September 1st 2014 - Monstrey for Radial Phalloplasty!

[Aussie Jay]

So I just got offered a phalloplasty date - September 1 this year, a lot sooner than expected! Was under the impression I'd be waiting until at least January 2015...

Pretty excited, but scared and nervous too!! Trying not to get my hopes up too high as I am still coordinating with my employer to approve my leave but even just to think I could be well post op by Chrissy time is mind blowing!! And I'm pretty sure I will just take leave without pay before I turn down the date and procedure I've been waiting most of my life for!!

Don't suppose there's anyone on here going to be in the vicinity around the same time?! Seriously can't wait (but I can at the same time) - really complicated feelings lol 

Cheers,

Jay

[Al James]

Not in the vicinity but huge congratulations. I know how long you've been waiting for this- and as someone who's just had it done it's an amazing feeling when you look down at yourself and there it is. September will be here before you know it and I really hope it all goes well for you

[Aussie Jay]

Thanks mate - really appreciate it!!

Yeah been waiting a while now (as is everyone usually huh!)... Still discussing with work etc - quick question you don't think I'm unreasonable to not want to delay any further? I will probably have to take leave without pay (a couple weeks anyway) as my leave balance isn't quite as big as it used to be after I broke my thumb last year (dammit!) and well we are not allowed to accumulate too much leave (they don't like it) so we are "forced" to take it from time to time...

I just don't want to wait and put off the surgery until my leave builds up again (at least a 6 month delay) - am I being too unreasonable or selfish?! I mean it's not as though I'm asking for time off to go party or on a holiday.... Any thoughts?!

[LordKAT]

Gtratzes

[Al James]

Jay go for it. My appointment came round just as someone at work was just recovering from a heart attack so we were already one down and all pulling extra shifts. There are times when you have to put yourself first and this is one if them. If your ready in yourself for the surgery then I personally wouldn't wait.

[Make_It_Good]

Congratulations Jay! You have been waiting awhile, and so it is great to hear you have been given a date

Id also say go for it, it isn't selfish, I wouldn't say it is.
  It is a shame and a pain to have to factor in money and job issues if work aren't being all too accommodating, but as you've said, you have been waiting a long time. Im sure youd be kicking yourself if you put work first, and then the surgeon couldn't fit you in till after Jan; after the time you had mentally prepared for.
    I had my last stage of surgery months ago, and I am so broke as I haven't been able to find work. I knew that it was a choice of find work and get comfortable financially, or finally have that final stage done and sorted.
  Well, Im sure things will work out, and if I had to put myself in this tight spot again, I would for surgery

[Aussie Jay]

Thanks guys!! Yeah I am still trying to contain my excitement until my bosses have definitely signed off on the leave and leave without pay etc but I am pretty hopeful - especially when the application will be accompanied by a letter from my shrink and how delaying any longer will be detrimental to my health etc etc

You are absolutely right - I come first. In all honesty they don't bend over backwards for me so why should I for them... As much as I love my job. I'm getting tired of this occupying my thoughts.. My time.. My money!! It's time to sprint for the finish line!! If it came to a choice between my job and my penis - well it's a no brainer really.

Thanks for the pick me up fellas I'm ready for the surgery. I'm in the best shape of my life fitness wise and in a pretty good place emotionally/mentally so I really don't want to wait!! I mean I am scared.. I'm worried about complications.. Worried about the pain.. Worried about surgery in another country.. And getting back to work in a timely manner etc.. But I imagine everyone has these feelings yeah?! (I hope) lol

[Aussie Jay]

HOLY CR*&!!!!! I just got word from my supervisor that I will have JUST enough leave and shouldn't have to take LWOP (God willing)!!!!

I still need to get official approval but without needing additional approval for LWOP this should make my big boss's decision a little easier in my favour!!!!

Just a little bit relieved right now - needed to get this out there lol!! SO stoked... Ever so closer to this becoming a reality!!!

[Al James]

Nice one that's really good news. See- it was meant to be

[szikha]

Gratulations and good luck with your operation and best of mental health

By the way: Prof Monstrey is for several years not very active anymore in doing the phalloplasty.  There is a new young doctor who is doing or creating the phallus. His name is Houtmeyers. He is since last year for the first time working without Prof Monstrey. I don't know if prof Monstrey still checking during the operations. He is not much involved anymore. He is replaced hehe . Well we all getting old.

Again : best of luck



o

[Aussie Jay]

Thanks for the well wishes! He didn't say anything like that when I met with him and Prof Hoebeke earlier this year - seemed quite in the thick of things actually! Guess I can ask his assistant for specifics but I already know they act as part of a team along with others because let's face it they can't do every surgery! After all my research and questions I found this team to deliver the product I want, so I'll be happy whoever is in the room delivering the goods! Monstrey is the head of plastics from my understanding though so I imagine with his name attached to it, he would at least like to know how patients in his department would be doing etc. Spose I will find out!!

[szikha]

Thanks for the well wishes! He didn't say anything like that when I met with him and Prof Hoebeke earlier this year - seemed quite in the thick of things actually! Guess I can ask his assistant for specifics but I already know they act as part of a team along with others because let's face it they can't do every surgery! After all my research and questions I found this team to deliver the product I want, so I'll be happy whoever is in the room delivering the goods! Monstrey is the head of plastics from my understanding though so I imagine with his name attached to it, he would at least like to know how patients in his department would be doing etc. Spose I will find out!!

What is know is that they told me few years ago Prof Hoebeke doesnt have the time one monday (when the phallo surgery is most of the time) and then urologist doctor Lumen is doeing instead. Doctor Lumen is now Prof Lumen. A young (1977) guy and to be honest : he is very good. Few years ago he was a little bit strange you know (talk very silent) but nhe is very nice now. Well i think Prof Hoebeke is to old , he has nos motivation what young doctors like Prof Lumen has.

A friend of mine has his phalloplasty last year and he said that prof Monstrey was NOT during the operation. Infact for serveral years doctor Houtmeyers is doing the phallo creation. What i also heard is that prof Monstrey has an accident last year? Or the year before that. I don't know what happend i think a ski accident.

Both doctors Prof Monstrey and prof Hoebeke are "old" and offcourse new young doctors are trained all these years with them. Prof Lumen is doing uretra ectera for a long time now. Doctor Houtmeyers is not so long active alone but for a few years active in tis surgery.

Again wish you luck. Mabye i'll be arround the UZ hospital that time. If you want to meat or quick visit just to wish you the best i"ll wil do that. Let me know. I never met an aussy hjaha. But i cant speak English wel. So if you want i will say hello en good luck and good bye

Best of luck and if you have questions, again you can have my email if you want.

Csa,
Szikha

[Aussie Jay]

So this time of year came around a lot quicker than I thought!! I am in Brussels, heading to Gent this afternoon for my admission to the UZ Hospital tomorrow afternoon... I am super conflicted - on the one hand I am so excited this is finally happening and on the other I am nervous.. All of which I imagine is very normal!

I am at peace with my decision - I've chosen the right team for me. I have chosen to come alone for now and have a friend meet/help me in a couple of weeks when I am discharged so in the hospital I can concentrate on me, on healing and not having to entertain anyone else. But this is really it - I guess it is a fear of the unknown. I can't control what happens, what result I get, any complications etc. But I know in my heart that with what I have now I am not living - my life is on hold because I don't feel whole. I have to do this to move forward - and I can't wait to not be planning surgery, using my leave to recover or feel like I'm being held back by my body anymore...

If any of you have a few spare seconds - send some good vibes my way over the next few days if at all possible Thanks in advance - hopefully I can update as soon as I'm awake and can find my phone!!

Cheers,

Jay

[King Malachite]

Jay, you have been such a great inspiration and I remember you talking about wanting a phalloplasty over a year ago.  I'm so glad that time has finally come/  I wish you a speedy a recovery! 

[Aussie Jay]

Thanks Malachite - really appreciate your kind words and thoughts!! I hope to come back and let you all know how I am going post op. It's been a couple years since my last surgery...I'm sure it will all come flooding back when I get to the hospital - tho things are a little different to how we do it in Australia!! I feel ready albeit nervous - this has been a long time in the making!!!

Thanks again mate

[jonjon]

Good luck with evething! I'm sure everything will go just fine!!

[Al James]

Hi jay sending you healing vibes from the other side of the world hope everything goes brilliantly for you

[Aussie Jay]

Thanks fellas really appreciate it!! I am all checked in to the hospital here in Gent. Drinking some horrible drink to u know...waiting for Prof Monstrey to come mark my arm, have a chat etc etc.

Mostly excited now.. Still nervous obviously but that's to be expected. Mostly I just wanna get the healing started!!

Will let yaz know when I'm out of anaesthesia and ICU. Thanks again guys!!

Jay

[Bimmer Guy]

Good luck, Jay.  I am sure it will go great!

[Aussie Jay]

Made it thru The first 24hrs of surgery and ICU truly are not pleasant! Pain is ok mostly found it difficult because I was so dry in the mouth but they won't let u drink just in case u have to go back to theatre...

Feeling good, albeit tired and washed out!!