I had gender-confirming surgery on August 8, 2017. I want to say that leading up to the surgery everything was rainbows and butterflies. But to be honest, there was a lot of confusion. It was over simple things, like what is the process for scheduling your surgery appointment. One office person told me one thing, while someone else told me something different. I was so excited to be moving toward surgery that my mind made everything better.
The "recovery" rooms offered are fairly lackluster. They are very bare rooms with the minimum of decor and amenities. My insurance paid for the room, so that was a no-brainer to choose. However, I wonder if that was the best choice. The room I stayed in didn't have a microwave, but there was shareable one in the "kitchen" on the 3rd floor. So, I wanted to buy one for the room. I went to the front desk and asked if that was "ok". I was told that it would be fine. I went to the nearest Target and bought a microwave for the room. The doctor came to visit and told me that we could not use it because the socket in that room could not bear the load. The stairs up to the third floor are kind of narrow and steep. The staff does and will help you up the stairs post-surgery, which is nice.
The day of my surgery and in the hospital, things were great. Well, minus the uncomfortableness of the surgery of course. I didn't recognize Dr. Rumer in the prep room, but it was all right. It was a strange, fantastic, odd crazy time.
Upon returning to the recovery room is when my realization that the aftercare reviews I was reading were correct. Some challenges with the "recovery" center were trivial while others were more meaningful, for example, we ran out of toilet paper and paper towels on a Friday. The staff is not there on the weekends, and all the supplies are locked. So, we called down (they do not want you coming downstairs) to make sure we could get those items before 5 PM on Friday. We asked twice. We never got them. That Saturday was my first BM post-surgery. My Mother, who stayed with me, had to go to the nearest store to buy those items. Now, that is trivial, and I get that. But it's so simple. We asked for them twice. It was frustrating.
The more meaningful issues were things like the bed was not very comfortable. It was also very low to the ground, getting out of that bed was a bit of a challenge. By the end of our time there I figured out a way to roll and push up to get up without pain. There was not a hook near the bed to hang your catheter. There wasn't one next to your bed or next to the toilet in the bathroom. Simple things that could make life so much easier. The bed my mother slept on was a cheap futon. You are required to have someone with you during this time, and they do not provide a comfortable place for them to stay.
The TV in the room was ok, and the basic cable was fine. However, the internet was awful. In today's world Internet is a thing. It's an important thing while you are bedridden because you are recovering.
We didn't have anyone clean our room during our entire stay. For $95 per day, you just expect better. If it were out of pocket, I would have been livid. It's a little easier to swallow when insurance is paying for it, but it is something I think people should understand going into it.
The doctor did come to the room on a couple of occasions, and that was a nice benefit of staying so close. I am not sure that the benefits of the doctor visits outweighed the poor conditions of the room.
When I arrived home, Dr. Rumer was on vacation. So, when I had medical concerns, they were going to the PA or the office staff. During this time I learned that follow through isn't this staff's strength. I have read many reviews that comment on the staff's friendliness, and they are quite friendly and kind people.
I had some complications. With each difficulty, Dr. Rumer had a plan and knew what steps to take to overcome them. That was a comforting experience. However, enacting that plan with the office staff was another issue. Each time the I needed to order something or do something the instructions or assistance from the team was lackluster. I would get vague, incomplete directions or assistance. For example, at my 3-month checkup, I was experiencing some irritation and pain during dilation. Dr. Rumer had a plan. She prescribed some medication. I got the medication then I was told instructions would be emailed. The instructions I received were general and unclear. I emailed back to ask for clarification. I got back poor instructions again. I once again emailed back for more information. I still got back vague instructions. I have several examples of this type of interaction with the office staff.
I have faith in Dr. Rumer. I believe she is smart and knowledgeable. She has had a plan at every turn. That is a great comfort. However, her staff fails in the delivery of that plan. It has been a struggle and a fight to get it. It's to the point I just give up when trying to get anything from them. That issue started immediately post-surgery.
Finally, Dr. Rumer is dry. She is straight to the point kind of woman. I have read about her poor bedside manner. I can see how people interpret things in that way. She is "matter of fact." There is not much sugar-coating in her explanations. But she will have a plan for your medical needs. She will act on that with quickness and act in your best interest.
As I read through this review, some of the things sound so trivial. You will be going through a world of change. And when all these little things are half answered it really starts to add up. I was told before surgery they would ensure I was able to pee before I left. They did not do that. My Mom made sure I could after the packing and catheter were taken out. She stood over my, making me drink water until I had to pee. It's a long list of those small things.
I am unsure if I would choose Dr. Rumer again. On one hand, I really appreciate her knowledge and abilities. On the other, ugh, her staff.
