FTM's and Transitioning

[weatherboi]

hey Oopster-

you may want to discuss what your surgery options are. there are different methods being used depending on chest size, chest sag and also what kinda body fat is being held in area. this is when the you really gotta be clear on
what your sculptured expectation is.make sure they are writing down what you are saying and that you know everybody is clear on whats being performed. i have been given instructions by my therapist to talk to 3 different doctors. i will leave a link to one doctor i have had a consult with. the website has a bunch of before and afters. it also explains the different procedures he uses and compares them.

http://www.drgarramone.com/procedures-transgender2.html

here is another link that will get more detailed about the same options

http://ftmichael.transboys.info/topsurgeryinfo.html

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Okay so I was trying to figure out the best place to post this.

I may actually be in a situation to have my top surgery done soon.

I'm wondering what questions are imperative to ask.

I know that I really am interested in the recovery time and when i'll be able to do what but beyond that it's like I just want to give a dr the money and say go for it. I know I need to do more then that so ....

What do you wish you had asked the dr?
What are the top 5 questions you would ask?
What are any other things I should bring up?

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Congrats! I hope this happens for you!!

First off, make sure the surgeon knows exactly what you're looking for....*male* chest reconstruction. It's not just as simple as tissue removal. If the surgeon does quite a few "FTM top surgeries" then this shouldn't be an issue.

Get the logistics......the surgeon's timeline or way of doing things. Find out exact times, where you'll be, how long you'll be there, follow-up procedures, etc...

Get a recommendation from the surgeon for supplements you can/should take in advance and what you can do to prepare. For example, I loaded up on vitamin C so I wouldn't get sick.......took something to help minimize bruising........got good and hydrated in advance, etc... All those little things really help with how you'll feel post-op.

I think having two or three weeks (more is better) post-op where you can lie around and do little to nothing is a good plan. And I think another four or five weeks after that of low activity where you're not exerting your upper body in anyway is also a good idea. Planning ahead for that kind of time off for yourself is pretty critical.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you need. It's an exciting adventure, but you'll definitely need a little help along the way.

Good luck!

Thanks!

Recovery time is probably my biggest obstiscle in all of this. My job is fairly physical so besides saving for the surgery I need enough to cover not working for a month or two. However the nature of what i'm doing right now I believe I can do the surgery and still have work when I'm ready to return.

I eventually want to switch jobs however I feel that will push surgery possiblities back another year so if the finaicial stuff comes together in the next month or so if I can finacially swing it I want to do it before I look for a new job.

Originally Posted by weatherboi

hey Oopster-

you may want to discuss what your surgery options are. there are different methods being used depending on chest size, chest sag and also what kinda body fat is being held in area. this is when the you really gotta be clear on
what your sculptured expectation is.make sure they are writing down what you are saying and that you know everybody is clear on whats being performed. i have been given instructions by my therapist to talk to 3 different doctors. i will leave a link to one doctor i have had a consult with. the website has a bunch of before and afters. it also explains the different procedures he uses and compares them.

http://www.drgarramone.com/procedures-transgender2.html

here is another link that will get more detailed about the same options

http://ftmichael.transboys.info/topsurgeryinfo.html

I'm suprisingly big in fact i think i'm bigger then any of the pics on the one sight, so I know the double incision is my route.

The one dr. I'm leaning towards has done other ftms and in fact did theo's work. Haven't set up a consult yet though. Do hope to check out a couple others also. The advantage to the one theo went to is proximatey and cost and i believe a free consultation. There are some more well known ones but I feel some of the cost is paying for the name of the surgeon.

i got some other stuff i need to focus on in the next week or so then hopefully i'll know if my finacial stuff is going to happen and I can start putting my energy towards surgery stuff.

Thanks for the link .... any other links people can give me is appreiciated. Unfortunately i don't have a lot of patience to sit at a computer and search for stuff.

[Jet]

Hi everyone,

Just checking in. I've posted in respective threads that I am recovering from severe PTSD and pretty much ridding myself of the side effects of severe trauma that I had surpressed for almost 17 years. That's a long time, and there have many times I thought it was over. But because it had been buries for so long, it has taken much longer and required much more than I thought. With each day that I feel better, I draw closer to feeling balanced.

I started therapy for transitioning some time ago and delayed it because of having to deal with this issue. I do plan on resuming therapy and beginning T as soon as possible this year and that's exciting to me.

Today I've had a nice reprieve from the intensity of PTSD and I was thinking about the changes in me on T. I can't wait! So I wanted to come in and touch base for a few minutes.

I've spoken with an FTM friend of mind in St. Louis who is fully transitioned including bottom surgery. I was thinking about facial hair and changes in my structure.

I don't require top surgery, having little breast tissue; I've always had a guy's chest and that's a relief to me. I do know that although I'll have a beard, I'll keep clean shaven.

Anyway, take care.

[atomiczombie]

I need some support.

As many of you know, I suffer from PTSD and anxiety/panic disorder. I am fully clear and confident in my transmasculine/transgender male identity, mind you. I know who I am and who I am not.

That said, I am at a place in my life where it is now time to contact my doctor to start testosterone therapy and transition physically. Now that the moment of truth has arrived, it seems my anxiety has ratcheted up. I don't have doubts about who I am or whether this is really what I want, I swear! I am totally clear about who I am and have been for several years. I want to physically transition. I need to physically transition. I want to feel whole.

So why am I so anxious about making that call? I have no freakin' idea, and I wonder if any other guys have felt this way and how they have dealt with it. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Drew

[Linus]

I'm gonna take a stab at this, Drew. I wonder if it's fear of a doctor saying "No, you're not!" and questioning your decision to take this path. Does it bother you when someone doesn't clue in that you're a guy?

[Jet]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I need some support.

As many of you know, I suffer from PTSD and anxiety/panic disorder. I am fully clear and confident in my transmasculine/transgender male identity, mind you. I know who I am and who I am not.

That said, I am at a place in my life where it is now time to contact my doctor to start testosterone therapy and transition physically. Now that the moment of truth has arrived, it seems my anxiety has ratcheted up. I don't have doubts about who I am or whether this is really what I want, I swear! I am totally clear about who I am and have been for several years. I want to physically transition. I need to physically transition. I want to feel whole.

So why am I so anxious about making that call? I have no freakin' idea, and I wonder if any other guys have felt this way and how they have dealt with it. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Drew

This is not an easy choice to make for some...there are variables. Maybe you should touch base in the PTSD and recovery thread. They could give you input about why you're not at peace. One thing is certain...honesty about everything is everything.

I'm a trauma survivor. I had to put my T sessions on hold because of PTSD and reaching its core. I will start this year, but it's delayed because of this. I don't want the effects of T entwined with trauma issues. It could be distasterous. Honesty and more honesty.

[The Oopster]

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...ead.php?t=1184

Hey I would appreciate any and all participation on the above thread!

Thanks

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I need some support.

As many of you know, I suffer from PTSD and anxiety/panic disorder. I am fully clear and confident in my transmasculine/transgender male identity, mind you. I know who I am and who I am not.

That said, I am at a place in my life where it is now time to contact my doctor to start testosterone therapy and transition physically. Now that the moment of truth has arrived, it seems my anxiety has ratcheted up. I don't have doubts about who I am or whether this is really what I want, I swear! I am totally clear about who I am and have been for several years. I want to physically transition. I need to physically transition. I want to feel whole.

So why am I so anxious about making that call? I have no freakin' idea, and I wonder if any other guys have felt this way and how they have dealt with it. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Drew

Maybe this is "too simple", but it could be the fear of being judged.

That's what the anxiety was about for me.....plain and simple.

As for dealing with it... Having an ally beside you will certainly help.

It's scary shit, Drew, so I can honestly say that I feel ya.

Take a deep breath and make the call.....without apology. You can do it.

Good luck.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I need some support.

As many of you know, I suffer from PTSD and anxiety/panic disorder. I am fully clear and confident in my transmasculine/transgender male identity, mind you. I know who I am and who I am not.

That said, I am at a place in my life where it is now time to contact my doctor to start testosterone therapy and transition physically. Now that the moment of truth has arrived, it seems my anxiety has ratcheted up. I don't have doubts about who I am or whether this is really what I want, I swear! I am totally clear about who I am and have been for several years. I want to physically transition. I need to physically transition. I want to feel whole.

So why am I so anxious about making that call? I have no freakin' idea, and I wonder if any other guys have felt this way and how they have dealt with it. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Drew

I had a lot of your same feelings. I think my stuff was

A) I'm old and tired. I spent my whole life fighting for queer rights, and I'm kinda tired of fighting. I don't have to 'talk about' being queer all the time anymore, because our rights have progressed. I didn't know if I wanted to have to go back 25 years into that bullshit again with trans issues, and anyone thinking they can ask any old question and be a complete asshat

B) The questions of just doing something new and different. Wondering if I was going to have regrets. Am I gonna lose my hair. Blah blah blah all that stuff.

C) Will I ever have another job? I mean, it's not like people are knockin' the door down to hire transfolks

D) Do I want to deal with other people's stupidity

E) Am I gonna get killed if I'm walkin' down the street, because of another person's hatred and all that

I had a lot of anxiety for a couple of years, and then, I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to transition, and the more I put it off, the older I got...and I wasn't going to live my life at the expense of other people's comfort levels.


The Anxiety Will Pass (or at least it did for me),
Dylan

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I need some support.

As many of you know, I suffer from PTSD and anxiety/panic disorder. I am fully clear and confident in my transmasculine/transgender male identity, mind you. I know who I am and who I am not.

That said, I am at a place in my life where it is now time to contact my doctor to start testosterone therapy and transition physically. Now that the moment of truth has arrived, it seems my anxiety has ratcheted up. I don't have doubts about who I am or whether this is really what I want, I swear! I am totally clear about who I am and have been for several years. I want to physically transition. I need to physically transition. I want to feel whole.

So why am I so anxious about making that call? I have no freakin' idea, and I wonder if any other guys have felt this way and how they have dealt with it. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Drew

I toatlly get the anxiety.

I'm at the point that it looks like I'll finally get my top surgery. I've been really anxious about it lately.

For me it's cause its change. Not only the physical change but the emotional mental change in that here is something I've been wanting for so long that just the process of wanting it and not knowing if and when it's going to happen has become a part of me.

Now it's a reality and that's just different. It's a new phase and it leaves this void of where my energy has been put because I'll no longer be able to think when is this going to happen and about how much I don't like my body. I'm sure i'll find something to replace it but it's scary not knowing what that is.

Also is means moving into new horizons that I can't even imagine at this point and that's sort of scary.

Hope that helps some

[atomiczombie]

hey guys, thanks for all the input, it really helps!

I did make that call, and saw my general practitioner. She referred me to an endo doc. I have an appointment on May 6th. I will need to bring a letter from my therapist, and that won't be a problem.

I think my freaking out did have a lot to do with that fear of being told no by my doctor. That didn't happen, so I am really excited about the next step now. I think any big change causes a spike in my anxiety because of the PTSD. The sign that I am healing from it is when it doesn't over-take me to the point where I am paralyzed and can't do anything. I moved through it this time and that is big progress for me.

[Jet]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

...... my anxiety because of the PTSD. The sign that I am healing from it is when it doesn't over-take me to the point where I am paralyzed and can't do anything. I moved through it this time and that is big progress for me.

....................

[NikiNik]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

hey guys, thanks for all the input, it really helps!

I did make that call, and saw my general practitioner. She referred me to an endo doc. I have an appointment on May 6th. I will need to bring a letter from my therapist, and that won't be a problem.

I think my freaking out did have a lot to do with that fear of being told no by my doctor. That didn't happen, so I am really excited about the next step now. I think any big change causes a spike in my anxiety because of the PTSD. The sign that I am healing from it is when it doesn't over-take me to the point where I am paralyzed and can't do anything. I moved through it this time and that is big progress for me.

I am so excited for you! You need to call your BFF!(best femme friend) I feel there is alot to catch up on! I miss you and love you very much!

[CamBAMF]

How long have you been on T? I started October 2009

How much T do you take on a bi weekly or monthly basis? 5ml weekly inject of T (testosterone 200mg/ml & sesame seed oil 10ml)

How does your body react to your shot intake? First month I was horny as hell and had (and still have) an issue with pimples on my back and face. in Two months my period stopped and lost some weight. from the third month my voiced started to change (or so Im told- I couldn't exactly hear it my self) forth and fifth month I noticed a change in my muscles without changing my diet or working out at all. My shouldars had become broader, and somehow I was able to do a pull up (which Ive never been able to do in my life). about the fifth month the hair on my chest became darker and more noticable. About the sixth I started getting facial hair... As of right now I'm in my eighth month and have a semi beard it takes about a week to really grow in after I shave. My voice doesnt crack anymore (Thank god). and I'm starting to gain the weight I lost back- not cool!

Are you pre or post op top and or bottom? I'm pre op. I'm definatly planning to have my top done. I'm not so sure about the bottom.

Where and Who did your surgeries? no one

If you have questions, ask them here. I have some questions about surgery. Like about how much is it on average for either bottom or top? Is bottom surgery even worth it? I mean I heard the best results are about 3 inches with limited feeling. I'm not down for that. any thoughts?

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by CamBAMF

How long have you been on T? I started October 2009

How much T do you take on a bi weekly or monthly basis? 5ml weekly inject of T (testosterone 200mg/ml & sesame seed oil 10ml)

How does your body react to your shot intake? First month I was horny as hell and had (and still have) an issue with pimples on my back and face. in Two months my period stopped and lost some weight. from the third month my voiced started to change (or so Im told- I couldn't exactly hear it my self) forth and fifth month I noticed a change in my muscles without changing my diet or working out at all. My shouldars had become broader, and somehow I was able to do a pull up (which Ive never been able to do in my life). about the fifth month the hair on my chest became darker and more noticable. About the sixth I started getting facial hair... As of right now I'm in my eighth month and have a semi beard it takes about a week to really grow in after I shave. My voice doesnt crack anymore (Thank god). and I'm starting to gain the weight I lost back- not cool!

Are you pre or post op top and or bottom? I'm pre op. I'm definatly planning to have my top done. I'm not so sure about the bottom.

Where and Who did your surgeries? no one

If you have questions, ask them here. I have some questions about surgery. Like about how much is it on average for either bottom or top? Is bottom surgery even worth it? I mean I heard the best results are about 3 inches with limited feeling. I'm not down for that. any thoughts?

As to your question about top surgery, I can tell you that I had a surgical consultation with Dr. Michael Brownstein in San Francisco recently, and got a written estimate of $8,310.00 total. That includes all associated fees. I don't know what other doctors charge, but I have heard that there are other docs who charge less.

A couple years ago I attended an FTM support group in San Francisco where Jamison Green gave a presentation about Metoidioplasty. What I learned is that yes, you are really small, but it is the best chance of having the most sensation intact. What it involves is the release of internal tissues that keep your clit pulled into your body. Cutting these tissues allows your clit to protrude further out of your body. That, combined with T, creates a tiny penis-like organ. It does become stiff when you are stimulated, but you don't get the length or girth of a standard male penis. You can't pee out of it with just this operation. It is a further operation to extend the urethra. However, the nerves associated with sexual feeling aren't cut or interfered with, so your sexual feeling is not supposed to be lessened. That is what I learned. If I am wrong about any of that, then guys please correct me. Hope this helps.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by CamBAMF

[FONT="Arial Black"]

If you have questions, ask them here. I have some questions about surgery. Like about how much is it on average for either bottom or top? Is bottom surgery even worth it? I mean I heard the best results are about 3 inches with limited feeling. I'm not down for that. any thoughts?

My surgery was an even 9000 and i'm still working on insurance to pay the $400 tissue fee. Otherwise the 9k was inclusive of everything. I went to voloshin in Newport beach, had no tubes and shouldn't need any revisions. The cost did include lyposuction on the sides to help limit dog ears. If you have lypo that will drive the cost up. Some quotes may or may not include it. I think it was worth it because everything turned out great, have no clue what things would have been like if I hadn't.

[Jet]

I'm seeing the doc for my injection tomorrow while we wait until the syringes
come in. Things are is getting straightened out.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Jet

I'm seeing the doc for my injection tomorrow while we wait until the syringes
come in. Things are is getting straightened out.

glad to hear it, keep the faith brother, things always work out in the end.



on another note i gave myself a shot in my thigh on monday, it bled LOL, and was tough getting into the skin, but i just pushed it in. worked well. try the right thigh next week.

i got myself a private nurse that will help if need be lol, life is good

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by Sam

glad to hear it, keep the faith brother, things always work out in the end.



on another note i gave myself a shot in my thigh on monday, it bled LOL, and was tough getting into the skin, but i just pushed it in. worked well. try the right thigh next week.

i got myself a private nurse that will help if need be lol, life is good

When I inject, I plunge the needle in in a similar manner as when one throws a dart. It's like a quick stab, so it goes in easily. I aspirate (draw the plunger back) just a little to make sure I'm not in a vein (you shouldn't draw back blood) before I proceed to inject the T.

Get a nurse or your physician's office to show you how to do this. While you're at it, ask them to show you the "zig zag" method of injecting. It's much better and less painful, IMO.

~Theo~

[slverwlf]

Hi,

My entire life has been and will continue to be a transition. It just is. However I started talking to a therapist about transition in January 2005. I changed my name, and started T in May of that year.
I am currently on 100mgs a week, and I don't have too much change at this point. I just see it as maintenance. I do like results when working out, which I don't do often often.
I had chest surgery in JUly of 2006, I went to a surgeon by the name of Dr. Balderrama in Lake Havasu, AZ. I was lucky that it was covered by my insurance, and that is who myself and the insurance company decided would be best. Most of the "known" surgeons would not touch insurance with a ten foot pole. Hopefully that is beginning to change some. I had my hysterectomy in December of 2007. I went to Serbia last summer for a Meta with Dr. Miro. So, I am about as done surgically as I want to be at this point. If I ever lose 70lbs, I will get revisions I am considering, but no point right now.
I run two support groups in the Tampa area, and will be graduating in December with a degree in Mental Health Counseling. I want to be a gender therapist.
If anyone ever has any questions, do not hesitate to send them in my direction. I'm an open book.