Thanks for the advice, it’s much appreciated. My surgery is planned for 11 Feb, am just waiting for the clinic to send the booking confirmation, and then I can book flights. Paris, the practice business manager recommended the Grand Hotel Tijuana, which I’ve booked (but is cancellable). Some of the Tripadvisor reviews are making me have doubts about it though. Once booked, I’ll ask the concierge to sort the transport to and from San Diego airport - happy to pay for that as saves changing planes. I’m planning on staying until the following Saturday, so have a week of recovery before flying home. Hope that’s enough

The next challenge will be how I tell my local doctor that I’ve been nullified. He knows I’m a eunuch, but I blamed that on an accident when on holiday. Don’t think that excuse will work again.

... ... ...

manc-wannabe (imported) wrote: Sat Dec 24, 2022 6:22 am The next challenge will be how I tell my local doctor that I

’ve been nullified. He knows I’

manc-wannabe (imported) wrote: Sat Dec 24, 2022 6:22 am m a eunuch, but I blamed that on an accident when on holiday. Don

’t think that excuse will work again.

Maybe you should pay the doctor's attention to WPATH SOC-8:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10 ... 22.2100644

Yeah, think I will do that. Off topic but the U.K. is very backwards on trans and non binary rights . The NHS refuses to recognise more than 2 genders, and the transphobic government has recently tightened the law to require GP Consent to begin socially transition, and 2 separate referrals are needed for anything pharmaceutical or surgical. Given what wait times are like, this makes any transition on the NHS virtually impossible. I’m in London now so hopefully doctors are more open minded than in small town Britain.

manc-wannabe (imported) wrote: Sat Dec 24, 2022 6:22 am The next challenge will be how I tell my local doctor that I’ve been nullified. He knows I’m a eunuch, but

Valery_V (imported) wrote: Sat Dec 24, 2022 7:01 am I blamed that on an accident when on ho

liday. Don’t think that excuse will work again.

Unless there are complications from the surgery, there's no reason why you should have to.

The surgery is now booked and confirmed for 11 February, and I’ve paid my deposit. I’m flying back 8 days after my surgery on Sunday 19 February, direct premium economy San Diego to London. The consultant has confirmed he is fine with me flying home then, however I will have a catheter inserted. Can anyone advise on what getting through TSA security is like with a catheter? I’m reluctant to involve the airline and get a fit to fly certificate, as they may say no. I’m hoping I can have a tap catheter put in on the last day, rather than a bag one - at least I won’t need to take a bag of liquid through security! Thanks again for all your help

manc-wannabe (imported) wrote: Sun Dec 25, 2022 7:23 am The surgery is now booked and confirmed for 11 February, and I’ve paid my deposit. I’m flying back 8 days after my surgery on Sunday 19 February, direct premium economy San Diego to London. The consultant has confirmed he is fine with me flying home then, however I will have a catheter inserted. Can anyone advise on what getting through TSA security is like with a catheter? I’m reluctant to involve the airline and get a fit to fly certificate, as they may say no. I’m hoping I can have a tap catheter put in on the last day, rather than a bag one - at least I won’t need to take a bag of liquid through security! Thanks again for all your help

As long as the tap is plastic, you should have no problem with security. Just have a card or note from the surgeon to present should it be needed. Don't offer the card unless questioned.

You have a valid medical device. Do as Kristoff suggests, get the card or note. But as far as I know since a catheter is a necessary medical device, the TSA can't make demands about it, especially if it's documented.

I'd also speculate you're not the first person who has flown with a urinary catheter.

I have not flown with a catheter in place, but I have flown w/ a wheelchair and had lots of my catheter kits with me. TSA pulled me aside (actually to the front of the line) for special hand search security theater which was a pain but not a big deal. (I could probably have smuggled evil things past it if I had been an evil person w/ evil intent) I believe they asked me about what the catheter kits were, and all I had to say was 'medical supplies'.

They did ask about whether I had a catheter or any other medical equipment (like braces) on my body before doing the grope and poke routine, both because they would want explanations for any lumps etc. and because you really don't want to squeeze a catheter bag very hard (especially if near full )

I didn't have any kind of medical note, but being in a chair is kind of obvious...

I WOULD mention the catheter going through security if they want to do any kind of hand searching, as in "OK but you should know that I have a urinary catheter" so they know to expect it.

WheelyCurious

An update for you. The surgery has been done, and I’m a newly minted nullo! Just in recovery room at the hospital at the moment. Recovery tips welcome

Congratulations, and not to be thread-jacking or rude, but -

I am going to take this opportunity to remind users (especially new ones who might not know) DO NOT ask other VB Users for pictures.

And please do not harass manc through PM or email.

If you do, LT will get you.

And no one wants that.