Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I may be starting this a little late, but better now than never.  My plan is to update this as things are get closer.

FFS for me will be, I hope, an anxiety reducer.  I assume everyone who looks at me knows I'm transgender.  Sometimes (usually) I'm right.

My FFS journey started in March of 2017.  I found a surgeon who was/is local and has a good time reputation, Dr Loren Schechter in Chicago. 

I set up an initial appointment and met an immediate issue.  He was switching affiliations and it took forever to get that straightened out, months.  I'm a patient person and that was okay with me. 

The initial consultation was fine, I really didn't have a laundry list of things to do but went in with the marching orders of "when I walk into a room, I want there to be no doubt of gender.

His list was, after researching, complete. 

The next step was for a full skull CT.  With prescription in hand I headed to Rush Hospital.  What I found there was interesting.  New facility and a new CT machine that the technician was just learning it's quirks. 

It took quite a while to get the scans necessary because I couldn't hold still.  The pulse/heartbeat was enough to blur the image.  We probably tried 6 or 7 times and finally got a good one.

Then the nightmare starts.  Insurance declined my surgery. Appeal declined; appeal declined; final appeal declined, my personal appeal declined.  Totally pissed off I contacted my HR department with, my next phone call with be a lawyer and no body wants that.

The next day I got a call from HR that BCBS was reevaluating the request.  48 hours later it was approved after an internal review by a doctor.  Funny, 5 rejections by "accountants".  Lesson learned, ask for a peer-to-peer review right from the beginning.

Fast forward to about two months ago.  I had a consult with Dr Walton who will be the primary surgeon and Schechter with be secondary (from what I can tell).  He decided that the time for brow, nose, trach was enough for one day.  My brow bone is too thin to shave so they have more intensive work to do.  Therefore the jaw work I want will have to wait. [emoji26] But as I said, I'm patient.

Now it's getting real.  I had my pre surgical physical (it was kinda funny... Not very thorough as the Dr said I'm probably one of his healthiest patients.  So now I'm at the hospital getting blood work, EKG... Just to make sure I'm healthy enough for surgery.

Final consult with surgeons in two weeks.

29 days and counting...

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Congratulations, and best wishes for amazing results😊

Wow Denise, that is exciting for sure! I can't wait to see your results after you have some time to heal. A girl who lives close to me went to Zukowski. I kind of think he over dose the nose jobs, but now that she is healed up she looks amazing.

Best wishes ....you already look very femme.... look forward to your results 🤨

Quote from: Denise on August 27, 2018, 10:21:30 AM
...I assume everyone who looks at me knows I'm transgender.  Sometimes (usually) I'm right...

I say this about myself, too. ha!

Good luck on the surg!  I wrestled with my insurance, too, and they finally relented.  Mine is in Oct.  I started the process in Feb...  I am a patient person, too. 

Congrats Denise! I'm gonna try to get my insurance to do the same but I have a few surgeons in mind I want to have consultations with before I decide. I know not every insurance covers every surgeon...
Well, I'm glad you've got your date! Hope all goes well :)

Monday I went to my GP for my Physical.  The pre-surgical physical was quick and easy. I got a prescription to take to the hospital for blood work, Chest x-ray and EKG (the surgeon wanted it).  On Thursday I got a call from the Dr office, the hospital never sent the lab results, x-ray or EKG which took a few phone calls but straightened out.

Tuesday the hospital called to go over some logistics such as transportation, support after surgery and if I wanted a second bed in my recovery room for the two nights I'm expected to be in the hospital.  My support person, RA, said yes, she'll stay and Yes she wanted the second bed.

Things are getting real now that it's just 25 days away.  But first... Vacation to go SCUBA diving.

Let me start with this was not about nor referring to Dr Loren Schechter.  It was a different surgeon.

8 days prior to surgery (yesterday) I had a final appointment with the surgeon.  The first thing he says is "I'm not accepting insurance any more."

After an explanation, I understood his position but was still a little upset.  The receptionist came in and we chatted and it got worse.  Details not required here but the bottom line was $10,000 USD was coming out of my empty pockets.

Obviously I was not happy.  As I walked out I mentioned to the people in the waiting room "I recommend going somewhere else." 

5 minutes later they called me back into the office and they said they reconsidered and they will take mine but I'm the last one.

I'm not sure if it was my "getting a lawyer" or "social media" comment or the comment to the people in the office but that has been cleared up.  I did contact my personal account rep at BCBS to ensure he'll be paid.

7 days and counting.

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@Denise:
Dear Denise:
Wow... this is wonderful news for you.... let's recap, you went from paying $10K out of pocket ... to now having your insurance cover some/most/all of the surgery and hospital charges.   You should definitely be rejoicing for sure.

It was wise to contact your insurance company to verify that they will be paying their contract amount for your procedure.   You definitely don't want any surprises when the bill comes due.

So, 7 days from now is the big day...  you will be in my thoughts on September 25th Tuesday morning.
I imagine that you are getting quite excited as you should be.

Please continue to keep us updated.   I will be following your thread and looking for your posts around the various Forum threads....

Hugs and well wishes, as always.
Danielle

Quote from: Denise on September 18, 2018, 05:24:35 PM
Let me start with this was not about nor referring to Dr Loren Schechter.  It was a different surgeon.

8 days prior to surgery (yesterday) I had a final appointment with the surgeon.  The first thing he says is "I'm not accepting insurance any more."

After an explanation, I understood his position but was still a little upset.  The receptionist came in and we chatted and it got worse.  Details not required here but the bottom line was $10,000 USD was coming out of my empty pockets.

Obviously I was not happy.  As I walked out I mentioned to the people in the waiting room "I recommend going somewhere else." 

5 minutes later they called me back into the office and they said they reconsidered and they will take mine but I'm the last one.

I'm not sure if it was my "getting a lawyer" or "social media" comment or the comment to the people in the office but that has been cleared up.  I did contact my personal account rep at BCBS to ensure he'll be paid.

7 days and counting.

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Wonderful 😊👍👌

Today's the day.

It's 4:38am here in Chicago and I need to be at the hospital before 5:30.  It's just under 2 miles and it's a nice day so I'm about to walk to get some air and enjoy the nice weather while we still have it.  I doubt I'll be doing much in the way of getting out on the town for a week or three.

I'll post an update when some of the drugs have worn off and I'm not so loopy.  I'll shoot for late Wednesday or Thursday.

Love to you all, Denise

Denise, best wishes!!  All the best.

Quote from: Denise on September 25, 2018, 04:41:22 AM
Today's the day.

It's 4:38am here in Chicago and I need to be at the hospital before 5:30.  It's just under 2 miles and it's a nice day so I'm about to walk to get some air and enjoy the nice weather while we still have it.  I doubt I'll be doing much in the way of getting out on the town for a week or three.

I'll post an update when some of the drugs have worn off and I'm not so loopy.  I'll shoot for late Wednesday or Thursday.

Love to you all, Denise

So happy for you, Denise! Can't wait to see the results!


Stephanie

I'm trying to think of something positive and uplifting to type .. that's not my style though ..
We're rootin' for you?
nah
Good luck
nah
Can't wait for the improvment
OMG no, you look great now

I suppose I should stick with the safer "Best Wishes" and "Can't wait" as per @Stephanie
Waiting in anticipation  :)

swift recovery honey

I hope you have a Fast recovery Denise. Can't wait to see the new you!

Thank you all for your kind words.

About 11 hours of surgery was Tuesday, today is Thursday and I still feel like I got hit by a truck.  I'm only 1/2 surprised by that as others have indicated that recovery from FFS is not fun.  They are right.

The results are looking good so far but with so much swelling it's tough to tell.

I'll post pictures later when I'm not totally gross.

Love you all very much.

Denise

As each day goes by that truck gets smaller and given enough time completely vanishes in the mirror.  And then you're there! 

Quote from: Denise on September 27, 2018, 11:05:03 AM
Thank you all for your kind words.

About 11 hours of surgery was Tuesday, today is Thursday and I still feel like I got hit by a truck.  I'm only 1/2 surprised by that as others have indicated that recovery from FFS is not fun.  They are right.

The results are looking good so far but with so much swelling it's tough to tell.

I'll post pictures later when I'm not totally gross.

Love you all very much.

Denise

Wow, 11 hours! Well, as Kendra told me, it isn't pleasant by any means, but it only amounts to a blip on your timeline, and you get to enjoy the benefits the rest of your life.

Take care and heal well.


Stephanie

Hi Denise, sorry I missed this since I was so caught up in stuff the past couple of days.. Wow, sounds like you have a lot of resting, relaxing and healing to do! It sounds very painful.
Hope you have a fast recovery[emoji173] we're all anticipating the results, but it does take time so we understand!

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11 hours?  WOW.  Best of luck on the recovery!

Just posting to support you publicly :) I'll keep texting you and bothering you privately lol. Love ya girl!!

Rest well.  This will all be behind you soon enough. 
Hugs, Judi

Good luck with the recovery, looking forward to see the results.
Nicole

Thanks all.  I had a follow up with the dr this morning.  He removed the drain (that was uncomfortable to pull out!), changed all the dressings (that was painful!), cleaned out my nose (that was pleasant after he was done).

Still no touching the hair (i Look like Medusa with wild hair) to "fix it"  So going out is going to be a challenge.  Still no glasses, so I apologize for any typos here but it makes using a computer tough.  I have everything set to BIG PRINT.  I feel like I'm 90 years old.   

Oh - and sleeping is challenging.  I'm having the most vivid dreams that I actually force myself awake to stop them because I know they are not real.

Pictures will be forth coming.

Sleep, I need sleep.  I'm sleeping maybe 3 hours per night.  Last night was less than 2.  Suggestions?

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Quote from: Denise on September 28, 2018, 01:03:41 PM
Thanks all.  I had a follow up with the dr this morning.  He removed the drain (that was uncomfortable to pull out!), changed all the dressings (that was painful!), cleaned out my nose (that was pleasant after he was done).

Still no touching the hair (i Look like Medusa with wild hair) to "fix it"  So going out is going to be a challenge.  Still no glasses, so I apologize for any typos here but it makes using a computer tough.  I have everything set to BIG PRINT.  I feel like I'm 90 years old.   

Oh - and sleeping is challenging.  I'm having the most vivid dreams that I actually force myself awake to stop them because I know they are not real.

Pictures will be forth coming.

@Denise
Dear Denise:
Even though I am eagerly following and anticipating every detail that you are now posting, please, please, please, do not push yourself to get on the forums and your thread ....  please, only post when you feel well enough and only give us details and pictures when you feel comfortable doing so......

We are all so very, very happy for you... we are your biggest fans and we are all rooting for you.... as this is obviously one of the biggest events in your life and your journey.

Regarding sleep, I have sleep issues myself so I am just about useless offereing any suggestions for you other than not looking at you computer or phone right before bedtime, eat your meals early ...... and for me knocking off the much coveted coffee ...)   I have found that about an hour or two before bedtime if I sit down in my comfy chair with a blanket on me and a hot cup of water or decaf tea... and read a book for a while, it does a good job of relaxing me and shutting down my ever busy mind so I can then get to sleep a little quicker.

I am wishing you well and a fast and good recovery and may your discomfort turn into jubilation for you very soon.
Hugs and hugs and hugs,
Danielle

Denise, I have no idea of what you're going through. My 'relax to go to sleep' routine, when I need it, is a gin and tonic an hour before bedtime.

I don't know how that fits into your allowable things to do but it's all I've got.

Take it easy, get recovered.
Faith

Quote from: Denise on September 30, 2018, 08:02:42 AM
Sleep, I need sleep.  I'm sleeping maybe 3 hours per night.  Last night was less than 2.  Suggestions?

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Melatonin or CBD oil help a lot for knocking me out if I need it.

While a gin and tonic is definitely one of my favorite sleep aids, alcohol isn't a great idea this soon after surgery.

Are you napping during the day? It's usually normal to sleep throughout the day after a major surgery
Something I've heard is when you're up at night to get up and out of bed. You don't have to do anything very active, but your body may just need to be awake for a bit longer.
I don't always do that because I try to stay in bed and keep rolling around to fall asleep. Sometimes it doesn't work and I end up feeling even worse after wasting an hour or two and then I get up anyway...
I drink camomile tea and it works for me. Also I try to stay up a bit later even if I'm feeling sleepy so I can ensure that I'm adequately tired to sleep through the night.

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Wow Denise! How did I miss your thread. I've herd of 9 hours but you are the first I've herd at 11 hours. Great news girl! I wouldn't guess that your surgeon would like you drinking any alcohol to help you sleep during your recovery. Didn't they give you any pointers to help you sleep? I will be following your thread for updates as I am seeking FFS as well. Please post your remedies as you discover what helps you sleep.

Wishing you a fast recovery Denise!
Hugs,
Donica.

Ya gotta get enough sleep - especially now.  If you're not sleeping enough overnight, keep in mind you don't have to jump up and run off to work in the morning.  Time to sleep all day without any guilt.  Relax, sleep a few hours, relax some more. 

I love you all.  Your depth of concern for the community runs deep.  Thank you.

Update:

I think the lack of sleep was a combination of
1. napping during the day
2. Stopping my Spiro for days
3. Lack of reason to sleep (no activity during the day.)

I'm typically someone who doesn't stop.  The motto "I can sleep when I'm dead" fits.  So I've done the following
1. Melitonin (sp) a few hours before bed  at Dr suggestion
2. Knocked off napping
3. Got busy, walking, cleaning...
4. Restarted Spiro
5. Put on warmer PJs

Now I wake up a few times a night to pee but fall right back to sleep.  Last night I got about 8 hours.  So I think I've turned that page.

The recovery is going well.  Tonight I want to an LGBTQ speaking thingy (search outspoken sidetrack Chicago) and people were surprised how good I was looking.  I take that as a good sign.

Tomorrow is follow up and hopefully get stitches out and I will be cleared to start E again.

I'll post more later Wednesday (Chicago time)


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Denise this news is awesome!  You're at the point where recovery starts to become easier and then you're done. 

Quote from: Denise on October 02, 2018, 10:01:06 PM
I love you all.  Your depth of concern for the community runs deep.  Thank you.

Update:

I think the lack of sleep was a combination of
1. napping during the day
2. Stopping my Spiro for days
3. Lack of reason to sleep (no activity during the day.)

I'm typically someone who doesn't stop.  The motto "I can sleep when I'm dead" fits.  So I've done the following
1. Melitonin (sp) a few hours before bed  at Dr suggestion
2. Knocked off napping
3. Got busy, walking, cleaning...
4. Restarted Spiro
5. Put on warmer PJs

Now I wake up a few times a night to pee but fall right back to sleep.  Last night I got about 8 hours.  So I think I've turned that page.

The recovery is going well.  Tonight I want to an LGBTQ speaking thingy (search outspoken sidetrack Chicago) and people were surprised how good I was looking.  I take that as a good sign.

Tomorrow is follow up and hopefully get stitches out and I will be cleared to start E again.

I'll post more later Wednesday (Chicago time)


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That's great girl! I'm happy for you.

I'm so glad you're getting some sleep now. That's so necessary for healing.

And now... pics or it didn't happen! (J/K, only when you're ready.)

Stephanie

It's Wednesday. You must still be asleep. That's a good thing Denise. Update us when you feel up to it. Just thought I would check in.

Donica.

Running out but a quick picture.  I'm cleared for work on Tuesday next week.

Stitches are out, splints in nose out(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181004/da1e53ac8bae51735c82f947ba8599cd.jpg)

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Quote from: Denise on October 03, 2018, 07:19:51 PM
Running out but a quick picture.  I'm cleared for work on Tuesday next week.

Stitches are out, splints in nose out(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181004/da1e53ac8bae51735c82f947ba8599cd.jpg)

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@Denise
Dear Denise:
Wow-zers..... you posted a post-surgery picture already???   You look great and I love that big happy smile on your "new" face
Thank you so much for being a brave woman and posting a photo so soon....
Please continue to keep us all updated as you have been doing... I am eager to follow your progress in your journey.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Wow!  Huge difference in your eyes, brow bossing completely gone.  Yay!!

Nose takes a loooong time to heal.  Current amount of swelling will be just a memory in a few more days/weeks, and within a month or two your new nose will start taking shape.   

Thanks all.

The amount of work done on my nose was extensive.  I never realized how badly smashed it was in high school.  I actually can breath without obstruction and before I never knew I was struggling.

The eyes are definitely an improvement.  I look like my twin sister would have looked had I been fraternal twins.

It's interesting how subtle my confidence has shifted.  I'm one to ever shy away from people but today I'm smiling more and just feel more comfortable.

Hugs

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Great to hear 😊
It's great to be able to breathe again😉

I'm really amazed at how great you're looking this soon after 11 hours on the table.  That's remarkable.

Looking great babe! That is one fast recovery. Can't wait for the final results! :)

Quote from: Denise on October 03, 2018, 07:19:51 PM
Running out but a quick picture.  I'm cleared for work on Tuesday next week.

Stitches are out, splints in nose out(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181004/da1e53ac8bae51735c82f947ba8599cd.jpg)

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Wow Denise!!! You look great. And already going back to work? That was fast! Great update girl.

Donica.

WOW Denise,  you look great and you are healing so fast too!

So I played around with before and after pictures I took.  These are altered only to make the face the same size.  There's a bigger difference than I thought.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181004/95d068d610c98a0150d57b017493a4bb.jpg)

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Absolutely 😊😊😊

Oh wow, that's definitely where a good chunk of that 11 hours went.  That's a really amazing difference even with the swelling.

Oh definitely Denise. A big difference. Looks great girl.

Hugs,
Donica.

Two more before and after.  These were taken 8 days post surgery.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/7333647b9310469d28defa40377d04c7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/b30d6a8fd9fbd224ccecd356b99874cc.jpg)

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@Denise
Dear Denise:
WOW   what a big difference....particuarly the way that your pictures show the changes....   again WOW.

Thank you for sharing...
...and I will be eagerly looking for you future updates and pictures as your healing continues.
Hugs and hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Denise on October 06, 2018, 10:13:41 AM
Two more before and after.  These were taken 8 days post surgery.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/7333647b9310469d28defa40377d04c7.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181006/b30d6a8fd9fbd224ccecd356b99874cc.jpg)

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Wow, thank you Denis for sharing these. These pics are like the best representation of a before and after pic. What program did you use to overlay the two images? Thanks.

Regards,

Azure

Quote from: Azurite92 on October 12, 2018, 09:14:51 PM
Wow, thank you Denis for sharing these. These pics are like the best representation of a before and after pic. What program did you use to overlay the two images? Thanks.

Regards,

Azure

I'm using Photoshop that I've had for about 10 years.

On a side note, I put in eyeshadow for the first time post surgery.  OMG what a difference.  It's amazing the difference.

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Denise the difference is awesome! 

Depending on individual skull shape, eye shadow can be tricky to apply before FFS.  Eye shadow enhances the eyes but can make that area appear darker - in some cases has the unintended consequence of causing deeply inset orbital rims and brow bossing to be more visible.  After FFS we can apply eye shadow just like other women.