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VFS at Yeson Voice Center at the 8th of July 2016

Started by DanielleBasel, June 20, 2016, 12:18:57 PM

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DanielleBasel

Quote from: Denjin on August 06, 2016, 02:31:56 PM
So how are things?  It's been a bit over 4 weeks now I think. :)

Dear Denjin

Thanks for asking. Yes... four weeks are over now. Dr. Kim told me, that I'm now "allowed" to speak my 1-2 "emergency words" per days for the next four weeks. Well... As you may can imagine I have tried out... And... *tadaaaaa* ...

It sounded like a crow with a croaky voice...  But at least like a female crow... :D

Also the next 2 days including today where not better. But this is more or less exact what i have expected after my research. So I have to wait now four more weeks to shift with my voice exercises to the next level, that I can make also some "sound", except the "brrr" and "pffff"...  :laugh:

The abdominal breathing is not so uncommon for me, because my speech therapist which I had also before the surgery was forcing me to use abdominal breathing. The "funny" thing here is, that when I'm not really focused I sometimes catch myself doing "inverse breathing". When I'm focused or not focused at all, then contraction is as it should be...  :police:

Fortunately I had no problems with coughing or something similar until now... Also no dry throat or something. And not being able to speak is something I get used to more or less quickly.

I'm so curious how my "new" voice will sound after a looooong wile with a lot of exercises and even more patience... :D

How's your voice doing? I also regularly reading your yeson thread.

Take care hun...  :-*
Danielle
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anjaq

Quote from: DanielleBasel on August 07, 2016, 06:43:02 AM
Thanks for asking. Yes... four weeks are over now. Dr. Kim told me, that I'm now "allowed" to speak my 1-2 "emergency words" per days for the next four weeks. Well... As you may can imagine I have tried out... And... *tadaaaaa* ...

It sounded like a crow with a croaky voice...  But at least like a female crow... :D
LOL, that happened to me to. First words were horrible.

But I do not understand - if the surgery is 4 weeks ago, you should ebe allowed to speak normally, just not overdoing it - the 1-2 emergency word period was from week 2 to week 4. Did they change the protocols and increased the silence periods?
For me it was: 1 week total silence, then 3 weeks 1-2 words, then 4 weeks after that some conversation - resting as much as possible, after that (8 weeks post OP) starting the exercises and speak normally.


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Denjin

Yeah, I agree with Anja.  It was 1-2 emergency words the first month, but in reality don't speak.  After that speaking was fine, but no shouting or long conversations.  After 2 months, no restriction at all.

This is what I was told at the end of April (4 weeks for me) after sending a Rainbow Passage reading which was asked to be sent at that time:
Quote
Thank you for your 1 month post-op voice file :) It seems like your healing process is going well.
At the moment,  please do not worry about having hoarse and weak voice as those are induced by botox effect.
Please avoid long conversation and shouting till you reach 2 month post-op period and send your anothe recording

In regards to your question I'm doing pretty well, I think.  Problems at the moment are due to old habits, so only time will fix. :)
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DanielleBasel

Quote from: Denjin on August 07, 2016, 09:38:17 AM
Yeah, I agree with Anja.  It was 1-2 emergency words the first month, but in reality don't speak.  After that speaking was fine, but no shouting or long conversations.  After 2 months, no restriction at all.

This is what I was told at the end of April (4 weeks for me) after sending a Rainbow Passage reading which was asked to be sent at that time:
In regards to your question I'm doing pretty well, I think.  Problems at the moment are due to old habits, so only time will fix. :)

Dear Denjin

Well... It could be, that it depends on other factors like the age of a patient. Me for example was asked for the three months post op file... Not one month... So I guess the healing process and therefore the "months of silence" are patient dependent.

Take care...  :-*
Danielle
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DanielleBasel

Dear all

Here's my two month update... ok, ok ... with two days delay...   ;D

I'm now out of my "silent time" and so I started speaking slowly. The first days where "really funny". But as longer as I was trying, as better my voice started sounding.

So currently I found a little spot, where the voice sounds real great, but the volume is faaaaar far away from acceptable. As soon as there is some noise around my voice is hard to hear. But at least I have a good starting point.

I'll post some actual voice files as soon as I have enough time and can make a recording.

Take all care...  :-*
Danielle
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Miss Lux

Hi I am scheduled to have d voice feminization surgery with Yeson this coming October 2016. I am not so worried about the surgery but a little worried getting around by myself in south korea. For those girls who went to Yeson, if you may please answer my questions. Thanks in advance.

- I am having a hard time finding a flight from LAX to Incheon that will arrive between 10a and 5p wherein Yeson can Pick me up. If I arrive past 5PM which transpo would you best advice me to use- cab, airport limousine bus or subway. How nuch is d average cab fare from Incheon to gang nam?

- is it easy to get a cab from Yeson to your hotel post op?

- more less how much cash should I bring for food and transpo if I am not going shopping or eat fine dining?

Which mode of transpo did u use from your hotel to the airport ?caverage cost?

- where can i get pocket wifi? Average cost?

Thanks!
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DanielleBasel

Quote from: Miss Lux on September 10, 2016, 07:30:51 AM
Hi I am scheduled to have d voice feminization surgery with Yeson this coming October 2016. I am not so worried about the surgery but a little worried getting around by myself in south korea. For those girls who went to Yeson, if you may please answer my questions. Thanks in advance.

- I am having a hard time finding a flight from LAX to Incheon that will arrive between 10a and 5p wherein Yeson can Pick me up. If I arrive past 5PM which transpo would you best advice me to use- cab, airport limousine bus or subway. How nuch is d average cab fare from Incheon to gang nam?

- is it easy to get a cab from Yeson to your hotel post op?

- more less how much cash should I bring for food and transpo if I am not going shopping or eat fine dining?

Which mode of transpo did u use from your hotel to the airport ?caverage cost?

- where can i get pocket wifi? Average cost?

Thanks!

Dear Miss Lux

First of all congratulation in your decision... :)

Let's go trough your questions:

I had a pickup from Yeson, so the transfer from Airport to Gingham is theoretical. But here you may find some interesting informations. I think taking a bus and then may also the subway could be a option. Depending on the arrival time of course. See: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294197-i8161-k1813313-Best_way_to_gangnam_from_incheon-Seoul.html

You will also find apps in the iOS App Store and Android Playground for Seoul Subway transportation.

I never used a cab. We always used a bus, subway or walked. It's quite easy... Don't worry :) And people are so friendly and they will help you when you ask someone!

The money for food and transportations depends on what, where and how much you drink and eat. Gingham is quite expensive. But if you look around a little bit you'll find easily some cheap food stores to buy some cheap, but good food as well. I would take +/- same money with me, which I would used here in Switzerland. I think same would be for you. Plus some spare of course. But with same money you would use at home you should be fine.

Pocket WiFi you can easily rent here:

https://roaming.kt.com/rental/eng/product/wibro.asp

Costs are also very moderate. Approx 35$ - 40$ for your ten day stay in Seoul.

Hope this helps a little bit. And feel free to ask any further questions you have and I may can help :)

Take care...  :-*
Danielle
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anjaq

- I am having a hard time finding a flight from LAX to Incheon that will arrive between 10a and 5p wherein Yeson can Pick me up. If I arrive past 5PM which transpo would you best advice me to use- cab, airport limousine bus or subway. How nuch is d average cab fare from Incheon to gang nam?

Ideally use the train, second best option is to use a bus. Taxi is good but expensive - $60 or more sometimes

- is it easy to get a cab from Yeson to your hotel post op?

yes, very easy. there is a busy street with lots of taxis

- more less how much cash should I bring for food and transpo if I am not going shopping or eat fine dining?

You can use ATMs in the city if you need cash. Usually its cheaper than exchanging money at home and bring it. I think I needed like 200 EU or so - transport is cheap if you take the subway - $1 a ride maybe. Food can be bought for $15 a meal if you get it cheap. Taxi costs $10-$20 from Yeson to the hotel unless you are in a hotel far away. You probably want to buy little extras like ice cream . Prices are similar to Europe.

Which mode of transpo did u use from your hotel to the airport ?caverage cost?

I used the subway - its cheap. Less than $5 I think

- where can i get pocket wifi? Average cost?

Its available at the airport

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anjaq

Oh - one thing - there are TWO airports. Incheon is the bigger one and its 1 hour drive with the car away! So from there best take bus or rail, taxi is expensive.

Gimpo is smaller and mostly domestic. its connected by subway.

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Miss Lux

Oh wow that was fast! Thank you so so much for the quick response....
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Miss Lux

I was corresponding with Jessie and was about to buy a plane ticket then she sends me the requirements for surgery. One of the no surgery is if you have high liver enzymes and being a nurse/ RN I am familiar with my labs...i know I've had elevated SGOT and SGPT in the recent past which was never really a problem for my previous sirgeries, I am negative for liver diseases it is mainly due to my diet, hormnes etc.... Notified Yeson just to sure...Still waiting for Jessie/Dr. Kim's response....i really want want to have this surgery with Yeson but I guess if they say no I'll end up woith Dr. Haben...what do you think girls, you think he'll say yes to surgery? Wow 3 fingers should fit in your mouth vertically to qualify for surgery.. i can fit 3 but my teeth are touching my knuckles- is that acceptable?
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Dena

I don't know about Yeson as I went with Haben but one thing that make the surgery difficult is a short stocky neck. It make it hard to position the tools needed for surgery. I though I had that problem solved but it turned out I have a stiff neck in addition to being long and slender. My teeth took a real beating because of it and had I known, I think I would have got some teeth guards to protect them. I didn't get any permanent damage but a few were knocked lose and eating was a bit difficult for about a month.
Rebirth Date 1982 - PMs are welcome - Use [email]dena@susans.org[/email] or Discord if your unable to PM - Skype is available - My Transition
If you are helped by this site, consider leaving a tip in the jar at the bottom of the page or become a subscriber
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Miss Lux

So Dena would Doctor Haben provide mouth guards or can we bring our own... Can we use the ones that can be bought in the dugstores? ........ Don't get me wrong i believe that Yeson is really really good but from the very start my friends and I had a hard time corresponding with them it takes them aaaaaaaawhile to respond to emails... I already contacted Haben's office after my friends and I got frustrated from waiting for Yeson's response before ....then suddenly Jessie emailed so I gave it a chance ....then  she asked me to buy plane tickets already good thing I haven't yet then she emailed with the requirements... Whew! Then no response again... I know they are busy and all and i think it's a holiday in Korea tomorrow but it is just soooo frustrating... Making me think if its is this difficult now what more if there's a problem in the future.... I am thinking of going to Haben now... I am a nurse and this is starting to raise a red flag for me now...
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anjaq

I did not have these requirements like liver blood values or three fingers in the mouth. I guess they just put it in there just in case someone is discovered to have problems with these in the examination and sent home and then starts to sue for money for the flight and all... Yeson seem to be a bit paranoid about possible issues with patients who are denied surgery. I heard of no one yet though to not make the surgery because of slightly off blood values, hormones or issues with the mouth. But I know someone lost a false tooth during the surgery because it was not really solid enough - this would probably be an issue with Haben and Yeson though.

Jessie usually relies within 2-3 days I think, but if she has to ask Dr Kim something, it can take over a week, apparently. I was there and I saw that they are very busy, so I guess they have only one day a week where they discuss email requests. They have mostly korean patients and Jessie is the international coordinator, so I suppose they also have to reply to many more requests from korean patients . Sometimes it helps to set the email on high priority or request an email send confirmation in outlook.

I woul dnot worry about them turning you down though. I was just recovering from a bad flu when I came there and they did the surgery. So unless something is really off, they will go for it, I believe, as long as you sign them that its ok for you. I have the blood tests report page they did there to check, I can send it to you if you want to check what blood tests they will do. You are supposed to get off dpiro and estradiol pills for some time before the surgery, as do almost all surgeons.

I would not drop the decision to go to Yeson based on slow email replies and their list or requirements. Those two surgeries are quite different after all, especially with Dr Haben favouring the combined method. I would put more value on the surgical technique and results than on pre surgery preparation issues...

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Dena

Dr Haben doesn't supply mouth guards and I am not all that familiar with them. I only learned of them after my surgery from another site member. If you think you would like to use them, I would suggest asking Dr Haben about them if you decide to contact him. I don't know if the ones in the store would work or if you are better off getting a custom set from the dentist. Most people don't have access problems and tooth damage is rare. While I didn't have any lasting damage, for a while I ate as much soup and soft food as I had.
Rebirth Date 1982 - PMs are welcome - Use [email]dena@susans.org[/email] or Discord if your unable to PM - Skype is available - My Transition
If you are helped by this site, consider leaving a tip in the jar at the bottom of the page or become a subscriber
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anjaq

Quote from: Miss Lux on September 13, 2016, 01:27:26 AM
i can fit 3 but my teeth are touching my knuckles- is that acceptable?
I just tried this, lol and I can also just squeeze them in. I had almost no issues with jaw stiffness or numbness of the tongue, both are common issues for a day or two after this sort of surgery. So I think you are fine in trat respect. But if you are worried, maybe let a dentist check your teeth if they are all in good health and stability. With the endoscopic glottoplasty either at Dr Haben or Dr Kim or others, there is a big instrument put into the mouth and it stretches the jaw and presses on teeth and tongue, so having loose teeth or something like that is an issue that should be fixed before.

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Miss Lux

Thank you Dena and I Anjaq .... D two of you r like fairy god mothers to the girls here :) .... Always there to help, calm and support....i am not really worried that much about my teeth I guess I am more worried about not qualifying for surgery bec I have had high liver enzymes before due to bad dietary habits , hormones etc ...but no liver disease.... Hopefully  Dr. Kim will say no big deal hihihi.... I totally pass 99% of the time but my voice is the last clue and my biggest insecurity- it passes most of the times but it is still low/ big for a petite girl like me.....i never get sir'd on the phone but i need to be always on guard ,make  sure my tongue is thrusted up and forward- tiring!
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anjaq

Here is what Yeson will check for in the blood tests, at least this was what they did 18 months ago

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Maira

I just wonder for how long do you habe to stay in Korea for this surgery?
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anjaq

minimum about 8 days. exsmination day, surgery day, checkup after seven days. but is strongly recommend to take some more days at the beginning to recover from travelling, unless you are juwt needing a domestic flight.

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