The First of Many

[Guest RalisTogari]

So, as of today I am officially 4 hours on T. First shot wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I mean, I've given my dogs shots before, I've given someone an IV before, and I have two tattoos on both arms. None of these things are the same as self-injection, but I kept telling myself you can't wuss out, just stick it in......I barely felt that stupid needle. If I wasn't looking right at it when I stuck it in I wouldn't have known it was in. Getting my annual flu shot hurt more.

[Carolyn Marie]

Congrats, hon. Well done. You are on your way, and I hope your journey is a good one.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Bulldog1948]

So, as of today I am officially 4 hours on T. First shot wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I mean, I've given my dogs shots before, I've given someone an IV before, and I have two tattoos on both arms. None of these things are the same as self-injection, but I kept telling myself you can't wuss out, just stick it in......I barely felt that stupid needle. If I wasn't looking right at it when I stuck it in I wouldn't have known it was in. Getting my annual flu shot hurt more.

Welcome Ralis,

Glad to hear that you got your first shot in. Feels good,doesn't it man. Just keep on your drs orders and soon you'll see a little bit of hair sprouting. And, before long you'll have even more hair. Just be paitient, it will come.

While you're waiting on your beard to grow in, you can work on your voice, your walk, your man clothes, your mannerisms and a bunch of other good stuff. I'm happyto see that you've come on board here as there are quite a few FTMs here. Our most vocal and inspirational would be Johnny or JJ as we oftentimes call him. Check out his transition pics, they pinned at the top here.

Mike

[Charlize]

I have lucked out as far as shots go. My E is a spray. Two puffs a day and i'm done. You must be a brave man to stick yourself. I guess i would do it but i'm glad for my spray. I grew up with T but as a male it came on very slowly. I'm sure the results you seek will arrive sooner. Enjoy the change. Something to be thankful for!.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Guest ChefErik93]

congrats on starting that process! its good to know that it doesn't hurt i think i would still have trouble sticking myself

Erik

[Guest Kylie2112]

Like I told one of my transguy friends when I crashed at his place and he was giving himself a T injection: "Damn, I'm glad I'm me and not you...but, either way, I'd be a girl!" Yeah...I don't like needles and I'm glad I can take E in pill form.

All I have to say is anyone who injects themselves (T, E, insulin, etc) has way bigger cojones than I could ever muster.

[Guest RalisTogari]

Well, the needle itself didn't really hurt. Felt a slight bit of pressure just before it broke skin, but that was all. What hurt was the lovely half dollar size bruise that grew around the injection site the next day. The bruise stopped hurting about two days ago and it's just starting to fade, but tomorrow it's time for my next shot (fortunately in the other leg) so time for the bruising to start again.

[Guest MrAwesome]

I've always found it easier to have someone else do it for me. Luckily I've had people around me who had experience in the healthcare field, like my wife who is a trauma surgeon. But you could even walk a friend or someone through how to do it. If you decide to have someone else do it, only advice I have is #1 - Don't let someone who used to shoot up drugs do your shot. Last time I let a former druggie do it, even though they injected into the muscle, they did it so hard parts of my arm were numb and I had pain shooting the entire length of my arm. It was not fun. #2 - Never assume they know what they're doing, no matter who they are, even after you show them what to do, remind them as they're doing it where to put the needle, and to pull back on the plunger before injecting. Ultimately you are in charge of your own safety, and by watching what they're doing you can feel comfortable knowing they did it properly and didn't make any mistakes.