Alternative to surgery in Thailand

[GirlieAmanda]

I keep reading about getting surgery in Thailand. My partner got a quote for something like 14K for everything to go there. She found Dr Kathy Rumer near Philly and was quoted at 18250 with a $500 discount. So for $17000 and change she saves herself from flying to a far away country with questionable certifications and is having a very caring, talented lady with very caring hands on post care do her surgery right here in this country. Seems worth the exrta 2K . I am so happy she is not go
ing to that glorified 3rd world country for something this important. And if something goes wrong she won't have to endure a trans-pacific flight possibly in pain. Sounds worth it to me. Save Thailand for the asian girly boys.

[MsRenee]

Nothing wrong with staying closer to home. and only paying a few extra for it . I agree with that choice should anything happen afterwards hat she would need a follow up. Wish you both love on the that next step.
Renee

[Kaitlyn Michele]

I keep reading about getting surgery in Thailand. My partner got a quote for something like 14K for everything to go there. She found Dr Kathy Rumer near Philly and was quoted at 18250 with a $500 discount. So for $17000 and change she saves herself from flying to a far away country with questionable certifications and is having a very caring, talented lady with very caring hands on post care do her surgery right here in this country. Seems worth the exrta 2K . I am so happy she is not go
ing to that glorified 3rd world country for something this important. And if something goes wrong she won't have to endure a trans-pacific flight possibly in pain. Sounds worth it to me. Save Thailand for the asian girly boys.

Save Thailand for the asian girly boys???? Really???!!!

what about all the people from the US that go there and have great experiences and great outcomes?

your comment is uninformed and ignorant...

[Babeba]

It is a little impolitic and very rude about a country many people have had successful surgery in, but the pricing information about a US doctor may be of interest to some members here.

[Aprilrain]

She found Dr Kathy Rumer near Philly

Never heard of her.

I agree your comments about Thai Land in general and girly boys specifically are rude and uncalled for.

[Jorja]

Fact - There are doctors all around the world who do GRS surgery. It is the responsibility of the interested party to decide who and what is best for them. There is nothing wrong with going to "that 3rd world country for something this important". They have better facilities and doctors than many of the 1st world countries. What is that saying? Caveat Emptor - Let the buyer beware.

[Lorileah]

I say no matter what that if there is an alternative here in the US that gives you a comparable product for a reasonably close price, you should support your country (think this way, Dr Rumer's staff gets paid, buys from the local community who buys from the area....who maybe patronizes the company you work for, you keep your job. That doesn't happen when you send your business to any other foreign country). Since the economy here is a huge issue right now, it makes sense to do your part to help get it going again when possible.

I like doctor's who post brag photos on their pages though which is more common from overseas doctors (and yes I understand Hipaa here in the US). In lieu of that recommendations. To me the results are far more important in this case than the cost. I could drive a Yugo, but isn't a Cadillac so much nicer? Both get you where you want to go.

[Loni]

i agree we need to support this country, buy American. the job you save is...YOURS,

but on with the real deal here. in the rest of the world they get to use better "types" of drugs then allow here. (in some cases).
but how many times a year does the American Dr do this? once or twice a year? the Dr in the third world how many times a year? who is talked about in others blogs? good or bad?
and yes far better to be seen and treated closer to home.
if you go to a third world country..how much more cash do you need to lay out to get in do the job and get home? my guess these extras will cost far less here.

if nothing else the travel costs, one can go by train in comfort, (reg seating on a train is better than fist class on a plane). as apposed to being a sardine in a can with wings. then the tsa squads. but you get a free x-ray exam.

but then again is a trip to a strange land worth it? could be to some. interesting to others, and a *itch for some.


just my uninformed two and one half cent thought.


.

[kittypw GG]

Seems to me that you have a better chance of getting better care post op also. When somehting goes wrong after you return from Tailand what hospital is going to touch you? There is so much liability. In my city I read about a ts that had serious complications following srs and nobody really wanted to take her on. The hospital I work for did save her life after being rejected from another hospital who did not want to follow up on someone elses surgery. The girl in question also was not a cash paying customer and without insurance. Something to really consider? It's not so easy to go back to Thailand to have the original doc fix what he screwed up is it?

[Eryn]

Two things seem to drive surgical outcomes. The first is whether the surgeon has been able to learn the best techniques and the second is whether the surgeon has been able to practice those techniques frequently. Thailand seems to be one place where these two things come together.

US doctors are hamstrung by a oppressive tort system that prevents them from being truly innovative. Anything new is automatically suspect so until a new technique is proven outside the country it won't be used in the US. Any treatment you receive in the US is likely to be five to ten years behind the times.

The tort system also jacks up the prices, with a large portion of the money you pay going directly to the insurance companies and lawyers rather than to the care you receive.

While I am perfectly fine with the "buy local" concept, I don't like the idea of being forced to support people who don't actually do anything constructive.

[Tammy V]

There are good surgeons all over the world doing GRS now and I think the best thing I take away from your post is that prices seem to be coming down and surgeons are getting more competitive as far as pricing. Just do your homework, whever you go, and find the right surgeon for you, but knowing that prices are falling and some surgeons seem to be willing to negotiate or lower their rates is a very good thing.

[Nicki S]

Is your decision based on the quality of the outcome while considering the care received during and after the process, or just based on money? IMO, Thailand qualifies for both of these options. But if it is just money, then Thailand is still by far cheaper than staying the States. Dr Chett charges $10,200 for SRS and $1700 plane fare. $12k is a whole lot cheaper than $17k.

[Kirsty_D]

Dr. Saran is $8,000, PAI clinic is $8,600, Dr. Chettawut has already been mentioned and Dr. Suporn is 515,000 Bhat.

Do your own research, research the different techniques each doctor uses and make your own choices.

Having lived in a screwed up third world country for 10 years and been in many hospitals, including in Thailand I can say the level of care is as good or better than any I've had in the first world. Your girly ladyboy comment is a little ignorant.

[JulieK1980]

If anybody is curious, Thailand is ranked not too far away from the US in terms of healthcare. Close enough that specific doctors make a bigger difference vs. a geographic location. Considering that Thailand has more doctors that do many more GRS surgeries than in the US, I'd be willing to bet money that Thailand has higher outcomes. I would however, stay away from Myanmar.

http://thepatientfactor.com/canadian-health-care-information/world-health-organizations-ranking-of-the-worlds-health-systems/

[Saffron]

For the SRS I'm more preocupied of finding the best surgeon than the best healthcare in general. UK, USA, Spain, France, Germany... could have great hospitals, doctors, etc... but when you want a surgery that particular, I prefer to travel and do it with the best than trying with an average surgeon just for the fear of the post-op complications.

Obviously is something that each one of us have to consider, a choice not to be taken lightly, so before making assumptions about any particular country or doctor, it's best to be informed.

[Britney Johnson]

Hi all... I have not had GRS yet, but am looking to within the next few years. I have heard nothing but good things on the care and techniques used in Thailand. Although, I would prefer to do the surgeries here in the US, I am totally on board with going to the most knowledgable surgeon to get my life in order. Those "Girly Boys", as you so kindly put it, are after the same thing we are...to feel whole and fit into society with how they feel comfortable. I am proud of any girl that steps up and has the strength to be who they are. Unfortunately, there are many girls that have that strength, but not the opportunity. Life is tough.... Sorry, think I rambled on a bit. All this info is wonderful though. The names of Surgeons and costs associated. It will help in my decision. Happy holidays to all... Hugz

[Melody Moore]

My partner got a quote for something like 14K for everything to go there.

Well, it cost me $11,000 including airfares, accommodation & spending money to go to Thailand and have SRS with
Doctor Saran (http://www.doctorsaran.com/) and have my surgery in the 5 star medical facility, the Piyavate International Hospital (http://www.piyavate.com). The standards
of care at this hospital there far exceed anything I have seen offered in any Australian public or private hospital. My
SRS went really well and my recovery time was exceptionally good because of the high quality of after-care I received.

See: http://www.transhealth.com.au/index.php/hormones-surgery/surgery/thailand/saran-clinic


Save Thailand for the asian girly boys.
That comment is more than just ignorant, it is also very racist and transphobic. How rude?

[noeleena]

Hi,

Its nice to put another county & people down when youv never been there or know the people & have you meet the ladyboys, & talked with them face to face.

I could have had my surgerys done in Austraila at the Monash clinic at 2 days notice had i wished, at the time $ 25 ,000 aprox

In new zealand same price if you paid your self & may be & i mean ....A big maybe..... in 14 years time, so go back to 2007. for that. with one surgeon who i would not let any where near me with a knife .& id still be waiting with 11 years to go for that surgery, sorry no bloody way.....

I went to Thailand ready for surgery with in 6 months of ringing was 9 as is normal. under Sanguan costs were then $ 8,000
S R S , $ 4,500 B A , total costs there & back plus food & trav, under $ 16,000, so dont rubbish those you dont know like i do,

Its a lovely place & the people are just so lovely & no i was not a torust i was allowed in to thier lives as a part of thier community.

...noeleena...

[kellycan27]

I keep reading about getting surgery in Thailand. My partner got a quote for something like 14K for everything to go there. She found Dr Kathy Rumer near Philly and was quoted at 18250 with a $500 discount. So for $17000 and change she saves herself from flying to a far away country with questionable certifications and is having a very caring, talented lady with very caring hands on post care do her surgery right here in this country. Seems worth the exrta 2K . I am so happy she is not go
ing to that glorified 3rd world country for something this important. And if something goes wrong she won't have to endure a trans-pacific flight possibly in pain. Sounds worth it to me. Save Thailand for the asian girly boys.


I am always puzzled by people posting about things that they have no clue about.

[ameliabee]

Funny, even if I had tons of money laying around for a U.S. surgeon, I'd still be going to Thailand because I don't entirely trust any of them here to do the best job that can be done. Scheduling with Saran once I'm 100% sure about doing it this summer. :D

[Jana]

It's disconcerting that someone supporting a person going through SRS shows such intolerance towards a foreign country ("glorified 3rd world country"), and fellow transgendered people ("Asian girly boys"). Get a grip! You may be happy with your choice, but that does not invalidate the choice of others.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

I am always puzzled by people posting about things that they have no clue about.

Exactly.. no new info, broad incorrect generalizations and mean in spirit..

What gives ... a tg person with a transsexual partner mocking "girly boys"??...

[GirlieAmanda]

First of all, they are called Ladyboys. Its not derogatory. That is the term. I mistakenly said girly boys. I just meant the people from Thailand. All I can say is that you roll the dice big time when you go overseas. Language barrier, flights to and from and right after surgery (bad idea), Different laws, Surgeons who send you to a "therapist" for a 10 minute "session" for a second letter, different health practices, anti-American anger, kidnappings for ransom, lunatic cab drivers, unsanitary conditions, disease, being thousands of miles away from the doctor in case of complications, etc. These only scratch the surface. None of these may happen but it easily could. You could wind up never heard form again. Easily! Does anyone even think about this? I stand firmly by my remarks.

[GirlieAmanda]

I am always puzzled by people posting about things that they have no clue about.

I DO have a clue about the things I talk about. It's also just common sense. You take additional risks when you go to somewhere like Thailand for the reasons I mentioned. My partner had exhaustively researched her SRS options and I am VERY glad she is not going to Thailand. Do what you want, but like the old saying goes, You get what you pay for. At the absolute basic level, even if nothing goes wrong and you have the best time in Thailand with stellar aftercare it's still Thailand, and you are that far away from your doc afterward and have to fly probably 12 hours or more on a plane after major surgery. A very, very dangerous thought to me.

[Michelle.M]

I DO have a clue about the things I talk about. It's also just common sense. You take additional risks when you go to somewhere like Thailand for the reasons I mentioned. My partner had exhaustively researched her SRS options and I am VERY glad she is not going to Thailand. Do what you want, but like the old saying goes, You get what you pay for.

Ah, crikey! Not this crap again?!

[GirlieAmanda]

Actually this was just supposed to be a post. It was turned into a thread unto itself. So I didn't start the fire. Nyyah! Guess we now know who went to or wants to go to Thailand! Did anyone see Hangover 2? "Bankok has him now"...hello? Not hatin', just sayin'.

[Kirsty_D]

Honestly, you haven't got a frigging clue! I worked in Nigeria for 5 years, I was in Ivory Coast during the civil war, I've worked in some extremely dangerous spots in Brazil and then there was the 2 years I spent in the remote Russian Far East! I've been to worse places in the US than I've ever seen in Thailand, not to mention the country's already listed.

The Thai doctor I seen in July spoke better English than I did and it's my native tongue.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with being patriotic and supporting your own country but don't rubbish other countries when your only point of reference is a teenager film that was total BS.

[Rianna Humble]

Actually this was just supposed to be a post.

The funny thing about expressing an opinion - especially as the first post in a new thread - is that other people are then free to agree or disagree.


Not hatin', just sayin'.

This phrase can be heard every day, be it from racists, transphobic people, homophobes, heterophobes or any other prejudiced person.

It is much better to back up your statement with evidence-based logic. Something which is significantly lacking from one side of this argument.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

wow...way to dig a deeper hole for your credibility.

just sayin

[Jorja]

You my dear, need to take a holiday. Go learn of what you speak. Yes, Thailand is a third world nation. Yes there is crime, prostitution, and many other problems in Bangkok as in any big city. However, the people I met there (I was not there for SRS) were some of the nicest caring people you would ever want to meet. Do not judge the book by the cover.

[GirlieAmanda]

Wow. No wonder I have gone to FB. Holy shit people are so angry here. Sheesh! So damn sensitive. I did not miss this. As for credibility, go work stealth in the middle of a Bible Belt state, then we will talk. I have done a lot of helping and inspiring other TG people as they have for me. No one can say anything slightly controversial here with out getting pounded. Be my guest, go to f*@cking Thailand then.

[Michelle.M]

Wow. No wonder I have gone to FB. Holy shit people are so angry here. Sheesh! So damn sensitive. I did not miss this . . . Be my guest, go to f*@cking Thailand then.

Oh, perfect way to bow out! Say something stupid and then get all butthurt when you get called on it and blame those who make rational arguments for your own immaturity. You go, girl!

[Nigella]

Normally a thread is closed because other posters turn it bad, this time its the OP. Thread done