Thankyou for that straightforward reply I appreciate it very much. My major risk factor is of complications that could arise following a bacteria infection. Was yours unavoidable? Was it easy to manage? I'm going to go ahead with Dr Chettawut.  thanks again

The risk of bacterial infection is always present - and more so after the operation as the wounds heal. With a neovagina you will harbor your own bacterial flora within - and with the close proximity of the urethral opening the risks will increase.

You will always need to be careful about being clean - and probably washing with betadine solution at an earlier stage than clinic normally recommend. After three days of douching morning and evening (after dilation) it seems to have "gone". However it will also wipe out your healthy bacteria. If you know that betadine solution does not help you then it is good to discuss with Dr Chettawut at an earlier stage.

You will be on a couple of different types of antibiotics although they may not help strongly with bacteria. If he has agreed to accept you then good. Make sure you know which bacterial infections are more dangerous for you - and also discuss medication with your normal GP before traveling; and pass the information onto the clinic.

Hi thanks for your reply. My medical problem makes me more at high risk from bacterial infections as they can get into my heart. Its seem like its impossible to eliminate all the risks. I think its time to jump! I guess I would feel better if the surgery with doctor Chettawut was in a hospital rather than a clinic. I have friend who had her SRS with Doctor Sutin at PAI and is satisfied with her result. Dr Suporn declined me as a patient because of my pre-existing condition. I had provided comprehensive specialist reports stating I'm good for the surgery. I"m probably going to be traveling alone. Can anyone advise me which of the hotels I should choose given I'm likely to go with Dr Chettaut.

Thanks again for your sound advice its very comforting to hear you are very happy with your result. Can you please advise me about the best choice of hotel as I will  probably be alone and will not want to prepare my own food. Thanks you I appreciate your response. Best wishes

If you are alone and don't want to prepare food then either Dusit or Rama (not cottages). According to Donna Rama has a more open "SRS community" feel. Dusit is more an anonymous hotel - but with very friendly staff especially in the restaurant where they will often great by name.  And room service is good.

What does your GP recommend for minimizing the risks - and monitoring your heart? And possible anxiety? The nurse will always visit Monday-Saturday, sometime between 9-12 but not outside those hours. If you need more continuous monitoring then it might not be the right option (eg at a hospital). But that is for you and your GP / endo to discuss.

Hi again Jaime.
Apparently you have progressed in getting answers to your questions regarding Chett but I just thought I would add a couple of comments based on what I was able to understand from your exchange with Melissa (I gather there were also some PM's?).

I stayed in Rama but got to see the Dusit too as Melissa was staying there. The Dusit is more upmarket and I suspect that the room service is also better than in the Rama where there is no room service for lunch, only breakfast and dinner.

However, the setup at the Rama with the bungalows and the garden provide a pretty ideal environment for a gentle convalescence and also for socializing with other girls. If you read my thread, you will have understood that there was a really nice group and by the last week of my stay, there were always a few of us going out together for dinner or visiting Bangkok. The rooms are also considerably bigger at the Rama which counts when you are cooped up inside for a few days. The staff were also very friendly and helpful at the Rama. I think it's inherent to the Thaï culture...

Regarding risk of bacterial infection, as Melissa pointed out, this is always one of the major risks associated with any surgery and if you are particularly vulnerable, I suggest you discuss this specifically with Dr Chettawut as of now.

In my own case, I have so far had a very trouble free recovery but I did get a scare after my return trip home. No doubt in part because of the fatigue from the trip (A little over 24 hours) , I got a very nasty rash in the folds of the labia majora and some fever. However, following regular washing with an antiseptic soap ( Hexamidine based) and swabbing with a 10% Betadine solution, I'm already in a much better place today.

This sort of treatment is not done systematically post surgery as there is a risk that too much direct washing will prematurely weaken the self absorbing stiches. However, as mentioned above, if you have fears about bacterial infection, you should inquire as of now about the sort of preventive measures you might want to take.
Best regards.
Donna

   

My GP follows my cardiologist's advice. My heart is functioning well (even with a leaky valve), and is not likely to to stop or anything any more than anyone else. I don't have any medication for it. I have it tested annually. It is degenerative so my cardiologist recommends having the surgery sooner rather than later. What I need is extra special care with preoperative antibiotics and also during the risky period following surgery. The fear is if bacteria gets into my heart I will probably die. I have also been assessed and accepted for surgery by PAI and Dr Sanguan in Phuket as said earlier Dr Suporn said no. However, its seems Dr Suporn says no to a lot of people if they have any preexisting conditions. I'm going to send my deposit to Dr Chettawut tomorrow. I appreciate you replying to my post. Hmm not sure about the hotel I would like to meet people but I want to be as comfortable as possible too. Well Thanks again. Wish me luck.

Hi Donna thanks for your reply. I'm glad you are okay from having that rash and pleased with your surgery. Dr Chettawut has seen 8 pages of my medical reports. As said the main thing is antibiotic coverage (may be continued after the surgery into the  recovery period. I'm very ready to go and I know there are additional risks for me. After Dr Suporn said no to me I asked his clinic could they suggest anyone else. After clearly stating they could not recommend any surgeon. The names Dr Chettawut and Sanguan were referred to coming to mind as doing a similar technique in Thailand.  I would feel better in a hospital but I guess its when you leave  the Clinic that the possibility increases. Thank you.