procedures seem to vary a lot. I only had drains for a couple days as well. Though I did get a hematoma on one side, but it went away within a week.

I had DI.. i woke up in a lot of pain.. my surgery was only an hour and a half.. but i was in recovery way past the clinic closing because they had drugged me at very high levels after surgery because of pain apparently... the only real pain i had however after surgery day was when my drains got pulled down by clothing or something.. that hurt a lot, but otherwise barely even sore.. could have gone back to work after a day or two tbh.

congrats kenton

[Emmett]

Hi and congrats on your surgery! Hope you're doing well and are not in a lot of discomfort. 8C

I have a couple of questions...
-What steps did you have to take in order to get top surgery in NY? Is it really expensive?
-Do you have to stay in the hospital all week until the vest is off or do you have someone take care of you at home?
-On a scale of 1 - 10, how bad is the pain level?
-Did you get top surgery before or after T?

[kenton_07]

Hi and congrats on your surgery! Hope you're doing well and are not in a lot of discomfort. 8C

I have a couple of questions...
-What steps did you have to take in order to get top surgery in NY? Is it really expensive?
-Do you have to stay in the hospital all week until the vest is off or do you have someone take care of you at home?
-On a scale of 1 - 10, how bad is the pain level?
-Did you get top surgery before or after T?

I have been going to therapy for two years at a counseling center in Albany. Dr. Rockmore didn't say if he required a letter for my surgery but I needed two letters for my insurance to cover the surgery. I got a letter from my endocrinologist that prescribed me T a year ago, so I did get surgery after being on T and also my therapist. I only had to pay the $50 copay but without insurance it was estimated to be about $5000. The pain level was not bad because I was given really good pain medication and I can tolerate a lot of pain so I would say it was just some soreness and irritation so I would say it was about a 6. It was an outpatient procedure so i didnt have to stay in the hospital or anything. The surgery itself took two hours and I returned home to family members that helped me over the first few days. It was required that someone be with me for the first 24 hours after surgery. I had my follow up appointment today and got the drains taken out but I still have to wear the vest and take it easy to make the swelling go down.

[shean R]

I just had my surgery with Dr Rockmore on the 20th.  I had DI and go back tomorrow to have the drains removed, can't wait these things are driving me crazy.  Just curious how painful was it to have the drains removed and where were the drain exits located on your body, mine are on my back/side about nipple height.  Did you take a pain pill before going to have them taken out?  How is the pain now?  I have just had bandages and a mesh vest on since surgery, but he said something about wearing the compression vest after the bandages come off, so how uncomfortable is the vest?

[Caleb]

Kenton: Insurance covered your surgery?!

I've never before heard of Dr. Rockmore, are his results better than Dr. Garramone? Because when my time comes, I'm up for whoever can give me the best results!

[supremecatoverlord]

I have been going to therapy for two years at a counseling center in Albany. Dr. Rockmore didn't say if he required a letter for my surgery but I needed two letters for my insurance to cover the surgery. I got a letter from my endocrinologist that prescribed me T a year ago, so I did get surgery after being on T and also my therapist. I only had to pay the $50 copay but without insurance it was estimated to be about $5000.

Kenton, how did you go about getting your insurance to cover your surgery?

[kenton_07]

I just had my surgery with Dr Rockmore on the 20th.  I had DI and go back tomorrow to have the drains removed, can't wait these things are driving me crazy.  Just curious how painful was it to have the drains removed and where were the drain exits located on your body, mine are on my back/side about nipple height.  Did you take a pain pill before going to have them taken out?  How is the pain now?  I have just had bandages and a mesh vest on since surgery, but he said something about wearing the compression vest after the bandages come off, so how uncomfortable is the vest?

The only pain there was when the drains came out was a burning sensation which the nurse warned me of. The first drain on my left side wasn't bad at all but the drain on the right was a little harder to get out because my skin was already healing around the drain so it got caught but it came out. The drain exits were a few inches below my armpit on my side. I didn't take a pain pill before getting them taken out because I didn't expect it to be painful, and to be honest I just wanted them out because after a few days they were very annoying and irritating. I don't have any pain now, just some soreness in my chest as if I have just been working out and getting sore from that. I still can't drive for a few more weeks just in case of having to make sudden movements. The vest itself doesn't even seem like it is there. You can hardly notice it so it isn't uncomfortable.

Kenton: Insurance covered your surgery?!

I've never before heard of Dr. Rockmore, are his results better than Dr. Garramone? Because when my time comes, I'm up for whoever can give me the best results!

It is hard to compare their results because I haven't seen much of Dr. Rockmore's other work. Dr. Garramone is a highly regarded surgeon but I am so far very pleased with Dr. Rockmore and his staff. It was nice to be able to find a great place to go with a great staff so close to home. I would've had to fly to Florida and pay for accommodations which would have been very expensive. Dr. Rockmore and his staff worked with the insurance company so I just had to provide them with the necessary documents which was just two letters, one from my therapist and one from my endocrinologist. I'm glad I decided to get the procedure done close to home because you really want to make sure you are comfortable in the environment you are staying in during recovery. I also couldn't do much on my own so it was nice to have family around. I might post some pictures soon of my results so far.

Kenton, how did you go about getting your insurance to cover your surgery?

I have insurance that covers all procedures needed to transition. I had to be on testosterone for at least one year and have that included in two letters from a doctor, therapist, or my physician. I received a letter from my therapist and my endocrinologist and brought them to the surgeon's secretary and she handled all of insurance business. My insurance company notified me within a few days that I was approved to have my surgery covered and the doctor's office did as well. My insurance also covers my T prescription as well as the cost of my syringes.

[fooledthecrowd]

Congrats! I'm going to Dr. Rockmore as well. A few of my friends have gone to him and were really happy with the results. I'm getting surgery in a few weeks. Hope your healing is going well.

[xander-the-pretty-good]

Hey, I'm considering top surgery with Dr. Rockmore, but I have some questions for you:

What happened during the consultation? Do you know if he has any photos of his other top surgery results?

I'm really excited by the idea of getting surgery done so close to where I live, but I just feel nervous that I've only seen one of his results in person and one in some photos (that have now been removed by the owner). I'm also a little unsure because I was sort of set on inverted T-anchor, but I don't know if he does that kind.

Anyway, thanks for writing about this!!

[fooledthecrowd]

Hey, I'm considering top surgery with Dr. Rockmore, but I have some questions for you:

What happened during the consultation? Do you know if he has any photos of his other top surgery results?

I'm really excited by the idea of getting surgery done so close to where I live, but I just feel nervous that I've only seen one of his results in person and one in some photos (that have now been removed by the owner). I'm also a little unsure because I was sort of set on inverted T-anchor, but I don't know if he does that kind.

Anyway, thanks for writing about this!!

Hey, I'm going to Rockmore next week for surgery so I can answer your questions as well. During the consultation, he told me about the different types of top surgery that he performs. I made a list of questions that I asked him after that. Then he left, I changed into a gown, and when he came back in he took a look at my chest. That part only lasted literally one minute and he didn't make me feel uncomfortable at all. He was really respectful (unlike some other doctors I've seen). They do take photos as well. I'm not sure if he does T-anchor. He only mentioned peri and DI. You'd have to ask about that. I know two people who have had surgery with him and he has a photo on his site of a trans guy. All of the results I've seen have been good and everyone's been happy with theirs. That was my experience -- hope it helps.

[shean R]

I am 10 days post op (DI) with Dr Rockmore and from what I can see I am very happy with the results.  He did a great job with nipple placement and the scars appear to be very small.  I always felt that he was respectful and his staff for the most part were great to deal with.  The treatment at St. Peters Surgery Center was excellent, all the nurses were very respectful and nice.   I had consults with Dr Garramone and Dr Fischer before deciding to go with Dr Rockmore.  All things considered I am happy with my decision, but this is a very personal decision.  I would say go have a consult with him, that should give you a good feel for him.  Good luck.

[xander-the-pretty-good]

I think I will have a consult with him. It couldn't hurt, what with it being free and all.


Thanks for the replies!

[skakid]

I have insurance that covers all procedures needed to transition. I had to be on testosterone for at least one year and have that included in two letters from a doctor, therapist, or my physician. I received a letter from my therapist and my endocrinologist and brought them to the surgeon's secretary and she handled all of insurance business. My insurance company notified me within a few days that I was approved to have my surgery covered and the doctor's office did as well. My insurance also covers my T prescription as well as the cost of my syringes.

What insurance do you have?