Planning for Transitioning

[Guest Serene]

I hope I'm in the right area, anyway...

I thought it'd be a fair idea to discuss different plans and the reasons for them for each of us interested in transitioning. That way we can recive additional inputs and suggestions from others who post and sussequently revise our plans if necissary. I realize this can be a rather personal topic for people to discuss, however I think it is benificial to communicate with other like minded individuales on ploting their transition. Anyone may post about their ideas for transitioning, and I will go ahead and post mine. If anyone sees any flaws in the process then please let me know.

Here I go:...

Step one: Electrolosis; Since it is the only surefire method of permanently removing facial hair I want to complete my electrolosis treatments. Sadly it's a lengthy and expensive process but the results are permanently smooth skin. The reason this is the first step in my transition to becoming female is because it's much easier socialy to get rid of facial hair as a male than a female.

Step two: Chondrolaryngoplasy; Or king's English, a trachea shave. The adam's apple is a mass of excessive catilage from two plates ment to armor the larynx, but it serves no functional purpous, is unsightly in my perspective, and in my experience makes my throat feel more vulnerable. Both men and women have them, although it is typically more promanent in men due to growth rates in that area during puberty. The cost for this cosmetic procedure in Americal seems to be a few thousand dollars. This is my second step, and one I can probably do during the final stages of my electrolosis treatments.

Step three: Hormones; At this point I will need to speak with a specialist in the transgendered area and get started on hormones as soon as I can. This is where I get a bit confused because my experience with such doctors is limited. But, as I understand, I need to "live as a female" for a year before I am able to opt for a reassignment surgery and I will have had to be on hormones beforehand, so this seems the most likely point to start this process. I may also have to legally change my name at this point as well.

Step four: Implants; After some time passes and I've been taking my medicine I would be ready to recieve breasts. I'm very slender and lightweight and don't want anything too impressive, so to speak, but this will be a massive turning point. I do have several concerns however, not the least of which is "Will I have feeling in my own breasts". It is also the point where I can start dressing in clothing I couldn't physically wear before.

Step five: Reassignment; That's right, the last leg on the journey. I've read about the procedure and watches medical shows on the process as well. For MtF the surgury reassembles the genitals to resemble a vagina, and modern practices can apparently do a marvelous job in this area. My concerns here include "Should I bank sperm in case I ever want children?", "How long is the healing process?(it seems to be a few weeks)", and "Can I still experience a satisfying sex life?"

Steps 3-5 will requier me to find a good doctor for the transition. I've been to John Hopkins in Baltimore but I'm mildly sketchy on if they are the best for the job or not.

Well, there are my plans layed out in my mind currently. If anyone sees anything wrong or has any suggestions please feel free to offer.

And of course please feel free to post your own plans for your transition as well if you think it may help!

Serene

[Guest how-audrey]

Make sure you don't forget to include gender therapy as part of your transition plan. My first session is on Monday, and I'm considering that the first step in my transition. I also plan to have my voice/makeup skills (and an awesome wardrobe) as good as possible before I go full-time.

[Charlize]

You seem very organized but you did forget that a gender therapist is the first step.

Hugs, Charlie

[Guest Serene]

I suppose there is the gender therapy, but now that you mention it; do I need to speak with a gender specialist or would my regular therapist do? I imagine seeking a specialist will bring me, at closest, to Baltimore, which is a several hour drive for me. I have just started speaking to my normal therapist about the issue.