So I have my tracheal shave surgery scheduled with Dr. Spiegel and I'm extremely excited for it. But I'm not excited about having to go off HRT for two weeks. I'm wondering - because I've heard about that being a requirement for bottom surgery...but why just for the tracheal shave? I'm not even doing - I guess what I consider to be - full-on FFS. Any thoughts? Any ideas on the best way to do this?

Hi Roxy,

I have found this to be controversial among doctors themselves. Dr. O and Dr. Mayer deem it unnecessary to go off hormones. They are confident enough in their anesthesiologists to manage the threat of blood clots arising from estrogen. Other doctors, such as Dr. Beck and now apparently Dr. Spiegel follow a more restrictive regimen. There's no use arguing with them over this -- do it their way, as they have their reasons; or chose a different doctor. Hugs, Beatrice

So my tracheal shave went very well yesterday. Dr. Spiegel does really great work and was very nice and helpful. And so were his assistants. Everyone in the hospital pronouned me correctly and used my chosen name as much as possible. I ended up having three nurses throughout the day yesterday and they were all helpful and supportive and made sure I felt no pain whatsoever.

But guys I can't tell you how awesome it feels to have my Adam's apple gone. I remember when I was first going through puberty - pushing it in soo hard sometimes that it would be sore for days. It's crazy, how I didn't know then that I was trans.

But I feel great and one nurse was so sweet and said the most affirming thing I've heard in a while. She said, "I'm glad that all you got done, because you are gorgeous!" She was so sweet and that really made my week.

P.S. Going off hormones wasn't so bad. Apparently my levels stayed pretty intact. I did lose some of my boob budding and my body hair did start growing back quicker. But it was all worth it.

There are reasons surgeons would want you to stay on  estrogen if you are healthy and have no health related issues..Dor O's anesthesiologist is very good..as most are..Typically one does not want to crash post operatively. At least I dont.  I have had it both ways though and myself I prefer to stay at least on estrogen.   I remember that when I had SRS with Dr Toby Meltzer and was doing the 2nd stage I went off during that time and it was only aft about 2wk post op that I got severely depressed.  It did go away, but it was very bad like crying everyday..It took about a month to recoup do to the valley  caused by not taking them.  Not everyone has the same issues a everyone's body chemistry is not the samel  Yeah, nice to get that tracheal shave done..even though mine wast that much.  You dont want it to show much at all.

Hi Roxy love!

congratulations on getting your surgery!
like urself, i have a pretty prominent adams apple and it has always been a source of insecurity for me. I hope to get mines done soon
Im debating whether to get it done in thailand with either dr. suporn, chettawut or kunaporn. But ive also considered US surgeons like Osterhout and Spiegel. Is it possible you could show me a pic of your before and after? I want to see how much can be safely removed thank you so much!
i hope ur enjoying your new found neck along with the new found confidence to lift your chin uP!

-T