asking for opinions on GRS

[stephaniec]

thanks that helped more thoughts to contemplate. I think the pain is probably my biggest concern , How long does it last

[Emily E]

Ok, its looks like I have an opportunity to get GRS after a lifetime of pain having the wrong equipment. I have many pro thoughts about doing this and each day the certainty of getting this done as soon as possible is hitting me like a ton of bricks, I'd just like to throw out the question . can anyone think of the cons to the rationality of reassigning your genitals. I know I'm going for it I just want to make sure I'm covering all the bases because it really is a major decision.

Its a huge decision and its yours... you have jumped through all the hoops and climbed all the ropes and your finally ready to jump the gorge to be where you thought you wanted to be so its understandable that you want to be sure and now question whether you want to leave it all behind and jump that gorge and seize that prize which is now in sight or stay where you are and always wonder what it would have been like to have that prize.

There are medical issues that can occur both during and after the surgery which I'm sure your well aware of and there will be the social issues you would no longer be at that between point where you are now you would be for all intents and purposes a women just like any other woman your age (other then the dilation) making the type of relationships in our society less complicated in many ways.

I'm a couple years behind you in age (I'm 50) and wish I would have started following this path a lot sooner (like when I was 10 LOL) but here I am sill a guy moving forward getting my life in order, hoping that one day I will make the full transition and be what I have always wanted to be... I know it will be hard on me even now and will be harder when I'm older but to me I would rather try then sit around wondering what could/should have been.

Whatever your decision I believe that everyone here, myself included will support you.

Good Luck

[stephaniec]

thanks I appreciate all the support. I'm filling out some paper work now, I finally figured out how to save my pdf from the email they sent so I'm not finding a blank document when I retrieve it from storage, so I'll get it sent off tomorrow.

[suzifrommd]

thanks that helped more thoughts to contemplate. I think the pain is probably my biggest concern , How long does it last

The pain was NO BIG DEAL. The worst part was having to lie still in the hospital - I got all sorts of muscle cramps from that. The pain at all turns was manageable. I didn't ever have to take pain meds. In terms of pain:

SRS  Laser Electrolysis

[stephaniec]

very good to know

[Jenna Marie]

I'd say, on that 1-10 pain scale, the pain never got past a 4, and that was in the first two or three days. After that it was maybe a 2, tops.  They give you good pain medication.

I was up and walking within 18 hours and by day 3 my biggest complaint was the catheter. Plus once the packing comes out along with the drains and the stitches holding those in place, the discomfort (not pain) reduces considerably.

[stephaniec]

thanks much appreciated

[Joi]

I am also in the evaluation stage for SRS.  I will be 68 in Dec., and after reading the posts that have been submitted, I find much comfort from the comments of those of you who are post-op.  I know things could be hazardous for my age, but I have to be courageous and think of how happy I will be to finally look down and see what I have imagined for so long.  I detest the "junk" between my legs and am willing to endure the pain that will ensue after surgery. I have been in the envy mode regarding the feminine form for over 55 yrs. &  I am ready to be the woman that I have kept in solitary confinement for most of my life.  You mentioned that you have found a surgeon in  the USA that accepts Medicare.  I have searched for one to no avail.  I also have a supplemental policy that would cover what Medicare doesn't.  I am a veteran as well, and have had great success with their treatment plans for the Trans community.  Hugz and best Rgdz, Joi

[stephaniec]

the surgeon is in Chicago and he operated on a75 year old woman in January , She sued Medicare to get the operation and Medicare declined to fight the case, I Think she was the first to get Medicare to pay. It's on the web under 75 year old woman has reassignment surgery.