Top Surgery Recovery Costs

Yoooo! I’m Billie, a trans person on a journey to becoming my most authentic self. I have been on HRT for nearly 10 months and Ive been racking my brain trying to work out how to afford top surgery. I have requested the compassionate release of my super to cover the surgery however I am finding it impossible to save for my post operation recovery costs from the cost of living and being under-employed while trying to progress toward my career goals. It’s been an uphill mission trying to access the gender affirming care that I need due to fluctuating mental health and financial barriers. I know many people in my queer community have also been through or are still going through this process. For so long I thought this surgery would be out of reach forever. Finally I can see a light at the end and my hope is restored

I’ve been navigating this transition with patience and determination, but there’s one big step left: top surgery. It’s a life-changing procedure that will not only help me feel more comfortable in my skin but also allow me to embrace the freedom I’ve been working toward for years. Unfortunately, as many of you know, surgeries like this don’t come cheap. I can only take out the surgery costs from my super and am unable to release a bit more for my recovery costs. I have been super hesitant to ask community for help because most people are in a similar boat with cost of living stress. As well as this it is super vulnerable to open my arms and ask for help.

I have had a consult with my surgeon and he says my recovery will be anywhere from 10 days to three weeks. As well as this, I need an hour long psychiatrist review that is called a WPATH, to confirm that I understand the entirety of the procedure and to give informed consent. This will be a little over $400 after I get my Medicare rebate. I originally made a budget for 10 days, however, in the way of being prepared for anything, I have reassessed a budget for three weeks including my WPATH costs just to be on the side of caution incase I need the full 3 weeks without work and income.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you do have the capacity to donate I would be forever appreciative. If you don’t, I totally understand as donating has been outside of my financial means for a while. Please feel free to share if you can.

With love, Billie