My HRT Journey - -Updates

[JanePlain]

Great to hear it went well! Super great to hear your sleeping ok without the heavy duty pain meds (That always wear off too soon anyway) I want to say never say never to adjusting your T to get it into normal female range. If your feeling asexual changing that might be important to your wife? Actually I would be very curious if that is an issue but totally understand if you don't want to comment. Just a thought. I know most of us think of testosterone as the problem - not the solution.

Anyway congratulations! 

[GordonG]

Things are still going fine. Haven't even taken a tylenol in the past 3 days. Went back to the doc yesterday after work and he removed the drains. I still don't like all the baggage, (scrotum). He said it will diminish and contract over time. I'm thinking that I'd like it snipped off as well. But he said to wait at least 4 months before making that decision. I'd like to have a smooth "under d__k".

[Linde]

Things are still going fine. Haven't even taken a tylenol in the past 3 days. Went back to the doc yesterday after work and he removed the drains. I still don't like all the baggage, (scrotum). He said it will diminish and contract over time. I'm thinking that I'd like it snipped off as well. But he said to wait at least 4 months before making that decision. I'd like to have a smooth "under d__k".

Snipping that off, would be a pretty bloody job, and something would need to be done with the void!

[Julie -2010]

Gordon,

  I'm so glad things are going well.  I was talking with a friend who was telling me about her Orchi.  She said it swelled up to lemon size.  I don't blame you one bit on not wanting that type of thing hanging around. LOL

  I'm scheduled with a independent therapist in early March to get my second letter so that they will schedule my Orchi. Can't wait.

Take care of yourself.

Julie

[Susan R]

Gordon, Good to read that all is well and pain management is under control or not needed.  Thanks for the update.

Susan R🌷

[JanePlain]

Things are still going fine. Haven't even taken a tylenol in the past 3 days. Went back to the doc yesterday after work and he removed the drains. I still don't like all the baggage, (scrotum). He said it will diminish and contract over time. I'm thinking that I'd like it snipped off as well. But he said to wait at least 4 months before making that decision. I'd like to have a smooth "under d__k".

Personally I would leave it as is.  You got the important parts removed.  Enjoy it!

[GordonG]

Personally I would leave it as is.  You got the important parts removed.  Enjoy it!

It's going to have to shrink up considerably for me to not do it. And it certainly hasn't done any of that so far.

[Linde]

It's going to have to shrink up considerably for me to not do it. And it certainly hasn't done any of that so far.

Think about how long it took to get to it's current size!  Give it a while.  I would not do any removal either, it will either create a pretty large scar, or the have to do a skin graft of some sort.  I think the size of the wound close to the anus would be a pretty big sorce for an infection, without giving you any extra benefits (like a neo vagina for example).
Ask some here who had their orchi done a longer time ago, how their shrinking was!

[GordonG]

Think about how long it took to get to it's current size!  Give it a while.  I would not do any removal either, it will either create a pretty large scar, or the have to do a skin graft of some sort.  I think the size of the wound close to the anus would be a pretty big sorce for an infection, without giving you any extra benefits (like a neo vagina for example).
Ask some here who had their orchi done a longer time ago, how their shrinking was!

I have done as much, as I've been a member of the Eunuch Archive Forum for over a year now, and there are several gentlemen there that have had a scrotectomy. You clearly don't know what you are talking about. They do not describe a skin graft of any sort, and the size of the wound doesn't go anywhere near the anus. The benefits far outweigh having a baggy bunch of skin hanging and getting in the way all the time. And there is no way that I want a neo vagina.

[Linde]

I have done as much, as I've been a member of the Eunuch Archive Forum for over a year now, and there are several gentlemen there that have had a scrotectomy. You clearly don't know what you are talking about. They do not describe a skin graft of any sort, and the size of the wound doesn't go anywhere near the anus. The benefits far outweigh having a baggy bunch of skin hanging and getting in the way all the time. And there is no way that I want a neo vagina.

You are right, I never even thought about this procedure. It just horrifies me!  But I also plan to have a neo vulva with a limited depth vagina one of these days, and every bit  of the skin down there might be very valuable for my future procedures.

I wish you lots of luck with this procedure!

[GordonG]

Just had my hormone levels checked in preparation for doctors visit on Wednesday. I'm not sure what to make of the E level. So thought I'd post about it here to see what others may think.

Estradiol <20pg/mL, which I take to mean under 20 pg/mL. Can't they measure under that level?
Total Testosterone 18 ng/dL
Free Testosterone 1.3 pg/dL

I had an orchi in Feb, so the T is where it should be. But the E baffles me. My dosage hasn't changed since I started in Oct '18.

First test later that month (Oct) was 167pg/mL (But I had taken my dose within a few hours of the blood draw, so I don't trust that number)

Second test was in Dec '18 was 42pg/mL

And then my third test, last week is <20 pg/mL

Anyone have any ideas? I'll be quizzing my Dr for sure.

Just to let everyone know my healing from the Orchi is going just fine. The site of the sutures are pink with just a hint of tenderness. It's got a little ways to go before I'll consider it done healing. But I'm liking it so far.

[MikeP]

Great to hear from you.  I think the appearance is just as important as the changes in hormones.  I assume crotch comfort is better without them right?  Hardly a day goes by that I don.t wish for bulge reduction or elimination.  It just dont fit me and my personality.

As for E mine came in at 168 and T was down to 270 on a low dose E.  It changed my desires but also my motivation in some areas is lower than I prefer.  Not sure what is going to work best but my plan is to keep trying and see about taking care of the physical dysphoria with my doctors help. 

Thanks again for all your post, Mike

[Linde]

Just to let everyone know my healing from the Orchi is going just fine. The site of the sutures are pink with just a hint of tenderness. It's got a little ways to go before I'll consider it done healing. But I'm liking it so far.

Had my post op today.  My sutures have desolved, but I still have a little blood spotting.  The doc said it is normal and should stop in a week or so.  He wants to see me back in a year.  He took most of my scrotum away, which means I had basically the procedure you are planning for.  My pain was very minimal, and I don't think that the larger wound made any real difference.  But I am pretty sure, it will be quite a while before I feel riding a bicycle!

I am starting to look into SRS to have it done as soon as possible.

I wish you continuous good recovery!

[JanePlain]

Think about how long it took to get to it's current size!  Give it a while.  I would not do any removal either, it will either create a pretty large scar, or the have to do a skin graft of some sort.  I think the size of the wound close to the anus would be a pretty big sorce for an infection, without giving you any extra benefits (like a neo vagina for example).
Ask some here who had their orchi done a longer time ago, how their shrinking was!

I totally agree.  Who knows maybe you will decide to do SRS (GRS? why do they keep changing things?)  Better to have the material and avoid infections. 

[JanePlain]

Just had my hormone levels checked in preparation for doctors visit on Wednesday. I'm not sure what to make of the E level. So thought I'd post about it here to see what others may think.

Estradiol <20pg/mL, which I take to mean under 20 pg/mL. Can't they measure under that level?
Total Testosterone 18 ng/dL
Free Testosterone 1.3 pg/dL

I had an orchi in Feb, so the T is where it should be. But the E baffles me. My dosage hasn't changed since I started in Oct '18.

First test later that month (Oct) was 167pg/mL (But I had taken my dose within a few hours of the blood draw, so I don't trust that number)

Second test was in Dec '18 was 42pg/mL

And then my third test, last week is <20 pg/mL

Anyone have any ideas? I'll be quizzing my Dr for sure.

Just to let everyone know my healing from the Orchi is going just fine. The site of the sutures are pink with just a hint of tenderness. It's got a little ways to go before I'll consider it done healing. But I'm liking it so far.

You may have mentioned it but how do you take estrogen?  Are you doing a pill, transdermal or injection?  or something else?  If its transdermal (A rub on) you have to rub it in pretty good and don't take a shower or bath right after applying it for example.

[pamelatransuk]

Hello again Gordon

I thought I would let you see my attached thread which covers so many Susans Members E&T BT readings after 3/4 6/7 9/10 and 12/13 months in case you wish to compare.

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,244695.20.html

However I am now aware that timing of the BT makes a substantial difference to the E&T readings as some members had their blood drawn just a couple of hours after HRT method (tablet/patch/injection etc) whereas some members waited 48 hours or so.

Consistency of timing is necessary and you may wish to agree with your doctor how long after application, your blood should be drawn. I note that you already suspect and I agree that the change in your timings has resulted in such a difference but as you say, your latest E reading is indeed low for 5 months HRT.

Hugs

Pamela

[GordonG]

I totally agree.  Who knows maybe you will decide to do SRS (GRS? why do they keep changing things?)  Better to have the material and avoid infections.

Sorry that is not going to happen.  I'm very comfortable as I am.

[Julie -2010]

Just had my hormone levels checked in preparation for doctors visit on Wednesday. I'm not sure what to make of the E level. So thought I'd post about it here to see what others may think.

Estradiol <20pg/mL, which I take to mean under 20 pg/mL. Can't they measure under that level?
Total Testosterone 18 ng/dL
Free Testosterone 1.3 pg/dL

I had an orchi in Feb, so the T is where it should be. But the E baffles me. My dosage hasn't changed since I started in Oct '18.

First test later that month (Oct) was 167pg/mL (But I had taken my dose within a few hours of the blood draw, so I don't trust that number)

Second test was in Dec '18 was 42pg/mL

And then my third test, last week is <20 pg/mL

Anyone have any ideas? I'll be quizzing my Dr for sure.

Just to let everyone know my healing from the Orchi is going just fine. The site of the sutures are pink with just a hint of tenderness. It's got a little ways to go before I'll consider it done healing. But I'm liking it so far.

First, I'm glad the Orchi is healing well.  I'm just waiting to get mine scheduled so it is nice to get your updates.

I've been on HRT for a little over 2 years and had my 2 year check in Feb. My E was around 157 pg.  But my T spiked up to 85.  I was around 7 to 10 pg on the other test before.  She had me take the blood test again that day.  and my T was down to 43.  I thought it was still too high but my Doc said it looks OK now.  Can wait for the Orchi.

Julie

[GordonG]

I forgot to mention that since the orchi I've been down. I've read on other forums that that is a natural thing that can happen when your T plummets like mine has.

Saw my doctor yesterday and he is upping the dosage 50% of what I was taking and will redo the blood tests in 2 months.

Hopefully things will improve with the increase in E.

[Linde]

I forgot to mention that since the orchi I've been down. I've read on other forums that that is a natural thing that can happen when your T plummets like mine has.

Saw my doctor yesterday and he is upping the dosage 50% of what I was taking and will redo the blood tests in 2 months.

Hopefully things will improve with the increase in E.

I just had my blood test done today, and will see my endo next week.  If have to say that I feel pretty OK, I just don't sleep that well.  I don't know if it is because the low T? 
My weird thing is that my genital dysphoria got way stronger now that I have nothing between my legs anymore.  I was hoping for the opposite!  Go figure!