How to start?

[Julielynn]

I'll say up front, I'm really lucky or maybe overly prepared since I knew what I was early on.   I only found out that it was possible to "jump to the other side" around 24 years old or so since I grew up in the "bible belt" of the South.   Since that time I prepared hard and my mind never changed about transitioning.   I didn't back then due to the hostile nature of the area and my fear of being jobless and unable to afford everything.  I'm 48 now and I am in a position to finally make that jump.   I retire at the end of the year.  I have plenty set aside.  No family, hereditary sterile, not many friends who are going to care (because they are used to another MTF we know.)  Even my GF (I was never into men) is Bi, finishing her PHD in plastic surgery, and wants to open a clinic for exactly this, is ecstatic about it.  I think she's having more fun than I am.  Perfect situation really.   I'm only bummed that I took this long to get here. 

 

I purposefully got in shape since I heard any risk factors could jeopardize your chances of being able to go through this.   Fixed my bald spot I had and removed the beard.  Next?

 

What do I do now?   I scheduled an appt with a therapist that deals with Transgenders, but I'm not real sure what I'm doing at this point.   No idea how you get a doctor to assign you the HRT or what all is required.    I read a lot on here and learned some, but it's still a confusing process.    Personally, I'd hate to go to my normal doctor for this, but I would if I had to.  I'd definitely shock the poor guy.  Seems a specialist would be better anyway.

 

I looked for one of those Gender specific clinics and there's not one real close except one that only seems to be support.   Emotional support is one thing I don't think I really need anyway.  I'm far from depressed, I'm ridiculously happy I reached my goal and can finally do this without a worry.  

 

I'm near Traverse City, Mi if that helps. 

[Susan R]

Just now, Julielynn said:

Personally, I'd hate to go to my normal doctor for this, but I would if I had to.  I'd definitely shock the poor guy.  Seems a specialist would be better anyway.

Hi Julielynn, Normal doctors are people too and you'd be surprised at the things they experience if they've been around.  There's likely nothing you can say that would shock them for more than a minute or two if at all.  It's 2019 and most have been educated to some extent about this topic.  If not, your likely seeing the wrong doctor.

 

I know it feels like you've taken too long to start this journey but everything you've said you've gone thru is also part of it all.  You're much younger than myself and likely have many great years ahead as yourself.  Starting with a good therapist specializing in gender issues is a good start.  I'd just take it day by day for awhile and you'll find that the journey will continue along at your own pace.  Your therapist may even suggest several doctors they trust regarding HRT and other gender relating medical info you may want to know.

 

Good luck and welcome to our community here.

Susan R?

[Ellora]

Just now, Julielynn said:

What do I do now?   I scheduled an appt with a therapist that deals with Transgenders

Excellent start! Going to a Gender Therapist will help in many ways. First, you will be able to share your great news, and everything else in your life you want to share. Ask your Gender Therapist about a Doctor(s) they would recommend, plus any other places, groups... that could help you in Your Journey. 

You sound like you are off to a great start, a positive outlook, exercising, and research! Happy for you to be able to commit to your journey, no matter what age. 

Congratulations and best of luck and fun with Your Journey!

[Julielynn]

Ah, I thought it was required to go to a therapist before asking a doctor for HRT.   Seems I could skip that if this is the case.

[Susan R]

Just now, Julielynn said:

Ah, I thought it was required to go to a therapist before asking a doctor for HRT.   Seems I could skip that if this is the case.

You could skip this step if you live in a "informed consent" state or country for that matter.  This waives your right to sue if something were to go wrong with the HRT regimen.   I live in Washington State and you can skip therapy altogether if you wanted to go that route.  I would recommend continuing on the path you're on though.  There's much to learn if your therapist is good.

[Carolyn Marie]

Hello, Julie, and welcome to Trans Pulse.  You've received great advice from some of our wonderful members, and I don't have much to add to what they've suggested.  Other things your therapist might be able to do for you, in addition to a good doctor or two, is recommend places for facial hair removal and other important services.  It certainly doesn't seem like you much need advice on relationships, which is wonderful.

 

The journey to womanhood is not simple, nor easy, nor (usually) quick.  But you've got a great start on things, a good attitude, and a good hand has been dealt to you (outside of where you happen to live, but that can be changed if need be).  I wish you continued success, and BTW, please do have a look around these forums.  I'm sure you find some interesting stuff.

 

HUGS

 

Carolyn Marie

[Jani]

Greetings Julie and welcome.  It sounds like things are going your way now and that is great.  Nothing much to add except to join in the conversation, this is a great group. 

 

Cheers, Jani

[Julielynn]

Thanks for the answers and welcome to all of you.  I'll be lurking around reading mostly.   See you on there.

 

 

[Lexi C]

hey Girlfriend...if yr rich then f that... step 3 profit, but if your like me and properly soon of us in this space,,then contact yr LGBT or Gender Center in yr local area and get a GT..totally worth it...even if you need to good to Detroit or kalamazoo...GL

[Charlize]

Welcome Julielynn.  I came out to my family doctor prior to therapy and she offered help after visiting the farm and talking to my wife and i together.  I did go to therapy and amongst all the reasons mentioned above finding more certainty and self acceptance were major positive results.  

Glad you've joined us.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Amanda Thomas]

On ‎8‎/‎3‎/‎2019 at 11:07 PM, Julielynn said:

I'll say up front, I'm really lucky or maybe overly prepared since I knew what I was early on.   I only found out that it was possible to "jump to the other side" around 24 years old or so since I grew up in the "bible belt" of the South.   Since that time I prepared hard and my mind never changed about transitioning.   I didn't back then due to the hostile nature of the area and my fear of being jobless and unable to afford everything.  I'm 48 now and I am in a position to finally make that jump.   I retire at the end of the year.  I have plenty set aside.  No family, hereditary sterile, not many friends who are going to care (because they are used to another MTF we know.)  Even my GF (I was never into men) is Bi, finishing her PHD in plastic surgery, and wants to open a clinic for exactly this, is ecstatic about it.  I think she's having more fun than I am.  Perfect situation really.   I'm only bummed that I took this long to get here. 

 

I purposefully got in shape since I heard any risk factors could jeopardize your chances of being able to go through this.   Fixed my bald spot I had and removed the beard.  Next?

 

What do I do now?   I scheduled an appt with a therapist that deals with Transgenders, but I'm not real sure what I'm doing at this point.   No idea how you get a doctor to assign you the HRT or what all is required.    I read a lot on here and learned some, but it's still a confusing process.    Personally, I'd hate to go to my normal doctor for this, but I would if I had to.  I'd definitely shock the poor guy.  Seems a specialist would be better anyway.

 

I looked for one of those Gender specific clinics and there's not one real close except one that only seems to be support.   Emotional support is one thing I don't think I really need anyway.  I'm far from depressed, I'm ridiculously happy I reached my goal and can finally do this without a worry.  

 

I'm near Traverse City, Mi if that helps. 

How did you fix your bald spot?

[Julielynn]

On 8/5/2019 at 8:20 PM, Amanda Thomas said:

How did you fix your bald spot?

Hair Transplant.  Neograft.   Expensive, but least I don't have to worry about it anymore.  If you want to go there, just know ahead of time, they shave the spot where they take the follicles from so take a little time off to not look like a total weirdo.  You end up with lots of little red dots where they get it from and of course a shaved section.   So ugly haircut for a bit, but worth it.

[Julielynn]

On 8/5/2019 at 4:54 AM, Alex C said:

hey Girlfriend...if yr rich then f that... step 3 profit, but if your like me and properly soon of us in this space,,then contact yr LGBT or Gender Center in yr local area and get a GT..totally worth it...even if you need to good to Detroit or kalamazoo...GL

What's a GT?   (Gender Therapist, I'm guessing?) I heard there's a center about 2 hours away.   I did find one that deals with it near me so I might be ok.  We shall see next Friday when I meet her.

[VickySGV]

2 hours ago, Julielynn said:

What's a GT?   (Gender Therapist, I'm guessing?)

 

 You've got it!!

[Lexi C]

yup