Anyway for those who plan to have bottom surgery within the next 5-20 years are you picky about the current details of bottom surgery right now or will you start to focus on it more when it's within your reach?
I ask this because I do want bottom surgery and I am aware of the current options and many of the pros and cons but lately I am starting to wonder if I should really be thinking about it right now? Who knows what may happen in the future concerning bottom surgery? There could be a new technique or just an advancement on the current procedures.
On one hand I like to think about bottom surgery constantly because my bottom dysphoria FAR exceeds my top dysphoria by a mile. On the other hand I know that I probably won't be able to have it for another 10-15 years so if I have my heart dead set on one procedure now and by the time I'm ready to have it they have another procedure out then that would just be wasted time.
It's almost like I should put myself in the mindset of "think about it when you can actually afford to pursue it" but if I did that then I feel as though I wouldn't have an ultimate goal.
It's not too big of a deal but for you guys who won't be able to have it done for a while how do you feel about it?
Hmm...I go through periods where I'm consumed by the thought of having lower surgery. I research until my head spins and come up with plans on how exactly to meet my goals.
Then I have periods of time where I don't even think about it, or I'm at least somewhat fine with what I already have. Right now it's one of those times. Anxiety about getting older does increase the thoughts on bottom surgery though.
Researching and planning are fine as long as it isn't taken to an extreme. The only way you'll be able to afford it in the future is if you carefully plan and save for it. So thinking about it now can be a good thing. Every few months, reexamine your wants, needs, don't wants, and negotiables. That way as new techniques become available you can compare it to your list.
If I think about it now, it acts as a crutch to keep my mind away from how much I hate my body and how much the current state of things sickens me. Things might change in the future, changes in the procedures, new processes, etc, but I'm not too inclined to care. I need something. A packer or changes brought on by T won't suffice in my current state of mind. With the way things are, I like thinking about what I can do to save for the procedure and where I'll go, etc. It's good to have a basic plan of action, after all.
Quote from: Malachite on April 15, 2012, 04:37:42 PM
On one hand I like to think about bottom surgery constantly because my bottom dysphoria FAR exceeds my top dysphoria by a mile. On the other hand I know that I probably won't be able to have it for another 10-15 years so if I have my heart dead set on one procedure now and by the time I'm ready to have it they have another procedure out then that would just be wasted time.
How would it be wasted time? If the technique advances, get the advanced procedure. If not, get the current one when the time comes. I don't really see how it would waste any time.
I plan to get surgery whenever I can afford it, which won't be for at least 5 years because I am only 19 and working part time. Of course I want the technique to improve, but if it doesn't, that's not gonna stop me from getting it. If it does, well, even better.
I guess I just don't understand what the issue is?
Quote from: poptart on April 15, 2012, 06:44:36 PM
How would it be wasted time? If the technique advances, get the advanced procedure. If not, get the current one when the time comes. I don't really see how it would waste any time.
I plan to get surgery whenever I can afford it, which won't be for at least 5 years because I am only 19 and working part time. Of course I want the technique to improve, but if it doesn't, that's not gonna stop me from getting it. If it does, well, even better.
I guess I just don't understand what the issue is?
Some guys don't want a penis that badly?
I dunno. It honestly baffles me too.
The issue is, any kind-of surgery is a big decision. It's not simply a matter of wanting a penis or not. It's a matter of the whole process and cost. I personally have no bottom dysphoria and so I don't see the need to spend 20k+ on bottom surgery when I can get a house for that much. Just my experience. Everyone's is different.
The way I took Malachite's post was his questioning whether it's worth it to spend the time and energy thinking about bottom surgery now when he currently doesn't have the money for it. Not that bottom surgery itself wasn't worth it.
Quote from: Adio on April 15, 2012, 07:38:54 PM
The way I took Malachite's post was his questioning whether it's worth it to spend the time and energy thinking about bottom surgery now when he currently doesn't have the money for it. Not that bottom surgery itself wasn't worth it.
That's how I took it also.
I don't really see the use of bottom surgery-and this is coming from someone with MAJOR, often unbearable, genital dysphoria. Maybe it's because I'm in a somewhat different situation to that of transguys (I want a dick, but I don't identify as male, and taking T would probably leave me with about the same amount of body dysphoria as what I already have because the only effects of T that I really want (high metabolism/easier muscle gain and body fat redistribution) are temporary-I just suck it up and cry myself to sleep every night), but the results just don't seem satisfying (it's having something the size of a large clitoris that can't be used for sex and that you still have to pack with vs. something that doesn't look like a dick at all and often has no feeling that you still have to use a dildo for sex with). Maybe in a few decades. Maybe.
Quote from: Stealthy on April 15, 2012, 09:00:26 PM
I don't really see the use of bottom surgery-and this is coming from someone with MAJOR, often unbearable, genital dysphoria. Maybe it's because I'm in a somewhat different situation to that of transguys (I want a dick, but I don't identify as male, and taking T would probably leave me with about the same amount of body dysphoria as what I already have-I just suck it up and cry myself to sleep every night), but the results just don't seem satisfying (it's having something the size of a large clitoris that can't be used for sex and that you still have to pack with vs. something that doesn't look like a dick at all and often has no feeling that you still have to use a dildo for sex with). Maybe in a few decades. Maybe.
Metas can be used for sex. Hell some guys who have had no lower surgery can have penetrative sex just after growth from T.
Phallos do look like dicks, they do have feeling (often of varying degrees but feeling none the less). I know of few guys with phallos who use a dildo rather than their phallus to have sex with.
You may not see the use/point of bottom surgery, but don't judge others choices. And please don't speak negatively about surgery like that, because when you do you are talking about people's bodies, because those parts are attached to a real, live person and not just floating around in space. Negative talk about others bodies tends to makes folks who do have bottom surgery less likely to post their results and/or experiences because of the negative attitude shown towards their choice, which was right for them, even if some people can't understand the need/reasoning behind that choice.
I think about it often, but I am at least 5 years away from getting bottom surgery. I don't want a perfect cock, just something is better than what I have now - so I don't care to wait for better procedures. When I can get it done, I'll do whatever I can afford.
Metas can be used for sex? Never heard that. I always thought that because it turned out around 2 inches or so (I think I read it's around 2 inches, but in general 'small' is what I know), it was basically unusuable.
I was just adding my input on the subject.
Quote from: Stealthy on April 15, 2012, 09:11:05 PM
Metas can be used for sex? Never heard that. I always thought that because it turned out around 2 inches or so (I think I read it's around 2 inches, but in general 'small' is what I know), it was basically unusuable.
I was just adding my input on the subject.
Negative speech about others bodies is not input worth adding.
Quote from: Adio on April 15, 2012, 07:38:54 PM
The way I took Malachite's post was his questioning whether it's worth it to spend the time and energy thinking about bottom surgery now when he currently doesn't have the money for it. Not that bottom surgery itself wasn't worth it.
This is
exactly what I was thinking.
What a great question. I'll answer as someone who had always thought that lower surgery (of whatever procedure) would be out of range, financially. Still, dysphoria and other reasons kept me motivated to stay somewhat current with what's out there as far as procedures and results. Now, with a new job, I find that I have a health insurance plan that covers SRS. (!!!!) There are some real challenges about accessing it (maybe for another thread, I dunno), but the matter has presented itself in a new and real way.
Short answer: I'm really glad that I am not starting "from scratch" to gather information and figure out what I want. However, over the years I've seen procedures come and go, some techniques improve, some procedures return to favor (abdominal flap, a.k.a. "suitcase handle," for instance)...so I'm glad I kept a moderate eye on things without driving myself buggy obsessing about details. (Obsessing about details, collecting information, etc is one of the ways that I personally deal with the unknown. Not referring to anyone else's patterns!)
Knowing I wanted lower surgery has also allowed me to position myself to see actual real current results...and avoid falling for the ignorant stereotypes that have been alluded to above. Yes- men who have had lower surgery will rarely show their genitals without good reason, and in a space where there is trust and respect. Even more than showing, discussing how a particular procedure intersects with one's sexuality is an even more delicate discussion. You won't find those happening on the open internet, in general.
I've been fortunate to see & feel a number of results in person, mostly metas. Yes, they can be used for penetrative sex, by themselves, or with gear that's also used for the same reason by non trans men. As a gay man living my life in the gay men's community, I've seen scores of non trans dicks. I've seen metas and phallos which would not raise an eyebrow (or would, in a good way!) in the locker room. Techniques, including preparation and healing (pre- and post- surgery) have really advanced over the last decade or so. Even for results which I wouldn't label outstanding from a glance, the men who have them have very high rates of deep satisfaction.
So I'd advise you to keep an eye on the main trends. See results whenever you can (best open opportunity for FTMS, in Philly end of next month). Save some money. Keep your paper trail in order, in case you get a job where you have health insurance that covers SRS (often stricter requirements than the SOC says). But most importantly, be aware of what amount of attention to this gives you hope, versus that which feeds your anxiety or dysphoria.
I like to think about it. Even if techniques improve radically it's good to have an idea of what you want and how reasonable that is.
I know some people might find it depressing or dysphoria-exacerbating to research a surgery that is financially out of reach, but spending time on the topic makes me feel a little more in control of my life.
I think its worth it. I have researched it quite a bit, to the point of getting quotes on prices from the surgeons. I like to know that what I want is available, and that I have a clear goal to work towards. I have already made my bottom surgery decision, I just need the 20 000 or so for it (and a passport...) hopefully in the next 5 years or so.
In short: Different procedures have different costs, so it can be very valuable to know what you want so that you can start to prepare for everything.
I would love to look down and recognize myself, not to mention i'd actually enjoy masturbating for the first time!
But the current procedures don't impress me.. I'm holding out, hoping something better comes along..
Thinking about it is understandable, as is checking for any new medical advances from time to time. Obsessing about it is not though.
Although I identify as a Lesbian now, if I did end up keeping company with a Transman after my SRS I would be doing my damndest to make sure he enjoyed whatever he had downstairs. Or pre-op for that matter.
I am sure we could work something out. I mean I became quite comfortable when I was with a partner who was a woman with a penis. It has ended, but that was due to other issues, not our bodies. A little imagination and love can work miracles.
Karen.
Hello i am new here but actully i was here years ago but for the life of me i can not remember what email addy i had back then!!
I had a fair few in my time lol.
Any way thought i would reply as someone not only HAD phalloplasty but fully recovered too!
The pictures you see on the internet most are outdated and some are not finshed (infact ALOT are not finshed) results but even if they are as long as the person having them is happy thats all that counts!
Most people sadly if there happy they don't tend to post pictures it comes down to most things really people are keen to moan and post pictures but if something is good they tend to leave and be happy!
Also the very fact people worry what they feel is good results may get people saying its rubbish they don't post as they don't want how happy they are to be Knocked down!
My point of view from myself only is its totally worth the money. pain and time it takes imgine waking up every morning with NO hang ups about your body nothing about your body upsets you!! well thats me!!!!
Also from reading here the view of meta and phallo when finshed is not the correct view i have freinds with meta that have sex!! and phallo nothing is needed extra i have sex with my penis i can totally feel it and damm it feels good!
SO really what you need to think is it right for you can you afford it
can you handle the time and pain to get it!
And of course are the results what you want!
Mine passes as a male penis in chaging rooms, toilets, and even when i went to the ER with a cath block after stage 2 the nurse and doctor had no idea it was man made!
So yes it depends on surgion and luck what results you get
Judging from what some of you all said I have concluded that it is certainly worth the time to think about it now! Like Felix and Zerro I like thinking about it. Just thinking about it gives me about 98% motivation and 2% (and that 2% just comes from being very jealous with guys with not-so-average meta size). I'm one of the guys that has to get bottom surgery and if that means no improvements by the time I am ready then just so be it. I've grown to be okay with the types of procedures currently and what they have to offer but just imagine what would be out there by the time I am ready? From what a lot of you guys have said it's good to have a plan and to keep an eye out on new techniques so I can plan accordingly. It makes sense doing it that what so when I can actually have the opportunity to get bottom surgery I don't have to start "from scratch" which would only take longer. I'm going to be searching for anything new that pops up in the field of bottum surgery but I'm not going to obsess over it anymore like justmeinoz mentioned and Kyyn I totally know how you feel about the first part. That's one of the biggest reasons I want bottom surgery and thatsme thanks for sharing your experience as I'm sure I will bug you with questions in the future lol. I hope you don't mind.
Again thanks for the support from some of you! :)
I don't mind answering any questions feel free
Quote from: thatsme on April 16, 2012, 11:59:21 AM
Hello i am new here but actully i was here years ago but for the life of me i can not remember what email addy i had back then!!
I had a fair few in my time lol.
Any way thought i would reply as someone not only HAD phalloplasty but fully recovered too!
The pictures you see on the internet most are outdated and some are not finshed (infact ALOT are not finshed) results but even if they are as long as the person having them is happy thats all that counts!
Most people sadly if there happy they don't tend to post pictures it comes down to most things really people are keen to moan and post pictures but if something is good they tend to leave and be happy!
Also the very fact people worry what they feel is good results may get people saying its rubbish they don't post as they don't want how happy they are to be Knocked down!
My point of view from myself only is its totally worth the money. pain and time it takes imgine waking up every morning with NO hang ups about your body nothing about your body upsets you!! well thats me!!!!
Also from reading here the view of meta and phallo when finshed is not the correct view i have freinds with meta that have sex!! and phallo nothing is needed extra i have sex with my penis i can totally feel it and damm it feels good!
SO really what you need to think is it right for you can you afford it
can you handle the time and pain to get it!
And of course are the results what you want!
Mine passes as a male penis in chaging rooms, toilets, and even when i went to the ER with a cath block after stage 2 the nurse and doctor had no idea it was man made!
So yes it depends on surgion and luck what results you get
This is so comforting.
Thank you for posting this.
Who was your surgeon if you don't mind me asking?
Dr Ralf and Mr christpher in the uk did first operation together and rest was done via Mr christpher! in the uk
Quote from: thatsme on April 16, 2012, 02:58:40 PM
Dr Ralf and Mr christpher in the uk did first operation together and rest was done via Mr christpher! in the uk
That's a good team. Congrats on such a successful outcome :)
Quote from: JasonRX on April 16, 2012, 02:49:53 PM
This is so comforting.
Thank you for posting this.
I was goin' to say the same thing.
Quote from: poptart on April 16, 2012, 05:53:44 PM
I was goin' to say the same thing.
Great minds think alike, dude.
:]
Quote from: thatsme on April 16, 2012, 11:59:21 AM
Hello i am new here but actully i was here years ago but for the life of me i can not remember what email addy i had back then!!
I had a fair few in my time lol.
Any way thought i would reply as someone not only HAD phalloplasty but fully recovered too!
The pictures you see on the internet most are outdated and some are not finshed (infact ALOT are not finshed) results but even if they are as long as the person having them is happy thats all that counts!
Most people sadly if there happy they don't tend to post pictures it comes down to most things really people are keen to moan and post pictures but if something is good they tend to leave and be happy!
Also the very fact people worry what they feel is good results may get people saying its rubbish they don't post as they don't want how happy they are to be Knocked down!
My point of view from myself only is its totally worth the money. pain and time it takes imgine waking up every morning with NO hang ups about your body nothing about your body upsets you!! well thats me!!!!
Also from reading here the view of meta and phallo when finshed is not the correct view i have freinds with meta that have sex!! and phallo nothing is needed extra i have sex with my penis i can totally feel it and damm it feels good!
SO really what you need to think is it right for you can you afford it
can you handle the time and pain to get it!
And of course are the results what you want!
Mine passes as a male penis in chaging rooms, toilets, and even when i went to the ER with a cath block after stage 2 the nurse and doctor had no idea it was man made!
So yes it depends on surgion and luck what results you get
Do you know where you can see finished results?
Thatsme, thank you very much for posting your experience!
Quote from: Sharky on April 16, 2012, 07:29:37 PM
Do you know where you can see finished results?
I haven't seen this conference listed on the Susan's calendar, but there is a guy who has presented an awesome workshop several times since last year, and he is doing it again this year at the Philadelphia Trans Health conference. http://www.trans-health.org/ (http://www.trans-health.org/) He has pics that guys have agreed to only be shown in FTM space, not posted online, and he had more men with lower surgeries showing theirs in person than I have ever seen total in 15+ years of transition.
Other than that, there is an adult user-generated content video site where there are actually a good number of metas (I haven't checked for phallos), 'in action' in a number of ways. I'm not sure I'm allowed to post an x-rated site, so I won't in open space. I can PM people over 18 if anyone can't guess the site.
*WARNING*
The following link contains graphic pics.
http://www.transgenderzone.com/features/mitchftm.htm
This guys turned out pretty damn good!!
I think it is still worth thinking about...even though I am a street kid, and make my money playin music and dont have a cent saved up, i still dream about it. i dont know if i ever will go through with it, because it is daunting, and scary! but all surgeries are scary.
i used to feel like the same way Stealthy does...it was disheartening to see so many very small ones. Dont get me wrong, I am sure they work well for the guys who have them, and i would be glad to have any penis at all, but yeah...plus being mildly autistic as well, i understand Stealthy's wording, shi wasn't trying to be mean but aspies are crass and we just speak our minds is all...it wasnt to shun others or invalidate them at all.
just my two cents. (lol)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioengineering
They're currently researching growing appendages so that bioengineering may be used to create fully functional penises.
I'm holding out for this. Hope hope hope it's not too far away.
yes mitch had his done YEARS ago by the same team as me he went for the phallo made from the tummy skin though!
there is a yahoo group out there for phalloplasty not sure i am allowed to link it!
If you see a surgion they most have portfolios of there work other than that as stated sometimes trans meets/events show them live (i am told) only been told this as never been to a trans meet event in my life.
Quote from: Kyyn on April 17, 2012, 04:28:56 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioengineering
They're currently researching growing appendages so that bioengineering may be used to create fully functional penises.
I'm holding out for this. Hope hope hope it's not too far away.
I had researched that and no doubt it seems promising. It would be great if it came really soon. If anything it can be used for genetic men who somehow lost their genitals in combat or crazy ex lovers or whatever may be the case and then passed down to us.
Quote from: Malachite on April 17, 2012, 07:45:58 PM
I had researched that and no doubt it seems promising. It would be great if it came really soon. If anything it can be used for genetic men who somehow lost their genitals in combat or crazy ex lovers or whatever may be the case and then passed down to us.
Here's hoping! I have a lot of friends in the field that joke about it.
They don't know about me, but I'm tempted to come out to them to see if they'll keep an eye out for me. I'll let you know if anything comes of it
While the phalloplasty does look like it works, I don't heal very well and the thought of being covered in scars is a bad trigger for me
Thatsme, Im happy that you got really good results :) I think this one looks really good too!
(You might have to log in to see the link)
http://www.transbucket.com/members/galleries/processForm.php?page=17&surgeryType=FTM%20Phalloplasty
Yes that one is good results too! see thats a diffrent surgion too me so it does show there is many good ones out there!
Dont forget you can get medical tattoo's aswelll if you want vains ect on it
It's really good to know that there are good results with bottom surgery and that it does in fact work for them....i don't know how many sites i've read where people have said have said it doesn't work...but then again, those people probably didn't actually have the surgery themselves and didn't know what they were talking about....It's very comforting to hear success stories and that the knowledge of the field is still growing...perhaps by the time i get to the point of having it myself, the results will be even better!
I go through phases. I know I want to get it done as soon as possible. Possible, however, may be quite a few years down the line, and impossible to judge at the moment. Every maybe 6 months to a year though I'll start looking everything up again and just thinking of ways to get it done before letting it die out and just thinking "someday."
Quote from: thatsme on April 18, 2012, 11:47:40 AM
Yes that one is good results too! see thats a diffrent surgion too me so it does show there is many good ones out there!
Dont forget you can get medical tattoo's aswelll if you want vains ect on it
That's me I know your post is like a month old, but are you still answering questions? My BFF is really curious to know how it feels to someone else compared to a biomale. Not trying to pry, but have you ever touched one on a biomale and does it feel the same or different?
Question is also open to anyone who has had a phalloplasty or knows anyone who has as well.
Quote from: thatsme on April 16, 2012, 02:58:40 PM
Dr Ralf and Mr christpher in the uk did first operation together and rest was done via Mr christpher! in the uk
Im glad to hear how happy you are and that you went to these guys :D
I was referred last year, had my consultation with Mr Christopher just this March and I think they had abit of confusion because after calling several times found out they were giving me another consultation for July. I managed to get Vera the secretary to move it to in 12days ;) Should hopefully get a date for 1st stage with Mr Christopher this Summer!
Its great to hear of your experiences.Im on the yahoo group which is very informative, but like you said, alit of people once happy, seem to just leave and live on, which is understandable.