Susan's Place Transgender Resources

When I realized I was TG it was the mid '50s and there were not many options. So I adapted. Now that I am approaching geezerhood I would like to have SRS, but I have no intention of taking hormones or changing the way I live and/or appear in public. Psychologists can't seem to get that simple concept into their heads, or want me to appear before them for months before they support me. So the heck with it. If any of you could recommend good SRS surgeons worldwide who do not require WPATH, I would really like to know!

Thanks!

Jessica

That's a great question, and I remember seeing an old topic about that somewhere.  I am going to hunt for it, and see what I can find.

BTW, welcome to the site, and please check out the posting rules in the Announcements board.

I know i would love to find one too...yes im still young, under 30, but it just makes more sense to me to undergo SRS then transition so clothes and everything fits better and naturally and so on.

Quote from: JessicaLM on June 03, 2013, 03:29:39 PM
When I realized I was TG it was the mid '50s and there were not many options. So I adapted. Now that I am approaching geezerhood I would like to have SRS, but I have no intention of taking hormones or changing the way I live and/or appear in public. Psychologists can't seem to get that simple concept into their heads, or want me to appear before them for months before they support me. So the heck with it. If any of you could recommend good SRS surgeons worldwide who do not require WPATH, I would really like to know!

Thanks!

Jessica

I think your best bet would be to contact the surgeons directly. Here is a list from our Wiki. https://www.susans.org/Sex_Reassignment_Surgery/MTF_Surgeons/ (https://www.susans.org/Sex_Reassignment_Surgery/MTF_Surgeons/)

Hope this helps, hugs, Devlyn

I sent an email to ICATH asking about doctors who provide SRS here in the US so when they reply ill post the email here for you.

Most doctors who sidestep the process,(usually by getting fast letters for a fee) wont even try to help you or operate on you if you don't appear as a girl.
It seems like a good idea to have surgery first, because you wouldn't be exposed to sky high drug regimens but you hav to realize after surgery is not all sugar and sweets, there is a lot of tough things you will have to do and go through, and if your thinking of just doing this and going on with no HRT, that is a major bad mistake as after having no hormones in your system bones will get very brittle and break-think osteoporosis.
There is so sound reasoning behind transitioning first and not last, its partially to "test you" and partially to get you and your body ready for the landslide of emotions you will get from the hormonal shift. sidestepping the requirements IMO would be a bad choice.

oh and no dr in the us will sidestep wpath - period

Quote from: calico on June 03, 2013, 07:52:56 PM
oh and no dr in the us will sidestep wpath - period

do you not know what ICATH is at all?

Quote from: kariann330 on June 03, 2013, 08:00:04 PM
do you not know what ICATH is at all?

How about a link? That's customary.  Hugs, Devlyn

Www.icath.org (http://www.icath.org)

Informed consent transgender care organization in the US.

Quote from: kariann330 on June 03, 2013, 08:37:16 PM
Www.icath.org (http://www.icath.org)

Informed consent transgender care organization in the US.

Thanks, now we all know what it is. Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on June 03, 2013, 08:38:36 PM
Thanks, now we all know what it is. Hugs, Devlyn

I just figured that people did there research BEFORE starting transition. I know i did and used that research to my advantage in every way i could. Because of informed consent i didn't have to go to therapy for at least 90 days prior to starting HRT, i attended 3 sessions...with ICATH SOC all you have to do is read the risks to your health, scribble your signature on a form and your good to go.

.

That's the thing with ICATH, there are no letters. You simply sign a form consenting a doctor to administer the desired treatments, and that you understand the health risks that come with said treatment....no letters, no therapy, just your signature. ICATH is basically a loosely guided SOC unlike WPATH that is very black and white and has very set requirements for treatment ie you MUST be in therapy for 90 days prior to beginning HRT, you MUST live X amount of time blah blah blah....WPATH is outdated and ICATH is moving in and revolutionizing transgender health care.

Quote from: kariann330 on June 03, 2013, 08:37:16 PM
Www.icath.org (http://www.icath.org)

Informed consent transgender care organization in the US.

Thank you for supplying that link.

Very interesting post. Not interested in HRT? Really? I ask because MtF's on HRT usually lose the dimorphic OCD loop. It was true for me. I have a feminine brain, and with HRT it's like it's finally supercharged with the right fuel. HRT fixes the brain, and the side-effect is feminization...A great side-effect that conforms with sense of self. Can a trans woman be truly happy without HRT? I really would like to know? I'm the happiest I've ever been now that I'm receiving Estradiol.

Thanks!

WPATH is based on 60 year old guidelines. Many believe the "real-life" experience requirement was an exercise in sadism. THat what was really being tested was a trans person's capacity for humiliation. Therapy is there to help those of us deal with the truth, family, friends, and what to expert through the transition process. Therapist should not be the HRT gatekeepers. In the EU it;s the right of every trans person to transition. 

Quote from: DrBobbi on June 03, 2013, 10:28:24 PM
In the EU it;s the right of every trans person to transition.

EU nations use their standards of care, usually requiring up to 2 years before getting hormone therapy.

The WPATH SoC is popular for a reason (even if aspects of it are outdated still) because people like to blame others for their bad judgment. There are surgeons who are informed consent but most of them aren't worth the risk. Thailand is probably the best country for access/quality of care.

Quote from: Flan on June 03, 2013, 11:06:30 PM
The WPATH SoC is popular for a reason (even if aspects of it are outdated still) because people like to blame others for their bad judgment. There are surgeons who are informed consent but most of them aren't worth the risk. Thailand is probably the best country for access/quality of care.

I wouldn't necessarily say that, they are operating on an updated Soc, and the thai government have gotten very strict on the requirements to be able to have surgery, I know because I had to jump through the hoops.

what I meant earlier was there isn't a surgeon in the us who will operate and sidestep Wpath Soc, hormones? sure you can get those but surgery? IMO I don't think informed consent would work on this and prob shouldn't because the mortality rate would increase, I mean thing about it, someone who is just questioning themselves or was bullied to much or even a really sensitive guy all of a sudden says hey I should be a girl that'd be easier! go and has the surgery and regrets doing so, and well guess what, its not reversible! clearly they should of talked to someone but oops its to late  guess the next best thing is suicide, and then that's another to the numbers.

I do not agree to informed consent surgery. I think anyone-ANYONE should make sure they are ready for it, and if you can survive w/o it well IMO you should probally not get it, its not a game or something that should be switched on the fly its a serious commitment and  someone who is getting it done better know whats in store for them.
I only say these things because I truly care.... ;)

I understand you care, but honestly im not a poodle in a circus, jumping thru hoops held up by some old man just isn't my thing which is why i support ICATH and all that they stand for....transition on my terms, when i want it, not when some panel of people who don't know me, or my thoughts say i "qualify" for the next step in my life.

Quote from: calico on June 03, 2013, 07:51:50 PM

There is so sound reasoning behind transitioning first and not last, its partially to "test you" and partially to get you and your body ready for the landslide of emotions you will get from the hormonal shift. sidestepping the requirements IMO would be a bad choice.

I completely agree with this I don't think anyone you start with the surgery first then transition. Transitioning is all about finding out who you are as a woman the surgery is just the final step on this journey. And also what happens to someone who say has the surgery first and then realizes that being woman isn't for them. At least with hormones you can stop if you don't like the emotional shift and go at least someway back to normal. But when you have the surgery there is no going back. The system may not be perfect but its there to minimize the chances of someone ruining their life for good.

Hi,

Because im a bit different & live in N Z i did not do any of the details or jump through any hoops by passed the WPATH  & the other detail that came from the APA . i never did liveing as a woman for a time . = two years or what ever, never dressed as a woman ether,. i did take two years of   learning what would suit  myself as in clothes makeup , & that was it & only in the evenings with Jos, You see clothes dont make or change who i am,

I told Jos i am a woman. then told our G P who knew both Jos & i for a few years, i then went to our Psych talked with him for 3 / 4 of an hour & told him im a woman & I will live as one he signed me off & said i dont   need to see you again , then went to our Endo  was  on hormones with in 3 months at my request    had surgery with in 3 years again at my request .

In Phuket Thailand by Dr Sanguan , you can check my comment at,    Phuket Plastic Surgery ,    in the Testimonials

I still did not dress in my womens clothes & why should i ,  does wearing womens clothes make you a woman no you grow as one.

I was born intersexed, so did not need to do as most trans people do,   though i did not tell or say i was intersexed, as there was no need & it would have created more issues i did not need to have to contend with certinly not then.

I dont agree with most of the details that trans go through because most of it is out of date passed its use by date, & does not help a person who is very different from being a male as in trans , the reason being it may apply to some & yes will help them ,This is  where i wont agree is some of us are infact female & dont need to go through a systm thats based on money & that is what drives what the APA & other WPATH say , ,

I paid for my detail & surgerys, & im not a kid who needs to be told what i am i dont need to pass a test & what for, at a cost of some $ 1,000 or talking about what i need . sorry im the one telling my story ill be the one to decide whats best for myself .

& the other reason being is we are not all the same we dont all need to follow a one size fits all it did not work before or will it work now, or latter, no matter whats said & done,

Now those who need help ill say go for it im not opposed to those  who do. its about what works for some of us may not work for others,

Now i do know some who went through all the detail hormones surgerys talking sorting out who they were / are, & because they never were female or women have gone back to liveing as they  were,  why there are a few reasons though the one i hear is it was a fantisy ......ether your born female  like i am or you wont to be like a woman.

Now had i not been female would i have paid at   my expence for surgerys i dought very much that i would have wonted to.

The cost is more than just surgerys its marrage  family & a lot more involved , so no it was done to keep myself alive & have a life,    that would not have happened had i been a male. i never wonted to be female it was how i was born yet there are a few details that are similar to trans people, just not in all details,

So some of us are different & we all dont fully understand others in thier life, & what they need to do. & because we are different cant we have a say in whats best for us, with out others telling us whats best for us, or interfering . its our life when all said & done not thiers  its  the one who needs the help when they ask for it.

...noeleena...

Quote from: Flan on June 03, 2013, 11:06:30 PM
EU nations use their standards of care, usually requiring up to 2 years before getting hormone therapy.

The WPATH SoC is popular for a reason (even if aspects of it are outdated still) because people like to blame others for their bad judgment. There are surgeons who are informed consent but most of them aren't worth the risk. Thailand is probably the best country for access/quality of care.

There are no such thing as EU standards of care, because EU basically has no competence in this area. Each country decides for itself - for example in my country there are absolutely no standards/information as such. Although we (surprisingly) have two facilities, which perform SRS and several FFS manipulations, the rest - such as therapy and HRT is everybody's own responsibility. You wanna therapist? OK, fine, go find someone who is willing to work with You, but keep in mind that Your therapist will probably have no idea about gender issues, so please be ready for hours and hours of reflections into Your past/childhood/family etc.  - did I say that You are going to pay for this and Your insurance wont cover it? :P Oh, almost forgot, the therapist is not going to prescribe You any hormones, because he cant :P. Wanna endo? Go find Yourself one, then try to persuade Your GP to refer You to endo officially so You can try to get some state funding for Your HRT, providing that both - the GP and endo are smart enough not to diagnose You as TS... Wanna SRS? Go see three psychs and get their letters or another option - we can lock You up in closed-type mental hospital for one week so we can examine You and then decide whether You are truly TS or just another schizo... Yeah, and You will have to pay for the SRS and the state is not going to refund You anything, unless the whole matter escalates and we go to the Strasbourg court with this :P.
So my point is - WPATH or not, be happy that at least You have them and You dont have to pay for everything Yourselves :P

After talking to a number of experts in the field of gender medicine there is a sizeable group who prefer the informed consent model rather than WPATH rules. However there are also a large group that prefer the WPATH guidelines.

In talking to these groups it is getting difficult for me not to think that those who want to follow the WPATH guidelines have a vested interest in protecting their careers and a lucrative source of patients.

Interestingly the people who I understand as the leading experts seem to prefer informed consent.

That said I agree with those who argue that surgery prior to HT reassignment may be a recipe for disaster.

Having genital reassignment does not cure problems beyond what is between your legs. Life problems in identification as a trans* person are in my experience far more complex.

Indeed I think many post op woman suffer depression and yet many have successfully transitioned as woman for long periods prior to surgery.

Surgery does not solve the problems of gender identification but it is more the final piece of the puzzle for many of us.

I did read that there are surgeons in Mexico who will put a hole between your legs for a few thousand and no letters needed. I'm not sure if that is a good price or a good solution.

I would be extremely cautious of any surgeon who will do, or advertise that they will do, an SRS without the letters.

You have one life and one body and to be crippled and maimed by a person with a scalpel will not solve many problems.

This is purely my opinion and I do not mean in anyway to insult or be insensitive to anyone at all.

Cindy

Quote from: kariann330 on June 03, 2013, 08:37:16 PM
Www.icath.org (http://www.icath.org)

Informed consent transgender care organization in the US.

Hmmm I might have to check this out. I still want to go through therapy, for other reasons, but this will help get the ball rolling. :)

Here's an IMPORTANT point with respect to post-op depression, it could be simply the need for an adjustment in HRT. Any post-op that's not on HRT, with the correct level of testosterone is asking for severe complications, including depression, or worse. Life-long HRT is mandatory for all post-op trans women. Period. Any doctor that doesn't push for their patient's HRT following SRS is committing malpractice, IMHO.

DrBobbi and Cindy

    I agree with you both. What I am interested in is starting HRT, since it is such a long process. After I started HRT I could go to the therapist this way I could get other issues taken care of and get working on the SRS letter.

There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, It's a great Idea. Your feminized brain on HRT is amazing, and a good therapist will help you work out what to expect. Like taking a test drive before signing the papers. Otherwise it;s like sitting in the car lot with the engine off. HRT changes everything, and if it's not for you, you can stop. I love my brain on HRT. I feel, for the first time in my life, normal thinking like a woman. Just make sure you don't self medicate. I recommend going to an endo. Good luck!

.

Quote from: DrBobbi on June 04, 2013, 03:57:59 PM
Just make sure you don't self medicate. I recommend going to an endo. Good luck!

Accually I did try to self medicate for about a month. Saw Palmetto, Soy Isoflavon, Phytoestrogen pills, and Wild Yam. I followed doses recommended on the bottles. After I got onto this site and did some more research I realised the damage it could do, so I stopped.  Now I will definately see an Endo and get put onto the proper medications.

 :police:

I have just removed two posts that are provocative.
Please think before you post and read the rules.

I will impose penalties if there is any continuation.

Cindy

Quote from: misschievous on June 04, 2013, 04:12:23 PM
Accually I did try to self medicate for about a month. Saw Palmetto, Soy Isoflavon, Phytoestrogen pills, and Wild Yam. I followed doses recommended on the bottles. After I got onto this site and did some more research I realised the damage it could do, so I stopped.  Now I will definately see an Endo and get put onto the proper medications.

Happy that you decided against the self-medicating. If you can, find someone that uses the estradiol pellet implant. Easy, painless, and with the constant rate flow approximates a more natural delivery of circulating estrogens. Good luck.

BTW, I know the estradiol is working. Since I've had a cell phone I've never gone over 50% of my alloted minutes. On estradiol I'm 3x over and it's only the 18th day :-) lol.

 There is some concern Wpath Soc promotes gender treatment that is not based on real research.Their guidelines are probably better than nothing though.
You need hrt if you get SRS otherwise you will get post menopause symptoms.  Even post menopausal women have some estrogen produced naturally.
Or take HRT without SRS. 

Why would anyone want to get SRS in the first place. We are born genetic males with a peculiar problem. the feminized brain is just 1 unproven theory.
I don't think SRS  is the best treatment for transgenders. 

SRS can cause post op depression, a long adjustment period that may never end, and the dreaded Post op Regret. also it is much easier to orgasm as a male.   
Or you may do just fine especially if you are outgoing and generally happy.

The problem is all the people encouraging SRS saying how great it is. how it cures everyone's GID, how they are so happy post op,and all the brainwashing 
And if transgenders are unhappy after SRS, suicide is the answer ?That's cold .

IMO the only reason for gender surgery  is for intersexed people who consent to having surgery. Do you think for one minute if they had  normal genitalia they would get MTF SRS?
Thailand needs a therapist Dr's letter, you need blood tests and have to be over 18.they all have to abide by Wpath.

You are certainly entitled to your own opinion Victoria, but it is exactly that, your opinion.

I know many who are extremely happy they had SRS.  I also know a "few" who had problems afterwards.  It happens.

This does not mean it isn't right for others.

.

Quote from: victoria n on June 05, 2013, 12:55:44 PM
There is some concern Wpath Soc promotes gender treatment that is not based on real research.Their guidelines are probably better than nothing though.
You need hrt if you get SRS otherwise you will get post menopause symptoms.  Even post menopausal women have some estrogen produced naturally.
Or take HRT without SRS. 

Why would anyone want to get SRS in the first place. We are born genetic males with a peculiar problem. the feminized brain is just 1 unproven theory.
I don't think SRS  is the best treatment for transgenders. 

SRS can cause post op depression, a long adjustment period that may never end, and the dreaded Post op Regret. also it is much easier to orgasm as a male.   
Or you may do just fine especially if you are outgoing and generally happy.

The problem is all the people encouraging SRS saying how great it is. how it cures everyone's GID, how they are so happy post op,and all the brainwashing 
And if transgenders are unhappy after SRS, suicide is the answer ?That's cold .

IMO the only reason for gender surgery  is for intersexed people who consent to having surgery. Do you think for one minute if they had  normal genitalia they would get MTF SRS?
Thailand needs a therapist Dr's letter, you need blood tests and have to be over 18.they all have to abide by Wpath.

I understand that surgery is not for everyone.  It should be avoided for those who don't feel it would benefit them.  Also, if one was to feel uncertain, they should wait and consider whether this would be right for them.  There are plenty of trans individuals who are on the fence or against getting srs for themselves personally.  I respect their feelings.  They shouldn't be prompted to get it done and made to feel like killing themselves.  That's evil in my opinion.

Having said that, there are plenty of people that do desire this procedure.  I don't think it's fair to say that this isn't the proper course for someone else.  I don't like when people tell non-ops that they are going about it the wrong way and vice versa.  It's not right for us to determine what would make another person happy.  I'm in the beginning of my transition, but I can tell you I would be happy with SRS.  I've never liked that area of my body and I long for a sense of normalcy (normalcy for me).  I've gone through surgery in that area before and had to consider the loss of function and/or part of that area.  I can say I have thought deeply about this before and know to a degree how I'd feel.  Other pre-ops can tell you the same.  Just as well as the many happy post-ops

No one should feel pressured to go one way or another.  Non-op and Post-op are both viable paths.  Do what you want and what will make you happy.

I would ask the membership to remember that this is a support site, for all of us in the transgender and transsexual community.

The question of whether to have a gender confirming surgery is highly personal, and even if desired, may be out of reach of some of our members.

There is no doubt that SRS/GRS/GCA is an arduous process, fraught with the potential for complications.  That is why therapy and counseling is highly recommended, prior to making decisions of this magnitude.

Quote from: learningtolive on June 05, 2013, 02:00:21 PM
I understand that surgery is not for everyone.  It should be avoided for those who don't feel it would benefit them.  Also, if one was to feel uncertain, they should wait and consider whether this would be right for them.  There are plenty of trans individuals who are on the fence or against getting srs for themselves personally.  I respect their feelings.  They shouldn't be prompted to get it done and made to feel like killing themselves.  That's evil in my opinion.

Having said that, there are plenty of people that do desire this procedure.  I don't think it's fair to say that this isn't the proper course for someone else.  I don't like when people tell non-ops that they are going about it the wrong way and vice versa.  It's not right for us to determine what would make another person happy.  I'm in the beginning of my transition, but I can tell you I would be happy with SRS.  I've never liked that area of my body and I long for a sense of normalcy (normalcy for me).  I've gone through surgery in that area before and had to consider the loss of function and/or part of that area.  I can say I have thought deeply about this before and know to a degree how I'd feel.  Other pre-ops can tell you the same.  Just as well as the many happy post-ops

No one should feel pressured to go one way or another.  Non-op and Post-op are both viable paths.  Do what you want and what will make you happy.

You go girl, tell it how it is. :)

Quote from: DrBobbi on June 03, 2013, 10:28:24 PM
WPATH is based on 60 year old guidelines. Many believe the "real-life" experience requirement was an exercise in sadism. THat what was really being tested was a trans person's capacity for humiliation. Therapy is there to help those of us deal with the truth, family, friends, and what to expert through the transition process. Therapist should not be the HRT gatekeepers. In the EU it;s the right of every trans person to transition.

And I was one of the many who thought exactly that until about 6 weeks in to the 3 months RLE that Cymru requires. For me, truth be told, I can see the advantages of the way that it has forced me to both face up to a number of problems that may not go away and to understand some of the issues I will have to deal with if they do. The former major one for me has been coping with being mis-gendered with grace and not letting it spoil the rest of my day. For the latter it is the opposite side of the passing coin where you feel threatened because you have passed as female.

I am not sure that I can say that this is a superior care plan to any other, but I have begun to realise that there is some sense to doing things this way.

Rosie.

Quote from: DrBobbi on June 05, 2013, 11:05:09 AM
Happy that you decided against the self-medicating. If you can, find someone that uses the estradiol pellet implant. Easy, painless, and with the constant rate flow approximates a more natural delivery of circulating estrogens. Good luck.

BTW, I know the estradiol is working. Since I've had a cell phone I've never gone over 50% of my alloted minutes. On estradiol I'm 3x over and it's only the 18th day :-) lol.

Ok so what is a pellet implant? Is it an injection?

Kinda. Pellets are used to deliver a consistent rate of Estradiol over a 7 month period. The physician makes a small incision using a local anesthetic to insert a kinda syringe that "injects" small tic-tac sized pellets into the subcutaneous tissue of the butt. Then the incision is closed with a few small bandages, leaving you good to go for 7 months. No pills, shots, etc. It's, IMHO, the safest way to administer these life-affirming hormones. No significant risk of DVT, clots, etc. I have two. The doctor upped the dose to the max after seeing how well I felt on the first implant.

One thing, be sure the transition is for you should you elect to use the implant. It's difficult to remove the implanted pellets, requiring a CT scan to map the locations of the pellets so they can be surgically removed. Difficult, expensive, and a royal pain in the butt. But, if your sure, like me, I urge you to do it. I have never been happier. My face and body are already starting to change. I've had several friends ask me why my eyes are so big? My girlfriend from high school bought me a couple of bras at a dept store because my breasts are so sensitive that I was jumping out of my skin :)  Everything changes, and in my case all for the good. 

Quote from: DrBobbi on June 07, 2013, 05:00:29 PM
Kinda. Pellets are used to deliver a consistent rate of Estradiol over a 7 month period. The physician makes a small incision using a local anesthetic to insert a kinda syringe that "injects" small tic-tac sized pellets into the subcutaneous tissue of the butt. Then the incision is closed with a few small bandages, leaving you good to go for 7 months. No pills, shots, etc. It's, IMHO, the safest way to administer these life-affirming hormones. No significant risk of DVT, clots, etc. I have two. The doctor upped the dose to the max after seeing how well I felt on the first implant.

One thing, be sure the transition is for you should you elect to use the implant. It's difficult to remove the implanted pellets, requiring a CT scan to map the locations of the pellets so they can be surgically removed. Difficult, expensive, and a royal pain in the butt. But, if your sure, like me, I urge you to do it. I have never been happier. My face and body are already starting to change. I've had several friends ask me why my eyes are so big? My girlfriend from high school bought me a couple of bras at a dept store because my breasts are so sensitive that I was jumping out of my skin :)  Everything changes, and in my case all for the good.

I'm curious, are the pellets left in, and do they dissolve or get absorbed by the body somehow?

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on June 07, 2013, 05:18:52 PM
I'm curious, are the pellets left in, and do they dissolve or get absorbed by the body somehow?

They get absorbed and eventually disappear. My E is monitored after about 3-4 months after an implant and we decide if to replace it at 5-6 months depending on the levels of E that my medics and I are happy with.

The stitch is removed about 48 hours after the implant and to be honest I'm not too sure which one it the latest one as there is nothing to see externally. I just try to have them in alternate sides of my tummy, which is in my records!

Quote from: Cindy. on June 07, 2013, 07:12:35 PM
They get absorbed and eventually disappear. My E is monitored after about 3-4 months after an implant and we decide if to replace it at 5-6 months depending on the levels of E that my medics and I are happy with.

The stitch is removed about 48 hours after the implant and to be honest I'm not too sure which one it the latest one as there is nothing to see externally. I just try to have them in alternate sides of my tummy, which is in my records!

Thanks, Cindy!

Mine are in my left and right side butt cheeks. No scar. Easy.

to Randi, because I cannot send a reply, for some reason: THANK YOU!

Quote from: DrBobbi on June 07, 2013, 05:00:29 PM
Kinda. Pellets are used to deliver a consistent rate of Estradiol over a 7 month period. The physician makes a small incision using a local anesthetic to insert a kinda syringe that "injects" small tic-tac sized pellets into the subcutaneous tissue of the butt. Then the incision is closed with a few small bandages, leaving you good to go for 7 months. No pills, shots, etc. It's, IMHO, the safest way to administer these life-affirming hormones. No significant risk of DVT, clots, etc. I have two. The doctor upped the dose to the max after seeing how well I felt on the first implant.

One thing, be sure the transition is for you should you elect to use the implant. It's difficult to remove the implanted pellets, requiring a CT scan to map the locations of the pellets so they can be surgically removed. Difficult, expensive, and a royal pain in the butt. But, if your sure, like me, I urge you to do it. I have never been happier. My face and body are already starting to change. I've had several friends ask me why my eyes are so big? My girlfriend from high school bought me a couple of bras at a dept store because my breasts are so sensitive that I was jumping out of my skin :)  Everything changes, and in my case all for the good.

Just wondering can they be used with T blockers? I tried doing some looking online and basically got a 50/50 response between yes, and no only after orchi or SRS.

It was very interesting to read this thread. Thanks to everyone!

There seems to be a general commitment to the WPATH course. However, not only do I not want to go out in public as a woman, I don't want HRT. That is not because I wouldn't enjoy the benefits of estrogen, but that I am too old (mid-60s) to start that now. In fact, I am currently injecting testosterone twice a month and it helps to keep me healthy, stable and happy. I assume that I will be injecting even more testosterone if I have SRS, and that would be okay. The point is that after many years I have achieved acceptance of and comfort with my gender, even though it does not match my body.

Why would I want SRS? For the same reason that anyone does, so my body more matches my mind. It is disheartening to see that unsightly bulge every time I pull on undies or pants, and that makes it harder to feel like the woman I know I am. Furthermore, I have never felt particularly fond of my male genitalia, and at this stage of my life they are useless for sex and not so good for peeing, either. Begone and good riddance, IMO.

I'm sure that WPATH helps a lot of people, especially young people. A requirement to consult a psychologist is good. But to require people to adopt a lifestyle before SRS that they don't want to live after SRS is crazy. And once a psychologist says that a person is not in emotional crisis and is capable of making a reasoned decision, further interference by the medical profession is a violation of an individual's sovereignty over their own body and nothing less than immoral.

BTW, according to "True Selves -- Understanding Transsexualism" by Mildred L. Brown and Chloe Ann Rounsley, less than 1.5% of MtF SRS patients regret having had surgery.

Jessica, I don't want to hear this "too old" malarky!  We have one gal starting HRT in her 70s.

Don't let age hold you back from realizing your inner self.

P.S. - you need 15 posts before you can use personal messaging here.

Quote from: victoria n on June 05, 2013, 12:55:44 PM

Why would anyone want to get SRS in the first place.
I don't think SRS  is the best treatment for transgenders. 

I think you're proyecting your bad experience with your SRS into others.

At 50, any surgery is going to be a higher risk than doing it younger. Also being fit is another plus.

I'm sorry that your surgery gone bad, but that doesn't mean it's not the right thing for other people.

You are right in one thing, SRS is not a treatment for transgenders. SRS is for transsexual women.

Im in that geezerhood age range and had a trans gender therapist for two yuearsand  who I still chat with every two weeks. Ive finally started HRT some 3 months ago. Before HRT the physical aspect was overwhelming now I have a new understanding and the change must take place mentally. I may choose to have FFS, SRS and BA but now I'm quite realexed as I have changed so much for the better. I not one to ordain what is the right way and I know at our age  we think we know whats its all about. Its in many ways its more difficult and in others much easier at our enlightened age - political hogwash I know.

I'm lucky as I am physicall an easy chage MTF. I live in Asia and the rules are not so tight here . For exampleI dont care for the RLE and its also a contraversial subject. I know my way around to get what I want- age is an advantage - so it my burden and decision - but with this responsibility you owe it to yourself to seek professional guidance.

Good luck

One little fact...

Psychotherapy during transiton nets a much higher
Level of satisfaction.....

I want to be one satisfied girl...knowing I sit to pee for the
Rest of my life...my mate's will view themselves  as more superior
As a man....me knowing I'm weak ad a 120 lb girl....knowing that the
Hrt is making me easier to be dominated ...

Do transiton with out psychotherapy and you might be a statistic..
The ones we read about that made a mistake

Quote from: JessicaLM on June 17, 2013, 02:42:59 PM
It was very interesting to read this thread. Thanks to everyone!

There seems to be a general commitment to the WPATH course. However, not only do I not want to go out in public as a woman, I don't want HRT. That is not because I wouldn't enjoy the benefits of estrogen, but that I am too old (mid-60s) to start that now. In fact, I am currently injecting testosterone twice a month and it helps to keep me healthy, stable and happy. I assume that I will be injecting even more testosterone if I have SRS, and that would be okay. The point is that after many years I have achieved acceptance of and comfort with my gender, even though it does not match my body.

Why would I want SRS? For the same reason that anyone does, so my body more matches my mind. It is disheartening to see that unsightly bulge every time I pull on undies or pants, and that makes it harder to feel like the woman I know I am. Furthermore, I have never felt particularly fond of my male genitalia, and at this stage of my life they are useless for sex and not so good for peeing, either. Begone and good riddance, IMO.

I'm sure that WPATH helps a lot of people, especially young people. A requirement to consult a psychologist is good. But to require people to adopt a lifestyle before SRS that they don't want to live after SRS is crazy. And once a psychologist says that a person is not in emotional crisis and is capable of making a reasoned decision, further interference by the medical profession is a violation of an individual's sovereignty over their own body and nothing less than immoral.

BTW, according to "True Selves -- Understanding Transsexualism" by Mildred L. Brown and Chloe Ann Rounsley, less than 1.5% of MtF SRS patients regret having had surgery.

Well Jessica I was 59 when I went FT and I'm now totally hormonally reassigned. It has been a blessing in every way. WPATH standards are changing and it is great to see involvement more and more from the community into WPATH, and ANZPATH (for example) by 'lay' people. In some cases there are restrictions on membership but that is changing. In my case I am now running a website for lay and professionals members of ANZPATH to facilitate discussion and to change or influence treatment options.

There are problems but many treatment specialists do want to move to informed consent. But we have to, as a community, work to make those changes. Where I am in South Australia we have to get an Act of Parliament changed to allow informed consent, Hell we have to get it changed so we can treat children and adolescents so they can be rescued from puberty changes and make an informed decision when they reach legal majority.

And for 'fringe' people like trans*people to influence politicians who pander to main stream support is difficult. In my experience so far it is like putting a firework in a crocodile's bum; damn difficult to put it into place, but great fun when you light it.

[Please no crocodiles were injured or meant to be insulted by the previous remark] :laugh: