Alright, everything is all set, I'm having surgery tomorrow. I figured I would take the time to write another post to describe my experience so far.
I have to say, I'm very impressed. PAI was professional and made sure that I felt comfortable and understanding the risk. They asked me what is my expectation, explaining that result is different for each person, etc. I am very glad that they provide transportation for you because I swear, I would stuck on the street because I'm too afraid to cross the heavy stream of traffic. They are very thorough, they explained the process, told me what I was going to do for consultation, and they did exactly just that. The staffs were very nice too, at least the one stationed at the PAI office was. Can't comment about the hospitals staff or even the driver since they don't seem to be able to speak English as well as the PAI staff does.
I had a really good time, but I feel like I probably should share some of the bad time too (not because of PAI though). I felt very ashamed when they prepared me for surgery by you know, shaving. I couldn't help but feel extremely bad and embarrassed. Don't get me wrong, the staff seemed very friendly, but I guess I wasn't emotionally ready for that. I wasn't ready for the actual surgery talk either. I mean I did research and everything, but when you are there actually talking 1 to 1 with your doctor about it, it is a very different topic and I was just really nervous to the point where I kinda stutter and couldn't think straight.
Two things specifically I think I should mention though since I feel like people here would want to know:
1. They didn't talk to me about hair in vagina at all. They did mention shaving, but that's it, they told me a lot of potential complications like swelling and having to leave the catheter in for an extra week or so, but nothing about hair. To be fair, having hair in there might not count as a complication, and they did mention things like after surgery they will show me how to take care and clean it.
2. I feel like the Thai psychologist here aren't really interested in actually gatekeeping you from surgery (NOTE that I'm not commenting on whether it right or not, this is just my opinion). I only have 1 letter with me (they only require 1 to book) but did ask that I speak to two Thai therapist, each cost about $50 each (3600 Thai dollar total). I guess I kinda over-expected but they only asked me like 5 questions after reading my letter of recommendation (the first psychologist only read the first page) before they agreed to write, they both probably seen me for less than 10 minutes each. I was expecting them to grill me about my past to make sure that I really want to do this and turn me away if they deem me to be emotionally unfit. To be fair, despite having only one letter, I felt like it was very solid since it described my transition process really well (I had been living full time for the last 5 years or so, tons of experiences, a lot of detail).
If anyone is interested, (i will add more to this list later), i learned a few things so far:
- If you are from the US (there is a list of countries), you really only need your passport to pass through immigration. I was worried and couldn't find much information about this, I brought copies of my bank statement (in case i need a visa), copy of all my documents and such, but all I really had to do was fill out an arrival card and departure card (given to me by the airline) and show them my passport.
- Be super duper careful with the traffic. Like really. It crazy. I guess I'm spoiled by the US but geez. If you can, request a driver/take a cab
- You will have to take medicine to clear out your stuff. It uh, not pretty. Bring manga or something cuz you gonna sit on the toilet for awhile
- In case you are wondering, yes, they do have wifi in the hospital where you are recovering. I haven't been in the recover room yet since I haven't had surgery, but I did asked about free wifi, and they said yes.
- Outside of PAI, virtually everyone I met can't really speak English. They might know certain words like yes/no, one, two, three, but don't expect much.
- It super, duper hot and humid. Don't bring sweater like I did
Thank you
