(So, it may just be the first-non-intro-post-anxiety, but please do let me know if this is in the wrong spot.)

Hey Guys,

I got up at 6am to drive to Melbourne to see my GP and Psych today at the Royal Children's Hospital.

When I went for my appointment 6 months ago (8 months on T), we shared an elevator and she didn't recognize me at all. Today, the sound she made when she walked into the waiting room proved just the same thing.

Dr. Telfer is by far the best doctor I have ever seen in my life. She is thoroughly respectful, and I can tell that she is actually excited and happy about my changes and helping me with the transition. If anyone ever has an appointment with her, you can trust me that she's great.

So, to the point. After discussing how hairy I am and my weight loss (20kg in 6 months), we discussed surgery. Her face instantly lit up when I told her I'd chosen Andy Ives for the surgeon I want to (hopefully) do my surgery. She reconfirmed what I've read/heard about him online, which was great, and told me that she has actually recently been talking with him.

INFO TIME,
In Victoria. once an individual has gone through the lengthy process (it took me 1 1/2 years) of getting onto HRT, and they then turn 18 and want surgery, they have to be referred then to Monash, or similar, who deal with adults transitioning. Once referred to them, you need to get yet another psych's referral from them to give to Andy. The RCH have never referred someone for gender corrective surgery, but with luck that's about to change.

THE RESULT.

I'll be returning to Melbourne in May to see Dr. Telfer and Dr. Paul (psych) once again. From what I understand, in the meantime, Dr. Telfer will be in contact with Andy Ives to hopefully decide which of the last three years worth of my files he needs form the RCH themselves to take me on for top surgery.

It seems my hopes for a winter surgery might actually pull through, fingers crossed.
If there's any other Aussie guys reading over this one, I'm more than happy to answer any questions, and I would also greatly appreciate any little bits of info that people have to share about Andy, or surgery with him, that would be helpful to know.

Stay rad,
Riley.
(tripdistrans)

good luck

Im in NZ, and since theres not many doctors for that kind of thing here, I'd probably have to fly over to get my top surgery done. but that will be in a few good years time!
-Dave

Quote from: Hecknado on February 13, 2015, 01:43:48 AM
good luck

Im in NZ, and since theres not many doctors for that kind of thing here, I'd probably have to fly over to get my top surgery done. but that will be in a few good years time!
-Dave

Thank you.

I was actually reading about a guy who came over from NZ to get his done with Andy on tumblr earlier today. It was packed full of information, but I was saddened to see that it cost him about 7k more than it will be costing me.

Any way you look at it, surgery is expensive. There are probably Dr.s in your area who do transgender surgeries. Get on line and check for transgender friendly Dr.s. They will be able to direct you to  a surgeon. I doubt its something that Dr.s advertise and it is controversial on many different levels.

If for some reason, you have to fly to another country, be sure to take someone with you as a medical advocate. Its hard to remember everything that is told to you, and having a familiar face will cut your anxiety quite a bit.

sam1234

How much will the surgery end up costing, if you know?
I live near Melbourne too and it'd be really helpful if you knew (even if im not looking at surgeries for a few years yet)

Quote from: PageOfD on February 26, 2015, 10:29:21 PM
How much will the surgery end up costing, if you know?
I live near Melbourne too and it'd be really helpful if you knew (even if im not looking at surgeries for a few years yet)

I found an outline on of the costs online and the bills that another guy paid for his with Andy, it and came to about five grand if I remember correctly. I think in Austraia it's generally between 5 and 7 grand, but that's just from the very little that I've seen and heard.

Ah okay.
Thanks 

I know Andy quite well. He is a wonderful man, very empathetic, completely use to treating trans*people, as is his team at Masada and a very good surgeon.

You will be in safe hands.

BTW most of your costs should be able to be claimed on health insurance.

That's because Australia is a civilized nation.
Good luck!


--Jay

Quote from: Cindy on February 27, 2015, 12:55:25 AM
I know Andy quite well. He is a wonderful man, very empathetic, completely use to treating trans*people, as is his team at Masada and a very good surgeon.

You will be in safe hands.

BTW most of your costs should be able to be claimed on health insurance.

Oh, yeah, I should have mentioned that. It was roughly 5g after having (If I recall correctly) about 2.5/3g covered.

Also Rember that PAT covers your airfares and accomodation. Dr Telfer can advise

Mind my idiocy, what's PAT?

Oh, Cindy, could I PM you about some exciting stuff we're (Dr Telfer and I) doing in my town?