Ethan's Transition Surgery
My name is Ethan, I am a 28 year old transgender man awaiting top surgery.
About Me
I am a full time student, also heavily involved in student representation with a particular focus on the liberation campaigns. This year ahead I hold the part-time voluntary position of Trans Officer with NUS Scotland, to represent all of the transgender students across Scotland's further and higher education establishments. This year is the first time this role has been in post, and I am both humbled, and excited by the opportunity.
I also run a YouTube channel and blog where I talk about my transition and other transmasculine related topics in an effort to provide information and support to the community. A huge step in this for me was to launch a collaborative channel scotTRANS which brings together contributors across Scotland to share feelings on weekly topics.
Currently I am on testosterone hormone replacement therapy, having self funded ten months of care privately due to the lengthy waiting times for treatment under my local NHS Gender Clinic at Sandyford. I am now waiting for a consultation for the first of my surgical procedures, top surgery, and again this has a lengthy waiting time under the NHS but also further issues for consideration.
About My Surgery
The surgery I am waiting for is commonly known as top surgery, or chest masculinisation surgery. There are a few different procedures for this surgery, however the procedure I will be pursuing is the double incision.
NHS referral from Scotland is to one surgical team in Manchester. NHS referral in England however, can be to any of the surgeons who offer the procedure and operate under the NHS. I do currently have a referral submitted for surgery through the NHS, however it is my preference to privately seek the procedure elsewhere, and I have had confirmation from my GIC that they would provide a referral for this should I decide todo so.
About My Fundraising
I am tentatively hoping that an initial consultation with the Manchester team would take place in December or January. This will give me a chance to see what the NHS can provide, however it is a very limited view with no option for comparison.
I would like to book a consult with some of the other surgeons who offer the same basis of procedure and then be informed enough to decide whether I am better to pursue private surgical options. My current feeling lies towards seeking private surgery, as the results I have seen from various former patients have been consistently better overall, which is greatly important to me.
My ideal plan would be to have a consult with;
Andrew Yelland, Devon
Peter Kneeshaw, Hull
Miles Berry, London
Following a consultation, the surgical procedure, travel and other costs is likely to be anywhere between £6,000 and £9,000, and I am ideally hoping to be able to look at scheduling this during spring break in April 2019, whilst I am off University. I would be eternally grateful if you are able to donate to my fundraiser and help to support me in accessing this surgery, which would be utterly life changing.
Other Ways to Support My Fundraiser
I am also selling Digital Planners on my website (www.ethanwilson.co.uk) with all sales going towards this fundraiser, bing added as 'offline donations' so they are still reflected in the progress toward target. There are some other products/services being added to my website in a staggered manner as I finalise them. Check it out over there if you'd be interested in purchasing something!
