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T go all the way…or not?
I’ve been seeing Dr Fintan Harte for the past couple of months, with a view to being assessed and accepted into the Monash Gender Centre program towards transition from Tony to Clare.
Dr Harte is a lovely man, and in my opinion is very supportive and caring. I look forward to these meetings, and I feel like I’m being heard for the first time about my need to make the changes I desire.
The last time I saw him, we talked about surgical options. I’m 66 years of age, with limited financial assets, and it has concerned me that full vaginoplasty would be too expensive for me. Dr Harte suggested that an alternative would be vulvoplasty, in which the male genitals are removed without attempting to create a vagina.
To me that seems to be a sensible idea, as I don’t see myself having a full-on sexual relationship in the future. I just want to live as Clare, feeling womanly and able to dress and present as a woman. I want to be able to wear bathing suits, jeans, skirts and not to have to hide my bits.
And the recovery time, expense and possible complications would be much reduced.
Does anybody have thoughts or experiences to share?Moderator
Quote:This was posted in Surgery Reports – but it doesn’t contain a report that I can see. Hence it has been moved…please look where you post! -
1 Reply
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Hi Clare
I was in a similar boat to you. I had limited financial resources. I have a health condition which could make full GRS a risky prospect. I was not interested in men so why would I need a vagina?
I found a doctor in Thailand who agreed my prospects were risky but told me that he would take the utmost care and only construct what he could do safely. His price was very reasonable considering what I was asking of him. I found that I could access my super to help pay for the treatment.
So, I took the plunge. I was finding I WAS interested in men – one in particular, my now partner. Dr Chettawutt performed the surgery and constructed a fully functioning vagina for me. The health complications I feared so much didn’t occur. And now I live a nice peaceful life where my biggest concern is my career.
Unfortunately, the decision to go for a “cosmetic” appearance or being able to function as a woman are a once off decision. If you change your mind afterwards, it is extremely expensive and difficult. I would suggest that you take all your options into consideration rather than settle for what makes a pair of slacks look good. If your main restriction is cost, I would ask how you would feel if you go through with the proceedure but find the finances later? I’m not saying don’t do it. I am suggesting that you consider how you are going to view yourself afterwards. There are too many of us who just view ourselves after the proceedure as a cockless male rather than as a woman. Ultimately, no one can tell you how you will see yourself. The decision has to be yours.
