Susan's Place Transgender Resources

  Hi Folks,

  Yep, you read the title right. This is my thread, Laurie's! I met with the Doctor at Kaiser Northwest's Gender Pathways clinic for my initial meeting and after the usual questions about medications and medical history, she asked what services I was interested in getting from Kaiser. I told her probably GCS but at least an Orchiectomy but more likely the whole thing, a trache shave, and facial electrolysis. She told me what tests results she would need to see or have done, that I need 2 letters for gcs, a letter stating my overall health assessment from oncology my GP and diabetes status. she  ordered some labs she'll need, and after that she'll put in the referral for GCS with Dr. Dugi. It will take about 2 years from referral to surgery.
  For an electrolysis referral all I need to provide is a 6 month history showing testosterone below 100. I can do that easy.
  I think I actually decided to go for GCS today. What have I done?

Hugs,
  Laurie

This is a road trip of a different colour.  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Devlyn on September 17, 2018, 07:35:05 PM
This is a road trip of a different colour.  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Congratulations Laurie regardless of what decision you make in end


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks @Mariah . Think I have decided or at least decided to work towards that end.

@Devlyn  It sure is a different road trip for me regardless of the color. We'll have to see where this road goes.

Laurie

Quote from: Laurie on September 17, 2018, 07:06:25 PM
...What have I done?

It seems like you've turned a new leaf and are happy.  That will always make us consider new paths.  In all seriousness this is wonderful news Laurie.  As a quiet follower, I'm am thrilled to read this. 
Judi

Laurie.. I am so happy for you. I am glad Kaiser has the policy to help us.. I wish I could get GCS but I'll settle for what I can get. Glad you mentioned electrolysis as I was wondering if I can get compensated.
I was so blessed to work with Emily for voice therapy as she was so kind and encouraging. I don't know what I am going to do with myself on the days I normally would visit her. We were both crying on my last day.
I hope all your expectations are met and life goes smooth from here on out. Two years when you're looking forwards seems like a long time. When you are looking behind it seems like yesterday..Hugs my dear.

Congratulations on this big step sis! 
Remember your name change and how fast that happened? 
Watch what you wish for!

Now, I have to put that thought out there also to Kaiser.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Quote from: Laurie on September 17, 2018, 08:32:18 PM
Thanks @Mariah . Think I have decided or at least decided to work towards that end.

Wait... what?!

A plan?!



Stephanie

Quote from: Laurie on September 17, 2018, 07:06:25 PM
  Hi Folks,

  Yep, you read the title right. This is my thread, Laurie's! I met with the Doctor at Kaiser Northwest's Gender Pathways clinic for my initial meeting and after the usual questions about medications and medical history, she asked what services I was interested in getting from Kaiser. I told her probably GCS but at least an Orchiectomy but more likely the whole thing, a trache shave, and facial electrolysis. She told me what tests results she would need to see or have done, that I need 2 letters for gcs, a letter stating my overall health assessment from oncology my GP and diabetes status. she  ordered some labs she'll need, and after that she'll put in the referral for GCS with Dr. Dugi. It will take about 2 years from referral to surgery.
  For an electrolysis referral all I need to provide is a 6 month history showing testosterone below 100. I can do that easy.
  I think I actually decided to go for GCS today. What have I done?

Hugs,
  Laurie

Good for you...Its been a long road for you to arrive at that decision...congrats and I hope your journey brings you all the joy and happiness in the world...you do deserve it :angel:                         

Quote from: JudiBlueEyes on September 17, 2018, 08:34:55 PM
It seems like you've turned a new leaf and are happy.  That will always make us consider new paths.  In all seriousness this is wonderful news Laurie.  As a quiet follower, I'm am thrilled to read this. 
Judi

@JudiBlueEyes  Hi Judi You are right I am happy and it probably does have something to do with my moving forward again. Thank you and you do not need to be silent here in my topics or anyone else's. That is what we are here for, To share our hopes, aspirations, problems and challenges with each other and above all else to support one another.

Quote from: DawnOday on September 17, 2018, 08:55:15 PM
Laurie.. I am so happy for you. I am glad Kaiser has the policy to help us.. I wish I could get GCS but I'll settle for what I can get. Glad you mentioned electrolysis as I was wondering if I can get compensated.
I was so blessed to work with Emily for voice therapy as she was so kind and encouraging. I don't know what I am going to do with myself on the days I normally would visit her. We were both crying on my last day.
I hope all your expectations are met and life goes smooth from here on out. Two years when you're looking forwards seems like a long time. When you are looking behind it seems like yesterday..Hugs my dear.

@DawnOday  Dawn Thank you. I hope you are able to get some compensation for electrolysis. It is expensive! I had voice coaching at the VA and like you both Erin and I had tears as we decided it was my last visit with her. You do build up a rapport with good providers. We still need to meet one of these days so we can exchange hugs for real.

Quote from: Jessica on September 17, 2018, 09:07:20 PM
Congratulations on this big step sis! 
Remember your name change and how fast that happened? 
Watch what you wish for!

Now, I have to put that thought out there also to Kaiser.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

@Jessica Yes Jess I remember what happened with the name change. I guess this is similar I broached it as "I think" I want GCS or as Kaiser says it GAS (gender affirmation surgery) but somehow I think I have made that decision today.
Now like you say it's probably about time you get them thinking along those lines yourself. You said it now I can harass you about getting it done.

Quote from: Steph2.0 on September 17, 2018, 09:56:10 PM
Wait... what?!

A plan?!



Stephanie

@stephanie  (S(te(p)ha)ni)e Fridge!  Now!  you know better!

Quote from: LizK on September 17, 2018, 10:45:27 PM

Good for you...Its been a long road for you to arrive at that decision...congrats and I hope your journey brings you all the joy and happiness in the world...you do deserve it :angel:                         

@LizK  Thank you Liz. What can I say? You know how far this has been from my thoughts. Being happy can get you thinking in new possibilities as Judi said. I think that is exactly what has happened. While I am at it, I think I'll thank you for all the help you have given me since we met. You more than anyone, know how close a thing it was. Thank you Liz. Love ya.

Hugs for you all,
  Laurie

Well there goes Laurie driving beyond more crossroads and the header at top of this page.  Balanced on the Sharp Edge of a Knife. 

Oh, dear.  Sometimes I do wonder if I'm a bad influence on @Laurie.  We've talked quite a bit about Kaiser, the services offered, and what I've had done through their system.

I am trusting that Laurie is looking into the care that she feels she needs, and not being unduly influenced by me and the path I needed to take.  I do know that I can be a Bad Influence.

Quote from: Michelle_P on September 18, 2018, 07:14:48 AM
Oh, dear.  Sometimes I do wonder if I'm a bad influence on @Laurie.  We've talked quite a bit about Kaiser, the services offered, and what I've had done through their system.

I am trusting that Laurie is looking into the care that she feels she needs, and not being unduly influenced by me and the path I needed to take.  I do know that I can be a Bad Influence.

I think we do need to be cautious not to get drawn in by the current here, and that everyone, as you mentioned, is getting the care that they need.

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Kendra on September 18, 2018, 12:03:16 AM
Well there goes Laurie driving beyond more crossroads and the header at top of this page.  Balanced on the Sharp Edge of a Knife.

  @Kendra, this is truly a different road I travel and as ever, I am not sure where it will lead. I have an idea of the destination but there are many distractions on the way. The road can be sharp like a scalpel or straight and boring. I may lose parts of myself along the way and yet reach the end to find myself whole at last.

Quote from: Michelle_P on September 18, 2018, 07:14:48 AM
Oh, dear.  Sometimes I do wonder if I'm a bad influence on @Laurie.  We've talked quite a bit about Kaiser, the services offered, and what I've had done through their system.

I am trusting that Laurie is looking into the care that she feels she needs, and not being unduly influenced by me and the path I needed to take.  I do know that I can be a Bad Influence.

@Michelle_P  Yes, we have talked about Kaiser, but it had been in my mind before I met you, my dear. If you will recall way back when before we ever met, I was asking questions about Kaiser's gender program and financial costs. No, Michelle you we not an undue influence on my path. I recall talking to @LizK , you, and probably mentioning it here on Susan's, that I was thinking of joining Kaiser to give me options. I said it would open the door to other possibilities and that was what I sort of worried about. I didn't know what I would do beyond going in to talk to the Gender Pathways people. I didn't know that when I did, I would take that step through the door. But I have. Like someone pointed out ( @Jessica ) I could just get what I am asking for. Like when I put those papers in for my name change and poof it was done. The difference this time is I should have about 2 years to change my mind. But for now I think I'll keep going on down this road.
  The only bad influence you were on me was when you kissed me. Thank you. Thank you for giving me that distraction that saved my life.  :icon_flower: :icon_flower: :icon_bunch:

Quote from: Devlyn on September 18, 2018, 07:36:05 AM
I think we do need to be cautious not to get drawn in by the current here, and that everyone, as you mentioned, is getting the care that they need.

Hugs, Devlyn

@Devlyn Yep Dev, You and Michelle are right in that each of us must make our own decisions about what is good for us. I have done that for myself. Since I joined the site I have been heading in this direction one hesitant step at a time. This part of my path is long and with plenty of time to think about it and change my mind if I want. In the mean time I'll stroll along taking time to smell the roses along the way.

@Steph2.0 You can climb down off the fridge now.

Hugs,
  Laurie

I guess it would be a good few months prior to your getting together with Michelle that you and I touched on the subject of GCS etc etc. I can remember a couple of discussions where we briefly discussed going forward and maybe even as far as GCS but from what I remember you were still making your considerations. We have discussed on a number of occasions, orchies, GCS, FFS and even voice surgery during several of our conversations going back over the last couple of years . I got the distinct impression you had not made up your mind about anything but had also not ruled anything out...since that time we have chatted about my own decision making in regards GCS.

Congratulation on making this momentous decision and you are right, you do have two years before you hit the table along with the prerogative to change your mind without explanation, ....My dear friend...please remember!!...You are worth it!!

Take care

Liz

Quote from: Laurie on September 18, 2018, 10:07:28 PM
@Steph2.0 You can climb down off the fridge now.

Sure. Just when I get comfortable.

Seriously, it's cool that you've reached a decision and are moving forward. The way I'm fighting with gatekeepers, you may be done before me.

Stephanie

 Hi folks,

  Since I last updated this thread I have contacted my therapist and asked for his help in obtain my two letter I will need for my GCS referral. His answer was that he was happy to here I had decided to pursue GCS with Kaiser. He said he would be happy to supply me with one letter and talk with my pill pusher the Psychiatry Practical nurse prescribing my antidepressant about writing the second one. He asked when I needed them and said I would need to come in to sign the release paperwork. So it appears that I have the letters covered.
  I also contacted my GP and asked his help on the requirement for a physical assessment and he said the last visit letter summary and lab tests letter should be what Kaiser needs. I will try using those and see if it is good enough. Kaiser Doc also was interested in a recent breathing assessment and I know I do not have a recent one so I can look forward to having that set of tests done again. I needed this tested before they would approve my last cancer  that took about five weeks.
   I also need to attend an OHSU class about vaginoplasty and all that it involves. I have signed up for the next class which is on October 16th. So I am working on getting these things done so I can get that referral.
   For the electrolysis referral she said I needed to show her 6 - 12 months of my total testosterone being below 100 ng/dl. No problem I have printed out a year and a half worth or test results all .7 ng/dl or lower. I will give that to her.

She also ordered a few tests. Among them estradiol and testosterone E was 70 pf/ml and wouldn't you know it,  total T was 101 ng/dl arrrg I hope it doesn't stop the referral.

   I have also downloaded my medical record from the VA ( about 13MB ) and will burn a CD of it for her to have and reference. It has all my medical history, test results, and doctor notes back to 2012 and some from before. Kaiser has my previous records up to 2009.

So there you have it.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Great to see you have everything well in hand. All sorts of things to get sorted doting the i's and crossing the t's...I am sure you will mange it all and get what you need. The worst part for you is probably going to be when you have to start the "planning part"...I know...I Know and I apologise for swearing in your thread but unfortunately for you, planning (Oops said it again) is just part of the joy of GCS LOL

Congrats and take care my friend
Liz

Quote from: LizK on September 22, 2018, 07:44:15 PM
Great to see you have everything well in hand. All sorts of things to get sorted doting the i's and crossing the t's...I am sure you will mange it all and get what you need. The worst part for you is probably going to be when you have to start the "planning part"...I know...I Know and I apologise for swearing in your thread but unfortunately for you, planning (Oops said it again) is just part of the joy of GCS LOL

Congrats and take care my friend
Liz

Oh, you're in for it now...I'd run Liz!

 :icon_poke: @Laurie

Laurie, you have come so far from the little girl who locked her keys in the car. I just hope that if you proceed, you will not insist on the surgery being in that truck of yours. You are an awesome person who can never say my name. Maybe this surgery would help that. Wherever your path takes you, I just want you happy.
Moni

Congratulations Laurie.

You will need to make a new box :)

Hi Laurie, are you still going to Christina for electro?  She always insisted that OHP was the only insurance option for coverage, and that some colleague of hers had tried it and was still waiting to be reimbursed, but this isn't true at all, under the right circumstances anyway - I'm still not certain how that all works.   It has to be in conjunction with work done by a clinic or something.  I had to stop going to Christina as I was earning minimum wage and had some debt to get out of the way and was flat broke. 

I just received my go-ahead letters from my insurer (Providence) for an orchi next month and GCS with Dugi in the not too distant future.  The seminar OHSU has on their program is well worth attending, they set me up with a Providence caseworker who's been a lot of help.

Another electrologist in Beaverton, Alice Berry,  told me Providence only covers genital electro but people at the Q Center support group told me that isn't the case, my caseworker should be able to help me out there.  This is essential as Alice and the gal in Oregon City charge double for genital electro - $150/hr or so.  Alice kind of chewed me out for going with Providence and their stuffy regulations - I chose them because the premiums were a few $$$$ less and I was under the impression electro wasn't covered by anybody - but my experience with them in re: providers/HRT/therapy has been fine.  Incidentally I went to that Q Center group just last Friday, for only the 2nd time - first time it wasn't really my cup of tea - but had a lot more positive experience this time around, and might make it a monthly thing. 

Another thing the Q folks mentioned is that Toby Meltzer and Ellie Ley are coming to Portland soon, to give a seminar or presentation or whatever on setting up a GCS clinic here.  This is interesting as Meltzer used to have his practice here, until the super-stuffy church-ran hospital he was at told him to get lost.  This would be great as Dugi really needs someone to take up some of his workload.  I don't know who the surgeon would be - Meltzer's due to retire soon and I assume Ley's content being in AZ.  Maybe someone they'd train. 

One of the Q folks was ranting about what a pain in the hinder Toby's daughter is.   :D  It was pretty funny to hear about.  When Toby was still in town my therapist used to send folks to him too - she remembers him being a bit too impressed with himself.  Also that a major factor in moving to Arizona was for the golf. 

@LizK

  You think you are safe poking fun at me and saying I will need to p...p...pl...make commitments and stick to them. Lest you forgot I do own a passport now...

@HappyMoni

   Thank you Minerva. You are right, that day I locked myself out of my pickup I was a frightened little girl that did not know what she wanted. Though that trip was a great time for me and I enjoyed it a lot, I can't say I was happy then. Though I still have problems and issues to work through, I am happy today and I think I know where I am heading in transition.  FYI Moniica or Moni as you prefer to be called I can and did say your name when I want too. So there :P :P :P :p Give that wonderful wife of yours a hug for me please.

@Rachel

  Thank you Rachel. Call me dense or something but what box would that be besides the one the surgeon would make? I think I am missing something, sorry.

Hugs,
  Laurie

Quote from: Lucy Ross on September 23, 2018, 09:54:41 PM
Hi Laurie, are you still going to Christina for electro?  She always insisted that OHP was the only insurance option for coverage, and that some colleague of hers had tried it and was still waiting to be reimbursed, but this isn't true at all, under the right circumstances anyway - I'm still not certain how that all works.   It has to be in conjunction with work done by a clinic or something.  I had to stop going to Christina as I was earning minimum wage and had some debt to get out of the way and was flat broke. 

I just received my go-ahead letters from my insurer (Providence) for an orchi next month and GCS with Dugi in the not too distant future.  The seminar OHSU has on their program is well worth attending, they set me up with a Providence caseworker who's been a lot of help.

Another electrologist in Beaverton, Alice Berry,  told me Providence only covers genital electro but people at the Q Center support group told me that isn't the case, my caseworker should be able to help me out there.  This is essential as Alice and the gal in Oregon City charge double for genital electro - $150/hr or so.  Alice kind of chewed me out for going with Providence and their stuffy regulations - I chose them because the premiums were a few $$$$ less and I was under the impression electro wasn't covered by anybody - but my experience with them in re: providers/HRT/therapy has been fine.  Incidentally I went to that Q Center group just last Friday, for only the 2nd time - first time it wasn't really my cup of tea - but had a lot more positive experience this time around, and might make it a monthly thing. 

Another thing the Q folks mentioned is that Toby Meltzer and Ellie Ley are coming to Portland soon, to give a seminar or presentation or whatever on setting up a GCS clinic here.  This is interesting as Meltzer used to have his practice here, until the super-stuffy church-ran hospital he was at told him to get lost.  This would be great as Dugi really needs someone to take up some of his workload.  I don't know who the surgeon would be - Meltzer's due to retire soon and I assume Ley's content being in AZ.  Maybe someone they'd train. 

One of the Q folks was ranting about what a pain in the hinder Toby's daughter is.   :D  It was pretty funny to hear about.  When Toby was still in town my therapist used to send folks to him too - she remembers him being a bit too impressed with himself.  Also that a major factor in moving to Arizona was for the golf.

Hi Lucy !

  It's been a while! Wow you have been busy haven't you? I am happy for you that you have decided to go for GCS with an orchi first. I have thought of that as I really do want to lose a couple of annoyances. I imagine you read that I just decided to work towards  GCS myself.
  Yes I am still seeing Christina. In fact tomorrow I will see her. I have asked for electrolysis through Kaiser which I have just joined. It's another thing I am working on.
  I am glad you are getting the help towards your on GCS and help through the Q center. I still am not fond of it's location. I am not thrilled about the Kaiser Gender Pathways Clinic's location either for that matter. It is up there in Portland on Interstate ave. I hate both areas. I do have a Kaiser clinic right her in Tualatin as you know. As for that OHSU vaginoplasty class goes I am signed up for it on the 16th of next month.

Hey Lucy, it is nice to hear from you. Don't be such a stranger.

Hugs,
  Laurie

Hey Laurie, say hi to Christina for me, I miss hanging out with her.  Is she going to work on your bikini area too? I never asked if she even does that kind of work. If she can bill insurance I'd go back to her asap, she's the closest to me and does a good job, far as I can tell.

I didn't consider GCS until I figured out that it can be covered by insurance. Another person at the Q center had vocal surgery covered by insurance - while living in Georgia.

I'm not crazy about driving into PDX either, the traffic is brutal. The other day I heard that about 100 people move to Portland every day. That's just nuts.

I'm not much for online friendships, so don't post here much; but thanks for saying hi, I'm glad you're doing well too.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Quote from: Laurie on September 23, 2018, 10:54:39 PM
@LizK

  You think you are safe poking fun at me and saying I will need to p...p...pl...make commitments and stick to them. Lest you forgot I do own a passport now...

Hugs,
  Laurie

GULP  :icon_bunch:

Quote from: LizK on September 24, 2018, 05:49:29 AM
GULP  :icon_bunch:

Relax Liz, you're safe. She can't drive her truck there and anything else requires planning. We all know how she is with that. Now, if Michelle gets involved that's another story altogether.

Quote from: Faith on September 24, 2018, 06:41:15 AM
Relax Liz, you're safe. She can't drive her truck there and anything else requires planning. We all know how she is with that. Now, if Michelle gets involved that's another story altogether.

If Michelle gets :eusa_shifty: involved I'd better get my running shoes on  :icon_rockon: :icon_walk:

Wow Laurie - I missed you getting ready for GCS too!! Seems like we have a whole new class together.

So glad you have made so much progress already and I am happy to read that things went mostly OK so far.

Please keep us updated and don't forget to give your dilators names before you head into surgery  ;D ;D

Hugs,

Sarah

Did you make a box for Clyde?

Well, you will need to make a new box :)

Quote from: Rachel on September 24, 2018, 07:21:19 PM
Did you make a box for Clyde?

Well, you will need to make a new box :)

@Rachel

Rachel,

  I had an idea that was what you were intimating.  LOL  But I am sorry to tell you your memory seem a bit faulty.

I rescued Clyde and enshrined him in a place of honor in a preserves jar on my desk. To help jog your memory here is a picture of Clyde as he is now...

(https://i.imgur.com/hQ4sqxv.jpg)

Hugs,
   Laurie

Quote from: sarah1972 on September 24, 2018, 07:47:03 AM
Wow Laurie - I missed you getting ready for GCS too!! Seems like we have a whole new class together.

So glad you have made so much progress already and I am happy to read that things went mostly OK so far.

Please keep us updated and don't forget to give your dilators names before you head into surgery  ;D ;D

Hugs,

Sarah

  There we are even then Sarah

Hugs,
  Laurie

@sarah1972

 Hi folks,

  Not much to report about. I have done a couple things though. The first is I brought up my medical record from the VA online and found testosterone labs gong back ovre a year and printed them out. These are needed for my electrolysis referral through Kaiser. While I was online looking at my records I decided to download and burn a CD of it for my Kaiser Doctor. It goes back to some events in 2009 up to the current month. I also have my latest labs and status after my last GP visit. That should be most of what she asked for, for moving forward along the path to GCS.
  Another thing Kaiser needed is the 2 WPATH letters. I have reconsidered stopping my therapy visits and have an appointment with him on the 22nd. I should be picking up my letters then. Both of them.  By that time I will have attended the class she wanted me to attend also. I will then me able to give her everything I can give her now for my GCS.
  The only thing she mentioned that I will probably need to have retested is my breathing and pulmonary function tests since the last one was 4 years ago and since my emphysema has gone from some to extensive in my CT scans. This is on test that I think there is a possibility of them not liking. We shall have to find out.

Well that's all folks.

Hugs,
  Laurie

Hey Laurie
One more step...it won't be too long till you have yourself a date to aim at.  Glad to hear its all coming together for you.

Take care
Liz

  Thanks Liz.  I was surprised how much I already have done for getting the referral. stuff like enough therapy to get letters, they haven't asked for it but RLE is done. Been on hormones long enough. etc. Nothing big left really. It's more of a waiting game than anything else now. Well I do need that referral and consult.

Hugs,
  Laurie

Quote from: Laurie on October 04, 2018, 12:54:23 AM
  Thanks Liz.  I was surprised how much I already have done for getting the referral. stuff like enough therapy to get letters, they haven't asked for it but RLE is done. Been on hormones long enough. etc. Nothing big left really. It's more of a waiting game than anything else now. Well I do need that referral and consult.

Hugs,
  Laurie

Hi Laurie....well....you have been doing this a long time...and you have overcome a number of hurdles along the way...so its no real surprise that you have met requirements.

Hugs
Liz


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Quote from: LizK on October 04, 2018, 01:05:58 AM

Hi Laurie....well....you have been doing this a long time...and you have overcome a number of hurdles along the way...so its no real surprise that you have met requirements.

Hugs
Liz


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes, but.......

Quote from: Laurie on October 04, 2018, 03:55:06 PM
Yes, but.......

Yes but...now for the ⚡️ologist to start work down below!

Quote from: Jessica on October 04, 2018, 04:22:27 PM
Yes but...now for the ⚡️ologist to start work down below!

I am looking at a year out for a consult and another for the date. I have PLENTY of time for that.

Procrastinator's Creed "Never do today what you can put off for tomorrow"

Quote from: Laurie on October 04, 2018, 03:55:06 PM
Yes, but.......

:)

 November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist Bret Fuller

December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse Susan Hoffman

December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult. By Stephanie P. Detlefsen MD Kaiser

December 28, 2018    Assigned Ericka Danielle Callio Crane, RN as GPC Surgery Coordinator Kaiser

Great to see you back Laurie!

You probably already know this, but the Procrastinator's Club is actually the largest club in the world. They just can't prove it because no one has ever sent in their membership application.

It is a long ways out, but time has a habit of sneaking up on everyone.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Hi Laurie,

You have time to treat the GCS are with hair removal. I did 6 treatments 6 weeks apart and was done 6 months before GCS. ( Lots of 6's there, no hidden meaning intended). I had numbing injections and the machine turned up to high.

I have no hair in my canal. Hay, that worked out well. Dr. McGinn dies follicle scrapping to with GCS too. Anyhow, hair in the canal can not be removed later and it really can become a location where strong "fishy" odors can occur.

Anyhow, good luck and I am so glad you are back.

Rachel

 January 3, 2019  Missed a call from Dr. Dugi's office. Called back and left a massage for callback on the 5th. No callback on Friday. Perhaps Monday January 7, 2019. Should be to schedule consult.

Talked to OHSU today and registered with them. Then got back to Dugi's office to set a date for the consult with him. July 30, 2019 4:00pm.

Great to see you doing well, Laurie! I went away from Susan's Place for a while. I have my first consult with the GCS surgeon this coming Friday, January 11. Looking at having surgery in July after I finish nursing school and before I start my new career. Following your journey. Positive vibes coming your way!  :icon_cute:

Quote from: Laurie on January 07, 2019, 10:04:01 PM
Talked to OHSU today and registered with them the got back to Dugi's office to set a date for the consult with him. July 30, 2019 4:00pm.

Nice!![emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Happy for you Laurie

    Hi Laurie,
          So glad you are doing well . Great to hear from you. Take good care. Love- Susan

  After scheduling my GCS consult date, I called my Kaiser Navigator (yes, that is what she is called) to see if I could get authorization for lower electrolysis to be done. I had to leave a message as usual. My thoughts were to get the GCS site all ready before the consult. That way if Dr Dugi had an earlier opening due to a cancellation, I could possibly get it before my yet to be scheduled GCS date arrives. The surgeries are running about a year after the consult. Being retired and hairless would allow for great flexibility in availability.
   Kaiser returned my call to say that they will not authorize lower electrolysis until after the consult. So I either wait until after July 30, 2019 or pay for it myself. Decisions, decisions.

Quote from: Laurie on January 09, 2019, 04:13:46 PM
  After scheduling my GCS consult date, I called my Kaiser Navigator (yes, that is what she is called) to see if I could get authorization for lower electrolysis to be done. I had to leave a message as usual. My thoughts were to get the GCS site all ready before the consult. That way if Dr Dugi had an earlier opening due to a cancellation, I could possibly get it before my yet to be scheduled GCS date arrives. The surgeries are running about a year after the consult. Being retired and hairless would allow for great flexibility in availability.
   Kaiser returned my call to say that they will not authorize lower electrolysis until after the consult. So I either wait until after July 30, 2019 or pay for it myself. Decisions, decisions.

Hey Laurie

As you know I had lots of issues trying to find a "lower half zapper" and ended up having about 3 1/2 hrs (I think) in total plus laser....it also wasn't as bad as I thought it would be by as they say YMMV You do have plenty of time to enjoy that little piece of torture  ;) and I would encourage you to get it done as soon as you can however if you can get it at a reduced cost or significantly reduced then I would be hold out for that. There are a number of hidden costs going into GCS so I would save money where I can.

Take care

Liz

  No don't go getting your hopes up. Nothing to see here. Check back in August. If I am still here that is.

Laurie

You're such a tease!

 useless update:

  Nothing to update. No change in status.

Quote from: Laurie on March 24, 2019, 10:36:59 PM
useless update:

  Nothing to update. No change in status.

Got me again!! I should know better

Quote from: Laurie on March 24, 2019, 10:36:59 PM
useless update:

  Nothing to update. No change in status.

Well you are still here, so that is a good sign!

I have not had a bad experience with Kaiser but I live in Seattle area so I know the offices are not as busy as SoCal. Went to the clinic in La Puente for a blood test and waited three hours. I usually don't have to wait at all at any of the Kaiser offices, even Capital Hill. As far as dealing with my being Transgender they have been better than I ever expected. Of course I am not able to get surgery, but I got Therapy, Voice, Hormones, and an offer for an Orchi. Your delay may involve a backlog in cases based on location. I asked for payment for my electrolysis for the last year because I could not write them off and Dr. Kendall called and told me he would be happy to recommend payment. That's at least $2500.
Don't wait epilate. Then submit a claim form. CPT code is 17380

Quote from: DawnOday on March 28, 2019, 03:25:39 PM
I have not had a bad experience with Kaiser but I live in Seattle area so I know the offices are not as busy as SoCal. Went to the clinic in La Puente for a blood test and waited three hours. I usually don't have to wait at all at any of the Kaiser offices, even Capital Hill. As far as dealing with my being Transgender they have been better than I ever expected. Of course I am not able to get surgery, but I got Therapy, Voice, Hormones, and an offer for an Orchi. Your delay may involve a backlog in cases based on location. I asked for payment for my electrolysis for the last year because I could not write them off and Dr. Kendall called and told me he would be happy to recommend payment. That's at least $2500.
Don't wait epilate. Then submit a claim form. CPT code is 17380

Hi Dawn,

  My delays are because OHSU and thereby Kaiser only has the services of Dr Dugi. He is the only GCS doc in the whole area if not the state. The backlog is there. As for electrolysis I was able to get my electrolysis approved as a Kaiser service provider and they are paying all but $10/hour of her charge. So I am good there. Thank you for your comments.

 Nope nothing happening  yet

Hi Laurie,
      Hang in there, Take good care. Hope you have a wonderful day. Love,Susan Rose

Laurie when you get this surgery the congratulations card needs to say "Yep, something happened"

Quote from: Kendra on May 08, 2019, 06:01:00 PM
Laurie when you get this surgery the congratulations card needs to say "Yep, something happened"

I won't be holding my breath for it. It won't happen for a damn long time.

Well then I'll hold my breath for you.  You're gonna get there, I have confidence and hope.  And you have already accomplished so many amazing things in such a short amount of time. 

I second that vote! You are a determined woman, and I know you won't ever give up.

Love always -- Jessica Rose