Orchiectomy options in Ohio/Michigan/Indiana area?

[mtfbuckeye]

I'm getting closer to starting HRT. My therapist is ready to write my letter whenever I want it, but I still need to sort out some things in my personal life before I start. One thing I am certain of is that I'd like to get an orchiectomy as soon as I feasibly can. My reasons are as follows:

1. I don't know if I'll EVER be able to afford SRS (in the process of filing bankruptcy right now), and I'm a little concerned about the possibility of post-surgical complications or a "bad result." An orchi is MUCH more affordable, at least according to what I've heard.

2. I'm a little concerned about the health impact of spiro. I'll take it if I need to, but it seems to make more sense to cut out the middlemen, so to speak.

3. Most people I know, including my therapist, agree that I have an abnormally high male sex drive. Combine that with my elevated need for attention from others and for personal intimacy... Well, let's just say I'm tired of "my boys" getting me into trouble. I know that sprio would have a similar effect, but see #2

4. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have read that in Ohio I can get my "gender marker" changed with just an orchi.

5. I just DON'T LIKE THEM. I don't like how they feel, how they look, or how they affect my behavior. I'm not the biggest fan of my penis either, but I feel like it's completely possible I could be OK with my body as a woman with a small, flaccid, estrogenized penis. If I'm not, I can try harder to save up for SRS down the road.

Ideally, I'd like to get this done ASAP, but I know that's not really in the cards. However, once I start hormones, I assume I could get an orchi with a letter from my doctor? I'm a bit of a noob here.

To anyone who's had an orchi, what was the process to make it happen? and are you pleased with the results? Also, to anyone in Ohio, Michigan or Indiana who has gotten an orchi: Which doctors in our area are willing to do this? Is it true that it's usually $1500-$2000?

Thanks

Johnnie

[Janet_Girl]

I had my Orchie about 10 months ago.  I had to supply my surgeon with two letters of recommendation, per the SOC.  Mine cost me about $1500 and is was done under a local in his office.  Yeah I was awake.

I am glad I had mine, because of the Spiro thing.  If I knew I was headed for SRS I would have waited, but I have no idea when I will get to that point.  Tucking is so much easier.  And Endocrinology I am the same as post-ops, with a reduction in Estrogen.

[mtfbuckeye]

Janet,
Well, that is just about exactly what I wanted to hear about getting an orchi. Thanks!

[Jessica.C]

4. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have read that in Ohio I can get my "gender marker" changed with just an orchi.

I'm assuming your from Ohio. I'm not sure what the guidelines are for the gender marker after an orchie. I had my gender changed over years ago before they were so strict.

I had my orchie on Feb 19Th of this year. It ran me 2500$ and had it done from a local urologist here in Cleveland, Dr kedia http://clevelandurology.net/

I'm am extremely pleased my only regret is that i didn't do it 17 yrs ago.

[mtfbuckeye]

Jessica,
What kind of documentation did Dr. Kedia need from you for your Orchi?

Yes, I'm in Ohio... living with in-laws near Toledo now, and working part-time in Columbus (long story)... Hoping to get a full-time job in Columbus and move back there.

[Jessica.C]

Jessica,
What kind of documentation did Dr. Kedia need from you for your Orchi?

Yes, I'm in Ohio... living with in-laws near Toledo now, and working part-time in Columbus (long story)... Hoping to get a full-time job in Columbus and move back there.

I know for sure i got him the psych letter cant remember if he want one from my Endo Dr or not but basically same standard two letters.

Dr Kedia was awesome he got me in right away and within two weeks they were gone Also he put me under general anesthesia.

All i did was e-mail them and explained the situation. I think there are a lot of local doctors that will do it as long as they have the right letters.

Fortunately Dr Kedia said he had done it before for other girls.

[RoShell]

I am scheduledthings  for Monday on orchi through UC Hospital Dr Donovan.
Had all my pre surgical tests done today. Will let you know more later on how it went etc. The staff is very helpful so far, my health insurance also has for this. Due to its non cosmetic.