Sex Change MTF FTM SRS

December 10, 2011

Dear Dr. Reed,

I have been on hormones for 8.5 years . My journey is almost complete as I am seeking sexual reassignment surgery to complete my conversion into a female.
Specific_Questions: I want to know how much generally is the cost for total SRS with DR. Reed. How much generally will a patient have to spend for expenses during the trip to Miami for SRS. Also, I have a 5.5 penis when erect; how long deep should i expect my vagina cavity to be?
HEAR: Internet research.  Erin

Decemeber 10, 2011

Good morning Erin,

Thank you for your interest in what we do.  Sounds like you are well on your way.   Our fees are posted on our web-site/  Allow 500 for stents, about 115 for medical supplies such as oral medications, disposable bed protectors, a ring pillow, inexpensive housecoat, 500 plus for motel costs, 120 for food (our hotels have free breakfast spreads).   The rest is travel and ground transportation (shuttle service is more economical than a cab).

Big picture: if you have surgery with us you’ll probably reduce your overall expenses by several thousand dollars in that we own our facility outright.

With scrotal extension which we perform on 80% of our patients (gratis) you can expect a depth of 5 to 6 inches initially and more with dilation.   Keep in mind, true for all MTF patients, despite your stretched penile shaft skin length, you will lose 2 inches just going under the pubic symphysis.  However with the graft you more than recover this.

This December, 2011 we re-opened a Grant program with the slogan “the first 12 cases in 2012″ (was formerly the first 10 in 2010), based upon need of course.

After reading the attached, if you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation over the phone with our office by sending us your name, address, and telephone number in an envelope along with a check for 250.  We’ll get started ASAP.  We’ll have a lot to talk about.

The grant should reduce your fees by about 20% from our typically affordable price.  Certain restrictions regarding age and medical history may apply.

Cordially,

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

Outpatient surgery with convalescence at home or a nearby motel has been an established mode of medical practice for many excellent hospitals and surgery centers.

Some patients need followup for a few days. When it comes to visiting patients at non-specified hotels/motels, sorry I do not do this. The 2 hotels we do recommend are the Baltic (advanced tourist class) with abundance of white linens, an appetizing breakfast spread and coffee in the reception area, and an amiable hostess Christina. Or Daddy O’s (more posh) with assistant manager Courtney and her lovely staff.

These are not the best of times, you know that. I will not walk with a doctors bag in a dimly lit corridor, in a strange budget hotel/motel to see one lonesome patient who wishes to save $25 a day on a room. If you look like a woman, in the eyes of Florida medical ethics, you are a woman, and the availability of another woman in the room if need be is a standard of care.

Christina has been looking after our patients for 4 or more years, and does many things no hotel front desk person will ever do.  For example: go to the CVS Pharmacy and pick up a prescription (they won’t deliver), make breakfast, fuss over you a little bit, provide some cheerful company during the day, etc. Call me if there is concern.

Other doctors may work differently, but that’s how we do it.

Harold M. Reed, M.D.

December 8, 2011

Dear Dr. Reed,

Not on hormones.  I am an MTF and seek vaginoplasty.   Specific_Questions: What is the perfect surgery.  Heard about you on the Internet.

Juan

December 8, 2011

Good morning Juan,

Thank you for your interest in what we do. There is no perfect surgery,  but surgery that should provide gender confirmation with how you feel about yourself and surgery that should be you a turn on to most intimate sexual partners.  Look at examples of our work and web-sites of other surgeons as well.  See if you like which is shown.  Caveat: you are looking at the best of the best each has to offer.  Untoward results seldom make the web-sites unless a doctor wants to show you how he/she revised someone else’s work.

This December, 2011 we re-opened a Grant program with the slogan “the first 12 cases in 2012″ (was formerly the first 10 in 2010), based upon need of course.

After reading the attached, if you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation over the phone with our office by sending us your name, address, and telephone number in an envelope along with a check for 250.  We’ll get started ASAP.  We’ll have a lot to talk about.

The grant should reduce your fees by about 20% from our typically affordable price.  Certain restrictions regarding age and medical history may apply.

Cordially,

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

December 7, 2011

I know this email is almost a year after your response. I was able to contact Dr. M. but unfortunately he was unwilling to do a phalloplasty on me. I have been in continued therapy for this and I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that an ordinary phalloplasty is not for me until I feel like I’ve exhausted all other options.

Was a genetic male, had a vaginoplasty and would like a penis again. 

So I have a new question for you: I know that at least theoretically, given the various organ transplants that have been in the news lately (hand, face, etc) a penis transplant is possible. In fact, they even tried it in China about 5 years ago but had to remove it because of a psychological reaction between the patient and his wife. And I know there are downsides to organ transplants such as anti immune system drugs. However, I feel the trade off – FOR ME – is worth it. My quality of life regarding what I have between my legs is awful (whereas the rest of my life is fine) so I want to try to find a doctor and a medical board willing to let me try a transplant. I know this is a truly ONE IN A KIND thing. I would be maybe the 2nd person in the entire world to have this done. It’s not something that most doctors would be able to even begin to point me in the right direction – however, I’m wondering IF you can help me in my endeavor. Can you give me any idea where to start on finding such a doctor who would be willing to do this?

Raulene

Decemeber 7, 2011

Good morning Raulene,

Problem # 1 is to find a therapist who will say this is right for you.  Given the unusual nature of your request this could be a stumbling block.

Then look at the attached letter and choose another surgeon.  Consider Dr. Salgado, Dr. Djordjevic, Dr. Djinovic.

Best wishes,

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

December 3, 2011

I WAS BORN AS A MALE BUT FROM NY SOUL I WAS FEMALE. MY ATTRACTION AND BIHAVIOUR WAS LIKE FEMALT .I WANT CHANGE MYSELF COMPLETELY .PLEASE HELP ME . YOU CAN CONTACT ME THROUGH A EMAIL.PLEASE HELP…  *(personal data deleted)

Makawee Silverhe…s   Laramie, WY

December 3, 2011

Good morning Makawee,

You are a very special person, a native American Indian with a very  special name.

This December, 2011 we re-opened our Grant program with the slogan “the first 10 cases in 2012″, (had been the first 10 in 2010) based upon need of course.

After reading the attached, if you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation over the phone with our office by sending us your name, address, and telephone number in an envelope along with a check for 250.  We’ll get started ASAP.  We’ll have a lot to talk about.

The grant should reduce your fees by about 20% from our typically affordable price.  Certain restrictions regarding age and medical history may apply.

Cordially,

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

December 2, 2011

Dear Dr. Reed

I was on hormones back in 1998 and have been on hormones for some years straight till about 2009 I have stopped taking the hormones. But I have legally changed my name to that of a female and have been living full time as a woman since 2002. I am currently living my life full time as a woman. I am listed female on most of all my legal documents. I have not had electrolysis but I intend to. Also I would like to have breast enhancements if you think I would benefit from it.
Specific_Questions: Could you mail me information about the SRS procedure. I am very interested in finally being completely female its one thing to live as a woman but to wake up and go to sleep knowing you have the parts that make one more female would be stress off my life. I have had a heart attack back in November 9, 2009. I believe there was heart damage mild. I was wondering if that will hinder me having my surgery. Also I was wondering if there is anyway you could write a letter before the operation that says one has altered their sex to female or is in your estimation female. I also would like to have information mailed to me at my address. I think you do very good work. I believe I should have you do the surgery.I was also wondering whenever I masturbate I imagine that I am a female.Should I stop masturbating as a male. I just want the surgery and to be able to orgasm as a woman.Also I love anal sex with my dildo. Is there any risk in doing that over a long period of time. It is all I have that makes me feel like a woman and    Zelda

Good morning Zelda,

Thank you for your interest in what we do.  That you have had a prior heart attack puts you into the class 3 ASA category and for that reason, you need to be operated upon in a hospital as opposed to an office surgery center appended to a doctors office.
Please consider other resources.

I cannot write a letter to say you are a female based upon anatomy, but suggest you have your therapist write a letter that you live as a female and that will get your passport changed.  And might, might help in some states with other legal documents such as a driver’s license.

Best wishes,

Harold M. Reed, M.D.

December 1, 2011

Thanks for the response. I tried calling you back but I think you were gone already. What do you mean by sponsor? like a person, or an orgonization? For example, I found a site called Jim Collins foundation, they fund raise the money for surgery for transgenders. Or do you mean a sponsor from a boyfriend/girlfriend, relative, ect.

I have thought of going back to school to be an RN, but that would also require me to take out additional loans either way. I have an associates degree but it doesn’t mean much to most companies today. But I think i’ll see if I can go to school for something different than the associate I have, its from a tech school. Either a massage therapist, or nursing.  

Again, thank you for the reply, and yes, if I can afford surgery I have my heart set on your clinic.   June

Good afternoon June,

Try Jim Collins if you wish.   LOL.

Yes, a sponsor like a person, a significant other, lover, parent, friend, relative, business partner, or church group.

Just think this way, parents assume sponsorship responsibilities when they have children, hundreds of thousands of women marry every year and expect, without blinking an eye, their husbands to bring the major portion of revenue into the household.

Or in other words, they are sponsored.

The capacity to help is widely distributed in our society on an individual and group basis.

Anne is waiting for your call and perhaps she can propose some figures that make sense or could make sense if you have some outside help.

Best wishes,

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

Good Evening, my name is Ilana and I have been following dr. reed’s work for a long time. I have been in transition for 6 years. Im 21 and I know this is what I want. I just need the right surgeon at the right time to help me with this whole process. I take transexualism to a whole new level. I live like a woman at work, in school, at home, family functions and will continue to. I will definitely amaze you when I walk in. You would never guess. I just need the oppurtunity to prove it to you. I have had my personal doctor to examine me and discuss with me the details and how to continue. I would definitely have recommendations. He compliments my improvement everytime we meet. I have been on hormones since last year, and they are working. I would just love to get the chance to meet Dr. Reed and have him help me out. Times are definitely hard and at the rate im goin i feel like i will never make it. I would love to send a picture when you reply.
 
Thanks Ilana,

November 30, 2011

Good afternoon Ilana,

Thank you for your interest in what we do.  Yes, we are having a promotional month this November. Kindly call Anne for details.

After reading the attached, if you believe I am the doctor for you, please initiate a consultation over the phone with our office by sending us your name, address, and telephone number
in an envelope along with a check for 250.  We’ll get started ASAP.  We’ll have a lot to talk about.

Cordially,

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

only 2 minutes ago I got a similar letter

Yes, I am on hormones, and have been living full time almost 3 years.
Specific_Questions: I have emailed you before with a question, and received an answer. Now I have another question, sorry I ask a lot of questions. I wanted a doctor’s opinion on medical loans. I am a young transgender, early 20s. I have school loans I am paying on, but with a job I only make about 20,000. Since the surgery itself is almost 20,000 after laser removal ect, hormone pills, rent, and paying loans, I know it would take me till I’m like 50 or 60 to save that much. My accountant at my bank suggested a loan. I am wondering if another loan would be worth it. I personally think any hardship is worth the surgery, but my money sense tells me more debt is always a bad choice if avoidable. I guess what I want is a second opinion, I have one from a person who specializes in money, I wanted someone’s opinion who does the surgery, and has probably had patients who’ve chosen loans to pay for their surgeries. Did they think it was well worth the extra debt? I already have a 20,000 school debt, whats another 20,000 for a life change.  Eloise

 and here’s what I wrote…

Dear Eloise,

50% of our patients come in with a sponsor, that is to say, the patient is not paying for the surgery.  Again 50%.

Imagine that.

My answer is also do not borrow another 20,000 during these very hard times with no end in sight.  You will not be able to live with yourself working so thin on a budget, and you will have no
reserve for emergencies or contingencies.

Having a few pennies in your pocket helps to feel good and secure about yourself.  Ultimately if you hone your skills and do a credible job, your income will rise.

RN’s make 65,000 plus a year and transgenderism among nurses is frequently seen in my practice.  All food for thought.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season,

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

At 01:08 AM 12/1/2011,  Ilana writes back…

Dr. Reed,

I will gladly call anne tomorrow for details. I thank you for making this a personal email and not just a forward. I appreciate that alot…  Ilana

November 25, 2011

Hi Dr. Reed,

No I am not on any hormones, but taking herbs, to help me along the way
Specific_Questions: Well first, I want to remove both testicles,But was wondering will this make me more femmine by doing this, with out testerones I understand taht my other parts also produce the hormone.I do know that the body needs hormones to equal out the system, so as soon as these are removed could i start extenisive estrogen program, also one more question, is any of the skin that the testicles are wrapped in used for furthering my surgery, to become a female, or is it just wasted skin? thanks for the info, your web site is quite promising, thank you, Janice

November 25, 2011

Good morning Janice,

Thank you for your interest in what we do.  You can have orchiectomy without any additional procedure for the time being.  You will need 2 letters of therapy clearance as mentioned in the attached.  If you are interested in hormones to accelerate secondary sexual characteristics, we do that.

When testes are removed there is some feminizing effect, but usually not that impressive as your skin may get softer, you’ll shave less, there may be very early breast growth, but not to be compared with one breast size smaller than your mother or sister when you are on proper estrogens for 2 years.

Our fee is 600 per year as you will need to be followed every 3 months for a while.  Laboratory testing and your selection of a pharmacy for medication is additional.

The advantages of orchiectomy are reduction in the amount of estrogens you need to take daily, less toxicity and some savings.  Of course, some bulge reduction.  Most MTF patients who anticipate vaginoplasty will save their scrotal skin for labia formation and vaginal depth extension.

After reading the attached, if you believe I am the doctor or you, please initiate a consultation over the phone with our office by sending us your name, address, and telephone number in an envelope along with a check for 250.  We’ll
get started ASAP.  We’ll have a lot to talk about.

Please keep in mind.  This November is a promotional month.  Call the office and speak with Anne our amiable office
manager for details.

Cordially,

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

My name is Kendra . I’m in the process of transitioning, have been on hormones for about 4 years… But the dysphoria has gotten so bad that I cannot function in day to day life.

I had read on another site that you sometimes might offer grants to help cover the expenses of things like an Orchiectomy. I’m on 400 mg of spironolactone and I still feel very dissonant inside chemicaly.
I also do not have an endo, or the luxury of having one who knows very much about trans people at all.
I am 26 years old, but to me age is irrelevant when I’m in limbo like this. However, the amount of pain that has built up as a result of dysphoria is unimaginably crippling. I am a novelist. I’m an amateur musician. I have a wide variety of interests. I used to play every single day and really enjoy what I did…

.
But I feel so clogged up right now from the pain of being like this that I cannot be productive right now. What I need is real progress, however anxiety and an autoimmune disorder really amplify it and this pain has taken over my life almost completely. I fight it every single day.

I don’t mean to rant. What exactly do I have to do to meet the requirements of a grant? I want SRS, truthfully, but I might want to wait on it simply because they are experimenting with the cheek cell neovagina that I have been hearing about a lot in the online community.
I desperately need SRS and waiting is going to be torture, but I wanna make sure I’m as happy with the results as I can be. It does not make it any less desperate, and it might turn out that waiting for the better alternative wont help me.
If I could at least make some REAL progress in my transition I think I’d have the fuel I needed to get through this transition mentally stable and at least functioning.

I wanted to know the criteria because I can’t afford this at all. My parents do not have the time to really help out, or the money, and neither do any of my relatives. If the grant covered a good deal of it, I would get an orchi in a heartbeat. That is one thing I am absolutely sure of…

Thank you for your time and for listening to me. The fact that I’m sending this and looking even further into pro bono things or grants means that I haven’t given up hope completely, but I would be lying if I said that it were in adequate supply to live a healthy life; A life which is passing me by because I’m incapable of working,

and I’m incapable of working cause of anxiety and pain caused by the dysphoria. I’m 26 and I know I have potential… The problem is actually feeling like myself in the process. Thanks again for listening.

Sincerely,

Kendra

Good afternoon Kendra,

Thank you for your interest in what we do.  Yes, we are having a promotional month this November. Kindly call Anne for details.

Your dose of Spironolactone 400 mg a day is way too high.  Please seek out an endocrinologist at your county welfare care center.

Lastly please keep in mind 50% of our patients come in with a sponsor.

For example yesterday we did a lady from Arkansas, full MTF vaginoplasty, and there was a real nice gent who wrote out the checks and is with her now.

Cordially,

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