Orchiectomy Curiosity

[rainflower]

I'm wondering for those that had an orchiectomy, did you just go thru any urologist? And did you decide to keep the skin or not? For those that did decide to keep it, what was that like?

What was life like after the orchiectomy? Did you later go on to have SRS? I have heard that if you wait too long after the procedure, it can cause issues with SRS.

I am undecided about SRS. I don't think I can do it.

[Carolyn Marie]

Q-1:  I'm in an HMO, so they asked around to see who had experience with an orchie, particularly for this purpose, and who would be willing to do it.  Apparently the ball bounced around a bit, and I ended up with someone wiling, but w/o experience with trans folk.  She did a good job, but I barely even talked to her beforehand.  It was "just a job."  She did a little extra to make the flap of skin left over very smooth, which caused it to be categorized as plastic surgery.  That cost the insurance company about $15,000 more than they should have paid.

 

Q-2:  So yeah, see above regarding the skin.

 

Q-3:  Not sure how to answer this one.  It wasn't a problem, and although she didn't discuss it with me before the surgery, i didn't mind the way it turned out.

 

Q-4:  Life was fine afterward.  I got rid of something(s) I hated and didn't need, it eliminated my need for T-blockers, and it makes me look a LOT nicer in a pair of skinny jeans. 

 

Q-5:  No more surgeries for me, thank you.

 

SRS/GCS is a very personal decision.  For some it is a no-brainer.  For others, it can be traumatic or even dangerous, or can dissolve a marriage.  Lots to consider.  Lots at stake.  Good luck!

 

Carolyn Marie

[rainflower]

Thanks for the response.