Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So, I've been working my butt off (harder than I ever, really), and I realized that I could probably afford to do SRS in early 2014. Initially I was saving to do another surgery, but not I am not really seeing it as that important when compared.

I started hormones in December of 2012 and went full time around Feb this year, so I guess this whole time I thought of it as this thing I really want to do- just way in the distance. But now I'm like, why wait? I am ready for it, and I feel mega held back [sexually speaking] because am finding more and more that I do not prefer anal pleasure.

Another very crucial aspect for me is the feminizing effect of removing the testes. I have read time and time again that people sometimes get very noticeable changes following SRS. I would rather see what SRS would change "naturally" before having some kind of body contouring surgery.

It all just seems to make sense to me now.

I have a few questions, though... Who would you say is the best doctor for sexual sensation? I hear Suporn is the best for that but maybe doesn't have the best aesthetic? And do you think I would be doing it too soon? Personally I feel fine about it but I wanna know what y'all think :D

That's great news! I'm hoping the same!

As far as I can gather every woman feels their surgeon did the best job! With the exception of the butchers of course. I have a very close friend who has just been converted by Christine McGinn, another girl I see fairly often who was a Suporn girl early this year and is very happy. Calico had Chettawunga(? spelling) in Thailand and is very happy. Girls also rave about Bowers and Brassard.

From what I gather is the USA/Canadian surgeons have far better after care compared to the Thai's, were you are in a hotel room with a mobile phone, and you really need a friend with you to help.

I have heard more negatives about the Thai surgeons than about the USA/Canadians. I think that is more to do with the post op care and the difficulty in getting consults post surgery.

Quote from: Cindy on August 20, 2013, 04:10:44 AM
That's great news! I'm hoping the same!

As far as I can gather every woman feels their surgeon did the best job! With the exception of the butchers of course. I have a very close friend who has just been converted by Christine McGinn, another girl I see fairly often who was a Suporn girl early this year and is very happy. Calico had Chettawunga(? spelling) in Thailand and is very happy. Girls also rave about Bowers and Brassard.

From what I gather is the USA/Canadian surgeons have far better after care compared to the Thai's, were you are in a hotel room with a mobile phone, and you really need a friend with you to help.

I have heard more negatives about the Thai surgeons than about the USA/Canadians. I think that is more to do with the post op care and the difficulty in getting consults post surgery.

Thanks for the info, Cindy :)

I'm super excited- you must be, too!

I do worry about having a surgery in a place so far away. Is the need for a post op consult something to expect? I keep perusing photos and procedure details and I keep coming back to Suporn.

Well I know Calico did, pm her and ask her experience in Thailand, at lest she can let you know what it was like there.

I think she was emailing photos for follow up consults.

Suporn has a good reputation though. But I did hear that he can try too talk you into other procedures if you have the look of money!

The medical care from any of the major Thai surgeons is superb. I had my surgery through PAI at the Piyavate hospital and the facilities were outstanding. As for aftercare, after my discharge the sent a car to my hotel every other day for my check ups. If you have surgery with Chet or Suporn they will send the nurse to your hotel. It often seems to me when reading these threads that people believe that Suporn is the only Thai surgeon of note. He is not. Neither does he have the largest SRS clinic or best facilities, although they are still first rate.

Join me in August with McGinn?

(Unless there's someone better in which case I'd love to hear about it)

Hey Beautiful Jenny, I know Meghan Andrews here at Susans has a blog & she considered a Doctor in your area in California as you both live in LA and follow up wouldn't be too far away for you. She decided on Brassard in Montreal, I am sure she left with a positive feeling for the SRS & after care which is in some cottages on the grounds. More privacy & you can take a support person with you. If you decided I would suggest a date that is in the summer. Winters can be cold & they get a lot of snow there. You could pm Meghan.

I had relatives there I used to visit. Currently have a friend that got transferred from my city of Toronto to Montreal. Last November I met TessaM that I contacted through Susans (not a member now), she had SRS end of May with Doctor Brassard, she lives in a burb of Montreal. I am going to visit my friend for a few days next week & hope to see Tessa one night  to catch up on things. I will ask her how she feels about her experience.

You sound ready for SRS instead of the other operation you were alluding to. I think you are making the right decision. Happy for you.
Cheers
Jamie

Congrats and good luck! How exciting to move it up.

I also went to Brassard, and can attest that at least his top results are *very* sensate - I could feel everything from the minute I woke up, and was orgasmic by 3 weeks. Which is not to say that Suporn is worse; I bet all the best surgeons are good. But a datapoint that Brassard can do the job fine. ;)

Well Bowers and McGinn have been through it themselves and are both highly skilled surgeons with both aesthetics and function. After many years I've decided on McGinn. I'm early in my cocoon stages but have tried to hold it off for a very long time. I've been researching every aspect and SRS surgeon since the millennia. Oh dammit i'm getting old. Oh well as long as people still thing I'm 10+ years younger. I get carded constantly and probably will after 50. Fine by me I suppose.

Have you watched Trans the Movie? Christine was selected as flight surgeon for NASA before quitting the NAVY to make herself happy, to be herself. The clinic she opened Papillon Center in New Hope, Penn is kinda out of the way but I would rather have an expert 6hrs away if complications arise.

I'm unfortunately financial strapped so it will be '15 or '16 for me but still the acceleration of feminizing is due to the lack of natural high testosterone and no longer having to suppress it.

Whatever choice you make I know that it will be well thought out.

Jamie

Thank you for all the lovely replies! Sorry I haven't had time to respond until now... VERY busy at the moment!

I really appreciate all the recommendations so so much. I just spent a good hour and a half looking everything up and I'm getting really excited for the future! But also I'm a bit more confused about who will be the best for me because there are so many options and seemingly so many considerations with each one. This is going to be a hard decision. Thanks again for your help on the matter :)

I am having a consultation with McGinn on Sept 9th! Have no idea how long before the surgery, I wish it was on Sept 10th :))
People are saying amazing things about Thai surgeons, but my main concern is the possibility of complications. What if it DOES happen to me? What am I gonna do? catch a next plane to Thailand? No way. And also, I don't have an ability to leave my work for 30 days. That's why McGinn is my first choice - only 2 weeks stay in PA, 5-6 hour drive from where I live and relatively affordable.

Quote from: makinmagic on August 30, 2013, 09:57:49 PM
I am having a consultation with McGinn on Sept 9th! Have no idea how long before the surgery, I wish it was on Sept 10th :))
People are saying amazing things about Thai surgeons, but my main concern is the possibility of complications. What if it DOES happen to me? What am I gonna do? catch a next plane to Thailand? No way. And also, I don't have an ability to leave my work for 30 days. That's why McGinn is my first choice - only 2 weeks stay in PA, 5-6 hour drive from where I live and relatively affordable.

Yeah the long flight to Thailand is not high on my list of things I want to do unless it's for fun travel!

I am probably going to check into Brassard a little bit more, even though it would still be quite a long flight for me ;)

I wish there were local surgeons in Australia, I have reservations over the Thais and the USA is too far and too expensive.

Not too happy about the situation. I'm ready but........

Quote from: Cindy on September 04, 2013, 03:51:48 AM
I wish there were local surgeons in Australia, I have reservations over the Thais and the USA is too far and too expensive.

Not too happy about the situation. I'm ready but........

On an off topic note... Wow, I love your new avatar Cindy :D

Quote from: Jennygirl on September 04, 2013, 04:20:58 AM
On an off topic note... Wow, I love your new avatar Cindy :D

Thank you Sis :-*

It was taken last Friday in my driveway. I suppose it is obvious that I'm not in hiding!! :laugh:

Quote from: Cindy on September 04, 2013, 04:25:09 AM
Thank you Sis :-*

It was taken last Friday in my driveway. I suppose it is obvious that I'm not in hiding!! :laugh:

Your pride has always been an inspiration to me. Also, I just noticed the license plate :laugh: Very nice touch!!

Quote from: Jennygirl on September 04, 2013, 04:28:10 AM
Your pride has always been an inspiration to me. Also, I just noticed the license plate :laugh: Very nice touch!!

Thank you again. I have to admit that when I was trying to be a guy I hid away from life. I'm proud of being me. I think all trans*people should be proud. We face incredible problems and we all struggle, cry and fight just to be accepted as human beings.

I'm never going to hide again. I walk proudly being me. And everyone can know it!!!!

What I found so amazing is young people (at work) coming to me and thanking me, because they were gay or lesbian or Bi or whatever and had been to afraid to come out as themselves, but now they feel OK to do so because Cindy has come out so publicly.

That heals a lot of past pain.

Sorry for hijacking your thread Sis!!!

Good luck! I'm going to Brassard this month.. also wondering about post op changes.. I'm switching to patch for estrogen and then of course no more anti androgens.. yay!

Quote from: Cindy on September 04, 2013, 04:41:51 AM
What I found so amazing is young people (at work) coming to me and thanking me, because they were gay or lesbian or Bi or whatever and had been to afraid to come out as themselves, but now they feel OK to do so because Cindy has come out so publicly.

That heals a lot of past pain.

Sorry for hijacking your thread Sis!!!

Don't worry about the hijacking, It's great to read about your positive experiences with others :)

Quote from: marilyn on September 05, 2013, 10:34:22 PM
Good luck! I'm going to Brassard this month.. also wondering about post op changes.. I'm switching to patch for estrogen and then of course no more anti androgens.. yay!

As time goes on and I do more research, I am warming up to Brassard more and more. Not just because of the shorter flight, but because of the the recovery and technique. I've read nothing but good things about Brassard, yet a split of either VERY good or not about Suporn results due to the increased invasiveness of his technique. It's still a very tricky decision because I do like the sensation aspects of Suporn's procedure (namely the "chonburi gland"), but my gut is starting to tell me Brassard.

Sensation is kind of a huge deal for me.. the main reason I am doing this is because having a penis is personally holding me back from what I consider for myself a complete sex life. I have always been very orgasmic, and HRT hasn't changed that a bit- so, I don't feel that I have too much to worry about with either one in that regard because both seem to have great sensation results. Even if Brassard doesn't save as many nerve endings as Suporn, I don't think it's going to matter for me much.

I am eager to hear how things go :D Thinking good thoughts for you and wishing you a speedy recovery!

Quote from: Jennygirl on September 06, 2013, 02:16:42 AM
having a penis is personally holding me back from what I consider for myself a complete sex life.

Story of my LIFE. Seriously, this thing has caused me decades of misery and confusion...lol.

Anyway, I am leaning heavily toward Suporn myself. The technique may be more invasive, and take longer to heal, but the results are amazing. It just seems to me that he is creating the genitals from scratch, as a form of art, rather than just turning things inside out and stuffing them back in (obviously there's more to penile inversion than this, but you get my meaning).

This will of course still be a couple years down the road for me, but I feel that the results, and the authenticity of his work will make the cost and the travel worth the investment.

Whomever you decide on, I wish you the absolute best!

Quote from: Jennygirl on September 06, 2013, 02:16:42 AM
Don't worry about the hijacking, It's great to read about your positive experiences with others :)

As time goes on and I do more research, I am warming up to Brassard more and more. Not just because of the shorter flight, but because of the the recovery and technique. I've read nothing but good things about Brassard, yet a split of either VERY good or not about Suporn results due to the increased invasiveness of his technique. It's still a very tricky decision because I do like the sensation aspects of Suporn's procedure (namely the "chonburi gland"), but my gut is starting to tell me Brassard.

Sensation is kind of a huge deal for me.. the main reason I am doing this is because having a penis is personally holding me back from what I consider for myself a complete sex life. I have always been very orgasmic, and HRT hasn't changed that a bit- so, I don't feel that I have too much to worry about with either one in that regard because both seem to have great sensation results. Even if Brassard doesn't save as many nerve endings as Suporn, I don't think it's going to matter for me much.

I am eager to hear how things go :D Thinking good thoughts for you and wishing you a speedy recovery!

For what it's worth, I am also tentatively booked with Brassard for end June 2014. I had the opportunity to visit them in August and really liked the set-up and the people I met, including Dr Brassard's surgical partner, Dr Bélanger. Apart from being very pleasant, at last a woman at least as tall as me.. :)

I also liked the idea that the surgery was short, typically about 1,5 hours and done with an epidural rather than a full anaesthetic. I've had more than my share of long surgeries of the last couple of years and would prefer to avoid any more.

I will nevertheless by looking at an option in Europe before I make my final decision , both because the surgeon got very positive reviews from the patients I exchanged with and because it is quite close to where I live.
Hugs.
Donna

Jenny : I went with Brassard, and I definitely liked the short surgery time; less time under = lower risks. I also had a very easy recovery; while not as good as the woman who never used anything but Tylenol from the moment she woke up after surgery, I was off the heavy pain meds by day 3 and up to walking half a mile by the time I got home at the 12-day mark.

Also, quite frankly, any more sensitivity and it would *hurt.* When I accidentally touch my clit directly, I about levitate, and not in the good way (for it to be pleasant, I need only gentle indirect touch!). I read about how cis women have like 4X as many nerves and I wonder how they can stand to wear pants. ;)

Quote from: Jenna Marie on September 06, 2013, 09:10:09 PM
Jenny : I went with Brassard, and I definitely liked the short surgery time; less time under = lower risks. I also had a very easy recovery; while not as good as the woman who never used anything but Tylenol from the moment she woke up after surgery, I was off the heavy pain meds by day 3 and up to walking half a mile by the time I got home at the 12-day mark.

Also, quite frankly, any more sensitivity and it would *hurt.* When I accidentally touch my clit directly, I about levitate, and not in the good way (for it to be pleasant, I need only gentle indirect touch!). I read about how cis women have like 4X as many nerves and I wonder how they can stand to wear pants. ;)

As a Brassard girl all i can say about this is   ;D OMG.

Izzy

I spoke with a woman on the phone regarding my voice surgery and she had gone to Brassard- she said almost the exact same thing about sensation. Actually she was the reason I really started checking him out. Just as I had great things to say about Yeson, she made sure to let me know how amazing Brassard is just like you all are.

And wow that short of a recovery sounds absolutely stellar. It seems like he's incredibly efficient when performing this surgery. I like that a LOT.

I have been reading about the clitoral hood and I'm a bit confused, do you need to be uncircumcised for that to be possible? Seems to me like it does a lot for the cosmetic result and I would definitely want it.

The reason I chose Brassard is because he seems experienced dealing with circumcised patients.

Quoting from his documents:
"The labia majora are formed with some of the penis skin, the hood and the labia minora with urethral
mucosa and penis skin."

Quote from: Nicolette on September 07, 2013, 04:02:50 AM
The reason I chose Brassard is because he seems experienced dealing with circumcised patients.

Quoting from his documents:
"The labia majora are formed with some of the penis skin, the hood and the labia minora with urethral
mucosa and penis skin."

Good to know. Thanks Nicolette!

Ugh, everything just sounds amazing about Brassard. I think I will be contacting him sometime this week :D

How much does he charge and how many days travel would I need to book?

Quote from: Jennygirl on September 07, 2013, 04:15:37 AM
Good to know. Thanks Nicolette!

Ugh, everything just sounds amazing about Brassard. I think I will be contacting him sometime this week :D

How much does he charge and how many days travel would I need to book?

You need to be in Montreal for a total of 12 days. He currently charges C$19375.

Jenny I am so happy that you are this close to being able to fix the lower issue's I know i am so looking forward to having the documentation I need to go forward with my srs that i cry often from wanting it so badly.  am a bit older so waiting around a few years is not the best for me, I want to be able to enjoy being me. I am looking at Thailand just for the extra sensation piece and cost mostly but please keep us informed as to what you find. I find myself respecting you and your opinion very much and would like to continue to hear what you re finding and make my choice with the benifit of your knowledge and experience. XO Jerri

Yep, I was circumcised and I have a clitoral hood (made of urethral lining so it's mucosal tissue, meaning that now that everything's healed it's moist and pink and natural-looking) and excellent aesthetics. It might be *better* for uncirc'd people, I dunno, since there's more for him to work with... but he does a terrific job even on those of us who were circumcised.

(personally - and this is ONLY my own opinion about my own bits - I wanted it to be as "cis normal" as possible, which meant no extra bonus organs and *not* perfectly porn-star neat! He obliged when I told him my requests; it's not airbrushed-looking "perfect," and there's hair on the outer half of the labia majora because that's how it is on cis women, but it's exactly right for me. I hear from others that he can customize somewhat for someone who does want the porn-star dainty look, though.)

Just sent an email to Brassard's inbox! Hopefully the wait list is not too long and I can get in there as soon as my year of full time is completed- in late Feb 2014.

EEEEE!!! :D

Was Dr. Brassard technique really that good? He could make your clits that sensitive? I never thought that I would wanna go to Canada to get my SRS. I've always wanted to go to Thailand. But you guys said so many good things about Dr. Brassard. It's hard for me not to want to have my SRS with him but 19,000 USD is a lot but if he's that good then I guess I wouldn't mind paying.

Of course when it comes to this surgery, we all want it to look good aesthetically, you don't want people to be able to tell that's fake, so that's my main concern. The second concern would be the sensation obviously, you want our vajayjay to be working normally and that you're gonna able to have orgasm a few months post-op... Anyways so you guys were saying if a patient is uncircumcised, the clit would looks better? And do you guys know where can I see the result of Dr. Brassard's work? Thank you :-)

Quote from: Jennygirl on September 10, 2013, 05:47:15 AM
Just sent an email to Brassard's inbox! Hopefully the wait list is not too long and I can get in there as soon as my year of full time is completed- in late Feb 2014.

EEEEE!!! :D

I think you will be happy with the service they provide. Care they give is top notch. Keep expectations real and look forward to spending a lot of time taking care of yourself after. It is a long process with out any major issues, the rewards can be well worth the effort.

Keep in mind if you are traveling along give me a heads up on your date and i could maybe stop by and say hello. ATM i am living in Montreal area. If you have any questions just give me a shout and will try to answer the best i can.

Edit: for MTF last i heard wait times was around 3 months or so.


Izzy

Quote from: mind is quiet now on September 10, 2013, 11:01:57 AM
I think you will be happy with the service they provide. Care they give is top notch. Keep expectations real and look forward to spending a lot of time taking care of yourself after. It is a long process with out any major issues, the rewards can be well worth the effort.

Keep in mind if you are traveling along give me a heads up on your date and i could maybe stop by and say hello. ATM i am living in Montreal area. If you have any questions just give me a shout and will try to answer the best i can.

Edit: for MTF last i heard wait times was around 3 months or so.


Izzy

Thanks Izzy! I will definitely let you know what date I end up getting. They already emailed me back, and indeed the wait time is 3 months. That gives me at least another month to get all of my paperwork sorted and set up a date!

Historically speaking with past surgeries I've had, I will be taking really good care of myself and following the dr's orders to the tee. The thought of superb aftercare makes me breathe a huge sigh of relief. I always get so darned anxious following a surgery, as if I'm doing something wrong that will impede my recovery/result. So far, that anxiety has been a blessing in disguise. I have had two surgeries that came out exactly as expected, and I recovered quickly from both. Hopefully that will be the same this time around :)

Much to my surprise, when I told my mom she wasn't phased at all. I think she really wants to see me complete my transition for her own peace of mind in seeing me completely as her daughter. I was expecting her to have anxiety or express weariness about the seriousness of this surgery, but I think with the positive outcomes of past surgeries she trusts me now. Such a wonderful feeling to have her unfettered support where I was least expecting it.

Full steam ahead!

Lexy : I admit I was shocked, especially because now it feels like my clit is about 1000X as sensitive as the penis head used to be, which seems
impossible when it's the same nerve endings! I also don't feel like mine is "fake," to be honest, but I know what you mean - and yes, I've
seen pictures of cis women's vulvas that look a lot like mine, now that the scars have healed. (I was lucky, and not only did the scars fade to a pale pink that almost matches the area, the scar placement is perfectly hidden by hair.) I actually cared about sensation first and appearance second, but I got my wish; I was orgasmic in my sleep at 3 weeks post-op and managed it awake around the 4-month mark.

I said I don't know how he handles uncircumcised people. :) I don't think the clit itself is done any differently, though - that is made from the glans of the penis, not the foreskin. I also don't think it could look any *more* natural, but who knows?

Unfortunately, the only place I know with a bunch of pics of Brassard's work (besides the doctor himself) is the Anne Lawrence site. If you Google her name, you should find it.  Or you can ask around and see if someone is willing to share; I'm afraid I'm not personally comfortable emailing pictures of my genitalia, but someone might be.

Jenny : Wow, that is all great news! Congrats!

Congrats Jenny!

From what I read Brassard has a 4-6 month waiting list so you should be able to get your appointment around February.

I too have decided on Brassard due to proximity, reputation, and most importantly his results and aftercare. I didn't go full time until July so unfortunately I have to wait until next summer but I'll be contacting him soon to set a date and put down my deposit.

Ahh

Sent an email to Brassard this morning!

Wow, Cindy! Good luck! Maybe you two will be there together. :)

Jenny, Abby & Cindy, re emails, all the best wishes that Dr. Brassard in Montreal is your dream team for SRS. TessaM used to be here, we have shared a few PM messages on Facebook. She lives in suburban Montreal & went to Dr. Brassard May 28. All has gone well for her.

I'd happily join you with McGinn tomorrow, if you can show me two therapists whose letters can be bought.

Quote from: ZoeM on August 20, 2013, 04:23:39 PM
Join me in August with McGinn?

(Unless there's someone better in which case I'd love to hear about it)

I went to Brassard for my SRS, going on 3 1/2 years ago now. Wow how time flies! I have nothing but the best to say about his work. The care was great, the recovery facility was fantastic, and the results are exceptional.

Jenny, In the same vein as you with your voice feminization surgery, I also documented the process during my SRS quite a bit here on Susan's. Below are links to each part of my "journal" as things progressed. I hope that helps you half as much as you've helped in affirming my decision to go with VFS at Yeson. I would say that if you feel ready then by all means go for it. Nobody else can really tell you when you're ready for it, it's something that you have to feel comfortable doing and only you can say when that time is. As long as you can get all the necessary documents and tests done then go for it.

I've definitely heard good things about Suporn, but I went with Brassard because I heard equally good things and he was closer. In the end I don't regret anything about my choice to go with him.

SRS Journal:
Part 1: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75041.msg510923.html#msg510923
Part 2: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75082.msg511302.html#msg511302
Part 3: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75217.msg512476.html#msg512476
Part 4: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75255.msg512845.html#msg512845
Part 5: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75303.msg513324.html#msg513324
Part 6: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75333.msg513594.html#msg513594
Part 7: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75356.msg513962.html#msg513962
Part 8: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75410.msg514356.html#msg514356
Part 9: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75454.msg514792.html#msg514792
Part 10: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75801.msg518033.html#msg518033
Part 11: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,76194.msg526849.html#msg526849
Part 12: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,80722.msg562722.html#msg562722

Quote from: SarahR on September 12, 2013, 05:10:42 PM
I went to Brassard for my SRS, going on 3 1/2 years ago now. Wow how time flies! I have nothing but the best to say about his work. The care was great, the recovery facility was fantastic, and the results are exceptional.

Jenny, In the same vein as you with your voice feminization surgery, I also documented the process during my SRS quite a bit here on Susan's. Below are links to each part of my "journal" as things progressed. I hope that helps you half as much as you've helped in affirming my decision to go with VFS at Yeson. I would say that if you feel ready then by all means go for it. Nobody else can really tell you when you're ready for it, it's something that you have to feel comfortable doing and only you can say when that time is. As long as you can get all the necessary documents and tests done then go for it.

I've definitely heard good things about Suporn, but I went with Brassard because I heard equally good things and he was closer. In the end I don't regret anything about my choice to go with him.

SRS Journal:
Part 1: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75041.msg510923.html#msg510923
Part 2: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75082.msg511302.html#msg511302
Part 3: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75217.msg512476.html#msg512476
Part 4: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75255.msg512845.html#msg512845
Part 5: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75303.msg513324.html#msg513324
Part 6: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75333.msg513594.html#msg513594
Part 7: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75356.msg513962.html#msg513962
Part 8: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75410.msg514356.html#msg514356
Part 9: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75454.msg514792.html#msg514792
Part 10: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75801.msg518033.html#msg518033
Part 11: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,76194.msg526849.html#msg526849
Part 12: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,80722.msg562722.html#msg562722

Looking at those posts, I see that the most recent was back in 2010. How do you feel, three years later? It sounds like everything worked out just as well as you could ever have hoped. It must be great now, when everything just becomes normal, without a whole great routine to worry about ...

Quote from: Carlita on September 13, 2013, 12:24:31 PM
Looking at those posts, I see that the most recent was back in 2010. How do you feel, three years later? It sounds like everything worked out just as well as you could ever have hoped. It must be great now, when everything just becomes normal, without a whole great routine to worry about ...

Well, it's so natural these days that I don't even think about it much. Which is pretty amazing really. I have plenty of sensation and orgasms aren't an issue. Really the only negative thing is needing lube most of the time, but that's not really something that can be helped, and I have noticed quite a few times where I didn't need it. Those times were when there was the right amount of foreplay to get my body in the right mood, something I'm sure a lot of cis girls have as well :)

That's great to hear, Sarah. Thanks for sharing :)

Even more confidence going with Brassard!

How did everyone cope with discontinuing HRT three weeks before their surgery with Brassard? Were there any negative physical or emotional changes? Also, when did you restart HRT? I know you can keep your T level very low during this period with an injection of triptorelin and such.

I had only very minor issues with discontinuing HRT - a couple of mild hot flashes. (I was emotionally all over the place, but since GRS was 3 weeks away and I was terrified of any kind of surgery, I think that was to be expected!) Not sure what my T level was b/c it wasn't tested, but my guess is not much, since pathology reported that my testicles were nonfunctional anyway.

We got the OK to restart HRT the day we left the residence, which was day 10 if I count the day of the operation as day 1. So it was, of course, actually about 31 days off... but honestly, post-op the LAST thing I was thinking about was hormones. I was too busy caring for the new bits! I even, um, forgot to put a patch on until the next day I was home. :)

For me a little of my body hair started to get more active in growth. I stopped like 3 1/2 months out being did not want to renew a script and save a few $.

As said after, think it was almost 3 days before i put a pactc on once home. Just first weeks are very hectic for sure. I did blood work like 6 weeks after my SRS and everyting was back to my pre-levels. Did not take much time to settle back in.

But everyone is different on how stoping will effect you. Its only for 3 months so not any big issues, remember its all for the good. Relax

Izzy

Quote from: mind is quiet now on September 14, 2013, 03:17:42 PM
For me a little of my body hair started to get more active in growth. I stopped like 3 1/2 months out being did not want to renew a script and save a few $.

As said after, think it was almost 3 days before i put a pactc on once home. Just first weeks are very hectic for sure. I did blood work like 6 weeks after my SRS and everyting was back to my pre-levels. Did not take much time to settle back in.

But everyone is different on how stoping will effect you. Its only for 3 months so not any big issues, remember its all for the good. Relax

Izzy

3 weeks isn't such a big issue. 3 months would be a nightmare! I presume that's a typo.

I'm on triptorelin to hope to minimise the withdrawal effects. I haven't been off E for almost two decades, so I'm sort of paranoid! I can't imagine those things being able to produce anything anymore, but who knows.

Yes hormones stop for Brassard is 3 weeks out (that i made a typo) . I know some of the doctors are 6 weeks.
I did stop at 3 1/2 months being i been on hrt since 1999 and lets say the boys where next to nothing left and was not worried about any real major effects. Also i am in a older age bracket and gave it a little more time to remove any possible DVT.

Anyway you will be fine.

Izzy

Quote from: Nicolette on September 14, 2013, 12:40:55 PM
How did everyone cope with discontinuing HRT three weeks before their surgery with Brassard? Were there any negative physical or emotional changes? Also, when did you restart HRT? I know you can keep your T level very low during this period with an injection of triptorelin and such.

Over the years I've been a bit inconsistent with hormones, so stopping for the short period wasn't that much of an issue for me. I think I was too preoccupied with thinking of the upcoming surgery to really worry about HRT anyways. However, now that I'm post-op I've noticed that not being consistent with HRT is more detrimental to my emotions in a big way.

Quote from: SarahR on September 13, 2013, 03:34:49 PM
Well, it's so natural these days that I don't even think about it much. Which is pretty amazing really. I have plenty of sensation and orgasms aren't an issue. Really the only negative thing is needing lube most of the time, but that's not really something that can be helped, and I have noticed quite a few times where I didn't need it. Those times were when there was the right amount of foreplay to get my body in the right mood, something I'm sure a lot of cis girls have as well :)

Wow - sounds wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing - I've been away a few days so couldn't reply sooner!

I'm looking for any info regarding californians who have gone to brassard for SRS and had it covered by insurance. I just called anthem blue cross/shield or whatever but they have to dig and I'm not sure if they will find it. I also emailed Brassard's office in the hopes he has some good info.

I know it should be covered with the transgender nondiscrimination act that was recently passed in California and I'm hoping to take full advantage!

Jenny,

Have you consider Dr. McGinn? I've had one close friend that used her services earlier this year & she is very pleased with the results.

Do they cover doctors out of the US? Everyone I know who's used insurance has been limited to in-country surgeons. (As much as I hate to talk you out of Brassard - I'm a very satisfied customer!)

Jenna Marie, If I can ask did you use Dr. Brassard or Mr. McGinn or some other surgeon? I think my best choice is Dr. McGinn because of my friends experience & the fact that she also corrected her body long ago.

I definitely had my heart set on Brassard and paying for it out of pocket, but today I spoke with Anthem Blue Cross and they had a no deductible + 4,000 max out of pocket HMO plan.

They (Anthem) also publicly released benefit options for gender transition, which includes SRS and hormone therapy (among other things) as covered medical treatments. The woman I talked to was able to pull it up, but she did not know at first and tried to tell me that SRS is a cosmetic procedure. She stood corrected and was really nice about it.

She's checking to see if any of my medical doctors (general medicine, endocrinologist, brassard) would be directly covered by the HMO plan including the newly released benefits. I have a feeling it will turn up zilch, but worth a try I guess.

I also just got an email back from Brassard's office; they do not deal with any insurance companies.

So, I don't know. It's looking like I may just get the cheapest insurance possible to be legal with obamacare- unless I want to consider McGinn or another US surgeon (if I could even get coverage out of state). I will probably end up just doing it the original plan: of out of pocket with Brassard. It's a very important surgery to me, which means I'd be happier having my preference in doctor versus just being less $$.

Quote from: Jennygirl on November 29, 2013, 07:10:57 PM
I definitely had my heart set on Brassard and paying for it out of pocket, but today I spoke with Anthem Blue Cross and they had a no deductible + 4,000 max out of pocket HMO plan.

They (Anthem) also publicly released benefit options for gender transition, which includes SRS and hormone therapy (among other things) as covered medical treatments. The woman I talked to was able to pull it up, but she did not know at first and tried to tell me that SRS is a cosmetic procedure. She stood corrected and was really nice about it.

She's checking to see if any of my medical doctors (general medicine, endocrinologist, brassard) would be directly covered by the HMO plan including the newly released benefits. I have a feeling it will turn up zilch, but worth a try I guess.

I also just got an email back from Brassard's office; they do not deal with any insurance companies.

So, I don't know. It's looking like I may just get the cheapest insurance possible to be legal with obamacare- unless I want to consider McGinn or another US surgeon (if I could even get coverage out of state). I will probably end up just doing it the original plan: of out of pocket with Brassard. It's a very important surgery to me, which means I'd be happier having my preference in doctor versus just being less $$.

You should be able to pay out of pocket and get back from the insurance company if you go with brassard?

Izzy

Quote from: mind is quiet now on November 29, 2013, 07:14:03 PM
You should be able to pay out of pocket and get back from the insurance company if you go with brassard?

Izzy

I'm hoping that is the case! Thanks, I will bring it up to them at Anthem! :)

All I'm hoping is to meet one of my Susan's friends when I get there. :)

Quote from: ZoeM on November 29, 2013, 07:37:11 PM
All I'm hoping is to meet one of my Susan's friends when I get there. :)

I am hoping to have a slide-able schedule and would love to make that a reality!

Francis Ann : Sorry, I meant to imply that. I went with Brassard, and as far as I'm concerned he was worth paying every penny out of pocket and then some. I'm sure all the other major surgeons are also excellent, mind you; we can all only experience it once, though (at least if we're lucky!), and so I only know the doctor I finally chose.

Quote from: Jennygirl on November 29, 2013, 07:10:57 PM
I definitely had my heart set on Brassard and paying for it out of pocket, but today I spoke with Anthem Blue Cross and they had a no deductible + 4,000 max out of pocket HMO plan.

They (Anthem) also publicly released benefit options for gender transition, which includes SRS and hormone therapy (among other things) as covered medical treatments. The woman I talked to was able to pull it up, but she did not know at first and tried to tell me that SRS is a cosmetic procedure. She stood corrected and was really nice about it.

She's checking to see if any of my medical doctors (general medicine, endocrinologist, brassard) would be directly covered by the HMO plan including the newly released benefits. I have a feeling it will turn up zilch, but worth a try I guess.

I also just got an email back from Brassard's office; they do not deal with any insurance companies.

So, I don't know. It's looking like I may just get the cheapest insurance possible to be legal with obamacare- unless I want to consider McGinn or another US surgeon (if I could even get coverage out of state). I will probably end up just doing it the original plan: of out of pocket with Brassard. It's a very important surgery to me, which means I'd be happier having my preference in doctor versus just being less $$.

Could you submit your receipts from Brassard, or another doctor, and receive a partial reimbursement from the insurance company, under the out-of-network "usual, customary, and reasonable" clauses?

So I decided that I really don't give a crud if insurance + Bowers is a lower cost. I had my heart set on Brassard and I'm going to stick to that. Not that I don't think Bowers would do an excellent job, I just know that Brassard is perfect for me and I do not want to be second guessing a single part of this decision.

If I work really hard I should be able to do it in April anyway, so here I go!

I just emailed their office, going to try to get my date scheduled ASAP. Hopefully the wait period isn't too long. I would love to still be able to make it to burning man this year :D

Good on you, Jenny. Go for it girl.

Huggs and all the very best
Catherine

Quote from: Jennygirl on January 29, 2014, 09:13:42 PM
So I decided that I really don't give a crud if insurance + Bowers is a lower cost. I had my heart set on Brassard and I'm going to stick to that. Not that I don't think Bowers would do an excellent job, I just know that Brassard is perfect for me and I do not want to be second guessing a single part of this decision.

If I work really hard I should be able to do it in April anyway, so here I go!

I just emailed their office, going to try to get my date scheduled ASAP. Hopefully the wait period isn't too long. I would love to still be able to make it to burning man this year :D

Wait time for Brassard,  i think they are running around 3 month.

Isabell

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on January 29, 2014, 10:26:54 PM
Good on you, Jenny. Go for it girl.

Huggs and all the very best
Catherine

:D :D :D thank you!!

Quote from: mind is quiet now on January 30, 2014, 10:35:42 PM
Wait time for Brassard,  i think they are running around 3 month.

Isabell

Yeah that's what they said the last time I emailed them some months ago. Hopefully it's still like that!

I called my mom today on a break at work and to my surprise she seemed really excited to talk about it. She wants to come to Montreal at some point and fly me back to Ohio where she wants to take care of me for a while. I get all warm and fuzzy thinking about it and had to share :D

Aww!

My mom came to take care of me for a week a couple of years ago after some pretty gnarly surgery.  It was so awesome having my mom here to make sure I was OK, like when I was a kid with the flu.  Moms rock.   

My mom is from Ohio too.  ;)

I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Having the extra help at home is a good thing. Your first few weeks home are full of your personal care and does not leave much time for other things in life.

Just a personal note, if you can come to montreal a few days before hand the old part of the city is worth the look. Not sure after you will be up much to walking around.

Just remember to keep me up to date on your trip. I would love to stop by and say hello while you are here in Montreal.

Hugs. I think you will be happy with your Dr. Brassard and staff.
Isabell

Quote from: Jill F on January 31, 2014, 04:04:02 AM
Aww!

My mom came to take care of me for a week a couple of years ago after some pretty gnarly surgery.  It was so awesome having my mom here to make sure I was OK, like when I was a kid with the flu.  Moms rock.   

My mom is from Ohio too.  ;)

I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Ha what are the chances. Both live in LA and both have moms from Ohio! I think we should stsrt booking our plane tix together for trips home during holiday seasons! ;)

Quote from: mind is quiet now on January 31, 2014, 07:17:32 AM
Having the extra help at home is a good thing. Your first few weeks home are full of your personal care and does not leave much time for other things in life.

Just a personal note, if you can come to montreal a few days before hand the old part of the city is worth the look. Not sure after you will be up much to walking around.

Just remember to keep me up to date on your trip. I would love to stop by and say hello while you are here in Montreal.

Hugs. I think you will be happy with your Dr. Brassard and staff.
Isabell

I will definitely be updating in this thread, or I may make a new one when I get a date confirmed. Having a day or two to have a look at the city sounds like a lot of fun!



I'm literally working my butt off right now to save up for this. This week was a 74 hour week for me, and I'm sitting at my work desk as I type this- 11:30pm on a saturday night. Luckily the project is kind of cool and I don't mind :) The other freelancers are nice, too... not one has any clue that I am trans either which is a first!

I don't think I've ever been this motivated to make 20k in my life. I know I haven't, actually. Cheers to achievable goals!

Hugs to you Jenny!

Quote from: Jennygirl on February 02, 2014, 01:25:41 AM
I'm literally working my butt off right now to save up for this. This week was a 74 hour week for me, and I'm sitting at my work desk as I type this- 11:30pm on a saturday night. Luckily the project is kind of cool and I don't mind :) The other freelancers are nice, too... not one has any clue that I am trans either which is a first!

I don't think I've ever been this motivated to make 20k in my life. I know I haven't, actually. Cheers to achievable goals!

Keep it up girl you'll get there if anybody can do it you can. :)

:D :D :D

I just saw this! I hope it all works out for you!

Way to go!!!!! When I got back home my mom while not being able to come to me , brought me to her so I could have some much needed recovery time.  It turned out to be very helpful for healing, both physically and emotionally.  And for her as well , it allowed some very much needed bounding and reconciliation. Your strong, and I am sure you will do just fine! Keep us all up to date on how things are progressing. And remember to hold onto all your receipts so you can use them for your tax at the end of the year (just because current insurance isn't covering your surgeon of choice doesn't mean you cant use him or a trip as a tax deduction :D )

Jenny, I hope they can reattach your butt after working it off!

If not, I can spare a bit for you now.

Thank you Liz and calico :D

I FINALLYjust got partially paid, so tomorrow I am going to call Brassard's office in the hopes of putting down a deposit / setting up a date! :) :) :)

I will either be looking for anything before May (pretty much ASAP) and if there aren't any openings I'm shooting for mid September. I have to time the recovery juuust right! Still quite a few things I wanna do this year!

Jill, you know I would never let any of my butt be taken away. There's just no way I would allow that to happen.

Holy 2K posts! And this is definitely the thread I wanna be doing that in :)