Can You Be Almost Rle?

[~Nova~]

I certainly agree with Drea and Dee Jay. I feel that like that old song, Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover, there are hundreds of ways to address gender dysphoria and have you find a comfort level. This RLE? well it always seemed rather strange to me that it was such a standard set in stone. I was desperate to be me, and wanted to live full time as a woman as soon as possible. The requirement to do so to be eligible for surgery? Well, yes, it made sense I guess. Having that requirement, though, seemed more of a CYA for the therapist and medical people? I mean I know how hard it is to get diagnosed and on HRT? So there are still people that get that far, start to live as their real selves? and back out? I guess it happens.

So yes, whatever it takes to make you happy, I suppose. RLE made me happy - but, well? It wasn't RLE for me, not literally. It was simply being myself, finally. So I had to male up at work? at least for a while? That was doable. They thought I was an effeminate gay male, I think, but whatever made it work for them, I really wasn't passing male back then.

Julie

My GT is very easy going. He was out front with me from the beginning and didn't say he needed to see me every week forth rest of my life. I haven't seen him in a while and I'm only going back to lay out a plan. I want to know exactly what he wants to get me the letter. I already know I'll be going to see Dr Reed in Miami. Www.srsmiami.com.

Like I said, I've been saving and do not want to delay when the time comes.

I'm thinking summer of 2012, thats why I'm concerned about RLE. I do everything female, except work. A girls gotta make a living.

[Guest Julie T]

My GT is very easy going. He was out front with me from the beginning and didn't say he needed to see me every week forth rest of my life. I haven't seen him in a while and I'm only going back to lay out a plan. I want to know exactly what he wants to get me the letter. I already know I'll be going to see Dr Reed in Miami. Www.srsmiami.com.

Like I said, I've been saving and do not want to delay when the time comes.

I'm thinking summer of 2012, thats why I'm concerned about RLE. I do everything female, except work. A girls gotta make a living.

Nobody except the therapist ever requires RLE, so in your case? It seems to me that you have it covered.

Julie

[~Nova~]

From Dr Reeds website.

Living in the social role of the chosen gender at least 12 months.

For genital surgery you must be recommended by 2 licensed therapists,

one of whom possesses a doctoral degree and the other, at least a masters degree

or its equivalent in a clinical behavioral science field.

Clinical training may occur within any formally credentialing

discipline -- for example, psychology, psychiatry, social work, counseling, or nursing.

One of these 2 therapists has to know you for an extended period of time

(not specified) to prepare an in depth evaluation. The second letter may be viewed

as a letter of concurrence.

Participation in psychotherapy throughout the real-life experience is desirable

at a frequency determined jointly by the patient and the mental health professional.

Age and medical status. If you are below 60 and in tip-top medical shape (not overweight, exercise regularly, not on insulin) you can be done as an outpatient at our facility with a 24 hour hold for observation. Both an RN and I will be in attendance during this time. Most likely you would then be transferred to a nearby motel. There are a few on our preferred list. We recommend that patients over 60 be done in a hospital setting by others. If you have any reservations that you may not qualify, please ask before initiating a consultation.

[Drea]

Are you planning to go to Dr Reed for surgery?

[~Nova~]

At this point it looks like it. I've been talking with him via email and I live a stones throw from the center. It allows me to recover vat homevand get back to work. He has given me a best guess timeline.

[Drea]

I really hate to say it, but every time I don't, something ends up happening and then I feel bad for not having said anything. Of all surgeons Dr Reed would probably be at the bottom of my list. I know too many who have had serious complications of they have gotten very little depth. In fact I know more who have problems with Reed than positives with him and this has been consistant for over 10 years. That is pretty bad considering most are just so happy to have surgery that they are thrilled with their surgeon.

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

or you can sue them for TWENTY SRS's (although I'm not sure where you'd put all those extra vagina's.)

birthdays, christmas presents, wedding gifts, put one on the mantle, one on the coffee table (conversation piece).....

[~Nova~]

birthdays, christmas presents, wedding gifts, put one on the mantle, one on the coffee table (conversation piece).....

Can you imagine how many friends I would suddenly have? Wow

Drea, I thank you for speaking out. I have a long time to wait and I will certainly do my homework prior to making any final decisions. Many things can happen between now and then, so right now I'm just checking facts.

Thank you for your concern.