Can't help but think

[StaceyJane]

Today has been one of those days, feeling good spending time as Stacey then I start looking online about SRS. It''s something that I think about sometimes. My doctor and endo and therapist ask me about my plans and I say I really have no plans other the HRT right now. But sometimes I wish I did have plans. I read about different surgeons and start comparing and thinking about questions such as U.S. or Thailand? I know I'm not ready for SRS right now. I'm still not full time but I can't help but think.

[Frances]

If you have to pay for the surgery out-of-pocket, it's a good idea to plan way before it happens, but you are skipping major steps. Canada has a world-renowned surgeon as well.

[Persephone]

Wow, Stacey! That's a pretty big step!

Hugs,
Persephone.

[kimdl93]

If I understand you're saying, the thought occurs now and then...not that you have definite plans, right? Honestly, I wish this several times a week. In some sense, my wish is my ideal...to be fully female. I'm guessing that's your wish too. Then comes the reality...the cost, the relationship challenges, etc. Sometimes wishes are the first step in realizing your dreams. Sometimes wishes remain only that. I can't say whether my wishes, today, are a first step or an end in themselves.

[StaceyJane]

Yes, Kim, this is what the post was about.

[kimdl93]

Forgive me for sounding like Frazier, but how does that make you feel? For me, not knowing for sure what may happen leaves open the possibility...I haven't totally abandoned the dream.

[Cheryl123]

Hi Stacy.. I've been thinking about this too lately. For a while I thought HRT alone would satisfy me, but now I'm not so sure. I've started saving for it now just in case that's the road I wish to take. Thailand (Dr. Suporn) costs about $16000 depending on the exchange rate. This is a complete package -- airfare and accommodations. This also includes a 7 day post-op stay at the clinic, which I find nice. I've spoken to several trans-women who have gone there and the were all very pleased. There are a number of good surgeons in the US and Canada also.

I think the most important thing is a one year experience living as a woman. It's important not just because it is WPATH -- which I'm not a real big fan of -- but simply you really must be sure of this. This means coming out to friends, family, employer and community. So that's my plan -- coming out to everyone, which I want to do anyway, squeezing in as much electrolysis as I can and saving the money. I wish you well on your journey.

[I Am Paula]

I know some girls who can't wait for SRS. It is their major motivating force. Myself, I still teeter on the fence about it. I have done all the research, contacted Dr. Brassard, who says that those paying cash have a much shorter waiting list. I'm ready to go...but...I just can't wrap my head around the recovery time, for a Vee jayjay that might not get used.
I'm 56 already, have no plans for a relationship (although that could change), and although I can afford it, I decided that my remaining years on this planet would be full of joy, and busy catching up on a life wasted. That, somehow, doesn't include a grueling elective surgery. Call me weird, I just don't hate my existing plumbing that much. I wish it wasn't there, and I don't use it, but I can put it away out of mind.
There are good reasons for and against SRS. Completion being a huge one. In Canada SRS is not a requirement for anything legal. If I were younger, this would not even be an issue. I would have already fixed it.
That's where I stand. Conflicted.

[Frances]

SRS is a requirement for a lot of things legal in Quebec still.

[Aly Cat]

Yesterday I was doing the exact same thing!! I even bookmarked a medical center I liked and emailed them some questions. I know I'm a long ways away from being able to do anything since I still have to have one full year of RLE plus a lot of other things in order... Not to mention the money it will take. I've wanted that end result since I started this process though so to me, I don't feel like I'm jumping steps. I just feel like I am becoming more prepared and knowledgeable about what is to come.