I'm getting so excited 9 more weeks til surgery with chettawut. Hard work pay off & now it's really happening!! :)
Congratulations! Those weeks, especially during the last month will pass in no time.
Congrats, praying for a beautiful outcome.
Congrats, and we're all eagerly looking forward to updates!
thank you ladies & I'm going to update this post and keep everyone posted.
Just received another email saying that my letters are approved now I just need to get blood work done & settle my remaining balnace. My surgery is set for Oct 9th
bootifulone:
I am going through the "dreaded" letter procurement process for Dr. Chet right now. I have a "tentative" date that they gave me in May of Jan. 21, 2016, but I am having difficulties getting the medical clearance from my primary care Phys. (dealing with the VA and it's bureaucracy) They said they would give it gladly if I was having the surgery in the USA, but they are balking at providing clearance for Thailand. Chet has also asked for a letter from my endocrinologist to address my slightly elevated blood glucose and A1C levels which have been borderline for years. I don't take any meds for diabetes, yet he is insisting on verification. He also want's a letter from my neurosurgeon (had a lumbar fusion 4 yrs. ago) certifying that I have fully recovered from that surgery. The mental health docs. are done. I am worried that I may lose my surgery date if this drags on too much longer. During your process did you have to change your surgery date due to delays in getting your docs ? I'm 5 months away from mine.
Soundz like you have all of your ducks in a row.
Hugz,
Joi
Quote from: Joi on August 03, 2015, 10:17:19 PM
I am going through the "dreaded" letter procurement process for Dr. Chet right now. I have a "tentative" date that they gave me in May of Jan. 21, 2016, but I am having difficulties getting the medical clearance from my primary care Phys. (dealing with the VA and it's bureaucracy) They said they would give it gladly if I was having the surgery in the USA, but they are balking at providing clearance for Thailand.
Perhaps Dr Chet would accept a letter written to a USA surgeon...
Its about you being ready for surgery not the surgeon.
My surgery is set, I didn't change anything. I have schdule it way back in January. And both letters have been approved. Som didn't mention anything els beside bring the original copy of the letters on my consultation visit. I hope you work things out soon & have your surgery. [/font]
Quote from: Joi on August 03, 2015, 10:17:19 PM
bootifulone:
I am going through the "dreaded" letter procurement process for Dr. Chet right now. I have a "tentative" date that they gave me in May of Jan. 21, 2016, but I am having difficulties getting the medical clearance from my primary care Phys. (dealing with the VA and it's bureaucracy) They said they would give it gladly if I was having the surgery in the USA, but they are balking at providing clearance for Thailand. Chet has also asked for a letter from my endocrinologist to address my slightly elevated blood glucose and A1C levels which have been borderline for years. I don't take any meds for diabetes, yet he is insisting on verification. He also want's a letter from my neurosurgeon (had a lumbar fusion 4 yrs. ago) certifying that I have fully recovered from that surgery. The mental health docs. are done. I am worried that I may lose my surgery date if this drags on too much longer. During your process did you have to change your surgery date due to delays in getting your docs ? I'm 5 months away from mine.
Soundz like you have all of your ducks in a row.
Hugz,
Joi
I'm headed to Chet in just under a month... yikes..
I'm going to keep plugging away at this - no way I'm giving up on it either. From what I see on these boards, it looks like were keeping Dr. Chett. really busy. Hope we don 't wear him out. ;)
Hugz!
will u be at the cottage? I'm booked at the Rama. When are u leaving?Quote from: Isabelle on August 05, 2015, 05:19:28 AM
I'm headed to Chet in just under a month... yikes..
yeah I've heard a lot of good things about him. He is very talented & experienced in this surgery.Quote from: Joi on August 05, 2015, 01:35:02 PM
I'm going to keep plugging away at this - no way I'm giving up on it either. From what I see on these boards, it looks like were keeping Dr. Chett. really busy. Hope we don 't wear him out. ;)
Hugz!
Quote from: bootifulone on August 06, 2015, 12:12:31 AM
will u be at the cottage? I'm booked at the Rama. When are u leaving?
Yes ma'am, if they have space I'll be at the rama in a cottage.. I arrive on the 28th of this month, leave Thighland on the 25 of September.. Unfortunately this is during the monsoon season apparently but, I'm not there to sightsee and relax on a beach...
Quote from: Joi on August 03, 2015, 10:17:19 PM
bootifulone:
I am going through the "dreaded" letter procurement process for Dr. Chet right now. I have a "tentative" date that they gave me in May of Jan. 21, 2016, but I am having difficulties getting the medical clearance from my primary care Phys. (dealing with the VA and it's bureaucracy) They said they would give it gladly if I was having the surgery in the USA, but they are balking at providing clearance for Thailand. Chet has also asked for a letter from my endocrinologist to address my slightly elevated blood glucose and A1C levels which have been borderline for years. I don't take any meds for diabetes, yet he is insisting on verification. He also want's a letter from my neurosurgeon (had a lumbar fusion 4 yrs. ago) certifying that I have fully recovered from that surgery. The mental health docs. are done. I am worried that I may lose my surgery date if this drags on too much longer. During your process did you have to change your surgery date due to delays in getting your docs ? I'm 5 months away from mine.
Soundz like you have all of your ducks in a row.
Hugz,
Joi
Hi Joi, You only need one letter from home and Chett can sort out the other one. As you only have to arrive in Bangkok 3 days before you have allot of time yet to sort it out but if the worst happens and you need to delay I'm sure Chett will agree to a delay. Could you pay a different gender Psyche to write the letter and not involve the VA? You have time now to get in 2 or 3 appointments before you have to send anything.
I hope you get this sorted.
Quote from: bootifulone on August 03, 2015, 01:26:59 AM
I'm getting so excited 9 more weeks til surgery with chettawut. Hard work pay off & now it's really happening!! :)
You deserve it and you know it will be a fun time. See you on 7th :)
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
Hi Sorcha! Thx for your input. I have the letter (actually one signed by both my psychiatrist and psychologist) which Chet. said would be fine. My prob is that my primary care Dr. at the VA has refused to send a letter that states that I have no underlying med. conditions that would preclude my GRS. Her latest iteration - she has consulted with the "Chief of Staff" at the Houston VA Hospital for guidance and in effect is asking them for guidance (thus taking the medical component out of the decision making process). Their latest response is that I should get my "clearance" from Dr. Chets anesthesiologist which makes no damn sense at all. I certainly didn't anticipate this kind of resistance as I am ultimately the one who must consent (& PAY) for the surgery. I tried to make an appointment with a local "trans" friendly" Dr., but couldn't get an appointment until Oct. and this Dr. would have no history on me and who knows how much data she would need to grant my request. What a F---ing Mess! I have passed their position back to Dr. Chet. to see if he has any suggestions. Will Hope for the best.
Hugz,'
Joi
Hey Joi, according to that little timer thing on your post, you've only been on hormones for a few months... why the rush for surgery now? Will they approve you for surgery? or are you just trying to get it organised early?
Quote from: Joi on August 07, 2015, 02:23:47 PM
Hi Sorcha! Thx for your input. I have the letter (actually one signed by both my psychiatrist and psychologist) which Chet. said would be fine. My prob is that my primary care Dr. at the VA has refused to send a letter that states that I have no underlying med. conditions that would preclude my GRS. Her latest iteration - she has consulted with the "Chief of Staff" at the Houston VA Hospital for guidance and in effect is asking them for guidance (thus taking the medical component out of the decision making process). Their latest response is that I should get my "clearance" from Dr. Chets anesthesiologist which makes no damn sense at all. I certainly didn't anticipate this kind of resistance as I am ultimately the one who must consent (& PAY) for the surgery. I tried to make an appointment with a local "trans" friendly" Dr., but couldn't get an appointment until Oct. and this Dr. would have no history on me and who knows how much data she would need to grant my request. What a F---ing Mess! I have passed their position back to Dr. Chet. to see if he has any suggestions. Will Hope for the best.
Hugz,'
Joi
I must admit to being a bit confused. I have been through Chet's requirements over and over and I can't see any medical clearance requirement. The 2 Psych-related letters are mentioned and the list of tests to be completed. Where does the medical clearance requirements come from? I have filled in every form Ms Som has sent but do not recall seeing any medical clearance requirement. My GP is going to be away shortly and I don't want to get a stressful delay over something I might have missed.
Emma
Quote from: EmmaD on August 07, 2015, 05:16:11 PM
I must admit to being a bit confused. I have been through Chet's requirements over and over and I can't see any medical clearance requirement. The 2 Psych-related letters are mentioned and the list of tests to be completed. Where does the medical clearance requirements come from? I have filled in every form Ms Som has sent but do not recall seeing any medical clearance requirement. My GP is going to be away shortly and I don't want to get a stressful delay over something I might have missed.
Emma
It depends on your age. if you're young the only medical clearance is standard pre surgical blood screening, so liver function, hiv etc, and a chest X-ray. for older people (45+) they need EKG readings and all sorts.
Hi Emma! It is likely the age thingee. I am 67-68 in Dec. You young chicks get a pass on this. My window for clearance closed a long time ago. I'M OK with the additional requirements. Shows that Dr. Chet. is professional, cautious and thorough in his approach to this life changing procedure. I have waited for this for a long, long, time, but life (a wife, 3 teenaged sons & a career) got in my way. Now, these responsibilities are behind me. Time to live for me and not everyone else. None of us know when we will leave this planet, when I depart, it will be as a woman in all respects. Thanks for you interest.
Hugz,
Joi
Quote from: Joi on August 07, 2015, 05:42:45 PM
Hi Emma! It is likely the age thingee. I am 67-68 in Dec. You young chicks get a pass on this. My window for clearance closed a long time ago. I'M OK with the additional requirements. Shows that Dr. Chet. is professional, cautious and thorough in his approach to this life changing procedure. I have waited for this for a long, long, time, but life (a wife, 3 teenaged sons & a career) got in my way. Now, these responsibilities are behind me. Time to live for me and not everyone else. None of us know when we will leave this planet, when I depart, it will be as a woman in all respects. Thanks for you interest.
Hugz,
Joi
There might be the possibility this can be done in Thailand. Someone reported having an exam in a hospital before srs.
hugs
Laura: Dr. Chet. is asking for the clearance now and I won't be able to change my surgery date from "tentative" to "confirmed" until he gives the OK. And, of course, I'll have to wire transfer the down-payment before my date is secure.
As the surgery date is Jan. 21, I have time to contact a local Dr., have a physical, & see if he/she will accept all of my current labs and assessments (ie. therapists) from the VA and if he/she won't accept them. I'll have to repeat them.
Alot of duplication and expense, but it is what it is and I'm not to be denied. "Where there's a will there's a way!"
Bottom line is that I am in good health and have nothing to fear. Weight stable, BP stable, no chronic health issues.
Will keep all posted on how this resolves.
Hugz,
Joi
Quote from: Laura_7 on August 07, 2015, 05:45:30 PM
There might be the possibility this can be done in Thailand. Someone reported having an exam in a hospital before srs.
If you fail the exam and its only days before the surgery, I imagine it would be cancelled and you'd lose a lot of money.
Quote from: SorchaC on August 07, 2015, 11:29:44 AM
Hi Joi, You only need one letter from home and Chett can sort out the other one. As you only have to arrive in Bangkok 3 days before you have allot of time yet to sort it out but if the worst happens and you need to delay I'm sure Chett will agree to a delay. Could you pay a different gender Psyche to write the letter and not involve the VA? You have time now to get in 2 or 3 appointments before you have to send anything.
I hope you get this sorted.
You deserve it and you know it will be a fun time. See you on 7th :)
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
Girl, can't wait to meet you! Sooooo anxious now
Quote from: bootifulone on August 08, 2015, 02:24:56 AM
Girl, can't wait to meet you!
That's what Som said as well ;D In fact she called me adorable in response to a couple of questions I asked re the revision. I'm gonna have a great time in between sleeping and looking out for you :)
See you soon but try to relax otherwise you'll end up with high BP ;D I'll make sure Chett doesn't drink his gift until after your op :)
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
SorchaC, what dates are you there? We may cross paths
Quote from: Isabelle on August 08, 2015, 10:25:17 PM
SorchaC, what dates are you there? We may cross paths
I arrive on October 7th early evening and depart October 24th. Chett advised 10 days recovery so I thought I'd give him a window of a few days to do the surgery and he chose the day after I arrive. I'll have nothing to do for 2 weeks but enjoy myself. My partner has decided not to come this time so I'm hoping there will be a few folks there and we can all support each other. I'll do the shopping and some cooking for those confined to base :)
Hope we can meet if you're around :)
Hugs
Sorcha ;D
only 5 & half more weeks til I leave!!! Can't wait. I'm counting down the weeks & days!
Quote from: bootifulone on August 26, 2015, 12:54:00 AM
only 5 & half more weeks til I leave!!! Can't wait. I'm counting down the weeks & days!
If you think you're excited now wait until you're counting down in hours not weeks and days :) You're gonna love it :)
Hugs
Sorcha ;D