Hi from Down Under

[Guest Sarah Coffey]

Hi Everyone

I'm a 52 year old woman, I wasn't always though, either a woman or 52. I was born into this world with a female brain locked in a male body.....it's a boy!!! they exclaimed.......WRONG!

I knew I as 'different' from about the age of five, but never knew how. My adolescence was a nightmare. I married at the age of nineteen, had four children (now have four grandchildren too) lived my life as the man everyone told me I was.

In 1995 I discovered what dysphoria was, in 2003 I was diagnosed, in 2008 I began my transition, for three years I battled my family, society and myself but finally made it to surgery in February 2012 at the Suporn Clinic in Chonburi, Thailand where I had my SRS/BA.

The year following surgery was really about recovery, both physical and psychological and this last year has been about me and my life, about stabilising and getting ready for my next big adventure next year (revision in Chonburi and FFS in Spain).

The last five years have been a rollercoaster ride of emotion and self discovery. For me it has been absolutely worth it, the pain, the agony, the joy and the peace.

Sarah

[Carolyn Marie]

Welcome to the Playground, Sarah. I am impressed with all you've accomplished on your journey, and understand all about the obstacles you've had to overcome. This is not an easy path to follow. I'm glad its brought you here. I am sure that you have a lot to share with us, as well as things you can still learn.

Please look around the forums, read what interests you, ask your questions, and give your own view of things where you like. I only ask that you read the site Terms and Conditions, as they help us keep the site safe for everyone. After five posts you'll gain access to all of the site features, including the Private Message (PM) system.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Charlize]

Welcome to the forums dear. You are not the only poster from down under. You have had quite a journey. I certainly can relate to a good bit of it. I'm a proud grandparent as well. Children are one part of being male i will never regret. This is sometimes a hard journey as we are often alone. At Laura's you will always have someone around who understands.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Guest Eric6]

Hi Sarah

Good to see a fellow Aussie here :-) We're even a similar age, I'm 50 and though unhappy for many years, never knew much about gender dysphoria until a few years ago. They were dead sure *I* was a girl :-)

Eric

[Cyndee]

Hi Sarah, welcome to Laura's Playground and thanks for your intro. You've been through a lot, and yes none of this is easy. I agree with my friend Charlie above, having kids and that generational echo, is part of my life I treasure GD or not. It took me decades to deal with this, living life essentially for others, putting my own needs aside until you reach that point where you have to do something about it. Anyway I do hope you enjoy your time here on our forums Sarah, post away and after 5 you may use the private messaging system with other members.

Hugs

Cynthia -

[Guest Astrosmurf]

Hi Sarah, welcome to Laura's and great to have another Antipodean here It's awesome you can bring so much wisdom and experience along with you!