Archive for the ‘Feminizing vaginoplasty’ Category

Needs MTF vagina only, possible?

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Was wondering if its possible to only get one part changed, i only want to go male to female between the knees you could say, is that possible?     Jeremy

May 25, 2010

Good morning Jeremy,

We receive requests like yours almost daily.  Why not a vaginoplasty?  Will you be sexually active?

If you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation with our office by sending us your name, address, and phone number in an envelope and you will receive a call ASAP.  We’ll have a lot to talk about.

There is a lot of information we need to put out to you, as well as answer your all questions and concerns.  This fee provides for followup discussion and covers your first visit at the office excluding laboratory work.

Anticipate we will show you every courtesy.

With kindest regards,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite # 311
Bay Harbor Islands, Fl 33154-2041

My brother is transgender, is he moving too fast

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Hello:
I have a brother that is transgender. He will ultimately undergo vaginoplasty sex reassignment surgery (SRS). He has been on hormones since October 2009. He has only been in therapy since Feb 2009. I am looking to understand if he is moving too quickly along this path or if he is moving about average,  and if it is according to an acceptable protocol or timeline within the medical community for such a transition.
 
1) I have heard that transitions take several years. First the individual undergoes extensive psychoanalysis and therapy. Then that person lives as the intended gender for a period of time. Then hormone therapy is introduced and finally, SRS completes the physical transition. What is the recommended time frame for all of this?
2) How long does a transgender individual have to be on hormone therapy before surgery takes place?
3) Is there a website that I can go to to get more information on the entire recommended transition process? From how long the person needs to be in therapy, to how long hormone therapy should be, to how long to live as the intended gender, to how long and how many surgeries are required to complete the transition?
 
So basically, I’m looking to find out what the general guidelines are for transgender individuals considering SRS? I want to know what is standard practice for physicians. What do physicians require from their transgender patients considering SRS? Do you look for certain things – like how long they’ve been living as their intended gender? What prevents a physician from allowing someone to just jump right into SRS? Like i said, I’m worried that my brother is moving way to quickly and that he will jump into surgery before he is 100% sure that it is right for him. I just want to make sure that he does the transition carefully and correctly. Can you help me?
 
Thank you,
Phyllis

May 25, 2010

Good morning Phyllis,

You concerned is appreciated and shared.  The purpose of WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) is to establish guidelines for an appropriate transition and is widely respected in the United States, often in Europe and perhaps inconsistently in the Orient.

Minimum requirements are to be living 24./7 in the chosen role, “RLT”  (Real Life Test) for 1 year, but truly most confirm their intentions with a lot more time in grade than that.  The incidence of remorse is about 3 per cent, but could be a lot less with good therapeutic evaluation.

Our office is available for consultation.

With best wishes,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000

Affording MTF vaginoplasty

Monday, May 24th, 2010

I am currently on delestrogen Inj. and Premarin tablets as well as provera and aldactone. Ihave been on these medications for over half of my life and I am 38yo now. I was a nurse and now on disibility with medicare and my states medicaid. I have tried so very hard to save money for the surgery and hair removal but, I just can’t seem to get there. I am writing you to see if you can help me as far as what I can do to correct the mistake that was made at birth.
Specific_Questions: I am just hoping that you can help me please in any way and I have had psychological papers for years however,I know I don’t see a solution for the money for the surgery. Please Help! I have spoken with Dr. in  US and wants ALOT more than I could ever dream of affording. I thought reaching out to you might just answer my many years of prayers just to be Normal! Thank You Dr.Reed for your time to read this request for help.  Carly 

May 23, 2010

Good morning Carly,

Sounds like you are well on your way.

Yes for 2010 we did have a Grant program…
our slogan, “the first 10 in 2010.”

There is only one grant position left (to be used only for truly financiallychallenged patients) and a few patients are eying that.

In the event it is taken, Anne may offer individual consideration as she is the maker of deals and the brains behind pa.

If you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation with our office by sending us your name, address, and phone number in an envelope along with a check for 250 and you will receive a call ASAP. We’ll have a lot to talk about.

There is a lot of information we need to put out to you as well as address all of your concerns, including scheduling and followup care.  Anticipate we will show you every courtesy.

Have a sunny weekend,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite # 311
Bay Harbor Islands, Fl 33154-2041

Speak to me of moisture. The drip ?

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Dr. Reed,
The more I look into this topic, the less I seem to know. First it was suffer and use products. Then it was sigmoid, more costly but moist. Then it was drip, more work but worth it. Now I read on Dr Reed’s website he is thinking about dropping his latest, the drip, in favor of what, nothing? I know the state-of-the-art advances bit what’s a girl to do? Will someone please help me?
Sharon

Dear Sharon, 

Are you talking about MTF vaginoplasty and when you say “the drip.”    Please explain. Please cite some references or web-site addresses where this term is mentioned.

Seeking financial assistance for vaginoplasty

Friday, April 30th, 2010

April 29, 2010

I Have Trachal Shave and Breast Implants living 3yrs as Tanya Specific_Questions: What financing options are available.?

Good morning Tanya,

We have noted that 50% of our patients come in with a sponsor, could be a family member, spouse, significant other, business partner or church group.  This makes your MTF vaginoplasty possible.  You would be surprised at the goodness and charitable qualities of people close to you.   Every so often, we also have a Grant Program to help people such as you.  That would bring you a big savings.   This January our slogan was “The First 10 in 2010″  Actually we were able to vest in 15 patients.  And let me say, that was a lot of fun.

We also accept pre-payments and many a patient has done that a 1000 dollars at a time.  If you are seeking individual consideration. please call Anne our amiable office manager, as she is the maker of deals. 

For a line of  Medi-credit, please tryChase Health Advance, USA only
www.unicornfinancial .comor,  Canada only.
http://www.medicard.com/

Reliance Finance Company, LLC
http://www.reliancemedicalfinance.com/
1-888-502-8020

or

Medicard Finance

or

www.carecredit.com
automated phone application #  is (800) 365-8295

All the best,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000

Old medical records may not be available, requests vaginoplasty

Friday, April 30th, 2010

April 30, 2010

Dear Dr. Reed,

 No i’n not in any hormones of any kind and wish to get back on track to complete my transition
to being a woman.l
Specific_Questions: do i need to go back to my old doctors office or can it be my precent doctor who doesn’t have the oldest medical records?

Lonnie

Good morning Lonnie,

Thank you for your interest in what we do.

Old medical records are desirable, but in many instances they are not available and a new physician has to work with the information you present and continue on.

We also do hormones.  A letter of therapy clearance is required by a licensed therapist with a doctoral degree.  Our fee is 250 for consultation, and 600 per year to follow you with needed lab tests, office visits, prescriptions, counselling, numerous telephone calls, and medical records documentation.

The 600 fee is billed 3 months after your initial visit.

Lab tests are an out of pocket expenses as is the medication.  We may recommend a laboratory, but you can have them done at a nationally recognized laboratory of your choice.

With kindest regards,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000

Need help with vaginoplasty and putting this all together

Friday, April 30th, 2010

April 29, 2010

hi dr. reed,

thank you for ur return letter.i am very interested in begining the transormation from male to female and have heard so mcuh about the good work you do in Miami, i am currently working on the financial aspect now and i go see my physicitrist on the 5th of may i am going to talk to them about “gender identy”diagnosis.i am extremly anxious to start the process.thank you   Rohner Philpotts

Good afternoon Rohner,

We’ll keep in a “stand by” mode” and wish you well
with your transition.

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000

MTF Vaginoplasty needed, it’s been 10 years

Friday, April 30th, 2010

Now Male
BECOME: Female – MTF
Hormones/Conversion: yes over 10 years also been female for over ten years all i am waiting for is srs

one little problem on that is i dont have the letter yet or no way to get as of yet my mom is going to pay for grs finly after a long batle with her what i am doing now is trying to find the right care up here to right now useing the va i give my sprip and hoemons i dont think thay know what they are doing i need to run class is calling please get back with me on this also you can call me.  thank you have a nice day     Kayla from Corning, New York

Good afternoon Kayla,

Sounds like you are well on your way. I am a New Yorker, and graduated from the University of Rochester, went to Upstate Medical School in Syracuse and certainly remember visiting the Steuben glassworks in Corning, and a great Italian spaghetti and meatball lunch in a small restaurant in Corning, many years ago.

Also remember my brother sticking his finger in a wind pipe in the front of a glider at Elmira airport and for a few moments had trouble getting it out.

If you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation with our office by sending us your name, address, and phone number in an envelope along with a check for 250 and you will receive a call ASAP. We’ll have a lot to talk about.

There is a lot of information we need to put out to you, as well as answer your all questions and concerns. This fee provides for followup discussion and covers your first visit at the office excluding laboratory work.

Anticipate we will show you every courtesy.

With kindest regards,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite # 311
Bay Harbor Islands, Fl 33154-2041

Anticipating Vaginoplasty, many questions for Dr. Reed

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

April 2, 2010

Good morning Joleene,

Sounds like you are well on your way.

Taking your thoughtful questions in the order posed.

Do you have an updated FAQ? I have the FAQ from a year ago, but if you have a more recently updated FAQ I would very much appreciate seeing it.

Attached.

Is your clinic outpatient certified?

Quad A, and also registered with the Florida Board of Medicine.

Who regulates your clinic?

Regulations of of Quad A (The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.
http://www.aaaasf.org/ and Florida Board of Medicine. We were built to HRS specifications.  The inspectors were all over the place checking out every physical aspect, fire walls, air exchanges per hour, filters, you name it.

Who does the anesthesia?

Anesthesia is provided usually by a licensed CRNA (“Uncle Bob”) who has hospital privileges, and has been with us for
over 20 years. Anne our office manager and assistant has been with me for 28 years.

I understand that if I do need to go to a hospital due to complications after the surgery that you would accompany me and handle the situation. Is this still correct?

Yes..

Are you allowed to perform any needed corrective surgeries in that hospital?  Life threatening surgery could be performed, but cosmetic revisions are reverted to our facility. So far, the reasons for transfer have included an occasional need for transfusion and one patient I had a psychotic break.

How often do you visit the hotel that I will be staying at?

Daily and more often if needed. It is an easy 8 minute drive away from our office.

Does your clinic staff visit the hotel as well, and how often do they visit?

No, the staff does not visit the hotel. The RN for your overnight stay and I do bring you to the hotel the morning after surgery. Christina, the amiable hotel manager will show you an unusual amount of attention. We also recommend
a friend or loved one be with you for a few days. In that you live in Boca, chances are you could return home by or around the 4th post-operative day.

I understand that touch ups are done at no extra charge 3 months after the surgery.

After complete wound healing, usually 3 the 4 months after surgery. That is true, but if you need a general anesthesia allow an additional 600 to cover the costs of anesthesia.

Is this something you recommend even if what needs to be touched up is minor?

Yes, I am all for touch ups, because I want you to have an excellent result, that a patient from any other office would be envious of.

I intend on getting a loan to have my surgery completed before the end of this year.  Is there any specific source that you would recommend to get the medical loan?

For a line of Medi-credit, please try

Reliance Finance Company, LLC

http://www.reliancemedicalfinance.com/

1-888-502-8020

or

Chase Health Advance, USA only
www.unicornfinancial .com

or

Medicard Finance, Canada only.

http://www.medicard.com/

or

www.carecredit.com
automated phone application # is (800) 365-8295

If a service charge is imposed on the doctor, often 3 to 5% that fee which is taken out of my check is passed back to
you. Ask, as not all loan companies impose a service fee.

If you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation with our office by sending us your name, address, and phone number in an envelope along with a check for 250 and you will receive a call ASAP. We’ll have a lot to talk about.

There is a lot of information we need to put out to you, as well as answer your all questions and concerns. This fee provides for followup discussion and covers your first visit at the office excluding laboratory work.

Anticipate we will show you every courtesy.

With kindest regards,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.
305-865-2000
1111 Kane Concourse, Suite # 311
Bay Harbor Islands, Fl 33154-2041

At 10:30 PM 3/31/2010, you wrote:
Hello Dr. Reed,

We spoke a little less than a year ago, and my situation since then has changed drastically. I am now intending on having my vaginoplasty completed before the end of this year. I am still considering coming to you for my surgery due to how close you are (I live in Boca Raton) as well as thanks to how much you charge. Some really quick basic information:
I am 22 years old.
I have been on hormones since August 21st, 2008.
I have been full time female since December 1st, 2008.
I have legal proof of being full time female (name change court order) since February 11th, 2009.
I am slim, and while I may not be in the best physical condition I am actively working on that now and by the time I have my surgery I expect to be physically fit.
I have never had any surgery before in my life.

Please answer the following questions as they will have a drastic weight in my decision to come to you for my surgery or another doctor:

Do you have an updated FAQ? I have the FAQ from a year ago, but if you have a more recently updated FAQ I would very much appreciate seeing it.
Is your clinic outpatient certified?
Who regulates your clinic?
Who does the anesthesia?
I understand that if I do need to go to a hospital due to complications after the surgery that you would accompany me and handle the situation. Is this still correct?
Are you allowed to perform any needed corrective surgeries in that hospital?
How often do you visit the hotel that I will be staying at?
Does your clinic staff visit the hotel as well, and how often do they visit?
I understand that touch ups are done at no extra charge 3 months after the surgery. Is this something you recommend even if what needs to be touched up is minor?
I intend on getting a loan to have my surgery completed before the end of this year. Is there any specific source that you would recommend to get the medical loan?

Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to eventually meeting you in person for my consultation.

Joleene

You or the Thailand Doctor

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Dear Dr. Reed,

I wrote to you awhile back regarding SRS…..You mentioned a “Grant subsidary” and I was wondering if that is still available. I don’t know if you will remember me but I’ve contacted you several times…..the last time I mentioned contemplating having the surgery with a Dr. _ _  in Thailand. I am still greatly contemplating whether or not I should go to him or go to you. My main issue is being able to afford the SRS. I get SSI,about $800 a month indefinitely. If there is a way to have it done with you I would much prefer it. My reasons for choosing Dr.Pichet at the moment are based on the fact that he only charges $6500 USD for the SRS. The only thing at the moment that is slowing my process to go to Thailand is my great fear of flying.  I don’t like the feeling of taking a huge risk with this….I want to be sure I will be alive after the SRS and that my neo vagina will be orgasmic and functioning properly. Not that I don’t really trust him,it’s just that my gut instinct tells me I should wait and have my SRS with you Dr.Reed. It’s already April and I have’nt wired my full amount to Dr. (so and so)  yet because of my contemplating.

If there is a way to get my SRS from you this year,I would….I will definitely refund my deposit from the Dr.  and much rather go with you if it feels right. One because you are closer by and I would much prefer not having to fly such a great distance. Two there is’nt much of communication barrier because you are also American.Three I’ll be closer to relatives ( I have family who live in Orlando ).

Anyways I am venting you my feelings. I’ve only got around $4 k to my name at the moment. Wiring all this money overseas also puts a huge stressor on my part.

I spoke to you on the phone once before…. Dr.Reed I need your help and advice.

Sincerely,

Irela

April 4, 2010

Good morning Irela,

Thank you ever so much for your heartfelt letter and your candor.

You will own many cars in a lifetime, possibly a few homes or condos, but a cosmetically and functioning below the waist result, you should only have to invest in once.   And in all honesty, it is a lot less expensive than any of the above, regardless of where your surgery is done.

When you are given a discount, our working staff continues to work at full wages.  All our operating expenses remain the same.   There are no clocks in our operating room and no price tags on our patients.  Also please be advised you will need some contingency funds to cover the possibility of a return visit for a touch up or continuity of care with a local doctor.

Patients having had surgery abroad and coming to us for a revision is not at all unusual.  Our policy for our established patients is not to charge unless a general anesthetic is required which is 600.  A lot less expensive than a plane fare back to Thailand.

Please don’t read that book, “Europe on 8 Dollars a Day” and think for 56 dollars you can vacation in Europe for a week.  There are always out of pocket expenses which you need to factor into your cost, such as travel for you and perhaps a companion or loved one, food, medications, some medical supplies and stents, hotel lodging for about 8 days, although if you have a friend in Miami you could stay there and save about 4 days.

We will work with you to make your dreams come true, and we will offer a vastly discounted fee, for a substantial deposit, good for 1 year.  Please also recognize that a deposit up to 50% of the negotiated price is non refundable.

This past week I the honor of being asked to write an article for ?Sex reassignment surgery:  Male to Female? for Seminars in Plastic Surgery edition on: “Aesthetic and Functional Genital and Perineal Surgery:  Male and Female”.

This May, I will be delivering a talk to the Aqua Transsexual Society in North Miami.  My patient Jessica had appeared on Larry King Live last year.

If you have not submitted a 250 consultation fee to our office, really that is step number one as we need to be sure you are a surgical candidate.  Review once again our attached letter.

Please call Anna in the office on Monday as she is the brains behind pa and the maker of deals. 

Let’s hope we can make it happen for you,

Have a blessed Easter Sunday,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.

305-865-2000