Beachgoer

The red shirts aren't targeting tourists so avoid any large gatherings and things should be fine. From all reports I have read besides the area near the actual main protest the rest of Bangkok is basically operating as normal. The last I heard was the BTS is running but not stopping at stations near large gatherings of protestors. Obviously things can change from day to day so you will need to continually monitor the situation. Personally if it was me I wouldn't let it stop me from going, actually I am off to Phuket in three weeks and then on to Bangkok. Bangkok is a great city with lots to do and see away from the protest area.

Hi Adviseme Seems to be that there aren't any recommended surgeons in Aus, and the price they charge is over the top. I'm personally going to Dr Pathomvanich in Thailand, excellent reviews from past patients and about half the cost (including airfares and accomodation) of having the same surgery in Aus. lots of information on this forumn about his work if you do search for his thresds.

Hi Guys I leave next Thur for Dr Path. Booked in to the Citin Pratunum. Paying $57 Aus per night including breakfast (so long as you don't mind vegetarian). Easy walk to the markets and various malls, lots of eating places in the area. About 15-20 min walk to skytrain or the hotel runs a free tuk tuk if your not into walking. This will be my first time there but has been getting very good reviews overall. I personally wanted somewhere within easy walk to the shops, markets and food stalls and the area around Dr Paths seemed to be a bit out of the way for these facilities.

I'm due for surgery with Dr P in two weeks time so it's great to hear from another happy patient. It seems everyone only has good remarks about his work and the service they receive.

Hi Mich Glad to hear of another happy Dr Path patient. I'm booked for March 2010 and with all the recent good remarks coming into the forum I know I will be in good hands over there.

Hi Sunny Thanks for update, and the long wait for the result goes on......you will get there.

Hi Guys Thanks for the replies. I only intend on wearing it when needed, mainly work, and I will be showing the Dr for his opinion. I will actually be staying in Thailand for a week after the procedure for some sightseeing and shopping and then having another week off on my return so all going well the grafts should be quite firmly fixed by the time I return to work. I do appreciate your knowledgable advice.

I am a MtF transgender and unfortunately suffering sunstantial MPB from my younger years prior to transitioning. To cover this I currently wear a wig. I am due for a HT with Dr Path in March 2010 and have been wondering if after the surgery it would be still possible to wear the hairpiece to work until the HT grows out enough. I have read a number of threads on the site however most seem to refer to hairpieces that glue or attatch to the head or hairs. This is not the case with my hairpiece which pulls completely on like a cap and has a mesh lining to allow your head to 'breathe' during use. I can't see that it would be any different to wearing a normal cap after your HT. Any advice from you knowledgable gents would be appreciated.

Thanks for the advice and it is nearly exactly the way I am doing it. I think perserverence is the key. And maybe arms of steel....Lol

Hotblooded I had two prices from Aust surgeons, one in Melbourne and one in Sydney. I was quoted $12600 and $13250 for 2000 grafts and both said I would need to procedures. After reviewing this site for some time it became quite obvious we here in Aust are being ripped off and receiving a poor quality procedure compared to several overseas destinations. I have now booked with Dr Path in Bangkok for March 2010 with the full procedure (4000 grafts), airfare and accommodation costing about $13000. A lot cheaper than Oz and from all accounts a superior procedure. All the best.

I'm really pleased all went well for you over there. I'll definitely keep in mind about pad and pencil, I have a memory like a sieve at the best of times. Been working on the laxity already but I find my arms get extremely tired very quickly, don't know if it's just me as a weakling or a common problem with everyone. Still all I can do is keep at it as like you I need a lot of grafts. Look forward to your updates as time progresses.

Hi Sunnycoastman Glad to hear all went well with Dr Path. Your story has made me even more keen for my appointment with him next March. The staff all seem to be very proficient and professional which always helps when the anxiety gets a bit high.

Hi Sunnycoastman You are doing what you have to do so it is the right thing for you and you only. Don't listen to what others may have to say about your decision to undergo HT, you are the only one that has to be happy. I should know, I'm actually MTF transgender and made the decision a number of years ago to transition, at the time I was very depressed and thought I had two choices, suicide or survival. I was swaying towards suicide due to concerns on what others would think. In the end I decided I still had things to do in my life and two lovely children I needed to be here for so I said, 'who cares what others think it's my life and I have to be happy'. A few people did judge me by my decision but the majority asked questions and still remain very good friends. As they all said, you are still the person you were before but happier. So yes, your work friends might rib you a bit, but most will be more be inclined to ask questions and that will be the end of it. A true friend will treat you as that, a friend, and not judge you for your decision. Funny you should have split after 22 years, I was exactly the same. Yes the exchange rate is very good at the moment and seems to still be rising. I decided to book a hotel as my flight doesn't arrive until after 11pm and didn't want to be trying to find somewhere to sleep at midnight. I'm also going to stay for ten days for a bit of a holiday at the same time and wanted to make sure I got some accomodation in an area close to shops and food areas. The hotel ended up costing me $55 p/n including breakfast so I was happy with that price. Dr Path seems to have a very good reputation on this forum and was also recommended to me by a friend who has been to him twice so I am sure we are in good hands. Sorry I have gone on a bit here but I'm sure you will be very happy with your decision in the end Take care

Hi Sunnycoatman Wow are the nerves going yet..Actually I just sent my deposit by TT and it cost me thirty dollars so I think I will do the same with a good portion of the actual cost just before I leave so as to avoid carrying to much cash. I'm really not that keen on walking around Bangkok with a huge pile of cash. I was also told that I could need upto 4000 grafts. I ended up booking into the Citin Pratnum, it seems to be reasonably priced and has good reviews. Also close to the shopping centres, markets and food areas so fingers crossed. QUOTE]Originally posted by Sunnycoastman: Hi Beachgoer. Im watching the exchange rate closely. Its good right now so i will do a telegraphic transfer soon I think . Thatll save me carrying a heap of cash. it costs AU$30 to do the transfer here but I get a rate at least 3c better than if I went to my bank in oz and bought baht. That 3c gives me an extra AU$1000 to spend on grafts (4000 needed Im told) The other option Im considering is taking my Oz dollars over in cash and exchanging at the bank in Dr Paths building. Im 2 weeks out from the consultation day. Ill probably stay in one of the hotels dr Path suggested the first night and see how that goes cz I arrive in Bangkok at 8pm. Ill keep you updated as to how things go....cheers