How soon?

[BillieB]

I had a marvelous first session with my therapist today and we discussed my goals, she gave me a recommendation to a MD to start discussing HRT and other possible medical pursuits. I was the topic of discussion at my wife's counseling session today and her therapist recommended slowing things down and 6 months of therapy were needed before any consideration of HRT. Now I was planning to wait 6 weeks before making the appointment, because I need to climb back on the wagon and make sure I'm well sober before starting anything medical, and even then getting an appointment runs about another 6 weeks around here. Just because her therapist knows of someone who had misgivings 3 treatments in, how does that apply to me? We are all on different journeys IMHO! I plan on discussing this further with my therapist during next weeks session, but I would appreciate some feedback from some of you who are a bit farther on their journeys, please!

 

Thank you in advance,

BillieB

[Audrey]

HI Billie, I'm so happy to hear you had a great first session with your therapist today and I'm hopeful she will be a great support for you on your journey. You're absolutely right in focusing on keeping sober and generally healthy will be great not just for HRT but any other step you might consider in medically transitioning. I agree that everyone's journey is unique and that one person's regret about HRT doesn't mean that everyone has regrets. Exploring the idea of HRT with your therapist is an excellent way to get any ambivalence you might feel out in the open. That way, when you do make the decision about starting HRT, you will do so in complete confidence. It also sounds as though your wife has some feelings about this too, which I would be sure to talk about with her as well as in your own sessions because you will need her support. My experience with starting HRT was that I had two conversations with my doctor and another three sessions with my therapist before getting a prescription for estradiol. They wanted to be sure I was medically and psychologically ready to take that step, and that I understood I was consenting to potentially irreversible changes such as growing breasts or permanent infertility. That was four months ago. And I have zero regrets. Hope this helps!

 

Love,

~Audrey.

 

[BillieB]

Thank you so much @Audrey I wasn't planning on rushing in, I thought my wife fully had my back but I guess I have some more work there. Possibly when I prove some time back on the wagon she will ease up. Breasts would be no problem and I have 4 grandchildren so infertility is not a concern. My typical way of doing something is to way over think it, so when I do make my move it's without regret, for me to be here now I am impatient to get on with it, but I guess as the saying goes "Patience is a Virtue" ?

 

Lord I so miss hugging in this pandemic!

 

Hugs,

[BillieB]

An Update! I have my first appointment to discuss HRT on March 3rd, while I seem to be overwhelmed with appointments currently this is one I look forward to with great anticipation!

[BillieB]

Today is Day 1, I have started my HRT! The journey goes forward! ???

[Heather Shay]

Congratulations - it's a big step and I am proud of you.

HUGS

[BillieB]

Thank you @Shay I am feeling so happy right now! Virtual hugs until real ones can be given.

 

 

 

[Heather Shay]

And luckily you are young enough to not have to years of T damage. You are going to be lovely - mark my words.

 

[BillieB]

@Shay no I have the Years of T damage ? that is a FaceApp feminized picture of me, I am 61 years old and have had the nickname of Lurch for years. I am just happy to be on the correct path now.

[Heather Shay]

Well young or old I am so happy for you. I'm not the only older lady although you are still a young'n to me ??

[Charlize]

That is great news Billie.  I was 63 when i started so don't worry about being "old".  I was told to fasten my seatbelt by folks here back then.  I didn't understand as i didn't perceive a rush.  Today i've come to understand that coming to grips and accepting myself as i am has been quite a rough ride.  At the same time the scenery was beautiful and entering a land of peace with myself was well worth the bumps.

Enjoy.  We are here to help if you need it.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[KayC]

Congratulations @BillieB! 
I think I missed your original post, but I am happy you resolved all your questions and were finally able to start HRT.

Thank you for sharing❣️