[Elio]

Endocrine says I am close to if not in menopause and taking out ovaries and uterine would make it easier to manage hormone treatments.

t says... since I refuse vaginal exams and have for over 15 yrs... that having hysterectomy could be seen as preventive

Trans Surgeon suggests doing hysterectomy at same time as top surgery or bottom surgery. Top surgery planned for in early spring.

Me - eh, it can all go.. especially if it will shut PCP up about PAP smears. And really, if the top surgery is going to keep my mind occupied and away from any abdominal pains.. why not piggy back off of them?

Any advice?

[waggiedog]

Hi Elio and thanks for putting your conundrum out there. I have thought about what you've said and have to agree with you. I mean about getting rid of it all at the same time.

I know from someone who was very close to me, that having ''top'' surgery was liberating, but it was also a major operation. I know everybody's different, but it took my husband (FTM) a while to get over. However, in saying that he told me it was the best thing he could have done, saved all that binding etc. I'm also wondering if your Dr/Consultant/surgeon has confirmed you can have all surgery in one go.

Ultimately it's totally your decision and if you are able to go ahead with having everything gone, then good on you. I believe we only get one shot at life, so it's too short to have overwhelming regrets, follow your heart hun.

No advice, just warm thoughts. My chosen sibling recently had his top surgery. It's a major operation yeah. Wishing you swift healing whichever way you decide.

[Elio]

Thanks.

Waggiedog - I know at one location in town they do top and hysterectomies at the same time. I am not sure if my surgeons will. I meet with hysterectomy surgeon in Jan and top surgeon in March. That is one of the first questions.

Oh and t thinks it is a good idea from the concept of one less anesthesia event. If I can get the surgeons on board, I think I'm going to go for it. I also need to make sure endocrine's plan will keep me of estrogen if they take my ovaries. Managing my hormones comment didn't include how he was thinking about managing them or what he was going to do. So, early in the process.

I also just went through supporting a friend through top surgery. And well it scared me a bit and for a little while I thought, hey binding is not that bad. Then the dysphoria really hit one day when my wife took a picture of me "being all handsome" and I looked at it and saw this old short white woman looking back at me. I can't do anything about the older, short, white part... but I can get the chest I want and possibly some changes to my face to not look so womanly.

I'm still scared of the pain involved of top surgery and how I will deal with getting to t's office 2x week while still having drains in... and not sure how I would deal with 3 wks no t. [see attachment issues 101 ] But yeah, only one life and if I'm going to live it... I've got to live it the way I feel is me.

Chosen sibling said he felt much better when the drains could be taken out. Problem though is despite pain medication, he still experiences a fair bit of pain. Discomfort too as the nerves are reconnecting.

Something to consider (pain management) if you opt for more than one surgery at one time.