So I was sort of despairing of getting enough money scraped together for surgery by March 30. I would have easily had enough, but I was counting on the FSA. Since that will only work as a claim after the surgery, I was seriously worried about it. I considered rescheduling. I was so loathe to borrow more money on top of my current student loans and car loan. But a couple people suggested I do a gofundme. I was reluctant. I always sort of scoffed at people who had those. I figured they could just be slightly smarter with their money. Or wait a bit longer or work a bit harder and whatnot. But I set one up anyhow, explaining the FSA and assuring everyone reading that I would repay them as soon as my claim went through and I got my money back.
I was surprised by the outpouring. Likes, shares, comments, and of course contributions. I had no idea all those people cared enough to actually help me out. I am so humbled and grateful. I met my goal in a single day. A day. I was expecting that I may still have to take another loan. Or that I'd annoy everyone on my feed by reposting the campaign every few days. But I don't have to worry. And I don't have to bother anyone.
Now all I have to worry about is the surgery itself. Being bored and immobile for a couple of weeks. And submitting that blasted FSA claim.
I really love my friends.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Transition Costs Revisited (unspecified amounts)
I wanted to go back a few years in this blog to the beginning of my transition and revisit a list I made.
From April 15, 2010 (italics) current updates (bold)
Figured I'd breakdown the basic expenses a trans guy faces.
binder- for the purpose of hiding one's chest: I have several. I use both T-Kingdom and Underworks. I like them both. But Underworks is much more affordable. I only use underworks these days. It sucks to have been binding for over 6 years.
soft packer- for the purpose of creating the bulge: again, I have more than one. Not expensive, but they do wear out over time. I forgot to include the packer harness. Again, not expensive, but the elastic doesn't last so long.
STP (stand-to-pee)- I use a modified medicine spoon. It was very cheep indeed. However, I also purchased an STP packer. It was not really worth the cost. I'm pretty sure I'm only on my second medicine spoon ever. I also don't use it much at all unless I'm in a public restroom and occasionally in the woods.
Strap-on- for the purpose of intercourse. I've no experience in this area. I now have experience in this area. Not particularly cheap.
Therapist- for the purpose of getting a letter for the the following. I actually enjoy therapy and I didn't just go so that I could get the official diagnosis to proceed with medical transition. However, I did get that letter written. And I have also not ditched my therapist. I no longer go to a therapist regularly.
Physician- for the purpose of getting a prescription. I've yet to find out if my health insurance pays for my doctor visits and blood-work. I go to my physician once or twice a year for a physical and bloodwork. My insurance covers the physicals and the general visits.
Testosterone- for the purpose of making one hormonally male. I use AndroGel. I rub it onto my upper arms once daily. Many other guys opt for the injection because it is much (much) cheaper. My insurance fails me in this regard. I have been on injections since September of 2010. The cost is low, especially with a pharmacy coupon. I am on a fairly low dose so my vial lasts many months.
Top Surgery- negates the need for a binder. I do not at this time wish to have a double mastectomy, though I do wish I had a flat chest. My surgery date is March 30 in Boulder. I will not need the double incision technique that is most common among trans guys. My surgeon said periareolar was the best option. This means I get minimal scarring and the retention of the nerve stalk for the nipples. However, it is two surgeries, and thus half again as much money as I was anticipating. This will be my largest expense in the whole process. It will be well worth it.
Bottom Surgery- yeah... I don't want this. Some do. I still have no intention of getting any sort of genital reconstructive surgery. Perhaps someday hysterectomy/oophorecotmy but that's way out of budget now. It'll save on testosterone cost though!
So yeah, I have a chest surgery date. I'm still worried about money, but I'll get it worked out. I will likely have to use the surgery office's line of credit, but it is no interest for a year, so I think I can handle that. I will be out of work on paid time off for two weeks. I will unfortunately have to spend most of that time in bed or at least minimally active. Send me your TV show, movie and book recommendations. Also, come visit me. I'm going to be super bored, but hopefully not too much in pain.
From April 15, 2010 (italics) current updates (bold)
Figured I'd breakdown the basic expenses a trans guy faces.
binder- for the purpose of hiding one's chest: I have several. I use both T-Kingdom and Underworks. I like them both. But Underworks is much more affordable. I only use underworks these days. It sucks to have been binding for over 6 years.
soft packer- for the purpose of creating the bulge: again, I have more than one. Not expensive, but they do wear out over time. I forgot to include the packer harness. Again, not expensive, but the elastic doesn't last so long.
STP (stand-to-pee)- I use a modified medicine spoon. It was very cheep indeed. However, I also purchased an STP packer. It was not really worth the cost. I'm pretty sure I'm only on my second medicine spoon ever. I also don't use it much at all unless I'm in a public restroom and occasionally in the woods.
Strap-on- for the purpose of intercourse. I've no experience in this area. I now have experience in this area. Not particularly cheap.
Therapist- for the purpose of getting a letter for the the following. I actually enjoy therapy and I didn't just go so that I could get the official diagnosis to proceed with medical transition. However, I did get that letter written. And I have also not ditched my therapist. I no longer go to a therapist regularly.
Physician- for the purpose of getting a prescription. I've yet to find out if my health insurance pays for my doctor visits and blood-work. I go to my physician once or twice a year for a physical and bloodwork. My insurance covers the physicals and the general visits.
Testosterone- for the purpose of making one hormonally male. I use AndroGel. I rub it onto my upper arms once daily. Many other guys opt for the injection because it is much (much) cheaper. My insurance fails me in this regard. I have been on injections since September of 2010. The cost is low, especially with a pharmacy coupon. I am on a fairly low dose so my vial lasts many months.
Top Surgery- negates the need for a binder. I do not at this time wish to have a double mastectomy, though I do wish I had a flat chest. My surgery date is March 30 in Boulder. I will not need the double incision technique that is most common among trans guys. My surgeon said periareolar was the best option. This means I get minimal scarring and the retention of the nerve stalk for the nipples. However, it is two surgeries, and thus half again as much money as I was anticipating. This will be my largest expense in the whole process. It will be well worth it.
Bottom Surgery- yeah... I don't want this. Some do. I still have no intention of getting any sort of genital reconstructive surgery. Perhaps someday hysterectomy/oophorecotmy but that's way out of budget now. It'll save on testosterone cost though!
So yeah, I have a chest surgery date. I'm still worried about money, but I'll get it worked out. I will likely have to use the surgery office's line of credit, but it is no interest for a year, so I think I can handle that. I will be out of work on paid time off for two weeks. I will unfortunately have to spend most of that time in bed or at least minimally active. Send me your TV show, movie and book recommendations. Also, come visit me. I'm going to be super bored, but hopefully not too much in pain.
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