Thank You All

[Guest Bailey]

I just wanted to thank you all for your posts here. I joined the military right out of high school. Went to West Point actually. Did not fit in there and now I know why. I re-enlisted in '95 and had a much better time, though I had a loving wife to help with that. I have been going to the VA here in TX for almost a year now. I was diagnosed with Diabetes in May last year. It was rough and I was in very bad shape. Had to be hospitalized for a week. I have been to Mental Health several times for my depression, but have been afraid to speak up about my thoughts on GID. After reading the posts here, I plan on calling them Monday and see if I can set up an appointment. I hope my nerves hold out. I am not 100% sure I can do it. It is VERY hard for me to open up. Anyway. Again, thanks to all of you and I'll let you know what I decide.

Bailey

[MaryEllen]

Hi Bailey,

Yes, please do keep us informed. We care.

MaryEllen

[Guest Girl Emily]

Bailey,

Welcome to Laura's

I am so happy you are taking this first step:-) As an existing patient are you going to your regular psychiatrist? It will be easier if you already have a safe comfortable relationship.

I actually went and made the appointment in person and just before setting it I was able to out myself to a former care provider that I was totally safe with and 100% sure she would be supportive. She didn't let me down either: -) my appointment was with a new to me psychiatrist who also was new to the VA. Not very knowledgeable about va procedures unwilling to rock the boat kind of guy. I see him again Monday at 9:00

Congratulations on your decision.

Post often. Post long. :-)

[Guest Bailey]

I will probably go with my normal therapist. I don't know that he and I have a great relationship, but I have to start somewhere. I just find him a bit standoffish I guess would be the way to put it. He does seem to understand though and has helped me deal with my depression a bit. I think it would be easier for me if he was a she though. I have always felt more comfortable with women. I always seem to be on edge around men. Go figure. LOL Thanks for the support.

Bailey

[Carolyn Marie]

Good luck to you, Bailey. I hope all goes well.

We've had good reports from other members about the VA, so I have hope for a good result.

Keep us posted, OK?

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Bailey]

Well I called and made my appointment. Only problem is it is not until June 7th. I am debating on whether I should call and see if I can see someone sooner or just wait and use the time to work on my feminization. It is a tough choice for me. Anyway, just thought I would update you all a bit.

Bailey

[Guest Donna Jean]

Thanks for the update, Bailey.......

We're pullin' for ya!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

A1C

USAF

Loadmaster

C-130/C-141

[Guest Girl Emily]

Bailey,

If you can wait till june 7 you are much more patient than me. Congratulations on taking your first step. Keep us informed.

Huggs,

[Guest Bailey]

That's the whole problem. Not sure I can wait. Now that I have finally acknowledged who I am, I want to shout to the world and make the transition. So much has been going on in my life the last few years, that this feels like the first good thing. Since this realization, I have been able to start the process of going back to school. Something I have been putting off for 10 years. I know what career I want to pursue and I feel very good about it. For the first time in my life I feel at peace. Except for the desire to get things started. I will probably give it the weekend and then decide if I should try and move my appointment up. I am such a waffler.... LOL

[Guest Donna Jean]

Bailey, Honey.......

That's one big problem with us...

We become impatient...

I mean, once we accept ourselves and truly know what we need to do....we want to do it TOMORROW!

DANG STRAIGHT!

Yep, we get to chompin' at the bits and say "The hell with it, I want to be a woman by Friday noon!"

Oh my God...I totally understand where you're coming from!

And, let me help you out....make that dang call....move it up!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest Bailey]

Donna Jean..... You gave me the incentive I needed. I called and found out that my regular therapist is not who I needed to see anyway. I have an appointment for Wed. now so I can get the ball rolling. I am extremely excited and completely terrified all at the same time. I just hope that I can actually talk about it once I get there. I may have to take a couple boxes of Kleenex with me. Wish me luck and pray for courage.

Love you all,

Bailey

[Guest Donna Jean]

Donna Jean..... You gave me the incentive I needed. I called and found out that my regular therapist is not who I needed to see anyway. I have an appointment for Wed. now so I can get the ball rolling. I am extremely excited and completely terrified all at the same time. I just hope that I can actually talk about it once I get there. I may have to take a couple boxes of Kleenex with me. Wish me luck and pray for courage.

Love you all,

Bailey

Girlfriend....I'm sending you that in spades!

Yes...good move onyour part..(the Kleenex).....

So, you went all the way from June 7th to Wed. in one simple call....go figure...LOL....

Oh, and you are extremely excited and terrified at the same time...that's like being on fire while freezing to death...but, Sis...I know exactly where you're coming from...

Now, if you feel that you may have a hard time getting it out or forgetting something that you want to say, here's a little trick.

Write some things down that you don't want to forget...that way if you can't seem to get it out, you can hand the paper to them....Or, just use it as a "Cheat Sheet"...Believe me, they won't mind a bit....

Now, I'm gonna need a full report....OK?

LOVE & HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest Girl Emily]

Bailey,

I found that once I was seated in front of the person who could help me move forward towards becoming the woman I am inside on the outside the words just came out all on their own. Well kind of... in reality Emily took control and said what she had been dying to say for 25 years. The roller coaster started out of the shack to climb the hill. I am so happy you keep taking those baby steps.

Huggs,