1.5 Years Post-Op, And Some Cautions

[RJLupin (imported)]

I used to post here some time ago, but haven't since I had surgery. I'm a transsexual, and had orchiectomy done by Dr. Reed in May of 2005. I have zero interest in castration fetishes/etc, but I thought I'd drop by and at least give people some info on what life post-op has been like.

Surgery helped out my feminization, no questions. I don't regret it at all. That being said, it hasn't been very easy at times either. Even with HRT in the form of estrogen, I still suffer chronic fatigue that no amount of rest will alleviate. The doctor tells me this is due to low testosterone, but obviously I can't take testosterone supplements because that would undo the good work of my surgery. I still get occasional hot flashes, and have had a hard time sleeping for the first time ever in my life. Basically, after surgery your body goes through menopause and even the most customized hormone regimen cannot counteract some of the side effects.

If you're intensely transsexual and don't plan on SRS, I say go for it. I am very pleased with my surgery, and the side effects are worth it. If you're doing it for some sexual fetish reason, I say "don't even think about it." You will gain weight. You will have fatigue and memory problems. You will be at severe risk for osteoporosis. Even if you go on HRT (and if you're going to take testosterone, why have this surgery?) you will NEVER be the same as you were before. Also, I think few people consider how annoying it is to have to take pills or use patches every day for the rest of their lives.

A special note for those who imagine it will eliminate their sex drive: this may or may not happen. Even now, with my testosterone levels very low, I still can get erections and have sexual urges. I don't mind this, since I didn't want to lose my sexual desire. If you're planning on having surgery to eliminate your sex drive, don't do it. Seek counseling to help you understand why you have conflicts in this area.

I know this isn't what people want to hear, but I think it's important to say this none the less.

[sheep79 (imported)]

you have raised some valid points thankyou for your first hand experience I hope ppl read this and take it in mind before doing something they will regret .Sheepy

[DonnyMac (imported)]

These are all good reasons to try chemical first (easier than trying it after surgical). The side effects, both physical and mental, can be profound. At least chemical is reversable if not "your cup of tea." I have been on DP for 11 months and still see changes. Based on my experience, I would guess a minimum of one year, even better more than 18 months, is needed to see if these changes are right for you.

Just my 2-cents worth.

Don

[bigtwin (imported)]

well said Rj, I am postop 2yrs now and would give anything to go back to that day when I was lying on the table having second thoughts about loosing my balls. I should have ran out of there.But I didn't.Since then I have gained weight and feel like a slug.Have not been able to have sex since then either.Even with HRT. Although some of this could be age and stress.who knows.(twin)

[RJLupin (imported)]

well said Rj, I am postop 2yrs now and would give anything to go back to that day when I was lying on the table having second thoughts about loosing my balls. I should have ran out of there.But I didn't.Since then I have gained weight and feel like a slug.Have not been able to have sex since then either.Even with HRT. Although some of this could be age and stress.who knows.(twin)

Even with HRT? They tried giving me some testosterone gel (low dose) to help with my energy levels. It felt like I had taken speed! I was way more energetic, but body hair started to return and my feminization reversed so I had to stop. Alas. If I take very high doses of estrogen I get more energy, but it also makes me kind of queasy.

[Riverwind (imported)]

Its been 5 years, 1 year chemical, 4 years castrated. Yes menopause is real, hot flashes, energy down, lost of body hair, Osteroprosis, no sex drive , etc.

The real issue is this, are you better today mentally because your a eunuch? It this is true, as it is with me, then all the other things are worth while.

I am now who I have alway been, I am now complete.

River

[mrt (imported)]

I used to post here some time ago, but haven't since I had surgery. I'm a transsexual, and had orchiectomy done by Dr. Reed in May of 2005. I have zero interest in castration fetishes/etc, but I thought I'd drop by and at least give people some info on what life post-op has been like.

Surgery helped out my feminization, no questions. I don't regret it at all. That being said, it hasn't been very easy at times either. Even with HRT in the form of estrogen, I still suffer chronic fatigue that no amount of rest will alleviate. The doctor tells me this is due to low testosterone, but obviously I can't take testosterone supplements because that would undo the good work of my surgery. I still get occasional hot flashes, and have had a hard time sleeping for the first time ever in my life. Basically, after surgery your body goes through menopause and even the most customized hormone regimen cannot counteract some of the side effects.

If you're intensely transsexual and don't plan on SRS, I say go for it. I am very pleased with my surgery, and the side effects are worth it. If you're doing it for some sexual fetish reason, I say "don't even think about it." You will gain weight. You will have fatigue and memory problems. You will be at severe risk for osteoporosis. Even if you go on HRT (and if you're going to take testosterone, why have this surgery?) you will NEVER be the same as you were before. Also, I think few people consider how annoying it is to have to take pills or use patches every day for the rest of their lives.

A special note for those who imagine it will eliminate their sex drive: this may or may not happen. Even now, with my testosterone levels very low, I still can get erections and have sexual urges. I don't mind this, since I didn't want to lose my sexual desire. If you're planning on having surgery to eliminate your sex drive, don't do it. Seek counseling to help you understand why you have conflicts in this area.

I know this isn't what people want to hear, but I think it's important to say this none the less.

One thing you might consider is balancing your hormones for female levels. ie add female levels of Testosterone to your "mix" I think that many TS folks are so motivated to do away with all Testosterone they don't consider that as females you still need some. What is it 1/10th? Anyhow, that amount won't undo the work your Estrogen / Progesterone is doing. Talk to your Doctor and see what they can do.

As to taking daily hormones. They have injections (weekly or bi weekly) pellets (4 to 6 months?) rub on gels (Daily) but pill forms are not used too much anymore. Liver issues.

[RJLupin (imported)]

One thing you might consider is balancing your hormones for female levels. ie add female levels of Testosterone to your "mix" I think that many TS folks are so motivated to do away with all Testosterone they don't consider that as females you still need some. What is it 1/10th? Anyhow, that amount won't undo the work your Estrogen / Progesterone is doing. Talk to your Doctor and see what they can do.

As to taking daily hormones. They have injections (weekly or bi weekly) pellets (4 to 6 months?) rub on gels (Daily) but pill forms are not used too much anymore. Liver issues.

Oh, I still use oral meds. The liver issue is WAY overstated, unless you're taking huge doses of Premarin or something every day for a long time. They did indeed try low-dose testosterone, but it made me hairy again so I had to stop. I have also done the injections, and may go back on them again. I have the syringes and estradiol in my closet.

[Christina (imported)]

Thank you RJLupin for starting this thread and bringing up some of the issues many do not consider.

I have spoken with many who think these issues will never happen to them. These are very real issues that can and do happen. Some may be more fortunate than others in lacking of any bad side effects, but no one can rule them out completely.

If I may ask, I would like to hear more of your experience with Dr Reed, his procedure, after care, healing, etc. I'm sure others would like to know also.

[RJLupin (imported)]

Christina,

Dr. Reed was tops, and I mean it. I would use him again in a second. For one, he plays it very safe when health is concerned. He gave me a full physical before I had surgery, much more in depth than other surgeons I have seen. While he does require two letters from mental health professionals, he is also very helpful and even spoke to my doctor on the phone when he had some questions.

The surgery itself wasn't bad. I flew to Florida and stayed at the Whitehouse Inn. He gives your prescriptions, which you fill before surgery, for antibiotics, pain meds, and Xanax. On the morning of surgery, I took a Xanax while waiting for my cab. With Dr. Reed, the surgery is done under IV sedation and local anesthetic. So, you're awake but not really. I don't remember but about 30 seconds of my surgery. Post-op, you stay in the recovery center for a while before going back to the hotel.

He wraps you up REALLY tightly in pressure dressings, to prevent any bleeding or swelling. This is very effective, but makes it a bit hard to walk around. I did not experience any severe pain with my procedure. Oh, I was sore but it was nothing bad. The day after, I relaxed by the pool (though didn't get in, obviously) and spent time on the phone with my friends.

Dr. Reed is a urologist and expert surgeon. I hear horror stories about other surgeons leaving huge scars and painful spermatic cord stumps, but you won't get this with Dr. Reed. I can't even find where my scar was, now. I think it was less than one inch long.

I would have my surgery again tomorrow. Despite some of the problems I've faced with my lack of energy and weight gain, I still am happier than I was post-op.

For more, you can check out my account on the web. It's more in-depth than what I could fit on here.

http://www.annelawrence.com/reedorchiectomy2005.html