Hey guys. I have a few questions for anyone who has had a hysterectomy/oopherectomy. First, I am very nervous to make an appointment with a gyno. I have physically transitioned for over two years and have had top surgery, I also live stealth and most people in my life don't even know I am trans. The thought of going to a doctor for such a female thing scares me and I feel like it will be a horrible experience, but I need to get a hysterectomy and want ovaries out as well because I've had pain and just don't want it anymore. My goal is to do it this winter break because i'm in college. Anyone with experience please let me know how it is, help calm me down, give me advice or anything. Also, another question is I have pretty bad acne still, I believe that once I get my ovaries out it will improve, did anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!!
-Mike

It won't affect your acne. I had mine done vaginally so no scarring and minimal loss of work and pain. I went to one my endo suggested.

I went to my GP for referral to the hospital and had it done that way on the public system. Anytime I was in the waiting room I think people just thought I was there "waiting for my wife" or something, until they called my name and then I didn't really look around for their reaction - maybe they thought I was a really manly looking lesbian or maybe I was one of those unlucky blokes born with an ovary or something you know!!?

In the waiting area I hardly looked around - I took a book and pretty much buried myself in it. I think I took headphones to a couple appointments too - basically I did whatever necessary to blend into the surroundings and not draw any unnecessary attention to myself. I was addressed as he etc and the surgeon shook my hand and was quite understanding however the reception people were a little confused every time I rocked up, but they never made a scene etc, just got my chart and went about their day. I don't think I ever saw the same people twice (except for the surgeon and maybe the reception chicks, however there were several of them).

I just saw it as a means to an end. I'd never seen a gyno before going to ask for my hysto. I figure a few uncomfortable moments in the waiting room to get it done was worth it because there was no way I was ever going to go for a pelvic exam. And when they asked me to prior to surgery I politely refused and signed the little slip of paper - I said they could examine me when I was unconscious just prior to surgery and that's what they did and discovered I unfortunately would have to have a large abdominal incision instead of the planned lapriscopic procedure. I had everything out - cervix, tubes, ovaries and uterus. I haven't had any pains or anything since like I was having just prior to surgery (I was getting intense pains about once every couple of months, I think this was my ovaries atrophying/not being used etc). And for the record I haven't really noticed any major changes since just piece of mind knowing that stuff isn't there anymore which makes me happy.

Seriously you will never have to deal with these types of docs again once you're done (unless you need std checks I guess) - that's what I kept telling myself mate. And it's not that bad and I was in a busy hospital, as a public clinic patient not a private practice etc. Just head down, in and out, get the surgery and onwards to the next step You can do this!

j.

Quote from: Aussie Jay on November 18, 2013, 08:39:29 PM

Seriously you will never have to deal with these types of docs again once you're done (unless you need std checks I guess) - that's what I kept telling myself mate. And it's not that bad and I was in a busy hospital, as a public clinic patient not a private practice etc. Just head down, in and out, get the surgery and onwards to the next step You can do this!

j.

Thank you for the thorough answer! Since you only went to get your hysterectomy and didn't have any past complaints of pain or anything, how were you able to get it covered by insurance if you did?

MikeyG500, that my question too, how do you get a hysterectomy without a very real problem with the parts.  I want mine gone, my only problem is cramps every month not serious, never a had them examined and don't want anyone putting there fingers or some instrument up there either.  Jay great to hear were able to get surgery with the dr doing the exam after you were under.  I would like mine done with the minimum scaring too.

Also good to note, make sure they also take out the cervix or you'll still have to get pelvic exams. There's been many a guy who hasn't realised this and despite having had the surgery still need pelvic exams!

Jack_M, you are so right, having a cervix means you need yearly exam.  I want everything out, only leaving a blind vagina that maybe useful in lower surgery later.  I want the hole gone too in the end after lower surgery

Does anyone have experience with getting it covered by insurance?

Yes.  Went to someone who has dealt with the situation before and knew how to do it regarding insurance.

Mine was covered by insurance. Trans sympathetic docs do wonders.

Sorry been flat out at work!
In regards to the questions I just went to my doctor and asked for a referral to a gyno surgeon or whatever because I wanted it all out. He phoned a couple of doctors at the local hospital, found someone who would at least talk to me and I got a call for an appointment. I'd already seen my psychiatrist who'd established I understood what I was asking and could give informed consent etc. And I think it helped that I have always refused a pelvic exam (at the time I was 28, now 30). The surgeon at the first appointment also asked me why I wanted the procedure and I explained - I won't have the checks, I don't have that kind of sex (and never have), and that I understood what having all the organs removed means (no biological children etc) and he understood and was more than happy to help me out...

Like I said I used to get some pain every six or eight weeks or so, which were quite painful but manageable. But the main reason I told them I wanted them gone was because as I am not prepared to have the necessary checks under any circumstances so the best thing to do was to remove the organs before they get cancer and kill me.

Hope that helps, any other questions just ask

Thanks guys for clearing that up. Hopefully soon I will be making an appointment and getting this done!