Hi.. I must admit I do look at qualifications and the value of them.. You suggest that Dr. Sirichai is great but is he qualified enough... He only as a Diploma, Thai Board of Plastic Surgery (1989), and graduated as a Medical Doctor Chulalongkorn University (2nd Class Honors)... I have to say that during my working life, I have seen qualifications can often mean nothing.. I had worked with so called highly qualified people only to discover they cannot put into practice what they have been trained for.. So I guess recommendations from others is the most important.. With FFS, we really are putting our entire lives into their hands including most of our savings.. We simply cannot afford to have a surgeon make a mistake.. So, I will suss it all out very very clearly.. I never do anything without researching first.. I need to read more about Dr. Sirichai.. I need to talk to others first hand.. Plenty of time.. I really do not have the $$$ anyway...

My thai assistant used to be the hrad ward nurse at Piyavite Hospital where PAI and other surgeons do ffs, ba, lipo and srs. She has a very high regard for his work. I can totally recommend

Thank you for your advice.. I will ask for a consultation with Dr. Sirichai when I am there. See if he can produce a miracle with feminising my face.. haha... I would be much more confident in having my FFS done in Thailand than other countries to be honest.. .. If I need any follow-up surgery I will not have far to go.. I have read so much about other surgeons around the world, and some might say, wow he is greatest ever, however others have warned me away.. I am very grateful for all their inputs.

I can hardly believe I am so close to having my SRS.... Its a bit like a dream.. So far no bad effects from HRT.. No mood changes.. I feel really good to be honest.. I have used only 6 patches so far so its still early days.. I feel really grateful that I am able to have HRT. I have to have a blood test done late in November. I will have to see my Gender Doctor to make sure all is well and to get more scripts.

My main concern is my face hair.. I have a Infinity-G which is supposed to be ok for removing grey hair but its not even killing off my normal hair.. I told the mob on their Facebook page that I will continue to use it for one year.. If after that time no change, they can have their door stop back... It was not cheap but its come down in price heaps since I bought it.. Perhaps they have had many returns.. No industry hair removal mob in Brisbane will even consider starting a process of removing grey hair yet Silken suggest that their unit does.. emmmmm

I'm on electrolysis at the moment and it is definitely making a difference. Just be prepared for a lot of sessions. Some people say it hurts (to me it's little more than a pin prick) but you can use EMLA cream to numb it a bit and then think of all the benefits.

Re your masculine face, I've seen someone, who I won't name, with a very T-fuelled masculine appearance turn into the beautiful swan she was always meant to be. If you're lucky you may get to see before and after pics of what I mean. These Thai surgeons know their stuff. I guarantee they would do a fabulous job of feminising your features if you place your trust in them. Remember, they've been doing this for decades. The kathoeys have been an accepted part of the Thailand scene for aeons. That's all I'm going to say on Thailand FFS. I'll sound too evangelical about it

x

I found this healthcare triage episode interesting regarding surgeons and speciality.  The study shows that it was the interest, not the quantity/frequency that mattered.

This is a very informative thread.  I'm just wondering, do any of you do facial surgeries while recovering from SRS?  I haven't looked into PAI for this but I need an experienced rhinoplasty revision surgeon to fix my nose again while in Thailand and I think it would be good to recover simultaneously to save time.. It's also super expensive here in LA and I'm not sure the surgeons really understand what I need done.

Also, is having only been on HRT for 14 months before SRS enough time to feel the effects of hormones?  I'm just curious what other physiological changes will happen, don't want to do it too soon but also don't want to lose my spot.  Thank you!

Warlockmaker has the inside track on this.

Personally I think HRT for 14 months is fine. I don't think noses change at all through HRT anyway, although that might not be what you are asking anyway? I'm having alarplasty and tipplasty done by Dr Sutin as I believe it to be more effective and less invasive for me than a full rhinoplasty but I know he does all of those procedures at PAI.

Hi...

To be honest, I have not really bothered about time frames with HRT.. I stick my 7th patch on tonight after a shower.. I started on HRT on the 7th this month and I feel wonderful.. I am not expecting any dramatic facial or skin changes for at least a year.. I am still out on weather to get FFS next year or the year after, it will mostly depend on if I have the money... I was thinking about have my SRS late next year but then I thought about it more and since I will be in Thailand anyway, oh why not.. Very excited to be honest. I have wanted the thing gone since I was a child.. My dream is very late in coming.. but at long last it is finally coming true.. I think after SRS the HRT should have a greater effect on my changes.. or so I have read....

Quote from: Rachel Richenda on October 24, 2016, 01:16:46 PM
Warlockmaker has the inside track on this.

Personally I think HRT for 14 months is fine. I don't think noses change at all through HRT anyway, although that might not be what you are asking anyway? I'm having alarplasty and tipplasty done by Dr Sutin as I believe it to be more effective and less invasive for me than a full rhinoplasty but I know he does all of those procedures at PAI.

I haven't checked yet, but is Dr. Sutin the best for the nose?  Do you know if he has ENT or Plastics training?  I'm just thinking it would be nice to have my nose revision done right after SRS and recover while in Thailand for the month.  But the SRS isn't at PAI.

No I was asking about the hormone changes to sexual physiology.  So far all I've gotten is decreased libido and weaker orgasms.  I wondered if it would change over time and become different kinds of orgasms and/or be able to have multiples (before surgery)

I'm really happy for you And you look beautiful

Quote from: Tess2016 on October 25, 2016, 05:40:57 AM
Hi...

To be honest, I have not really bothered about time frames with HRT.. I stick my 7th patch on tonight after a shower.. I started on HRT on the 7th this month and I feel wonderful.. I am not expecting any dramatic facial or skin changes for at least a year.. I am still out on weather to get FFS next year or the year after, it will mostly depend on if I have the money... I was thinking about have my SRS late next year but then I thought about it more and since I will be in Thailand anyway, oh why not.. Very excited to be honest. I have wanted the thing gone since I was a child.. My dream is very late in coming.. but at long last it is finally coming true.. I think after SRS the HRT should have a greater effect on my changes.. or so I have read....

Tess...

Ha. You are so kind.. but not so beautiful anymore.. not since testosterone poisoning.. But things will change for good very soon.. Just two more months and I am busting with excitement. I am tingling all over when I think about its..

So far, I have been on HRT for one month with no effects good or bad.. Still very early days, but I am so excited about being on HRT.. I will stick on my hormone patch after a shower tonight. Easy and safe.

I have to have a HIV blood test for the PAI which I will get after my blood test for my gender doctor to make sure all is well.. I am due to get that towards the end of this month.. I need to get the HIV test one month before I get surgery..

I have already ordered some nice jeans.. one size smaller than normal.. hehe... Size 14.. One day I might be a 12..

Hotels all booked.. PAI booked too.. I would love to have my Tracheal Shave done at the same time but I really cannot afford to.. Its really expensive... This is what they said.. "We are able to charge Tracheal Shave for 2,700 USD." but its over 3,000 USD if done seperate. That is heaps of money.. If I get my FFS done by other surgeons, the Tracheal Shave is heaps cheaper, but I cannot afford FFS either.. I would love for the PAI do do it but not for that price.. it works out to be around $4000 ASD.. Thats really the only downer for me at the moment.. Oh well.. One day perhaps.. 

I would like to say I am not counting but.. I AM!  .. Just under six weeks to go.. Yay...!.. Been on HRT for about 7 and half weeks and already I feel my boobs developing... Hardness behind the nipples and very sore.. It feels wonderful.. haha.. Proves HRT is working.. My gender doctor said the speed is probably as a result of having unusually high levels of natural oestrogen in my blood.. No other effect as far as I can notice.. No emotional changes. Just feel really happy... I bought some nice jeans, one size smaller .. Female jeans are so much better than male jeans.. They have nice stretch denim. And so many styles.. I have been buying from AliExpress. Cheap and mostly very happy with the quality.. Some are not so great but the pair I love best I have ordered 3 more pairs. Cost about 4X as much in Aus.. even more...

I was thinking that I might get some facial surgery as I can afford it but subtle as I can afford it.. I would really love to have it all done ASAP but I just don't have the money... I am not going to think about it otherwise it will upset me.. I am really happy with getting my SRS very soon.. This is big thing as we all know.. Its really that big move away from what I was born with and fixing a big mistake in nature.. As soon as its done, my HRT should take a greater hold on the change effects.. Good riddance to that nasty testosterone poison..

I will provide some feedback after the deed is done..

That's so good to read, Tess. Fabulous all round. Very very best of luck with your preparations.

I am flying out to Bangkok today 

xx

Hey Rachel.. How did you go with your procedures in Thailand.?

I really cannot believe its only 18 more days left.. I have just received an email from the PAI.. I really do appreciate their great communication.. I have not had any issues at all. They are making my journey very easy.. Nothing is an issue. They are not even nagging me for money. They will book me in to see two psychiatrist either on the day before surgery or the day before.. Not sure about that yet.. I have have all my before surgery instructions. No problems.

My HRT is beginning to have some effect on my breast and skin.. My only worry is how I can afford my FFS.. Time is against me and money. Oh money, I hate you sooo much! .. emmm   Oh well.. One step at at time.. I might win the lotto.. I fly out on the 2nd Jan and then do a few days of doing the tourist thing.. Check out some clothes shops..

Hello my lovely,

Ooh how exciting. Very very best with it all. You will be in fabulous hands.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the results and have a thread here: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=216392.new;topicseen#new

I'm so excited for you. Please keep us all posted. Ah yes, money It's expensive all this.

xx

Hi Tess, Let me know if I can help. I m a PAI girl and live in bkk. just pm me and I will gv you my contact info.

Thats great Rachel... I am glad it all worked out for you. I really cannot wait to have some FFS to kills some years off and to feminise my face a little. There was time when I was told I was beautiful.. But testosterone had done its even deed.. To be honest, I was a bit put off when I was told that Dr Sutin was to do my surgery because I wanted Dr Burin to do it because he has a FRCS to his name which makes him more qualified. But Dr Burin will be on holiday which might have be lucky for me.. Since I realised that skills were more important... Now I am very happy that Dr Sutin is doing my SRS after I read so many positives about him.. He seems to be very dedicated to the tasks. To be honest, I have not read any negatives. 

Thank you for that support warlockmaker.. But I will be fine.. My partner is a native Thai girl Her mother will take good care of me too.. All my friends and family are being very supportive. Even my old dad.. He gave me some money to make January possible.. We were going to Thailand anyway.. When I mentioned that to my old dad he said why don't I get my bits off then.. I told him I did not have all the money.. So he gave it to me. YAY!!..

Back in the bad old days when being gay or lesbian in the UK was a criminal offence, he did not seem to be that supportive after taking me to see two psychiatrist, where he was told I had a gender identity issue.. Rightly so, due to the legal implications he said nothing to know one.. I realise now he was just protecting me..

16 more sleeps.. haha.. Still do not know where we will be staying.. One thing is certain. I refused to stay in a dive.. It has to be close to the PAI and shops.. My birthday will be on the 9th Jan.. The big yucky 60.. but I feel 25

Hey warlockmaker... Love your hair.. very jealous.. I am hoping in the future they will invest wonderful new ways to grow back hair.. In time they will i am certain of that. They have already but no control over where it grows.. Basically, if I was on that medication, I would begin to look like an abominable showman.. I mean.. show-women. haha...

2 weeks and counting.. Gosh I am feeling so good.. very healthy and ready to go.. Just need to lose about 2kg.. to be inside my BMI.. 

Quote from: warlockmaker on December 19, 2016, 05:50:45 AM
Hi Tess, Let me know if I can help. I m a PAI girl and live in bkk. just pm me and I will gv you my contact info.

Hi Tess,

Wow, all the very best.

One of the things I love about PAI is that it's a team. Dr Preecha, who is really the doyen of aesthetic surgery in Thailand, retains the best surgeons in his setup there.

I think Dr Sutin is outstanding. His work on my face is incredible. I think you will be in superb hands.

Just keep an eye on the after care at Piyvate hospital. It's good you have a Thai partner. I'd ask about compression socks and perhaps post surgical heparin especially if your BMI is near the border.  It's not something Thailand seems to watch, so far as I can see. But the surgical attention from Dr Sutin is phenomenal. He's a lovely, unassuming, man too. I really like him.

How exciting! Wow.

Hugs and love,

Rach
xxx

Hi Tess!

Just wanted to drop a few lines as well about my experiences with PAI! I'm currently working on my last week of recovery here in Bangkok, I had my SRS 10 days ago with Dr. Sutin.  All I can say is wow.  PAI has been absolutely amazing during my time here!  The service, accommodations, attention, organization, you name it has been fantastic.  Dr. Sutin is so lovely, I couldn't of asked for a better surgeon.  He's incredibly kind and passionate about the work he does and has done an amazing job with my srs   The hospital is top notch with a great nursing staff during the first 5 days after surgery.  I was really taken care of and Dr. Sutin would pop in my room throughout the week and check in with me, making sure everything was ok.  I'm excited for you! I'm sending you some positive vibes and can reassure you you're going to be in great hands!

Much Love,
Alessia