Hi everyone.
I've been watching Susan's for years, since transition in 2012 at age 19.
I'd like to share my story - I'm sure most of you could relate.
Like pretty much every trans person, it has taken me years to save up even half of my SRS cost ::)
I saw my psych in October 2016, he said he'd consider giving me a letter in 6 months because of my long term care with my transgender health GP and previous psychological care (I did get a letter at about 8 months... But not for Dr Brassard, whom I'd had my heart set on since 2014 - instead it was to Dr Ives - My psych refused to refer me internationally until I'd had a consultation with an Australian surgeon.
July 12th 2017 I visited Dr Ives; What a lovely man!! He was so warm and honest, I felt instantly at ease in his company - His receptionist later forwarded me the images, which made my heart sink and stomach twist. The results are fine.. But not what I wanted aesthetically..
My psychiatrist then gave me my letter to Brassard in Oct 2017, I wasn't contacted with a date until February. I set my date as October 2nd, had my flights booked, deposits paid.. Borrowed some money from my mother.. Then 4 weeks from surgery I was sent my package... An additional $5,000 CAD - I could no longer afford my SRS. I asked my psychiatrist to write me a letter stating I was no longer fit for surgery so that I could get my deposits back (because you have to cancel with 8 weeks notice... even though I didn't get any paperwork until 4 weeks out).
I did get lucky that in September I had found some images of Dr Sutin's work online and as soon as Canada fell through, I knew where I was looking. Seeing posts from Susan and Warlockmaker solidified this choice. :angel: ;D
I have my hotel booked from June 29th to July 19th next year.
I'm currently booked for July 4th for PI/scrotal graft. I'm excited nontheless, but have been reading up on sigmoid colon and wonder if this may be a better option for me.
I don't care about the abdominal scar; I worry about dilation.
I do work for gynaecologists, so I do have heaps of rooms to access if I were to dilate at work - But my employer and colleagues don't know, and the girls would wander in with cheese and biscuits for a chitchat randomly, lol.. (I was always uncertain whether anyone knew, until my employer and a colleague were bagging out a trans patient we had a few months back, I was sitting right there!! Oh dear lord!) >:(
So, with doctors clinics you work until the patients are all done - sometimes that could be 7pm. On average I work 10.5 hr days and already spend 30 mins daily doing core exercises for my scoliosis - which I'm often too tired to do.. I know what I'm like and I fear I won't dilate frequently enough, ruining my results. I also have sexual function on my mind since I'm attracted to men exclusively ::)
But because of my scoliosis, I think it's giving Dr Sutin pause.. The staff can't confirm until I have my GP advise them using a letter to assuage their concerns.
Dr Ives didn't blink when he saw my X-Rays.. Dr Brassard's nurses just asked if I'd be comfortable laying on my back for 3+ days - My response was something like, "Probably not, but I don't think anyone would be".
My doctor has already written a letter stating I'm physically fit for PI/Scrotal graft despite my "deformity", but now they need another one... Should I be worried? Is it possible that Dr Sutin isn't even aware of my previous reports from Ives, and my doctors here at home or my X-Rays I sent him? It is possible his staff hasn't forwarded it to him?
Oh I'm so tired of the hiccups, hang-ups, and roadblocks on this long dusty road... :-\
I don't suppose someone might have the current expected cost for sigmoid colon with Dr Sutin?
I've been quoted 14,640 AUD for PI/SSG.
Thanks for posting. I've a couple of questions.
I've never heard of a psych insist someone consult a local surgeon first. Is that standard?
Why was there an extra $5000 for Brassard?
My primary psych enforced it out of concern, I understand why he did it - he wants to know I'm safe and have adequate post-op care. He means well, but that delay is why the cost for Brassard affected me.
When Brassards office sent me the fees in late 2016/early 2017 I was quoted $20,000 CAD, which seemed doable. But by the time I finally was given a date, the price had obviously risen and I wasn't made aware until 4 weeks from surgery.
I remember telling my mother I was concerned about it, she suggested I forward my original paperwork and have them confirm that price. Christine had confirmed she got my paperwork and that it's all current when I called later that day after I sent it, but as it turns out I didn't get that confirmation in writing so it didn't help me later.
I'm honestly torn about it all... But guess I'll need to proceed elsewhere as I'm so sick of this waiting game..
You may have made a good choice by accident.
<edit by moderator>
Yes. I think I may have gotten lucky.
I hope Thailand will be as great as everyone says it is :)
Hi Joy Joy :icon_wave:
I just noticed that you'd never received a proper welcome, so here you are...
Welcome to Susan's Place :) Glad to have you here, join on in the fun
How about stopping by our Introductions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) Forum and introducing yourself so more folks can get to know you a bit better ;)
Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that we offer to all new members to help them along
Things that you should read
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V M