Well, I had my consultation with Dr. Stiller at Palouse Surgeons in Eastern WA, and now I'm waiting hear back from my insurance.
As for the consult itself, Dr. Stiller and his staff we all super nice.
I've talked to three of his former patients now and everyone has nothing but praise.
I know some people have expressed curiosity/concern about the current lack of post-op photos, well I got to see several photos of his work at three months post surgery, and I'm super impressed, especially by the fact that on every patient there was virtually no visible scars even just at 3 months.
At this point I'm very comfortable with the idea of going ahead getting GCS done by Dr. Stiller and his team.
So now I'm just waiting for approval [emoji854]
Assuming this is actually happening, I'll post my full experience for you all as things happen!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Still waiting to hear back on whether my insurance will approve my surgery, and slowly loosing my mind.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I had my consult with him on march 12th, and got the letter of approval from Washington State dated April 12th, but I didn't get the letter or call till about the 16th. So it seems like it takes a bit more than a month, I am scheduled for Surgery for August 1st, all done thru Apple Health, not sure if private insurance would be faster or slower.
Quote from: Hikari on April 22, 2018, 11:13:40 PM
I had my consult with him on march 12th, and got the letter of approval from Washington State dated April 12th, but I didn't get the letter or call till about the 16th. So it seems like it takes a bit more than a month, I am scheduled for Surgery for August 1st, all done thru Apple Health, not sure if private insurance would be faster or slower.
I'm also on Apple Health, so that's reassuring to hear. Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My surgery has been approved!
I'm so happy!
Should have a date tomorrow [emoji16]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi! I'm moving to Washington state next month, so this is really amazing to hear! Congratulations on being approved by insurance!
Dr. Stiller works with my insurance, and his staff is very friendly and helpful. I've heard nothing but good things about him, I'm excited to consult with him. I wish I could somehow view his post op results online though...
Are you aware of who he was trained by? I heard Dr. Marci Bowers refers Apple Health/MedicAid patients to him, so that's wonderful! :) I'm unsure if she trained him.
How is the aesthetic of his results? Do they look cis? Sorry to be bombarding you with questions, I'm just extremely curious about him since he will the closest surgeon to me and there isn't a ton of information online.
Quote from: RosieBee3 on April 30, 2018, 12:58:12 AM
Hi! I'm moving to Washington state next month, so this is really amazing to hear! Congratulations on being approved by insurance!
Dr. Stiller works with my insurance, and his staff is very friendly and helpful. I've heard nothing but good things about him, I'm excited to consult with him. I wish I could somehow view his post op results online though...
Are you aware of who he was trained by? I heard Dr. Marci Bowers refers Apple Health/MedicAid patients to him, so that's wonderful! :) I'm unsure if she trained him.
How is the aesthetic of his results? Do they look cis? Sorry to be bombarding you with questions, I'm just extremely curious about him since he will the closest surgeon to me and there isn't a ton of information online.
Hi RosieBee3,
I'm Laurie, I see that you are new here. So please let me say, Welcome To Susan's Place! Come on in and take a good look around. Perhaps I can even get you to hop on over to the
Introductions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) Thread and create a post to tell us a little bit more about yourself so we can get to know you a little better and greet you properly. I'll add some links and information below that can help you get more out of our site. Please take time to become familiar with them especially the RED one as we are always getting questions that are answered there.
Laurie
Global Moderator
Laurie@susans.org
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) | Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) | Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,216851.0.html) |
Quote from: Rowan Rue on April 30, 2018, 12:04:26 AM
My surgery has been approved!
I'm so happy!
Should have a date tomorrow [emoji16]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi Rowan Rue,
I'm Laurie and just wanted to congratulate you on getting your GCS approved through your insurance. Be sure to let us know when you get a date so we can follow along.
Hugs,
Laurie
Hi Laurie! How sweet of you to welcome me! I'm very happy to have found this website! Thank you for posting all the helpful links to help me learn the ins and outs of this place. ❤️ I'll head over to introductions and go introduce myself now!
Quote from: Laurie on April 30, 2018, 04:28:43 PM
Hi RosieBee3,
I'm Laurie, I see that you are new here. So please let me say, Welcome To Susan's Place! Come on in and take a good look around. Perhaps I can even get you to hop on over to the Introductions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) Thread and create a post to tell us a little bit more about yourself so we can get to know you a little better and greet you properly. I'll add some links and information below that can help you get more out of our site. Please take time to become familiar with them especially the RED one as we are always getting questions that are answered there.
Laurie
Global Moderator
Laurie@susans.org
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) | Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) | Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,216851.0.html) |
August 8th!
Hikari, looks like I'll see you at the recovery center ^-^
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: RosieBee3 on April 30, 2018, 12:58:12 AM
How is the aesthetic of his results? Do they look cis? Sorry to be bombarding you with questions, I'm just extremely curious about him since he will the closest surgeon to me and there isn't a ton of information online.
I got to see results for 4 of his patients all at 3mo post op and I was very impressed.
Honestly they all looked fully healed and aesthetically some of the best I've seen.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Soooooo, three weeks off HRT.
That part.
That is what scares the crap outa me.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Rowan Rue on May 01, 2018, 07:04:55 PM
Soooooo, three weeks off HRT.
That part.
That is what scares the crap outa me.
Three weeks? That´s quite long time, compared to other surgeons. I was asked to stop for 10 days before surgery, this in Thailand and what I´ve read other surgeon instructions around the world, 10 days seems the norm.
Are you sure about the 3 weeks? Sorry, perhaps a stupid question, when it reads on paper ;D
Quote from: Mendi on May 01, 2018, 07:50:29 PM
Are you sure about the 3 weeks? Sorry, perhaps a stupid question, when it reads on paper [emoji1]
Yep, July 18th until surgery on the 8th of August
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Oh nice! Yeah, the three weeks off HRT is scary, since I know I am gonna be working in the weeks leading up to the surgery and I dunno how well I am going to handle that! I still have lots to do as far as getting paperwork in order, getting my leave of absence from work, and figuring out the transportation arrangements as I only own a little 125cc bike no car and I am not going to ride from the Puget Sound on that!
12 weeks to go.
I'm nervous about the idea of being gone from work for a month. Hoping I won't go completely insane in that time!
I've also been fundraising for voice surgery.
I'm halfway there, and have a surgery date scheduled for Dec 5th, which I'm going to try to move up to October. I'm going to be spending a LOT of time healing from surgery this year!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Four weeks to go [emoji28]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yay! I can't wait to hear how things go! Have you decided if you're going to a hotel, Air BB, or transitions? I'm up for surgery with Dr. Stiller in November and curious how the housing works out. Apparently 300+ miles isn't going to be considered "local" ha ha ha...
Quote from: Rowan Rue on July 12, 2018, 02:12:13 AM
Four weeks to go [emoji28]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I am a week ahead of you, I am getting nervous lol, already had to stop hormones so I am hating that! My partner and I are making plans but I keep feeling like there are things I am forgetting to plan for.
Quote from: Harley Quinn on July 14, 2018, 10:17:05 AM
Yay! I can't wait to hear how things go! Have you decided if you're going to a hotel, Air BB, or transitions? I'm up for surgery with Dr. Stiller in November and curious how the housing works out. Apparently 300+ miles isn't going to be considered "local" ha ha ha...
I am working with Medicaid and basically you have to call the Medicaid nonemergecy transport broker and they will ask you to get your hospitals social worker to fax them the information for lodging, but your doctors office themselves is fine, I did everything thru dr stillers more than capable staff. After a few weeks my broker called me and told me they have worked with dr Stiller and Palouse transitions before and gave me the details and worked with me on what exactly I needed (mostly I am bringing my partner with me, and I am driving if I couldn't drive the greyhound seems to be the common option). They didn't try and force me into the cheapest accommodations like a motel 6 or anything.
Each Medicaid broker might be a bit different but, overall I am very happy Paratransit services was knowledgeable about gender confirmation surgery and Dr. Stiller/Palouse Transitions. Just a few more days till I go there!
Woohoo!!!!! That's awesome to hear! Sounds like you're in good hands. 😉
Had surgery with Dr Stiller earlier today, so far things have been going pretty well the bulk of the pain is actually in my arms I guess they had to extend them during surgery so they are ultra Spre and my fingers are numb. The only other real pain was when I got a clot in my catheter which was quickly resolved. The staff has been taking real good care of me, I am pretty impressed with the empathy of the staff.
Congratulations! It's all kicking back and relaxing from here!
Had surgery yesterday.
SRS and breast augmentation. My boobs hurt way more than my crotch [emoji23]
Got my pain meds balanced out now though so I'm pretty comfortable.
Dr. Stiller said everything went perfectly.
Typing is proving far harder than I expected as the painkillers keep making my drift of into a half sleep.
I'm looking forward to getting the bandages off so I can see how everything went, even though I know it's going to be all swelling and redness.
To echo what Hikari said, the staff have all been amazing. They clearly love what they do here and their attentiveness and compassion has been affirming in a way I hadn't expected.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Great to hear from you, keep us updates as your recovery mores on.
Woohoo, congratulations!!! Keep us informed on your recovery!🏥➕
Yesterday during the day felt like things were getting much better, last night though the pain in my breasts was excruciating)and I've had kidney stones as a point of reference).
Didn't really feel like my pain level was being taken seriously, which really sucked. Today I have to stand up, which after last night I really don't feel prepared for.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Are you discussing your pain level with the nurses? Normally they have the ability to increase your pain medication if needed and if they don't, they can contact somebody who can increase your pain medication. Because some people feel little pain they don't do this unless the patient indicates there is problem.
Quote from: Dena on August 10, 2018, 04:26:37 PM
Are you discussing your pain level with the nurses? Normally they have the ability to increase your pain medication if needed and if they don't, they can contact somebody who can increase your pain medication. Because some people feel little pain they don't do this unless the patient indicates there is problem.
Oh I was very clear about my pain level.
As of today I'm just on Ibuprofen due to having developed a rash that we think is a result of the opioids.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Being in a hospital bed sucks. I'm feeling super sweaty and gross, and basically rather depressed.
No sense of regret about the surgery, but I've lost all excitement about it.
Meh, I have a vagina now. Fine. Whatever.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Rowan Rue on August 11, 2018, 09:18:26 AM
Being in a hospital bed sucks. I'm feeling super sweaty and gross, and basically rather depressed.
It's likely it's the result of a hormone crash. Your body isn't producing anything and your not taking anything so you have had your first taste of menopause. It will get better when they let you shower and better yet when you can resume HRT.
Quote from: Rowan Rue on August 11, 2018, 09:18:26 AM
Being in a hospital bed sucks. I'm feeling super sweaty and gross, and basically rather depressed.
No sense of regret about the surgery, but I've lost all excitement about it.
Meh, I have a vagina now. Fine. Whatever.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was feeling ultra gross too, but one of the nurses I wanna say her name was candi got me up onto the chair and sponged me off, changed all my bedding and then washed my hair in the bed and it really made me feel like a new woman, I would ask the nurses if they can help you get less gross feeling. Trust me it is really worth it!
I'm feeling pretty depressed.
Unwashed, tape adhesive stuck all over me, swollen, still bloody in places, a nasty rash on my tummy and running all the way up to my neck and shoulders.
I've never felt worse about my appearance or body in general than I do right now.
Plus it all still hurts a lot.
I know the line "those people who experience regret usually go into surgery with unrealistic expectations"
I won't call this regret.
It's just being at the low point of the process without any guarantee that things will get better as they heal.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Rowan Rue on August 12, 2018, 02:40:05 AM
I'm feeling pretty depressed.
Unwashed, tape adhesive stuck all over me, swollen, still bloody in places, a nasty rash on my tummy and running all the way up to my neck and shoulders.
I've never felt worse about my appearance or body in general than I do right now.
Plus it all still hurts a lot.
I know the line "those people who experience regret usually go into surgery with unrealistic expectations"
I won't call this regret.
It's just being at the low point of the process without any guarantee that things will get better as they heal.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hugs. You'll get through this. Focus your energy inward, this is one of those times when looking a little less than glamorous is totally allowed. Sending love. X
Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk
Big hug. I struggled after my surgery too. The hormones, the anesthesia, the post surgical depression can all make for a bumpy ride. The painkillers made me sick right from the first pill, so I didn't use them at all. I'm sure you're going to feel better in just a few days. :)
Hugs, Devlyn
I am so sorry that you're struggling, I don't do well on opioids either. I hope you can find a way to get comfortable. ❤️
<big hug>
One thing I've found that helps is think about... every day and every minute goes by, you are that much closer to completely healing from surgery and it will all be a memory. And then you will have the awesome benefits, that's permanent. The difficult moments are difficult, but temporary.
Thanks everyone.
Doing breast augmentation and SRS together really kicks your ass. I will definitely be glad to have gotten it all out of the way later, but holy cow.
Boobs start out WAYYYYYY more painful than the vagina, then the pain slowly migrates south.
It makes moving around really hard (seriously, try getting in and out of bed without using your arms or your legs [emoji23])
The hardest thing is trusting that nothings going to rip. Still no idea what damage I may have done underneath the dressings.
Guess I'll find out tomorrow!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yikes! I can imagine. That sounds crazy! Hope everything goes well, and can't wait to hear how the unveiling goes.
How is the recovery going?
I hope everything is going well, and can't wait to hear how everything is progressing.
So tired or this whole healing process. It's impossible to feel excited about the eventual outcome.
I'm told everything is going well. No major complications of any sort, so thats good, but I'm so over this whole thing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi I am sorry if this is weird I just haven't ever tried contacting someone on here. I didn't know how to pm you and this is the thread I have questions about. I am heavily considering going to Dr Stiller for my GRS and I was curious if you had done anything with him yet? If it's too weird I get it. I am just trying to cover all my bases, thanks <3
Hello raven340469, welcome to Susan's!
That's not a weird question at all. I did the same thing and contacted several Susan's members when I was making decisions regarding GCS a year ago.
Since this was your first post I'll add information to help with navigation and site guidelines. You won't be able to send a PM yet... that becomes enabled after 15 posts, as described in the links here:
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) | Cautionary Note (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,82221.0.html) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) | Membership Agreement (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,216851.0.html) |
When you get a chance, it would be great if you can introduce yourself in the Introductions Forum. (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html)
Really great to see you here!
Kendra
Quote from: raven340469 on November 01, 2018, 03:19:03 AM
Hi I am sorry if this is weird I just haven't ever tried contacting someone on here. I didn't know how to pm you and this is the thread I have questions about. I am heavily considering going to Dr Stiller for my GRS and I was curious if you had done anything with him yet? If it's too weird I get it. I am just trying to cover all my bases, thanks <3
I'll be headed out to see him in a few days. A friend of mine had her surgery with him as well. He's very talented and extremely nice. He has a great portfolio. Any questions ask away, I'm sure that someone will jump in.