Adams Apple Removal

[Guest Serene]

Well it's been awhile since I've posted, mostly due to a rather hectic schedule. Yay for exhausting college and work at the same time!

Anyway, I'm actively searching for a doctor who can perform a Trachea Shave or Adams Apple Removal, however the answer I usually get is "we don't do that" and if not I get "would you like to leave a message?". I'm looking at a map of Maryland, since I live on the eastern shore, and calling clinics that are listed for this specific surgery, so even though online it says they do it when I call most don't do it or don't know if they do. I did have high hopes that Johns Hopkins would prove satisfying, however they are, by far, the worse in customer service, likely due to the large number of employees. Every call to whatever department of Johns Hopkins they either have no idea what if their doctors do this surgery or don't really care, promptly transferring me to another department altogether in a perpetual runaround until one finally hangs up on me, after the lengthy wait with elevator music on the phone I might ad.

This experience noted, I am waiting for several return calls, only one of which has replied without the news I hope for. I was wondering if anyone else has had difficulty finding a doctor to remove their adams apple and how you managed to get in touch with them? Does anyone know if there's a good doctor in Maryland who does the Trachea shave?

Also, curiously, is that surgery to feminize the pitch and tone of the voice worthwhile? I heard some recordings of before and after and only 3 of the 15 I heard sounded passable. It just doesn't seem like a very successful field as of yet.

Any information would be very appreciated!

*hugs*

Serene

[Guest CassieX]

Hi Serene,

I can only comment on the vocal surgery to say please don't do it unless you have absolutely exhausted every other option and then I'd still say don't do it! There are many colleges and universities around the country that can offer

speech/communication classes to help you achieve a more feminine sounding voice. Some cost and some are free as you would be working with student clinicians under supervision. I am currently on my second semester at one such course and loving every moment of it. Please check out the voice forums for lots of discussion about this.

Cassie

[Guest Kaylee234]

Serene, if you're willing to drive a bit further Dr Leis at the Transgender Center in PA does tracheal shaves.

Speech/communications classes sound great in theory. Too bad they aren't actually available to some of us.

~ Kay

[Guest LizMarie]

Voice surgery varies hugely depending on the specific surgeon. It's usually best to try other means of feminizing the voice but if you end up facing surgery do lots of homework and take your time choosing a surgeon.

[VickySGV]

You have both Dr. Leis and Dr.McGinn just over in Pennsylvania. The term is Tracheal Shave as far as the adams apple goes which may be part of your issue in asking. Voice surgery is the VERY LAST thing to consider and unless you are terminal bull frog in pitch, is not the most important part of your becoming acceptable as female.

[Guest Serene]

I have been doing consistent research for quite some time, and you are all right. As far as voice goes it seems that every source gives me the same answer, that it has a very low success rate and is note widely performed. I did however want to see if anyone else had any input, but it all seems to point to the whole last ditch effort option. I have worked by myself trying to alter my speech to come across as feminine, using a recorder and playing it back how it sounds while trying to find out what is most comfortable. In most cases it seems to strain my voice and cause my muscles in my throat to ache like a workout with consistent use over a short period of time. I will keep practicing though.

The trachea shave I have finally found the closest doctor who does it. After hours upon hours spent on the phone with the runaround and a couple sheets of paper with dozens of names and numbers crossed out it looks like Dr. McGinn is the nearest several hours north of me. They were even the most polite and helpful on the phone that I've ever spoken with who are from a doctor's office! I filled out the paperwork and sent it via e-mail and hope to hear from them soon.

I've also learned that Johns Hopkins doesn't refer anyone, seems a bit odd for a prestigious medical organization.

Anyway, thank you all for the info and input!

*hugs*

Serene