It looks as if I can go for surgery in 2014 and Brassard's set up is appealing, particularly the aftercare facility. As I'm travelling from Australia accommodation is an (expensive) issue.
I will be travelling with my sister in law so I need accommodation for her as well.
Can any of the Brassard girls give me any comments about the set up etc, all and any comments are most welcome.
My French is a total fail BTW.
If you wish to send comments privately please do so by pm.
Hugs
Cindy
When I was last there in 2003 there was a recovery house on an island. It was very peaceful. I got to drink lots of cranberry juice and learned the arcane art of dilating with dignity lol. My ghost still shuffles around the clinic floor counting the dolphins on the wall :)
I know that others have brought guests and have used nearby bed and breakfasts. The accommodations for me as the patient were excellent, the clinic was extremely clean and modern and Dr Brassard himself was nothing shy of amazing. I like to say that I'm living proof that his surgical technique works wonderfully. It will be a huge loss for our community on the day he ever decides to retire from medicine.
I know that doesn't help much but at least you can get an opinion from someone many years post op.
Btw, French is not really needed unless you want to impress. I'm of French Canadian ancestry so I had to show off that I knew a few French words :)
I second everything Zumbagirl says. I went to Brassard in 2010 and I can't say enough about his work but also about the recovery house. They take care of everything and make sure you have the best post-op care possible, they are right there to answer any questions about recovery, they explain everything as you start dialating, and having all of that in the first week post-op makes a world of difference.
And yes, they allow you to bring a guest. I can't remember if that costs more though since I didn't bring anyone. There were a couple other girls there that did though when I was there.
I went with my wife last year. The recovery residence is now next door to the hospital - they can wheel you over. The 24/7 nursing care was FANTASTIC, and I was so happy she had chosen him, because it was a huge peace of mind issue to have her cared for there for a week. She had some issues that all turned out to be minor/nothing, but it was a tremendous relief to have someone there literally on call to reassure us.
It is no longer possible for guests to stay in the hospital or residence - they can visit, and visiting hours are generous, but no overnights - however, I stayed in the nearby B&B and it was lovely. That cost about $1000 US for 10 days, which seemed pretty reasonable. That price includes breakfast, and she will sometimes cook other meals or do guests' personal laundry.
The other nice thing about Brassard is that that price is ALL inclusive. They did not charge us a single penny more for anything once we were there; all supplies, including maxi pads and underpants and lubrication jelly, were included. (Since a week's worth of that stuff cost us about $500 to buy for home, that's a pretty decent offer!) So we didn't have to worry about her going through "too much" of something, or running out, or anything. There's even a car service to and from the airport, and pickup at the B&B the night before to take you to the hospital.
(She can talk about the results, but I will say she's 100% pleased. :) )
Another friend of ours went this past May, and apparently there was some kind of horrible rumor circulating that the clinic doesn't want people to bring guests at all. This is NOT true, and friends and family members are still welcome! There were a couple of women there who convinced their loved ones to stay home because of it, and were terribly lonely, so I wanted to throw that in.
Congrats!
Posting here to keep a watch on the thread as I will (eventually) be a Brassard gal due to BC's MSP guidelines (cannot have the surgery done in my home province - all referrals go to Brassard.) That said, everyone I've heard from (including a personal friend,) have very good experiences of him, the procedure, accommodations and aftercare. Wish you the best of luck Cindy, lease keep us informed!
I have heard nothing but good things about him, and were I not more inclined toward the Suporn method, Brassard would be my choice. I wish you the best! :)
Ok my turn, Cindy i will have to Ditto everyone here. I live in the area so travel for me was not a issue. You can contact Dr. Brassards office and they can give you information on the B&B that is close to the hospital and residence.
French is as said not a issue. Remember Dr. Brassard is well traveled from a far and many come from the states and they do speak English. The only issued i had was my married name is a french canadian name so they keeped wanting to talk french with me first.
From the hospital to the residence you will total enjoy your stay. Its all about you there and to make things simple and smooth.
Oh just remember lots of prune juice. You will thank me later for that little advice.
As always if i am around i would love to stop by and say hi.
Hugs
Izzy
Hello Cindy,
firstly:- my heart felt congratulations on getting your surgery date.How exciting and wonderful! Nerve racking though, right?
secondly:- what date do you have in 2014?I have my consultation booked with Dr Brassard for May 2nd 2014..1 pm.
I have requested Oct 28th 2014 for my surgery date. I've only just sent them the H&P with first letter this past Friday
along with my proposed surgery date so I'm yet to get a confirmation.
It would be great to meet up if the dates correspond but regardless I wish you all the best and will have you in my heart.
Yay I loved reading this thread. I am making a decision on my surgeon in the next month or so and I'm pretty sure I am going to choose Dr. Brassard. I just hear so many good things about him!
All my research is pointing me to Dr. Brassard. I've only heard good things, and the care they offer sound top-notch. Doing everything I can to speed up the process regarding GCS.
Ditto I loved reading this thread. I have already decided Brassard is right for me and all I ever discover is more reassurance!
I get more excited every day!!
Abby when are you hoping to schedule? We should go together ;)
When I contacted them, they said the wait was about 3 months- I'm hoping to go soon in early March.
!!!!
Good morning ladies. Exactly one week from today I will be on the plane heading for Montreal. Brassard was my first and only choice. You consistently hear great things about him and always see his name as one of, if not, the best surgeons for this speciality. I would be lying if I didn't say I was nervous, but I know I will be receiving some top notch care. With that being said, I'm even more exciting for the journey. I'm a mixed bag of emotions this past week, as the time is getting closer and closer. I hope to see you all get your dates very soon. I will try to post as I go in Montreal to let you all know how it's going. Surgery is the 12th.
Xoxo
Brooke
There's a lot out there on Brassard, but this is great to have more and more updates, postings, and positive things to say. I'm totally with Jenny, Aeshe, and everyone else planning to go soon; this thread is a daily read! My plans are to get there mid/late December 2014, though the funds won't be there until maybe September of next year, any chance that'd be enough time to set up a surgery date?
I'm curious if there's anyone planning to be up there when I plan to be, though I know it's sometime away. :)
Quote from: Jennygirl on November 03, 2013, 12:33:37 AM
Ditto I loved reading this thread. I have already decided Brassard is right for me and all I ever discover is more reassurance!
I get more excited every day!!
Abby when are you hoping to schedule? We should go together ;)
When I contacted them, they said the wait was about 3 months- I'm hoping to go soon in early March.
!!!!
Aw that would be awesome but I'm not having mine until June since that's when I'll have 1 year of RLE. :/
It's awfully exciting to hear that a number of you Susan's Stars are coming to Canada for your surgery! I am very lucky being in Toronto because it will be so convenient when my time comes. I'd rather take the train than plane. If I were a few hours closer to Quebec then I would have wanted to meet some of you during your trips.
Best wishes to you Cindy!
Jesstrogen : Brassard requires one payment to reserve the date within 21 days of when you get the confirmation letter from them (I was put on the schedule in November and got the letter in February, but no idea if that's typical timing), one $2500 payment 8 weeks before surgery, and the balance paid 4 weeks before. In other words, the timing might be tight for you. However, the "confirmation payment" was only $2000, so if you have that much beforehand, you should be OK.
disclaimer : he's raised his prices since I went, so he *might* have changed the deposit amounts as well. You'll have to contact the office to get the official word, although they do have a form letter they send out routinely with all this in it.
Hey Brooke, Today is the day, Hope everything goes well. Relax the next few days before your life is all about the D.
Hugs
Izzy
Quote from: Jenna Marie on November 03, 2013, 11:58:58 AM
Jesstrogen : Brassard requires one payment to reserve the date within 21 days of when you get the confirmation letter from them (I was put on the schedule in November and got the letter in February, but no idea if that's typical timing), one $2500 payment 8 weeks before surgery, and the balance paid 4 weeks before. In other words, the timing might be tight for you. However, the "confirmation payment" was only $2000, so if you have that much beforehand, you should be OK.
This worries me an awful lot....OHIP is paying for my srs with Brassard. Do I have to save up like $4,500 myself in order to book and confirm? I dont understand how this works since the surgery is OHIP funded ???
You reserve the date simply by sending them the two letters from therapists. You then have to send the first deposit within a certain time period from booking that date to keep that date.
I paid myself and did not have to pay upfront to book a date.
HelloKitty : That's how it works for people who are paying for it themselves. I've spoken to several women who had GRS paid for by the Canadian government, and none had to pay a penny* out of pocket. Not sure how it works in terms of details - Brassard bills the government in installments directly, maybe? - but you shouldn't be on the hook for anything.
The best way to find out how it works is probably to contact Brassard's office; I'm sure they have a *different* standard information packet that they send to Canadian citizens using OHIP.
*OK, I think one did shell out like $5-10 for aftercare medications. :)
I appreciate all this information about Dr Brassard and I too plan to schedule with him in 2014. I was wondering if anyone has had BA surgery with him also, or knows anyone that went there for GRS and BA at the same time. I was planning on getting GRS and then BA 6 months to a year later, but now the idea of having both done at once is becoming more attractive.
Tammy : I was there with a woman who did GRS and BA. I don't know much details, though. She was happy with the results when we left the residence, is all I can say.
I met Dr. Brassard a couple weeks ago when I was in Montreal for FFS with Dr. Bensimon. Brassard seemed very nice and I'm looking at booking my SRS for the middle of February 2014. The facility looks really nice, and the hospital is great (Bensimon and Brassard work out of the same private hospital).
The only thing I'm still looking into is whether you can stay at the recovery house for longer than a week, as I'd rather stay in Montreal for 2 weeks post-surgery rather than flying home so quickly.
hello, I would like to ask,what technic dr.Brassard uses , penile inversion or colon-vaginoplasty ?and are brassarrds girls satisfied with deepth of neo-vagina ? tnx
I'm also looking to have surgery with Dr. Brassard in late June 2014... so am appreciating the comments :)
Quote from: Tammy M on November 12, 2013, 07:16:33 PM
I appreciate all this information about Dr Brassard and I too plan to schedule with him in 2014. I was wondering if anyone has had BA surgery with him also, or knows anyone that went there for GRS and BA at the same time. I was planning on getting GRS and then BA 6 months to a year later, but now the idea of having both done at once is becoming more attractive.
I suppose you can do both at the same time but the immediate after care from the Srs surgery is pretty intense and combined with chest discomfort I could only imagine how tough it would be to get dilating in, still some women do it. I just don't know how they do it and heal properly afterwards.
I did what you are saying, I had my BA done about a year later. I ended up traveling all the way to Thailand to see Dr Suporn for it since he was the only surgeon who was able to use the type of textured silicone that I wanted for a natural look. I didn't want boobs that "looked" like or "felt" like implants when they were done so I was willing to pay more for it.
I don't know what Dr Brassard uses for implants and what type of implant he uses, that would be a question for the good doctor himself of his staff. My experience in Canada was excellent and he did an awesome job with my Srs, although I know a lot has changed since I was there for my surgery in 2003.
Quote from: Michaela29 on December 21, 2013, 06:59:12 PM
hello, I would like to ask,what technic dr.Brassard uses , penile inversion or colon-vaginoplasty ?and are brassarrds girls satisfied with deepth of neo-vagina ? tnx
He does the Penile inversion technic. Everyone keeps on the depth thing. There is only so much area that depth can be done safely. So yes mine is around 6" and happy.
Izzy
I am a Brassard Girl.. I had my surgery back in May 2013, so my experience is pretty recent.
~NOTE: Aftercare facility does NOT allow for your partner to stay!!~
there are many places near by (10 to 15min away) so investigate for yourself
#1, the aftercare is Very Nice with Brassard, everything is taken care of, and MOST of the staff have a good to decent understanding of the english language (french is NOT necessary, you just need some patience and you'll understand them 99% of the time)
#2, he does do an inversion technique, but as for depth, I would have to say YMMV (I have had my partner check and #4 can fit all the way (no white dots showing) and yes I mean the orange monster :P ).
#3 Brassard's clinic is right next to the after care house/facility, the only possible complaint I would have about Brassard is that most of the aftercare rooms are set up to have 2 people in them, this is both good and bad.. Good as when you are laying there resting (they really promote exercise and movement afterwards) you'll have someone to talk to, Bad as when you need/want Privacy
If Anyone has questions, feel free to PM me, and I'll try my best to give an answer
SoShy
Quote from: SoShy on January 02, 2014, 07:06:06 AM
#3 Brassard's clinic is right next to the after care house/facility, the only possible complaint I would have about Brassard is that most of the aftercare rooms are set up to have 2 people in them, this is both good and bad.. Good as when you are laying there resting (they really promote exercise and movement afterwards) you'll have someone to talk to, Bad as when you need/want Privacy
If you're lucky, you may get a room like 204. I value my privacy and that room did me just swell! Even though, it's still not quite private, what with Darlene and Jack wanting access to vacuum the floor or change the cloths and towels mid-dilation. But that was fine. You see, for the first time in my life I wasn't ashamed of my body.
I don't remember my room number... but I know it was the tiny one right off the stairwell, and at least it was private. The other one-person rooms were bigger, though. :)
Quote from: Jenna Marie on January 02, 2014, 12:49:28 PM
I don't remember my room number... but I know it was the tiny one right off the stairwell, and at least it was private. The other one-person rooms were bigger, though. :)
You mean the room directly to your right as you come up to the landing, the one next to the bathroom and opposite the shower room with the stirrups? That was room 204.
Nicolette : Yes I do, and it sounds like we had the same room, then. :) My only real issue was that it was SO small that there was no good place for my wife to sit! (She spent pretty much every minute of visiting hours every day for me, so it kinda mattered.)
Hey ladies, I had SRS on November 12th. I was in a double room. I wanna say I was 210. Luckily I had the most awesome roommate. We pretty much let modesty out the window while we were there. The whole experience from the clinic to the residence was amazing. I really couldn't have asked for better care. I really do believe that you only make the recovery there as hard as you want to. Everything else....and I mean everything, they take care of. Yes, it does get a little cramped in the room, but after a few days you are constantly busy with your personal maintenance that you don't have time to really think about it. My only gripe was the hot water. They need a bigger hot water heater for sure. So do your stuff first, or at least when nobody else is, so that way your not left with barely warm water. The food was good and always enough. Florence is the chef and she has an amazing personality. It's almost like dinner theater if you catch her in a feisty mood. The nurses were always very nice and took the time to talk to you and answer any questions. You are pretty much gonna be super uncomfortable till the damn stent comes out, so just prepare yourself for that. In the long run, being there with other people, going thru the same thing you are is actually a good thing. Before you know it, it's time to go catch a plane and go home. I would only recommend Dr Brassard, and Dr Bellanger. Oh, and my results, thus far, couldn't be better. Good luck in your journey and whomever you choose. Hope this helps
Quote from: Tammy M on November 12, 2013, 07:16:33 PM
I appreciate all this information about Dr Brassard and I too plan to schedule with him in 2014. I was wondering if anyone has had BA surgery with him also, or knows anyone that went there for GRS and BA at the same time. I was planning on getting GRS and then BA 6 months to a year later, but now the idea of having both done at once is becoming more attractive.
Hi Tammy
I have a good friend who did both surgeries together with Dr Brassard last March. It worked out fine but she is a quite a tough lady and I'm not sure everyone could take as much punishment as she can. I also investigated doing both surgeries together as time management is a major issue for me. However I was rather put off by the price, 7300$C using silicone implants, especially as this surgery is done along with the GRS so there are no extra costs for anaesthetic etc. I could get the same procedure done locally for about half this price so that sort of settled the question in my mind.
Wishing you all the best.
Donna
I think that the canadian team is a great choice with amazing results. When it comes to BA and SRS at the same time it depends how much pain can you handle? My BA was way more painful then the SRS. When it comes to the price for BA I don't think that should influence your choice much because BA in a transsexual patient is quiet specific and you want an experienced doctor to do it.
Hello there! :) I've been searching pretty intently online for info but I've come up with nothing...does anyone have current figures for patients who will be paying for themselves (non-Canadian government payment) with Dr. Brassard? The total cost for GRS without Canadian coverage with him? Thank you!
EDIT: I've found a 2012 estimate of 19,000 USD, but is this up-to-date?
Quote from: Azahara on January 09, 2014, 09:28:03 PM
Hello there! :) I've been searching pretty intently online for info but I've come up with nothing...does anyone have current figures for patients who will be paying for themselves (non-Canadian government payment) with Dr. Brassard? The total cost for GRS without Canadian coverage with him? Thank you!
EDIT: I've found a 2012 estimate of 19,000 USD, but is this up-to-date?
My paperwork in January 2013 had 19300.00 CAD.
hope it helps.
Mine was funded.
Azahara : You can email them and ask; they'll send the standard information packet (electronically). Be aware, though, that he requires payment in Canadian dollars - not unreasonable, but it means it's not *possible* to quote you a price in US dollars, since the exchange rate fluctuates.
(At the time I went in 2012, the price was $18,300 CAD. That ended up being close to $20,000 US between exchange rate and bank fees.)
19,375.00 CAD was the amount I received on my information packet (2014, Jan).
My only complaints about Dr. Brassard's practice are: a) very little face-time with him or Dr. Belanger - maybe a total of 10 minutes each, 5 of which was with them both immediately before my surgery, and b) a rather disorganized front-office (they lost one of my surgery letters requiring an immediate resend since it was so close to my date, and a friend had them misplace their cashier's check for a few days.)
$19,375 CAD was what I paid; the packet lists $19,300 and I never figured out where the extra $75 came from. Ultimately, the exchange rate favored me so the cost in US was similar to what Jenna Marie listed (I originally intended to have SRS in 2012, but months of delays in delivering my surgery letter from my long-time gender therapist prevented that.) The price increase was in December of 2012.
I was very happy with the experience there and I would not hesitate to recommend him. I did get a single room, 206 (us girls were in 205-210 that week.) I was there in mid-May and this room got a bit chilly at night; apparently the building draws a draft through it (it's the one with the enclosed balcony overlooking the yard so it has an exterior door.) My wife traveled with me and stayed at the B&B in Laval (she doesn't suggest it.)
My one regret was not including trachea shave in my surgery. I had originally planned to do so but a budgeting mistake by my wife prevented it (it's a long story - she insisted on including an uncertain source of funds and it didn't pan out.)
My partner just had SRS with Dr B.
I would agree with some of the comment here that the facility is of top quality and there seem to be few complaints. It seems like most people are really happy with the outcome of the surgery.
There are standard procedures that at Dr B's that I think people could and can take issue with, both patients and visitors alike. In outlining some of these am I in no way trying to suggest the facility is bad or whatnot.
1) Some nurses have a curt turn of phrase in english which can lead to mis-communication (and it sounds like they are rude... but they are not)
2)The front office (i.e. mainly Suzanne) is highly disorganised and hard to communicate with quickly and easily.
3) Not everything you will need is listed on the information sheets
4) Don't expect (especially as a support person) to be told anything in advanced. Ask, ask, ask...
5) The accommodation at Laval (the Gite de Marigot- the one you stay at first and your guests are invited to stay at) is not close to anything much. Visiting hours are limited so it is better to stay closer to Montreal and just use the highly efficient public transport system to get around. There is bus (69 west from Henri Bourassa metro station) that stops directly out the front of the clinic.
5) There is no privacy for patients. Nurses, cleaners, other patients etc generally have full view of you in all states.
6) Visiting hours are really limited (2-8) and while this may seem like enough time there is no comfortable or private place to visit patients all of time. You may need to compete with other patients for limited couch space and there are strict schedules for dinner etc. Some visitors can be made to feel exceptionally uncomfortable and "little" whilst others are offered tea etc. It seems dependant on the nurse around at the time (personally I was told really rudely to leave by a nurse and I didn't want to visit again... it was horrible- she made me cry!)
7) You won't see much of the doctors
8) There is free wifi, lots of good food and plenty of company with other patients. You will have someone to share your experiences with.
9) There is no therapist, counsellor, liason officer or any outside support. The nurses are busy and won't necessarily have time to help you with emotional or pysch problems.
10) You are at a hospital (clinical, nurses who see with lots of patients, impersonal etc) and l dealing with a major operation. The two are kind of juxtaposed...
If you are flying from Australia use Air New Zealand. On the return trip you can fly through LAX and from LAX to Auckland there is a sleeper couch option. It costs more but you will get to lay down. It's worth it for 14hours.
s.
Would someone please tell me if you have to make two trips to Brassard? I live in Vegas and I was wondering if you have to go to Canada twice once for consult and the other for surgery? Or can you go for a consult first then shortly after have your surgery? I am just curious as how people do it especially if you live far and have to travel.
I did not have to make two trips, and I live about five hours away but in the US - I said I didn't want to travel that much, and they told me it was OK. I had my "consult" the morning of my surgery instead, and it worked out fine.
there are possibilitys of no privacy with brassard ? because i m a little agoraphobic and need some loneliness and i m considering going with him for surgery
I think all of the hospital rooms are doubles, but you're only in there for 2 days and there are curtains you can pull. I think that's typical for hospitals in general. The residence does have some single rooms, and I imagine if you have a medical need you could request one (I got a single by random luck myself).
I've settled on Brassard for my SRS, if I ever get to that point. The money is lacking and not looking better in the future. :(
I had my surgery with Dr. B in June - no complications during the time of recovery but now have a fused Labia minora and no clit hood... plus dealing with some nerve sensitivity issues (am rethinking my decision at the time to pick Montreal over somewhere closer where I was ... like London)
Just thought you should know! - I personally feel like his results have not been as smooth as when he was working alone (and not in a pair)
Quote from: divineintervention on October 19, 2014, 04:24:20 AM
I had my surgery with Dr. B in June - no complications during the time of recovery but now have a fused Labia minora and no clit hood... plus dealing with some nerve sensitivity issues (am rethinking my decision at the time to pick Montreal over somewhere closer where I was ... like London)
Just thought you should know! - I personally feel like his results have not been as smooth as when he was working alone (and not in a pair)
Will he do revisions for you at no cost?
(Brassard does offer free revisions for the first year. Also, though I have no idea if it's the case here, my clit hood didn't settle down into actually "hooding" - as opposed to being just sort of a flap of flesh in the general vicinity - for quite some time, until the swelling in the whole area went down enough for things to end up where they were supposed to be.)
Yes - it was said that he does offer revisions after a year: I hope he sticks to it because as far as communication goes, it has been difficult for me to reach the surgeons (the nurses are rather responsive though)
Edit: I now know of 2 other people (aside from myself) that have a fused inner labia. One of them has zero sensitivity in her clitoris region. Just a heads up... Dr. B did see her and advised her to stimulate the area whilst promising a revision after a year.
Quote from: selma on January 14, 2014, 03:58:05 PM
...
2)The front office (i.e. mainly Suzanne) is highly disorganised and hard to communicate with quickly and easily.
...
I have experienced this so far just trying to get my SRS scheduled. Can anyone tell me how the process went for submitting paperwork and getting a surgery date? I have submitted both recommendation letters, the letter detailing my hormones, my photo and the medical history form. Suzanne then asked me to submit the medical history form. I told her I already had and resubmitted it along with all of the other documents again (because I am quite retentive and have copies or originals of everything). She then tells me they had two files on me, one with my 'last name, first name' & one with my 'middle name last name, first name'. I told her the correct format, and she merely replied with 'ok'. No word of what is next, if I need to send anything else, what is happening or ANYTHING. Ugh! Quite frustrating.
Quote from: ainsley on November 06, 2014, 08:48:48 AM
I have experienced this so far just trying to get my SRS scheduled. Can anyone tell me how the process went for submitting paperwork and getting a surgery date? I have submitted both recommendation letters, the letter detailing my hormones, my photo and the medical history form. Suzanne then asked me to submit the medical history form. I told her I already had and resubmitted it along with all of the other documents again (because I am quite retentive and have copies or originals of everything). She then tells me they had two files on me, one with my 'last name, first name' & one with my 'middle name last name, first name'. I told her the correct format, and she merely replied with 'ok'. No word of what is next, if I need to send anything else, what is happening or ANYTHING. Ugh! Quite frustrating.
She will send a date and once you accept she will send confirmation and scripts for blood test, hiv test and ekg if needed. The blood test is 12hr fasting by the way.
It will come, and chance for something earlier if cancelation.
Thank you for the quick reply. :)
I guess I will just be patient and wait. Does she send the date via email or snail mail?
Quote from: Jenna Marie on October 19, 2014, 09:43:21 AM
(Brassard does offer free revisions for the first year. Also, though I have no idea if it's the case here, my clit hood didn't settle down into actually "hooding" - as opposed to being just sort of a flap of flesh in the general vicinity - for quite some time, until the swelling in the whole area went down enough for things to end up where they were supposed to be.)
My clitoris structure is basically a tiny button buried and obscured inside a hole like structure. It's quite inaccessible, even 13 months on. It has either always been hooded or clearly doesn't need one. Brassard had very little material to play with, and presume material availability is one reason why some of us can vary quite considerably in look and structure.