I have had to put off my GCS because of my diabetes A1c too high and my weight.  I am making a new start at my health and I hope I my health is good enough to schedule my GCS this year or early next year.  So... I am starting my Surgeon Search all over.

I live on the West Coast.  I am not sure that anybody qualified to do the surgery in North America is really off my initial list.  Central America to Canada, but I don't know who all my choices are or who would be the best recommendations.  Thailand is not out of the question but I would really have to be sold because I have blood clot issues and I've had a stroke already, and the long flights would be seriously life threatening.

So who should I consider?  I know there's Alter, Bowers, Meltzer.  Who else should I consider?

Shannon

Christine McGinn (Philadelphia area) and Pierre Brassard (Montreal)

Hi Shannon,

It may be off topic, but as you have clotting problems, the link Jenny posted may be of interest to both yourself and Endo/surgeon, particularly with implants not effecting cardiovascular systems.

http://www.collegepharmacy.com/images/download/BHRTPelletFAQ.pdf

Huggs
Catherine

Quote from: Randi on January 18, 2013, 09:56:11 PM
Christine McGinn (Philadelphia area) and Pierre Brassard (Montreal)

McGinn requires a maximum BMI of 28 and I am never going to be healthy and see 28.  That would require a wight of about 155 and the last hydrostatic testing I had don had my ideal body mass with 12% body fat at 195 (a BMI around 30).  Not that that makes a difference to McGinn.  In addition, I have a friend who had her GCS with McGinn a year ago and she has had a very poor outcome.

I will consider Brassard.

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on January 19, 2013, 12:07:37 AM
Hi Shannon,

It may be off topic, but as you have clotting problems, the link Jenny posted may be of interest to both yourself and Endo/surgeon, particularly with implants not effecting cardiovascular systems.

http://www.collegepharmacy.com/images/download/BHRTPelletFAQ.pdf

Huggs
Catherine

I see a new GP tomorrow with a good rep with Trans folks in the area.  I will ask her about pellet implants.  We will see what she says.  I do not need another stroke. Or more DVTs.

(Brassard does not have a weight limit or BMI requirement. He does consider weight and fitness as factors, but even in the worst-case scenario a letter from your doctor stating that you are a good candidate will usually suffice. He does, however, refuse to operate on insulin-dependent diabetics [not that you are, just listing his one dealbreaker].)

Quote from: SweetShannon on January 21, 2013, 01:58:47 PM
In addition, I have a friend who had her GCS with McGinn a year ago and she has had a very poor outcome.

Hi Shannon,

I fully respect an individuals privacy, but is there a chance you could elaborate on the case. You can PM if you wish.

Just interested.

Huggs
Catherine

Quote from: SweetShannon on January 21, 2013, 01:58:47 PM
In addition, I have a friend who had her GCS with McGinn a year ago and she has had a very poor outcome.

I will consider Brassard.

Fair enough.. But if you go looking, you'll find bad results from all the surgeons.. I've even seen one of Brassards I was less than impressed with.

Quote from: Kelly the Trans-Rebel on January 21, 2013, 10:36:03 PM
Fair enough.. But if you go looking, you'll find bad results from all the surgeons.. I've even seen one of Brassards I was less than impressed with.

I recognize that there are problematic results with all the surgeons.  McGinn is probably better than the result my friend came home with.  I have another friend who had her surgery with Dr. Bowers and had an awful time recovering while a friend who was there in San Mateo at the same time just sailed through recovery.  I know it can be different for different people.

I was just curious if you ever found more info on the pellets? I'm in a similar boat.

I didn't know there was an SRS surgeon in the Philly area. What other resources are there for trans women in the Philly area? Though I plan to leave here pretty much forever and go stealth when I'm post-op. I have little reason to stay as I will most likely be outcasted by my family. I have a friend in LA who woulnd't care so that's an option though I love rain so the Northwest is a dream spot. Though I've led a not so healthy life so I'm worried about liver function tests, but I heard not all endos will turn you away because of it, since for some, and me, this is do or die.