FTM's and Transitioning

[Linus]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

Wow 10k dollars, that's a lot of dough. My surgery will cost 8k. Wonder why the difference.

I always assume a higher cost. Either way, whether 8 or 10 thousand, it's still a lot of money.

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by Linus

I always assume a higher cost. Either way, whether 8 or 10 thousand, it's still a lot of money.

You know, when I had my surgery, Dr. V quoted me $7750 for everything. That was HIS charge (including surgery, anesthesia, meds and followups), which I thought was very reasonable and I still do. But, by the time I figured up the travel expenses from here (Las Vegas) to Newport Beach, CA, plus lodging in a nice facility (I'm a bit of a hotel snob, but for this I was also willing to pay more for the comfort and convenience to Dr. V's office), meals and various other comfort expenses, it came out pretty close to $10K. Plus, L was with me, thank Jeebuz, and she's a trained and experienced paramedic/EMT.

Oh, and I was able to totally deduct ALL of these expenses, including the surgery, off on my taxes at the end of the year, so I got a lot of that $10K back. I would heartily recommend figuring *high* on your budget, just to be on the safe side. This is something that you must plan for, even if you have to save a little longer for, because you can't put a "price" on a job done well and/or being in a comfortable environment, post op.

The hotel where L and I stayed (The Ayres Hotel www.ayreshotels.com/costamesa/) was definitely one of the most comfortable hotels I have ever stayed in, and L and I had one of the suites. We stayed 4 nights there, until Dr. V cleared me to return to Vegas. It was a very pleasant and comfortable experience, and I guess this is why I so highly recommend Dr. Voloshin for top surgery. His office and staff is second to none!! And no, I'm not getting any kind of "bonus" for referring other guys to him. He may give YOU a bit of a break for mentioning my name, tho. One of my buddies here in Vegas (Caidyn) referred me to him and he gave me the same price as he did for Caidyn, so that helped. I think there is power in our referrals, both service and sometimes, pricewise. We should use the strength of our friendships and referrals to help each other, whenever possible, I think. We're all in this together and every bit helps!!!!

~Theo~

[Linus]

Oh, I agree Theo. But I also believe in checking out what's around and what might be coverable by network. If this surgeon proves to be capable and supportive, then it may be to my benefit as well as a benefit to the community as a whole (more surgeons who can do this and do it well so we do not limit ourselves to a select few).

I won't make my final decision until I've checked everything out, which is why I asking for advice for more questions (to be thorough). I would be just as thorough with Dr. V or even Dr. Brownstein. I haven't excluded Dr. V yet; just haven't heard back from my first email query so I'll have to book a consult later in the month (my back being screwed up limits travel for me a bit)

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Linus

Oh, I agree Theo. But I also believe in checking out what's around and what might be coverable by network. If this surgeon proves to be capable and supportive, then it may be to my benefit as well as a benefit to the community as a whole (more surgeons who can do this and do it well so we do not limit ourselves to a select few).

I won't make my final decision until I've checked everything out, which is why I asking for advice for more questions (to be thorough). I would be just as thorough with Dr. V or even Dr. Brownstein. I haven't excluded Dr. V yet; just haven't heard back from my first email query so I'll have to book a consult later in the month (my back being screwed up limits travel for me a bit)

Best to phone their office ... for some reason the email address they have on their website hasn't been fixed yet. Thought they fixed it but apparently not. If you want to continute to inquire with them by email atleast call to make sure you have the correct email address and inform them what email address you used ... they've had problems with this before.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Best to phone their office ... for some reason the email address they have on their website hasn't been fixed yet. Thought they fixed it but apparently not. If you want to continute to inquire with them by email atleast call to make sure you have the correct email address and inform them what email address you used ... they've had problems with this before.

Ah.. that would probably explain why they didn't reply to me. LOL I'll call them later this week or early next.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Linus

Ah.. that would probably explain why they didn't reply to me. LOL I'll call them later this week or early next.

They are really good with phone calls. I had a friend that had used the email on the website and they had no idea who it went to ... they think it's the same address that all their junk mail goes to.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Linus

Oh, I agree Theo. But I also believe in checking out what's around and what might be coverable by network. If this surgeon proves to be capable and supportive, then it may be to my benefit as well as a benefit to the community as a whole (more surgeons who can do this and do it well so we do not limit ourselves to a select few).

I won't make my final decision until I've checked everything out, which is why I asking for advice for more questions (to be thorough). I would be just as thorough with Dr. V or even Dr. Brownstein. I haven't excluded Dr. V yet; just haven't heard back from my first email query so I'll have to book a consult later in the month (my back being screwed up limits travel for me a bit)

I think it's great that you are checking out a variety of drs. I would have like to have given someone not as known in the community a chance but the way my situation worked out that just didn't happen.

Where is Dr. Jewel... I believe that is who you intitially talked about? I know there is someone in Laughlin or somewhere like that. I can ask a friend if he knows who that is.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

I think it's great that you are checking out a variety of drs. I would have like to have given someone not as known in the community a chance but the way my situation worked out that just didn't happen.

Where is Dr. Jewel... I believe that is who you intitially talked about? I know there is someone in Laughlin or somewhere like that. I can ask a friend if he knows who that is.

Torrance. I'm in the South Beach Cities area (I think that's what it's called). Dr. Jewell is a 30 min bike ride from my house.

[Linus]

I had my appointment. Very nice doctor. She answered every question and had answered some before I had even asked (e.g., drains, nipple reconstruction, etc.) She was very professional and admitted she hadn't done this surgery before, at least not for FTM. She has done gynecomastia and has done female breast surgery. She has said that breast surgery and reconstruction is her specialty. She also said whatever revisions that would need to be done she'd do. She talked about recovery time as well as post-care (vis-a-vis reducing scarring and such).

I was surprised that she said it was out patient surgery and that it would be 4 hours (not the 4 hours but the out patient part of it). She did say there would be no need for overnight unless there are complications. Does that sound right?

Anyways, I did mention that I would be seeking other doctors to get an idea of what fits best for me and what I'm most comfortable with. They did say that they would help with insurance filing and such if I decided to go with them and if the insurance approved or if I paid out of pocket I'd be looking at a date somewhere between 4-6 weeks from doing the "security deposit".

On Monday I'm going to try to book an app't with Dr. V to get a different look at things. The one somewhat huge downside is the cost to get there. I don't have a license (and even if I did, we only have one car which car uses to get to and from work). I'll be plunking down about $200-240 just in cab ride fare to and from. UGH

I so wish this city had a decent train system.

[Thinker]

Hey Linus...

Yes, outpatient sounds right and is, from all the stories I've heard, the norm.

Another thing to mention... I don't know how your system handles anesthesia, but it makes me nauseous. Most of the time I spent in recovery was because of the throwing up. If you are sensitive to it too, mention that to the anesthesiologist so he/she puts something in the drip to combat that. I learned that trick for my hysto and fared MUCH better.

Anyway... I do believe my surgery was right at 4 hours...maybe about 3 now that I think about it, and I spent about 2 hours in recovery.

I was still a groggy mess when I left there, but most of that was because of my stomach.

I'm sure you've researched the transportation piece but thought I'd ask about shuttle vans or buses???

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Linus

I had my appointment. Very nice doctor. She answered every question and had answered some before I had even asked (e.g., drains, nipple reconstruction, etc.) She was very professional and admitted she hadn't done this surgery before, at least not for FTM. She has done gynecomastia and has done female breast surgery. She has said that breast surgery and reconstruction is her specialty. She also said whatever revisions that would need to be done she'd do. She talked about recovery time as well as post-care (vis-a-vis reducing scarring and such).

I was surprised that she said it was out patient surgery and that it would be 4 hours (not the 4 hours but the out patient part of it). She did say there would be no need for overnight unless there are complications. Does that sound right?

Anyways, I did mention that I would be seeking other doctors to get an idea of what fits best for me and what I'm most comfortable with. They did say that they would help with insurance filing and such if I decided to go with them and if the insurance approved or if I paid out of pocket I'd be looking at a date somewhere between 4-6 weeks from doing the "security deposit".

On Monday I'm going to try to book an app't with Dr. V to get a different look at things. The one somewhat huge downside is the cost to get there. I don't have a license (and even if I did, we only have one car which car uses to get to and from work). I'll be plunking down about $200-240 just in cab ride fare to and from. UGH

I so wish this city had a decent train system.

Mine was a day surgery and 3 to 4 hours sounds right I honestly can't remember. Most surgeries and procedures these days are done outside of hospitals in days surgery facilities I think to help prevent spread of infection. Sick people are in hospitals so they try to keep you away from the sick people. Even with my back surgeries they generally have you out in 24 hours and honestly if I wanted to my dr. would have had me out the same day.

If K's brother can't take you Linus .. send me a message and if You pay for gas and lunch I'll take you! My schedule is fairly open this month. I can tell you i don't work the 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 29, 31. Some of the other days are part days so they might work also .... can't remember what days dr. V sees people.