My Time Is Rapidly Approaching

[Paula ult]

13 days from now I will be having my GCS (gender confirmation surgery) with Dr. Christine Mcginn, this has been a lifetime in the making but in actuality only 3 short years ago did I take the steps to make it happen, it does seem like yesterday that I got my transition started.

I was extremely lucky, I kept most of my family, friends and my job, though I knew from the start it was a possibility that I could lose it all, but I had to take that leap of faith and walk off the edge of the cliff, the alternative I did not want to think about, anyone thinking of transitioning should be prepared for those losses. I have heard it said, transition is not for sissies, that is a fact.

My transition started June 4 2008, 3 months therapy then a referral to an Endocrinologist that has treated trans patients for over 20 years

January 2009 I was out to my stepfather who was supportive from the beginning, I was also out to my best friend, though she has wavered back and forth a few times on being supportive, i notified HR of my intent to transition, I got the ok from them, they just wanted to be kept updated.

May 2009 was considered full time by my therapist even though I was not completely out to family and work, I telecommute from home, rarely go to customer sites but talk all day to our field techs on a daily basis.

July 2009 I sent letters to all my extended family, to date I have only heard from 2 out of 7 and those 2 were accepting, I know a few others are grudgingly accepting.

August 2009 I came out to my 2 bowling leagues, over 150 people, to date 99% use my right name and pronouns, the other 1% forget occasionally but correct themselves, if anyone has a problem with it they keep it to themselves.

November 18 2009 one of those milestones you never forget, I legally changed my name, sent another set of letters to my extended family requesting any mail or if we talk on the phone that I be addressed as Paula, to date everyone I have heard from has gotten it right.

November 22 2009 came out to my manager and the others in my work group, my manager set the tone by having a conference call with everyone, to date just an occasional slip up that the person corrects.

May 2010 got my 2 letters for surgery.

June 2010 had my consult with Dr. Mcginn, set my date for May 9 2011 started my diet in earnest as I needed to lose over 60 pounds, to date I have hit that goal

December 2010 started getting my pre op tests, you can read from December till recent entries in my blog.

http://www.lauras-pl...&showentry=1821

This may seem like I had an easy transition but I can assure you there were lots of roadblocks and detours along the way.

I plan on making another blog to update everyone from my surgery going forward, this is only the end of my physical transition, integrating more into society as a female will take many years.

Paula

[JenniferB]

I am excited for you are Paula. And I'm thrilled you are very close to a major checkpoint. IMO it's one of the most important days in transitioning. I would place it the Christmas of transsexuals with HRT being Thanksgiving. I look forward to this day and am so happy that you are achieving it. Of course I want to hear every detail. Or at least what you are willing to share.

To a special lady on a special day.

Congratulations!

Love Jenny

[Guest Jessie M]

congrats

[Guest John Chiv]

Congratulations Paula. Thank you for keeping us updated. May the next 13 days just fly by. Best wishes for a smooth and healthy recovery from surgery.

John

[Guest miss kindheart]

Hi Paula,

<<< hug >>>>

I hope it all goes well for you

I am sure you will be happy to finally get there

Never forget the journey

vanna

[Guest JaniceW]

I wish for you a very speedy recovery and a future of sugar and spice and everything nice.

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Dearest Paula,

We both joined Laura's on the same day. From day one, you have been very inspirational and in your quiet way a guide.

I am so very happy for you, and I wish you all of the continued success that you have truly earned.

I will never forget your pivotal post on "Baby Steps".

Love you Paula

Brenda

[Sally]

Congratulations Paula, I know that you have gotten as prepared for this as well as anyone possibly could.

I hope that you recover very quickly and get back to your life - the one that you should have had from birth.

I don't know of any way to call this another baby step.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

Paula:

Girl, mere words simply cannot say enough to wish you well.

Dr. Christine McGinn is truly amongst the top-shelf GRS/SRS surgeons (and, parenthetically-speaking, is one hot-lookin' honey) and you simply could not be in better hands. To me, only Dr. Toby Meltzer ranks along side The Good Doctor McGinn, but there's nothing like having a T-girl as your surgeon!

By the way, I know McGinn Girl Number Five quite well. She's about your age and had her SRS/GRS a few years back. She simply could not be happier. Nothing like a great testimonial from one of the very first McGinn Girls as the ultimate seal of approval.

Wishing You Well!

Peace & Hugs Lacey

[Guest BeckyTG]

Paula, I'm very happy for you. You have been a significant role model for me, as I've followed your "baby steps" for myself.

I think Dr. McGinn is a great choice. I admire you for your steadfast dedication to your goal and know you've gone through more than most people could handle to get where you are today.

The next 13 days will crawl/fly by for you. I wish you all the best with this phase of your journey. You are wise to say that this is not the end, but rather just another gate on your transition journey.

I believe that your writings can really help others behind you and I look forward to reading your experiences.

Warm hugs of support for you, dear Sister.

Becky

[Guest kelise]

Ahh, the countdown. I started my countdown in my head at 64 days. Drove my GF crazy! Anyway, congratulations! It's everything everyone makes it out to be. Good luck, my dear!

[Paula ult]

Kairi, i too have been doing the countdown in my head for almost as long as you did.

I stopped most of my meds including hrt, all except spiro last Sunday, i can continue taking it up to the day before surgery, i have been having hot flashes, i guess i get to feel what menopause feels like, hot and sweaty then freezing the next.

I am continuing my workouts and personal training sessions at the gym up to the day before we leave so i can be in the best possible shape for my surgery which will last between 4 - 5 hours.

8 days till my companion and i leave for New Hope, Pa and 11 days till my surgery.

:ThanxSmiley:for the good wishes.

Paula

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Paula

I am so happy for you - I know it hasn't been 100% smooth, but you hung in there. So Go girl. GO! We are counting down with you!

Lizzy

[Guest sarah f]

Paula I am so happy for you right now. I can't wait to read you surgery blogs. Good Luck with the surgery and may you have an easy recovery.

[Guest Wendae]

God bless you and watch over you. I'm sure your guardian angel will be there as well. If not feel free to use mine.

[JJ]

Congratulations Paula! You have fought and worked hard for your dream and I am very happy to see that this major step is just ahead.

Hugs

John