Without going into doctor's names, has anyone ever needed two letters of recommendation for FFS? My understanding was just one needed from the therapist. This has me stressing!
Moni

I find it bizarre that you even need one let alone two. It's technically plastic surgery, right?

I have laid out a plan for my life and this is a big step. I hate that someone else controls this process for me, but what can I do? I have tried to be so conscientious to give them what they want and then this comes out of left field, a request of a second letter. I don't know if it is a mistake or it is for real.
Moni

Im not familiar with any FFS surgeon that would require a letter. Its elective procedure

 It's a 7 hours surgery. Maybe that's why. My therapist had no problem providing an FFS specific letter. Can't find anything on line asking for two letters. I don't get it.
Moni

the surgeon I went to did not ask for any letters, as some one else posted it is elective cosmetic surgery.

Can you name the surgeon?

There is no requirement for FFS.  Like cis people the only requirement is a health check up and chest x ray as the surgery can take 7 hours. Doctors can refuse to perform the surgery on personal grounds.

Quote from: HappyMoni on June 08, 2016, 08:21:29 PM
I have laid out a plan for my life and this is a big step. I hate that someone else controls this process for me, but what can I do? I have tried to be so conscientious to give them what they want and then this comes out of left field, a request of a second letter. I don't know if it is a mistake or it is for real.
Moni

I hear you. Especially when it comes to cosmetic surgery! Anyone can have cosmetic surgery by their own personal choice, so it shouldn't be any different for the transgender community. It's your free will.

I am scheduled for FFS in September in Boston. I do not think a letter was required.

Thank you for the replies. I got my answer today. The letter from my therapist that I had supplied already is enough. We had to call them. I guess they confused the letter requirement for bottom surgery with that for FFS. If there are any medical professionals reading these boards, I would like them to know that what is every day, business as usual stuff for them is something that people from this side of the operating table, find very hard to deal with. We wait our whole lives for the chance to be ourselves. I would hope they would be sensitive to how much we are invested emotionally in how things proceed. At least for me, I'm not even fearful of the surgery. I'm terrified that something will happen to halt or delay it. It is a vulnerable time for a vulnerable population. I would hope they respect that. Sorry if this sounds like whining. I have to stop my meds for surgery and it doesn't help my emotional calmness in any way.
Moni

Hi Moni,

I understand completely. I too will need to stop my meds for FFS and it is stressing me out. Not only no E but no spiro too and I am not happy about that.

FFS is in September and is a huge expense and I am stressing about a few things. I will have GCS and a BA in November and I need to juggle financially and use credit cards to make it happen. I need to get it right because surgeries are non-refundable. I will be alone and I am worried about the recovery as well as potential complications. Then there is what will I look like?

When I think about the alternative I know I am doing the right thing.

Rachel,
   I don't envy you doing it alone. You are also having a lot done in a very short time. Wow! I hope you are treated well by the doctors and staff. I'm betting you will look amazing. What kind of advise did you hear on getting GCS and BA done at the same time? Is that done often?
   I can't stand the alternative to proceeding either. Going off the meds makes everything hard. I am more emotional now then when I started on them, even though I tried to ween down on the meds. Emotionally, it is like all progress transitionally speaking, just stops. It is very distressing.
   As far as the doctors go, I try not to pester anyone. I agonize over whether to contact them or not. Many times they ignore emails. I figure email is less time consuming for them than a phone call. I just need to make sure that everything is ready for the surgery. A mix up causing a delay for me would be terrible. People who are not dealing with it probably say, "What's the big deal?" The stakes are big though. A compassionate healthcare or office staff person make all the difference.
   Good luck! Hopefully, we'll both be gorgeous, broke but gorgeous.
Moni

Hello Moni,

I am having my BA and GCS with Dr. McGinn. When I first e-mailed for my consult the correspondence was delayed. However, when I schedule the procedures and since then had 5 of the 6 genital hair clearings at Papillion I get very quick e-mail replies. If you have questions it is best to e-mail the questions. Oh, I also have become friendly with the Debbie and Lori which helps too.

When I was in for my consult with Dr. McGinn. I asked if BA and GCS is something that is done separate. Heather (one of two of Dr. McGinns PA-C's Christal is the other) answered that a lot of the girls having GCS have a BA at the same time.

The reason I wanted both at the same time is for several reasoned. Less operations, a better overall expression of my gender when I have GCS and I will be on morphine longer and have pain meds longer due to the GCS. So, I figure the BA pain will be better mitigated.

On FFS, I e-mail Carol at Dr. Spiegel's office and get fairly quick replies. I have heard otherwise on the net but that has not been my experience. I am having a lot done and added a second hospital day. I am looking forward to see what I will look like but am very anxious about the 1st 5 days after the operation.

Poorer, you bet. I am in the process of divorce and will be providing well for my wife. FFS will cost a lot of money and I will be tapped out.

Money.... Slight change of subject here but apparently info would be of use. "Medical Financing." Once the reputation of "pay day lenders." The industry has been cleaned up by the actions of several State Attorney Generals combined with mandatory Obamacare which has made the demand for these loans far less. Translation? These lenders are jumping through flaming hoops to make these loans. One of my clients just received $15,000 @ 6.9%. Compare that to the Visa card. Payback is at $400 a month or so. Don't miss any payments. Make certain payback is on time. !!!