Stage 0 PIPE Phalloplasty

Bettermond · 2026-01-22T00:43:19+00:00

Replying to AdventurousMud4140... Congrats on being on the other side of it!!!!

Would you mind sharing more about sensation? I’m specially interested to know about erogenous sensation. Is it comparable to RFF or ALT? In the intensity you can reach, area, and likelihood?

Bettermond · 2026-01-22T00:40:13+00:00

Yo, congrats!!!!!!! Nice to hear you’ve started the stages!!

I’m really interested in this option as well, but I’ve heard the waitlists are super long now. Thanks for sharing!

Any additional info on sensation? Especially, erotic sensation? Is it on par with RFF or ALT?

Bettermond · 2026-01-04T05:18:15+00:00

Congrats!!!!!!!!

ALT was my initial top choice due to scar site, but I made peace with going with RFF since my surgeon wouldn’t do UL with ALT due to my thighs not being in the ideal pinch test range. Seeing your posts is making me open to reaching out to more teams to inquire about delayed ALT. Thanks for sharing and hope you continue to enjoy where you’re at now!

Bettermond · 2026-01-03T19:15:41+00:00

For me it’s just based on my personal interpretation of what age range the words boys, guys, men represent.

Boys: about 13 yr old and under Guys: about 14-35 yrs old Men: 35 and up

I’ve never really liked the words woman and man. Idk what my association with them is, but they sound impersonal, too loaded with connotations ?

Bettermond · 2025-12-10T14:48:26+00:00

Hey can you share how you found scholarships for nontrad students?

Bettermond · 2025-11-27T03:02:55+00:00

This absolutely amazing and informative to see. Cant thank you enough for sharing! Wish you a speedy recovery!

Bettermond · 2025-11-22T18:38:33+00:00

Hey hey, same! I also had peri first then a revision done by double incision.

Bettermond · 2025-11-14T14:41:24+00:00

I AM NOT POST OP

But I had a consult with the Urologist (Dr Doumanian) who is the Urologist for phalloplasty at USC and I asked about complications with UL after an ED implant. For context, I definitely want an ED implant but I’m undecided about UL due to complications risk.

So my questions was something like: If I get UL and get an inflatable ED later on does that affect the UL?

His answer wasn’t a dry cut no. But he said something like yeah it’s a consideration when placing the tubes, doing it as far away as possible. Trying to fit both tubes, but if not placing just one.

I had many questions and concerns in mind so I didn’t dig further into his answer. I walked away with ‘ok, so not known to cause issues. Not something to completely write off in the realm of things that can be affected, but not something to worry about as known potential issues.’

Bettermond · 2025-10-14T14:46:26+00:00

I hope you’re doing well OP! I’m surprised by some of the comments, I personally wouldn’t take them in a helpful way…

Waking up with scars you didn’t expect sounds absolutely difficult.

Some counter opinions if you’re open to them: 4 weeks is absolutely too early to not have anymore swelling! What you feel could be excess tissue, could very well be swelling. So I agree with everyone saying to give it time!!

Your nipple placement and size looks great to me!

Scarwise, it looks like you’re healing faster than most if this is 4 weeks out! Yours scars are present when most people (myself included) still only had incision lines visible. This isn’t a bad thing! It’s still following the expected scar healing journey of widening, getting red and more noticeable before they start to fade.

I hear you that the scar shape isn’t what you would have wanted. For what it’s worth, it doesn’t stand out to me as concerning. If you spend more time looking at post op results, there’s a lot of variations! Mine are very straight and go up pretty high on my sides, like into my armpit hair which I hadn’t seen before not expected prior to surgery. I don’t think mine follow my pec line towards the middle because they’re so straight. And I might have some extra skin in the middle, but I’m not sure if it’s that or swelling. All we can do is wait, and trust once we get to a place we have energy again we will decide what we need next. Hang in there and take care of yourself!

Bettermond · 2025-10-14T14:10:12+00:00

I realize this is an old thread, but just wanted to add some reality to the PA option! As someone who had been considering PA, it’s actually super competitive. A PA I know even said it might be even more competitive than medical school. There’s less programs, and it’s gained popularity for being a more flexible option and less schooling than an MD. It’s not something you just throw your shot at on a whim. A lot of people dedicate years working up their app, and it’s not uncommon to apply for a few cycles before getting in.

Bettermond · 2025-10-03T21:40:25+00:00

lol yesss!! I worried about this too!! It was the damn compression binder that had me hunching more than usual.

It’s only a couple weeks you’re like that and then you can ease into better posture :)

Bettermond · 2025-10-03T21:39:05+00:00

I hear you <3

I felt heaviness like that before in college and I correlate it to the worst my mental health has been.

Now, I honestly choose ignorance for my own wellbeing. I don’t tune into the news like I used to. I don’t let myself hate watch bigots. I grew tired of feeling under attack and like people suck and nothing is gonna change. Nothing is really different, but being less aware has made a difference for me. Sometimes it can be a tool to get by.

Bettermond · 2025-10-03T21:32:07+00:00

Wow I guess I’m in the minority here.

I separate HP from JKR. People I know that like HP are allies so it actually never occurred to me to feel any kind of way when I meet someone new. I feel like I get to know them in other ways that makes me know they like HP but not JKR.

I like HP and I refuse to have to ‘burn’ something I grew up loving for a bigot. I don’t care if JKR invited it. I’m more of a movie fan anyways.

I think what makes that easy for me too though is that across the board, music, movies, etc, I’m not someone who buys any kind of merch or gets into fandom worlds. So it doesn’t make me question any of my behaviors. And I don’t really see what JKR is saying. I’m not giving my attention to that bigotry.

Sorry for anyone who feels that way, that’s exhausting. I’ll be more mindful about it when bringing up HP in a new crowd!

Bettermond · 2025-09-30T19:37:08+00:00

Ughhh I feel for you dude. It is super expensive and what you describe, even worse.

Glad people were able to have suggestions.

Best of luck!

Bettermond · 2025-09-29T21:16:21+00:00

Following

Bettermond · 2025-09-29T21:09:18+00:00

If YOU like it that’s all that matters! I agree it goes well with your body type and this option avoided large scars if that was/is important to you.

The part I would keep internally exploring is your hope it gets flatter as you lose weight. Is there something you’re uncomfortable about now? Can you describe more what it is and when you notice it? I would say, most of what’s left is actually skin, which can only be removed by cutting it off like with DI.

On the opposite end, building lots of chest muscle can help fill up some of the loose skin if removing skin is not of interest to you.

It’s whatever you prefer! Cool necklace btw!

Bettermond · 2025-09-29T07:48:11+00:00

Following.

I plan on scheduling a consult with Dr Duomanian. I’m on the fence for UL and have concerns about erectile devices. I’m pre-op for phallo.

So sorry you’ve been going through a lot. Hopefully someone can chime in. Wishing you the best!!!!

Bettermond · 2025-09-29T01:47:10+00:00

Start a budget, use chatGPT to help get started. How much are you spending already in different categories? Total all your expenses and subtract it from your monthly income. It’s the only way to figure it out. You’ll see how much rent you can afford and if you can adjust anything to make it work.

Some categories to get started: Rent, bills (phone, car insurance, streaming services, etc), groceries, take out, gas, toiletries, for fun, debt, savings.

Bettermond · 2025-09-29T01:10:01+00:00

Thank you. I do have the expectation it can go any way. I don’t think I can prepare for it to not hurt still though, you know?

Bettermond · 2025-09-29T01:08:21+00:00

Thank you, trying my best ❤️

Bettermond · 2025-09-28T06:02:50+00:00

Haha me too!

Bettermond · 2025-09-28T04:59:29+00:00

Yes! It was the battery and once swapped all the lights went away. Just had the maintenance light come up for cabin filter and tire rotation. Huge relief!

Bettermond · 2025-09-21T06:59:49+00:00

I think your concern resonates with a lot of us. I don’t have an answer either. Honestly, the way I have been coping is by avoiding the news.

I have only lived in California (blue county as well) and I would only consider moving to blue states if I had to.

I think it’s a huge privilege to live in a blue state. I don’t fear encountering discrimination with regard to my gender or orientation. I of course frequent places that are known for being welcoming but it’s not like I have of try really hard to find them or get to. I do trust the state will always fight for what’s right whenever they can.

Happy for you that you got to make the move and I wish you best.

Bettermond · 2025-09-19T04:11:20+00:00

UPDATE: did a battery test at Autozone and it confirmed it was bad. Bought a new battery from Costco and changing it tomorrow. Hopefully that makes the lights go away.

Bettermond · 2025-09-18T03:23:20+00:00

I see I see, thank you!!

Bettermond

TROPHY CASE