A conversation with Dr. Kimmel

[mrt (imported)]

I'm really happy you talked to your GP and I hope others will be less wigged out about talking to their doctors about this. And I know that I was just as worried about talking about ED/Impotence issues.

One comment that keeps being repeated that I would like to disagree with. Dr Kimmel is (yes) the only Doctor that does an Bilateral Orchiectomy on just about anyone for just about any reason but I think its not quite right that he is the only Doctor who will do them.

We had a list some time ago that gave names of doctors who would do the procedure as long as there was "some" kind of documentation saying the patient was not a total mental case wack job. And is this not a good thing to not do this kind of surgery on people who are clearly out of their minds?

Anyway if your concerned about the skills or motivations of Dr Kimmel "try" contacting some others. Off the top of my head Dr Bowers Colorado, Dr Reed Florida, Dr Alter New York and LA Calif would be good places to try.

I believe Dr Reed just posted on his blog that he did a non Transexual Orchiectomy?

[Blaise (imported)]

Being concerned about Dr. Kimmel's handiwork, I made an appointment to see my personal physician of long standing. I brought with me a copy of the signed consent form from Dr. Kimmel's office.

I must say that waiting for my turn to talk to my doctor was much worse than having an orchiectomy, fear factor wise. When he walked into the exam room, I mumbled, "8-days ago I went to Philadelphia and had a procedure performed that I had been wanting done for over 34-years." Then I handed him the consent form.

My doctor read the first line, "Request for Castration," and his eyes immediately bugged out and he turned slightly pale. I was glad that he was seated and not standing up. "I can explain," I began.

"Just let me digest this," he muttered as he reread the document several times, mouthing the words, "bilateral orchiectomy... regional anesthesia... results in total sterility and impotence...." Then he turned to me and asked, "Did you volunteer for this?"

"Yes. I've been wanting this for over 34-years," I repeated. Then I told him why. "I got arrested back then for a sex offense. My libido was too strong and it got me into trouble with an underage person."

"So you chased the girls too much?" he queried.

"Boys too," I admitted.

"You did the right thing," he stated firmly. "That was a very manly thing to do. I'm impressed."

I had to smother a giggle at his accidental pun. "Yes, it took a lot of balls to do that."

"Why Philadelphia?"

"Only doctor who would do it on demand," I replied. "It was healthy tissue. The only other doctors that I could find, needed a diagnosis of cancer or a bunch of referral letters from several shrinks."

He nodded in agreement. "Well, you certainly solved your problem. Could I take a look?"

I dropped my pants and under garments. He poked a prodded gently with gloved fingers. "Through the scrotum, I see..... You are healing just fine."

"What about the slight drainage?" I asked.

"Don't worry about it. Are you taking any antibiotics?"

"Cipro."

"Well, then you are all set."

And that was that. On the way out I made another appointment to have the stitches taken out in another week's time.

What a relief. I have had you in my prayers. Thanks for the update. I am happy for you.

[Kangan (imported)]

Except for nasty night time hot flashes, some continuing slight drainage, and the itching stitches, I'm doing just fine.

Thanks for all your support and comments.

I'm really looking forward to getting those stitches out next Thursday.

[smoothie36 (imported)]

What is your total time frame from surgery to now?

How can I access Dr. Reed's blog?

[Kangan (imported)]

14 days right now from time of cutting of last testicle.

Hot flashes seem to come mostly at night where they interfere with sleep. I have no idea what my erectile capacity is, as the stitches are still painful enough to make me lose interest very quickly. Two more days and the stitches will be gone.

[kennath7 (imported)]

great news , sounds jike your doing great

[Kangan (imported)]

Tomorrow is day 17 and I get my stitches removed by my family physician. I am still having some slight leakage which is worring me. Hopefully, that will get dealt with also. I really want to get my life back to normal and not have to deal with stitches and the tugging itching and also the feminine hygene pads that I have had to wear!

[SplitDik (imported)]

The problem with seeing regular doctors, ER, etc. is that unless you have one of the "standard" reasons for being castrated (transgender or pedophile), they'll assume you are mentally ill. Such scrutiny is certainly better than dying, but can really cause trouble for you for a while. Your best bet is to find a psychiatrist first who specializes in transgender (even if you're not) and then go to the E.R. That way, when they decide you need psychological help then you can say you're already seeing someone and put an end to that conversation. You don't want them to pick the psychiatrist because then you could end up with someone who views you disfavorably.

[Kangan (imported)]

The problem with seeing regular doctors, ER, etc. is that unless you have one of the "standard" reasons for being castrated (transgender or pedophile), they'll assume you are mentally ill. Such scrutiny is certainly better than dying, but can really cause trouble for you for a while. Your best bet is to find a psychiatrist first who specializes in transgender (even if you're not) and then go to the E.R. That way, when they decide you need psychological help then you can say you're already seeing someone and put an end to that conversation. You don't want them to pick the psychiatrist because then you could end up with someone who views you disfavorably.

Interesting comment.... At first I was in disagreement with you, but then I reread your post and saw the word "pedophile." Perhaps that explains the nice treatment and even praise that I have gotten from both my regular MD and from a local urologist. I told the urologist who removed my stitches (my doctor referred me), that my reason was "libido reduction." He congratulated me and asked no further questions.

[Kangan (imported)]

Day 20 as an eunuch.

Hot flashes still with me mostly at night, but starting to diminish in intensity, thank goodness.

As for my stitches -- I am dismayed at the poor job that Dr. Kimmel did. When I went on day 17 to my regular doctor for stitch removal, he was so shocked at what he saw that he got me an immediate appointment with a local urologist. With the swelling gone from the edges of the L-shaped wound, it was apparent that the vertical wound stitches had been placed so tightly that the skin was everted (folded inwards), while the horizontal wound stitching was loose and allowing the skin to gape open. This explains the intense pain and also the seepage that I was experiencing.

I am afraid that the time has come for Dr. Kimmel to retire, or at least let someone else close up the incision.

Thanks to his poor closure job, I am still wearing sterile pads, although the pain is gone. My guess is that I will have a nasty L-shaped scar across my scrotum after everything heals in a month or so.