Susan's Place Transgender Resources

It's only the day after tommorrow until I leave for Canada. Yet, it still hasn't really sunk in yet. With so much going on in these past few weeks leading up to the surgery, I haven't been able to catch my breath and just take a moment to realize that by this time next week I'll finally be done. I'll be done with surgeries, done with waiting, and finally, after more than 2 years of constant saving, I'll actually be able to start spending my money now.

I leave on Saturday and the biggest thing I'm worried about is the airlines losing my luggage. I have no fears or trepidation, no anxiety, nothing except happiness. I just hope they don't lose my luggage. I've been on this journey for years, going through all the hoops, the battles, the ups and the downs. Now I'm standing on the doorstep to completion and just can't wait for it to be done and over with. I just really hope they don't lose my luggage.

In merely 5 days I'll have the right equipment down there. I have no clue what to expect, but can't wait to find out. Throughout the years I've done my fair share of research, reading everything I could about the procedure, and people's experiences. Now I'll have my own tales to tell, and I'll have first-hand experience of all the pleasures and pain of post-op life.

Speaking of that...the very first post I make after the surgery will be in the post-op life forum :P

~Sarah

Good luck!

I hope they don't lose your luggage  ;D

That's awesome! Good luck!

I hope it all goes well for you  :D

Sarah!

It is kind of like waiting for Christmas isn't it?

It is actually, but you have to wait a few days beyond your surgery before the doctor will unwrap your present!

See you in the post-op thread!  Unless you want something stronger, I'll have the tea waiting for you.

-Sandy

Yay!! Can't wait to hear all about it. ;) Best of luck to you sweetie and they'd better not lose your luggage!  :laugh:

Yay!! I'm so excited for you!! Best wishes for a speed recovery!!

Safe travels, too! :D

It is getting so close for you Sarah. You must be bouncing off the walls.

All of you are going so much further forward, I am really jealous.

Peace be with you all,
Janet

Awesome! Congrats :)  I just got my information from Dr. Brassards and am in the process of starting the process myself.  Looking forward to hearing your experience, should you choose to share it of course, before I go later this year.

Thanks everyone! Valerie, I'll actually be leaving on the 11th so I'll miss you by a day! I'll make sure to keep everyone updated on how it goes.

~Sarah

Good luck hon!
Pack your male clothes - if they lose your luggage, they have helped in the disposal of them, and perhaps you can buy some new clothes more appropriate. If not, you can lose them on the way back home!  ::)

SusanKG

Quote from: SarahR on March 25, 2010, 03:17:59 AM
I leave on Saturday and the biggest thing I'm worried about is the airlines losing my luggage. I have no fears or trepidation, no anxiety, nothing except happiness. I just hope they don't lose my luggage.

same here, I have a connecting flight through Chicago, if anything goes bad, it will be there.

stay frosty and it'll be over before 'ya know it :)

edit: Looks like a change in plans to Dallas/Fort Worth

We're happy for you Sarah!  Glad to see your day finally come.

When you're up there tell Anne 'The Two Julies" say hi and we said to take good care of you.  Francine is a lot of fun.  Alain will sing for you.  Mauricio will be there for you at night.  And you will find Dr. Brassard very charming.

If the weather is nice, make sure you take a walk along the river next to the park across the street.  A few days after Juliekins' surgery was her birthday so I walked down to the convenience store and bought a big can of beer and a bag of Cheetos.  We walked across the street to the park and hid behind an evergreen tree and shared the beer and Cheetos.  :D

And ask Anne to show you her photo album.  We're in it (twice) and there should be other Susan's girls there too.  Make sure she adds you to it!  ;D

Good luck!

Cool Sarah,

Hope all goes well and keep us posted. I'm jealous I'm still waiting on a pre-op consultation and date for surgery.

All the best and legs crossed, lol.

Stardust

Good luck hun.
Heal well and hope the pain isn't too bad.

Wow!  Everyone's coming up here to Canada!  LOL, and I went to Thailand :)  ... I would have gone to Montreal, but gravity pulled me through the earth's core to the other side.....  blah, being goofy.. must be the pain pills, that I had renewed yesterday... sooo.....  ;D

Welcome to up North in a few days, and so much very good luck to you Sarah!  My thoughts of happiness are with you as you leap into this next phase of existence!   If you find yourself stopping through Toronto to/from Montreal (not sure why you would  :D), let me know!!

Please, no worries, they won't lose your luggage!!   Well, unless you're flying through O'hara.... your NOT flying through Chicago are you??   Just kidding :)

You'll do great, so happy to see you aren't anxious or nervous, it wasn't like that for me.. basket case me, lol.  Happy days are coming!  I can't wait to see your posts about dilation and the other joys of post-op afterlife :P

*huugggggssss*,
Melan

Best of luck! We know you'll do great.

Do you have anyone going up there with you? It would be nice if you did. Not only for support, but if they have a car, they can run out for real food and stuff. Make use of the nice walkway along the river, as Julie suggests.

Ask for a room with a standard bed, you'll be more comfy. Bring lots of soft, comfy clothes, and some undies and stuff that you won't mind messing up. Be sure to take a regular showers as you are able, you'll feel so much better, too.

Wow, just a week or so until dilation. Gosh, that brings back the memories!  ^-^

Best wishes Sarah

I am very excited for you and a bit jealous also

I hope everything goes well
          {{{HUGS}}}

Melan - Oh no!!!! I AM going through O'Hare airport in Chicago. Let me tell you, they better not lose my luggage! Hahahaha. I don't know why I'm so stuck on that issue right now, lol. I've never had this many connecting flights, so I'm worried my baggage will get lost in the shuffle of everything. Oh well, I'm planning on packing my most important things in my carry-on anyways.

SusanKG - I haven't had male clothes in about 2 years, so nothing for them to lose :)

Julie * 2 - Thanks for the well wishes! I will try to remember to tell them you say hi! I've been checking out as many photos as I can and will definitely be checking out the area (so long as my body is willing). Wow, dilation starts in about a week...that's just crazy to think about!

Quick question for those who have been there or know the area. Am I going to be totally out of luck when it comes to trying to figure out where to go once I get off the plane in Montreal? Is everything in French only, or are there enough English translations for me not to have to worry? I'm just worried that I'll get off the plane and be totally lost, thereby losing my own luggage. What about customs? My passport has my current name on it, but I still have that darn M. Will they hassle me about it?

~Sarah

All the best, Sarah.  I'm glad you're worrying about losing your luggage rather than worrying about anything else. 

I wish I was going with you - I've thought about asking to be sedated for the next 29 days so that I can wait my turn. ;)

I'm looking forward to your post on the post-op section.  Go girl! :eusa_dance: :icon_boogy: :icon_dance: :icon_joy: :icon_woowoo: :icon_yes: :icon_flower:

- Kate

Thanks Kate! Yours is right around the corner! Soon I'll be wishing you a safe trip, and you'll be able to join me in the post-op section :)

Once I got into the last month the time seemed to go pretty fast. It seemed that the past 3 months has pretty much flied by, but the last stretch wasn't as slow-going as I thought it would be. It's these last days that are going at a turtle's pace, lol. But it's great knowing that tomorrow is the last day of work, then it's a 2 week vacation (of sorts) for me.

~Sarah

Quote from: SarahR on March 25, 2010, 05:53:56 PM
Melan - Oh no!!!! I AM going through O'Hare airport in Chicago. Let me tell you, they better not lose my luggage! Hahahaha. I don't know why I'm so stuck on that issue right now, lol. I've never had this many connecting flights, so I'm worried my baggage will get lost in the shuffle of everything. Oh well, I'm planning on packing my most important things in my carry-on anyways.

No worries... millions upon billions of people pass through that cursed airport.. and have no issues.. unless they are me! 

Quote from: SarahR on March 25, 2010, 05:53:56 PM
Quick question for those who have been there or know the area. Am I going to be totally out of luck when it comes to trying to figure out where to go once I get off the plane in Montreal? Is everything in French only, or are there enough English translations for me not to have to worry? I'm just worried that I'll get off the plane and be totally lost, thereby losing my own luggage. What about customs? My passport has my current name on it, but I still have that darn M. Will they hassle me about it?
~Sarah

It's Canada, they love or at least tolerate with a curious look all things trans :) .. Even if they were trans-phobic, the canadian in them won't let them be rude!  It's why I moved here to transition.. lol, no joke :)   Of course, this may or may not apply to the French in them :P  .. but no worries, overall, any transportation security/agency/airline/business sees the "M" on a woman's passport these days, I don't think many blink anymore.

You'll have very little issues with English in Montreal, it's a very bi (lingual) city  ;D
You'll have no issues flying with a "M" on your passport.. I did it for 2 years here, and I was back and forth to the US/Canada frequently.   

Melan

Awesome, thanks for the info Melan. I wasn't too worried about the M on my passport, but you can never be too sure, especially with today's climate.

~Sarah

Quote from: SarahR on March 25, 2010, 05:53:56 PMQuick question for those who have been there or know the area. Am I going to be totally out of luck when it comes to trying to figure out where to go once I get off the plane in Montreal? Is everything in French only, or are there enough English translations for me not to have to worry? I'm just worried that I'll get off the plane and be totally lost, thereby losing my own luggage. What about customs? My passport has my current name on it, but I still have that darn M. Will they hassle me about it?

~Sarah

When you get off the plane there will be signs that will direct you to customs.  There are golf-cart type cars you can take for free or you can walk to the customs area.  When it's your turn at customs, make sure you don't hesitate when they ask you why you're here and where you will be staying.  Otherwise you could be spending some time in the customs holding area.  (That happened to Julie and I when it was my turn.  Kinda scary!)

The M will be no problem.  My guess is they see several a week just for Brassard alone.

Once you clear customs, follow the crowd or the signs.  You will be looking for the limousine pickup area.  The limo is included Brassard's price.  They should have given you a contact number to get a hold of the driver.  After you get picked up, you can stop using your brain.  :D

Quote from: Valeriedances on March 26, 2010, 04:01:36 PM
I do have my customs document from Brassard's office. Julie, should I say 'surgery' or 'medical reasons' instead?

"Medical tourism" for the win. :)

I guess I'll just be honest and say medical (leaving it general) and elaborate on that if they ask what type of medical. Being so close to Brassard's office, I'm sure they get tons of trans people anyways, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Another question...is the baggage claim before the Customs window? Or do I have to go through Customs before I can pick up my baggage? What if they keep me there like they did you, what will become of my precious baggage?

~Sarah

Quote from: SarahR on March 26, 2010, 04:51:46 PM
I guess I'll just be honest and say medical (leaving it general) and elaborate on that if they ask what type of medical. Being so close to Brassard's office, I'm sure they get tons of trans people anyways, so it shouldn't be a problem.

Another question...is the baggage claim before the Customs window? Or do I have to go through Customs before I can pick up my baggage? What if they keep me there like they did you, what will become of my precious baggage?

~Sarah

Stop worrying!  They will not keep you there!  Just be cool and honest--they don't care about your gender status.  They just want to make sure your not coming here to pick up 5 million tabs of extasy and leaving.  Tell them you have surgery booked with Dr. B at such and such a date and you will be leaving at such and such a date.  Just smile and be yourself.

Good luck Sarah!  I'm also a Montreal graduate.

Even if they lose your luggage, it won't be the end of the world, you will have everything you need.  Take one last look down your pants, do they have everything they need?  :D

As for customs, the lady asked me what I was going to be doing in Canada, and I said I'm going to see a doctor.  I didn't show them anything except my passport and customs sheet I filled out on the airplane.  No big deal. 

Enjoy the ride, you are good hands, they will take good care of you.  Welcome to the club!

Quote from: Valeriedances on March 26, 2010, 04:01:36 PM
eeek! My life would be flashing before my eyes, imagining them preventing me from entering the country. That must have put some stress on you.

I was going to just say 'vacation' (I'm traveling by auto, crossing the border in two weeks). I do have my customs document from Brassard's office. Julie, should I say 'surgery' or 'medical reasons' instead?

I want to get to the part where I can disengage brain, lol.

Good luck, Sarah! We'll be thinking of you on your big day.

When they asked where we'd be staying, I just wasn't in the mood to say Dr. Brassard's.  I was hoping to avoid the T stamp.  So I looked at Julie, she looked at me then I gave some vague answer. 

The guy said something to us and we started to walk to get our bags.  He then called out and told us we had to go the other way.  We looked around and he pointed at a glass walled room where there were a few other people and a long counter with uniformed men behind it.

We walked to the room and opened the door and went up to the counter.  I asked what the problem was.  The guy just asked for our identification and took our passports.  I again asked what's wrong and he said they were just checking some things and told us to sit down.  At one point I noticed him getting upset with our questions so we knew it was time to sit and hope for the best.

About twenty minutes of sweating it out later, they called us up, gave us our passports and thanked us for our patience.

Lesson learned, just tell them what you're doing and where you're going.  Don't hesitate.  They don't care if you're trans or have green toes.  They are only looking for people who look suspicious.

You can just say Dr. Brassard and hand them the letter.  We did that when it was Julie's turn and it was no problem.

O'Hare airport lost my luggage. Well, they just didn't get it on the plane since the previous plane was late. They say I should get it tommorrow.

Anyways, I'll write more tommorrow when I'm less exhausted. Counting down to the final surgery now at 3 days!

~Sarah

All the very best to you Sarah.  :)

Hi SarahR

Good luck and I'm sorry I could not help you with the customs stuff  ;D.  I await with abated breath on the tales of your surgery in the post op forums!!!!

Take care and best wishes for the future.

Kindest regards
Sarah B

Quote from: Valeriedances on March 26, 2010, 04:01:36 PM
should I say 'surgery' or 'medical reasons' instead?

You should say "medical treatment". More specific than that, they do not need to know.
There is such a thing as medical confidentiality.
If they insist, you could just give them the name, address and phone number of the doctor.
Of course the doctor should only confirm that you are scheduled for "treatment"

As far as ever asking any sort of border personnel any sort of question, bad idea.

Good luck, Sarah. Have fun! :)

Quote from: SarahR on March 27, 2010, 10:16:18 PM
O'Hare airport lost my luggage. Well, they just didn't get it on the plane since the previous plane was late. They say I should get it tommorrow.

Anyways, I'll write more tommorrow when I'm less exhausted. Counting down to the final surgery now at 3 days!

~Sarah

Yikes!! I hope I didn't curse you... freaking O'hara, I hate that place!!!!!  I have 3 complete sob stories during my transition the last 2 years, that all have a focus on that accursed place!!!!   May it be damned to .....

Blah, nevermind o'hara.... glad your luggage will be there soon, and that you made it safely!!!  Yay yooouuu, sleep and rest well, your big day is almost upon you!!!  Yay girl!!! .... and welcome to Canada!!

*huggs*,
Melan

I hope you get your luggage soon Sarah!  As a resident of Chi, I apologize on behalf of the staff that misdirected your luggage.  Too bad you don't get air miles for your luggage too!

In any case, please let this be the worst part of your journey and may everything else go better than you expect.

-Sandy

Sarah, as of this writing, you may be in surgery (if you're the morning person).  We wish all the best and hope there will be a big smile on your face when you open your eyes!  :icon_bunch:

Quote from: Julie Marie on March 29, 2010, 10:45:49 AM
Sarah, as of this writing, you may be in surgery (if you're the morning person).  We wish all the best and hope there will be a big smile on your face when you open your eyes!  :icon_bunch:

umm, today is surgery prep day for her :P
/me points at ticker

Quote from: FlanHusky on March 29, 2010, 10:57:44 AM
umm, today is surgery prep day for her :P
/me points at ticker

Okay, just delay my comments til tomorrow.  ;D

Best of luck on your surgery. Remember, sleep is your friend while you are recovering.

According to your "ticker", you should be past your surgery.

Welcome to your first day of your rebirth!  I can imagine that you are all smiles now!

-Sandy

Hi Sarah,

You are probably still under the influence, lol. Seriously I hope everything went well and wish you a speedy recovery. Let us know when you can.

Hug

Stadust :icon_birthday:

rawr and congrats
hopefully you haven't puked from the morphine or anything, so here's to a speedy recovery.
ps: you better get used to soup while at the recovery house, the food is suppose to be good, but the menu is limited. :P

Ok I lied.  I hope she is well.  And I really wish her the very best.

Quote from: Valeriedances on March 31, 2010, 03:19:20 PM
The suspense is killing me.

lol!! Me, too!! :D

Quote from: Valeriedances on March 31, 2010, 03:19:20 PM
The suspense is killing me.

Same here... I do hope everything is going well  :icon_bunch:

                              {{{HUGS}}}

Quote from: Virginia Marie on March 31, 2010, 03:38:43 PM
Same here... I do hope everything is going well  :icon_bunch:

me too! Can't wait to hear your full report! (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosgan.de%2Fimages%2Fmore%2Fflowers%2F080.gif&hash=95bcbeb79d2f704306901a63583c9a8ff906124c)

Quote from: FairyGirl on March 31, 2010, 03:55:12 PM
me too! Can't wait to hear your full report! (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosgan.de%2Fimages%2Fmore%2Fflowers%2F080.gif&hash=95bcbeb79d2f704306901a63583c9a8ff906124c)

Someone can always call and enquire--it's only 5pm there.

Awaits, Sarah's next thread.... in post-op life!

Congrats.

Include me also,  the suspense on waiting to hear how SarahR is going is killing me.

From memory it was around two days before one was resonably functional again.

Kind regards
Sarah B

Quote from: Sarah B on April 01, 2010, 12:28:16 PM
Include me also,  the suspense on waiting to hear how SarahR is going is killing me.

From memory it was around two days before one was resonably functional again.

Kind regards
Sarah B

What's goin' on?  She should be back at the Rez by now, no?

Quote from: Kristyn on April 01, 2010, 01:28:56 PM
What's goin' on?  She should be back at the Rez by now, no?

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75217.msg512476.html#msg512476 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75217.msg512476.html#msg512476)

Quote from: FlanHusky on April 01, 2010, 01:30:52 PM
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75217.msg512476.html#msg512476 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,75217.msg512476.html#msg512476)

Thanks--I posted too soon! :o  Just read her account and posted a reply