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Got My Letter, Tears Make It Hard To Read


Guest BeckyTG

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Beloved Special Sisters,

I'm extremely emotional at this point, as I received my letter last night. I'm being referred to an ObGyn (wooohooo) that's reported to be extremely sympathetic and helped an FTM transition, who's become a local folk hero for his courage in his journey. He gives a lot of talks and has recommended this female Doctor to my GT as a good fit for me.

I initially made an appt. with a therapist who listed experience with gay issues on her credentials. She called me the day before our first session to tell me she shouldn't have taken my case, as she realized her case load is excessive for her at this point. She apologized profusely. She subsequently recommended my current GT very highly.

When I called my current GT regarding therapy, I was very clear from the outset as to my objectives in therapy--to be approved for HRT. I've resolved the GID issues on my own, have a clear head and have done a lot of research on the subject. I consider myself very familiar with the process, especially since joining this group.

I also told her I was open-minded and, even though I held certain beliefs, I let her know that it's her job as a professional to evaluate me to see if my beliefs are accurate and HRT is the right thing for me. I said I understood the permanence of hormones and the extreme changes they would eventually bring about, many of which are irreversible.

So, if this is your current mental state, don't be afraid to let a therapist know where you believe it's best that you go.

Her letter has my legal male name listed and all the pronouns are wrong, but that doesn't matter to me. The parentheses are mine, indicating corrections I've made. Her letter starts out:

"I am writing regarding (Yvonne). (S)he was referred to this office so (s)he could be assessed for appropriateness for initiating female hormone therapy, related to trans-gendering. It is my opinion that (s)he is ready to begin hormone therapy

Yadda, yadda, (S)he states (meaning me) 'I'm a girl' and believes this new knowledge is bringing (her) relief and joy.

We are just getting started on individual therapy and (s)he has agreed to continue for at least 12 sessions. (S)he is citing the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association's Standards of Care for Gender Identity Disorder, Sixth Version.

(Yvonne) states that (s) has good support from (her) wife and on line connections......Yadda yadda"

That's how my letter reads.

I've talked a lot about all you wonderful sisters here and what you've meant to me. You are the "on line connections"

She asked me if I felt hormone therapy was right for me. I stated there was no doubt and, if I had to go back to being a man, I'm not sure I could cope with the stress any longer. She asked me if I understood what effect hormones would have. I told her I not only knew, but could tell her the progression of effects, the approximate timelines of those effects, which were reversible and which were irreversible and how long it took to become irreversible. I said I'd studied this matter extensively for over a year and was very careful to avoid questionable information sites and rely more on medical sites. I went on to say that I didn't accept anything until I had multiple sources verifying each fact.

I also said I understood this is not a temporary thing, that it's a life long commitment from which there is no retreat. I told her I knew that the effects would continue for years and that, eventually, I understood that I would have trouble passing as a man (I can only dream of THAT day). :)

After that, she said she was very comfortable writing my letter, she agreed hormones were right for me and said she encouraged me to continue therapy. I told her I'm a girl of my word and I'm absolutely committed to the 12 sessions. I said we can evaluate where we are at that point, but that I probably had a long term relationship with her in my future.

She had told me earlier she'd have my letter ready for me next Monday, so it was a genuine surprise to get it Friday.

This is a mixed blessing--I've got it, but I can't do a thing until Monday. :angry:

I'm not starting my journey, I did that some time back, I'm continuing it into a new phase. I'm really going to need your love and support, as I'm simultaneously relieved, excited and scared spitless.

Yvonne

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Hi Yvonne,

Our support ?, oh hun you got all we can give and then some. I am so thrilled for you, your well on your way. It looks like you will

be on hrt before me so I will be grillin ya re info. Normality on the horizon Yvonne ???Oh yes/ Oh yes girl , we will be one of the girls. Luv, viv :)

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Guest qRachelp

Yvonne, that is the best news I've heard all day. I so wish I could hug you, right now. I know what wonderful relief it is to have the "Hormone Letter" hurdle out of the way. Looks like X-mas came early for you, and I'm so happy for you.

It also sounds like you've got a great therapist who is compassionate and tries to understand your need(s).

Oh, Happy Day, Girl, HAPPY DAY. :)

Love,

Rachel

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Hi Yvonne,

Our support ?, oh hun you got all we can give and then some. I am so thrilled for you, your well on your way. It looks like you will

be on hrt before me so I will be grillin ya re info. Normality on the horizon Yvonne ???Oh yes/ Oh yes girl , we will be one of the girls. Luv, viv :)

Hi Girlfriend,

No, we WON'T BE one of the girls---We ARE one of the girls (2 of them, to be exact). Being a girl is a state of mind, not necessarily how we look to others. When I look in the mirror, I see a girl.

When I see men, I think "them". When I see women, I think "us".

When I think of you and talk to you, you're as much girl as any genetically-born female I know. That's why I said I'm not beginning my journey, I'm continuing it. :)

I love you, girl,

Yvonne

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Hi Girlfriend,

No, we WON'T BE one of the girls---We ARE one of the girls (2 of them, to be exact). Being a girl is a state of mind, not necessarily how we look to others. When I look in the mirror, I see a girl.

When I see men, I think "them". When I see women, I think "us".

When I think of you and talk to you, you're as much girl as any genetically-born female I know. That's why I said I'm not beginning my journey, I'm continuing it. :)

I love you, girl,

Yvonne

You are starting on the physical journey with being given that oh so joyous letter to start HRT.

The day you said I Am A Girl is the day your transition actually started.That is the day that the

old you was begining to go away.Congratulations Ms Yvonne,your journey is at hand.

Welcome to your womanhood my sweet sister.

Big Hugs,

Miss Angie

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Hi Girlfriend,

No, we WON'T BE one of the girls---We ARE one of the girls (2 of them, to be exact). Being a girl is a state of mind, not necessarily how we look to others. When I look in the mirror, I see a girl.

When I see men, I think "them". When I see women, I think "us".

When I think of you and talk to you, you're as much girl as any genetically-born female I know. That's why I said I'm not beginning my journey, I'm continuing it. :)

I love you, girl,

Yvonne

Yvonne,

What was I thinking :blink::unsure: ???????, straight into the corner for me to write out a hundred times ,

I AM A WOMAN X 100, sorry hun but it really was the excitement of your post :rolleyes: Luv, viv :)

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Yvonne,

What was I thinking :blink::unsure: ???????, straight into the corner for me to write out a hundred times ,

I AM A WOMAN X 100, sorry hun but it really was the excitement of your post :rolleyes: Luv, viv :)

Miss Viv,

I know, I was teasing you because we've become such good friends in such a short time. We've shared each other's joy and pain. You've been one of my most ardent cheerleaders and are very important to me.

I'm certain you're nearly as excited about this as I am. Just for that, you can stop writing at 75 times..... :lol:

Your loving sister,

Yvonne

Miss Angelique,

I've enjoyed your support as well and cried on your shoulder in my own painful times. I've cried with you when you were hurt and celebrated your proud moments.

You do truly understand what this moment means to me and it's been far too long coming. Very soon, I'll undertake a totally new set of challenges and obstacles.

I understand this won't be easy and I also understand that the great changes that will soon come over my body will also encompass my mind. Thank heaven for that. :)

I'm counting on you and all the other wonderful family here at Laura's to help me in my quest. I hope the day comes when I can spend a day with you at the solon or on the Riverwalk.

Bless you, my beloved sister,

Yvonne

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  • Admin

Yvonne, that is such wonderful news. I'm so happy for you I think I might cry myself.

You know exactly where you are going and how to get there. You don't need any more advice from me.

Just know that I'll be there for you on this wonderful journey, and I love sharing it with you.

Now you have next week to look forward to, and making that next appointment with the OBGYN. I hope they have an opening

real soon. :)

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

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Guest Donna Jean

Well, I'll be darned!

Some really great news from Yvonne....

Anybody here think that she's happy?....lol

Yvonne....You've touched another milestone in your journey...step by step it happens and each spot like your letter is special one...It's cool, your posts here...I just sat and read through all of it and I was smiling the whole time...I was going back to MY letter and how I handled it like it was a delicate lace...easily damaged!

I remember reading it over and over and the significance slowly sinking into my brain...I was holding the key to my future...the release from my past...

Yeah, Honey...I'm sharing in the joy with you....And it feels wonderful!

Congratulations and welcome to your womanhood...

With Love

Donna Jean

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