Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Heyy there,
I'm a bit older at 44 having begun my transition aged 43. I am interested in getting GCS, but in all liklihood I will be at least 50 when the time comes.

Given I'm awaiting NHS GIC first appointment which is at least 5 years these days and then probably 2 years for anything to happen after that. This makes me 51 then!

Is there an inherently high risk having this surgery post 50? I'm thinking I will enjoy the advantages so still seems worth it assuming it's safe enough. I'd be interested in experiences from anyone undertaking GCS at older age please.

Thank you,
Charlotte

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on Yesterday at 03:52:52 PMIs there an inherently high risk having this surgery post 50? I'm thinking I will enjoy the advantages so still seems worth it assuming it's safe enough.

Hello, Charlotte.

I didn't start transitioning until after 60. I had similar concerns. What all my doctors told me is that age is not a factor with GCS. What they consider is your overall health. It does not need to be perfect, just well-managed. As we get older, we develop age-related issues. But if the surgical team knows about them, they can be prepared, and it is not a deal-breaker.

This does depend on the surgeon and his team. Let's say you have diabetes, and this surgeon's team doesn't know how to handle that during surgery; it could be a disqualifier. For this reason, the surgical consult appointment will be the time when the surgeon will ask about your general health, specific issues you are having, what types of medications you take, and at what dose, etc. With that information, the surgeon may decide to use a different anesthesiologist who is better at handling your situation.

Don't let age worry you. Stay healthy. You'll be fine.
 

As long as you are in good health and don't have any major health issues, don't be concerned about your age. I was 56 when I had GCS, and I personally know people who had the surgery in their late 60's. Don't let age stop you.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Thank you so much for the feedback and reassurance. I feel so much better already knowing that I've still got plenty of time to experience this journey. No need to panic!

Great to hear that age isn't a barrier here. I wondered as from what I understand its quite intense surgery.

Thanks,   Charlotte

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on Yesterday at 05:04:50 PMI wondered as from what I understand its quite intense surgery.

There are different methods as well. Some are more "invasive" than others. That can affect the amount of time on the operating table as well as the length of time to heal. These are all options that your surgeon can discuss with you.

Quote from: Charlotte_Ringwood on Yesterday at 05:04:50 PMThank you so much for the feedback and reassurance. I feel so much better already knowing that I've still got plenty of time to experience this journey. No need to panic!

Great to hear that age isn't a barrier here. I wondered as from what I understand its quite intense surgery.

Thanks,  Charlotte

The 'signature' under my post has links to my surgical experiences. As @Lori Dee mentioned, there are also several different techniques for GCS, and some have longer recovery times than others. The most uncomfortable recovery I experienced was after my jaw and chin surgery.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

I was 65 when I had my GCS surgery.  If you are in good health, age is not a factor.  They are more worried about BMI, as a measure of how hard your heart has to work, and smoking, which can increase all sorts of health risks.  For someone in good health, there is no reason for someone to be denied surgery.

It took a couple of years for some of my surgical scars to soften up, during which time, I experienced a lot of pain.  But the pain did go away once I started getting pelvic floor physiotherapy.

Yep, as above.

I'm 61 approaching 62 and my surgery likely won't be until 2026 or even 2027. I am now focussing on fitness and physical, mental, and emotional health.

I've requested Dr Tina Rashid. I prefer the idea of a lady crafting my vagina.

xx

Yes I was 65 as well, its not age its how fit you are and how well you heal.

Hi Charlotte,

I'm currently going down a similar path, having started at 38 and finally dropping the autistic mask that I have had all my life trying to hide my female self.  However from what I know of the surgery you also need to be in good physical health as well.  So right now I'm getting ready for Bariatric surgery in order to loose weight since GCS surgery goes better when you are under a certain BMI.  So you might want to look into any surgeries that you can have before the GCS to improve your health.

Thank you all for the positive reassurance. I'm pretty healthy managing to hold up to physical tasks far better than my younger partner and colleagues 🙂

Hopefully I can maintain this health until the time comes.

Best of wishes and care to those with surgery forthcoming. I'm betting it's very exciting!!