Much of my early life was a struggle. I realized I was different at the age of 6. I grew up in in the early 90s in a small community in northern Minnesota. My family was extremely conservative and religious. Although I didn’t know the proper terminology, I realized my struggle with gender identity wouldn’t be accepted. My way to cope was to over compensate by throwing myself into athletics. I honestly believed if I focused on other things my struggles with gender identity would go away.
I moved to Cincinnati in 2003 to pursue a career in pro-wrestling. However, my gender dysphoria didn’t go away. It was always there. After years of back and forth I made the decision to transition in 2012. I accepted a new position with my firm as part of a startup, regional center in July 2013.
My goal during transition was not to be hassled. If I were hassled, I wanted it to be in a positive way. I felt I could accomplish that with facial feminization surgery, breast augmentation and a tummy tuck with liposuction.
Before I moved to Denver, I had met with a surgeon who was very well known in the transgender community. It struck me that he really didn’t listen to what was important to me. He wanted to sell me a package. His way or the highway so to speak. It was really expensive, and I believe I would have looked great. I felt I would have lost a lot of the features that made me, me. But he was sort of famous and his results were incredible. So I was set to have surgery with him in February, 2014.
I had shared my plans at a local support group one night. A lady who was there pulled me aside and said she had a bad experience with the surgeon I had chosen and suggested I schedule a consultation with Dr. Murphy. I was skeptical. My surgery date was fast approaching and I had not heard of Dr. Murphy. I skeptically set a consultation but it turned out my entire experience was wonderful. The staff was warm, friendly and amazing. Dr. Murphy was very friendly and insightful. He listened to my must haves, and then offered great suggestions. Most importantly he genuinely listened and didn’t demand I do it his way. Within a few days the decision became clear. I cancelled my out of town surgery and scheduled with Dr. Murphy.
A month later I was lying on his operating room table preparing for facial feminization and breast augmentation surgery. It was an 8-hour surgery. Dr. Murphy had called me the week before and suggested I spend the night at Swedish Hospital. He even helped cover the cost of the hospital stay because he suggested it. Both surgeries are outpatient, so it was really considerate and speaks to what a wonderful man he is. The surgeries went very well. So well that within a few weeks later he cleared me for a tummy tuck and liposuction. These surgeries occurred 6 weeks after the original surgery.
Dr. Murphy and his entire staff have been wonderful throughout every procedure I’ve had. From the first appointment, to the surgery, to the last follow-up procedure I’ve always been treated with respect and tremendous care. They really strive for 100% patient satisfaction.
The surgeries have absolutely changed my life. I’ve gained a ton of self-confidence. I was able to fully embrace my transition and move seamlessly along my journey to womanhood. I am now a stand-up comedian and model. I’ve suggested Dr. Murphy to many of my friends and would definitely encourage anyone who is exploring these types or procedures to consider Dr. Murphy and his staff.
