Does anybody else feel tied to living in the area their surgical team is in?
My surgery path has been very different than the vast amount of posts I've seen here, so I'm feeling alone in the current situation I face. It'd be nice to see if anybody could relate though.
My electrolysis appointments, doctor's appointments, surgeries... the list of everything I've needed to complete my phalloplasty journey has been pretty much localized to one area. And, I've been fortunate to be able to live near this area this entire time. Which has been fantastic. So it has worked out super well, considering all the extra appointments, treatments, surgeries, etc. But now, my living situation is changing. I will have to take on much more rent if I want to continue living in the area that I'm in, which is right near everything I need for my journey. But it's in one of the most expensive areas in the country, and I am not a top earner financially.
I've considered other options- looking into other jobs that may pay more, moving out of state but coming back and staying with friends or family during surgery recovery. But my job offers insurance that covers my surgeries, and is remote. Given all of this, I've decided to make the hard decision to stay in this area. Things are going to be tight financially for a while. And although I do like the area I'm in in general, it's hard to make this sacrifice. I also may even need to take on a second job in additional to my full time first job, again because of the cost of living in the area I'm in.
Not looking for advice or to do things differently. Just curious to see if any body else can relate in a similar way.
Posted Jan 11, 2026, 8:16 PM UTC