FTM's and Transitioning
 

Well, hard to say where I am in transition since we all transition throughout life. :) But, so far, I'm about year 2 of a medical transition.

Been on T for about a year and bit.

I take T on a bi-weekly basis, 1cc (remember that for different people the amount is different).

Uh.. body says "OW! Stop stabbing me!" :D Other than that, seems to be reacting well (e.g., beard growth, shifting of weight, deepening of voice, calming).

Pre-all surgery. Plan is top surgery. Haven't figured out who first as I want to get funds together before heading that way.

Where are you in your transition? I started transition in August of 1998

How long have you been on T? I started T in February of 1999

How much T do you take on a bi weekly or monthly basis? 100mg once a weekHow does your body react to your shot intake? I don't really notice any physical differences - except maybe a slight headache the day after

Are you pre or post op top and or bottom? Post op top (2004) and partially done, bottom - hysto in 2000

Where and Who did your surgeries? Hysto at University of Iowa Hospital, and I can't name my top surgeon - had it done in Rochester, MN but the surgeon doesn't do FTM top surgeries as a rule and doesn't want to be named

It's funny... In response to the first question, I feel that "only 16 months" and "post-transition" are both very true responses.

It feels so early in, yet I feel very at peace and as if things have really leveled out.

I started talking myself *out* of transitioning about 3 or 4 years ago, and I started T 16 months ago. I inject 100 mg/ml each week.

The biggest physical reaction I detect post-injection is a headache anywhere from 24-48 hours after. It sucks. :(

My top surgery was done 2 years, 8 months ago by a plastic surgeon in Toronto; and my hysto was done by an amazing GYN here in Nevada just 6 months ago. I do have plans for some further bottom work, but that's another year or two down the road.

Im happy for you, i remember so many odd years ago when you first moved to DC.

You look great and you look happy.

I started transitioning april of 2007, probably about the time things started to fall apart here, the baby was due in august, i figured after my hysto it was time for T, so i have been taking 1/2 cc every 2 weeks for 31 months. I will get re evaluated and get some blood work done in jan.

But i like where i am.

Thanks to everyone for responding so far

Thanks Theo

[QUOTE=theoddz;7504]
T has made me much calmer and focused, overall, and my body seems to really have adjusted to finally having what it should have always had. I'm much more patient and at peace with myself
~Theo~

:moonstars: {{{theo}}} just wonderful for you.

belle

It recently occurred to us (the lady and me) that I have not gotten my "Tuesday headache" for the past 3 injections (past 3 weeks). We inject on Sunday mornings, and I had been getting a headache the Tuesday following like clockwork.

Perhaps I'm moving past them altogether???

Journey continues!
 

Congrats! I hope this happens for you!!

First off, make sure the surgeon knows exactly what you're looking for....*male* chest reconstruction. It's not just as simple as tissue removal. If the surgeon does quite a few "FTM top surgeries" then this shouldn't be an issue.

Get the logistics......the surgeon's timeline or way of doing things. Find out exact times, where you'll be, how long you'll be there, follow-up procedures, etc...

Get a recommendation from the surgeon for supplements you can/should take in advance and what you can do to prepare. For example, I loaded up on vitamin C so I wouldn't get sick.......took something to help minimize bruising........got good and hydrated in advance, etc... All those little things really help with how you'll feel post-op.

I think having two or three weeks (more is better) post-op where you can lie around and do little to nothing is a good plan. And I think another four or five weeks after that of low activity where you're not exerting your upper body in anyway is also a good idea. Planning ahead for that kind of time off for yourself is pretty critical.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you need. It's an exciting adventure, but you'll definitely need a little help along the way.

Good luck!

This is all new to me... Im still trying to make a decision to transition or not to transition fully. I know my mind is male. Everything about me is male. Except my body. I know that I wanna have top surgery. Is any of this normal?

Sure. Some FTMs don't do surgery, some do just top surgery and some do all.

As long as it fits with what you are comfortable, that's all that matters. And it can change later on in life as well.

Thank You :)

hey Oopster-

you may want to discuss what your surgery options are. there are different methods being used depending on chest size, chest sag and also what kinda body fat is being held in area. this is when the you really gotta be clear on
what your sculptured expectation is.make sure they are writing down what you are saying and that you know everybody is clear on whats being performed. i have been given instructions by my therapist to talk to 3 different doctors. i will leave a link to one doctor i have had a consult with. the website has a bunch of before and afters. it also explains the different procedures he uses and compares them.

http://www.drgarramone.com/procedures-transgender2.html

here is another link that will get more detailed about the same options

http://ftmichael.transboys.info/topsurgeryinfo.html

Thanks!

Recovery time is probably my biggest obstiscle in all of this. My job is fairly physical so besides saving for the surgery I need enough to cover not working for a month or two. However the nature of what i'm doing right now I believe I can do the surgery and still have work when I'm ready to return.

I eventually want to switch jobs however I feel that will push surgery possiblities back another year so if the finaicial stuff comes together in the next month or so if I can finacially swing it I want to do it before I look for a new job.



I'm suprisingly big in fact i think i'm bigger then any of the pics on the one sight, so I know the double incision is my route.

The one dr. I'm leaning towards has done other ftms and in fact did theo's work. Haven't set up a consult yet though. Do hope to check out a couple others also. The advantage to the one theo went to is proximatey and cost and i believe a free consultation. There are some more well known ones but I feel some of the cost is paying for the name of the surgeon.

i got some other stuff i need to focus on in the next week or so then hopefully i'll know if my finacial stuff is going to happen and I can start putting my energy towards surgery stuff.

Thanks for the link .... any other links people can give me is appreiciated. Unfortunately i don't have a lot of patience to sit at a computer and search for stuff.

Im 4 yrs on T (Nebido, which shot i have every l0 wks)and dont notice any affect on my body save the changes with voice, facial /bodyhair, thinner hair on my head, thicker muscles, all the usual stuff - my bp is hi but i think it was anyway
Im post op done privately in london

Hi everyone,

Just checking in. I've posted in respective threads that I am recovering from severe PTSD and pretty much ridding myself of the side effects of severe trauma that I had surpressed for almost 17 years. That's a long time, and there have many times I thought it was over. But because it had been buries for so long, it has taken much longer and required much more than I thought. With each day that I feel better, I draw closer to feeling balanced.

I started therapy for transitioning some time ago and delayed it because of having to deal with this issue. I do plan on resuming therapy and beginning T as soon as possible this year and that's exciting to me.

Today I've had a nice reprieve from the intensity of PTSD and I was thinking about the changes in me on T. I can't wait! So I wanted to come in and touch base for a few minutes.

I've spoken with an FTM friend of mind in St. Louis who is fully transitioned including bottom surgery. I was thinking about facial hair and changes in my structure.

I don't require top surgery, having little breast tissue; I've always had a guy's chest and that's a relief to me. I do know that although I'll have a beard, I'll keep clean shaven.

Anyway, take care.

I need some support.

As many of you know, I suffer from PTSD and anxiety/panic disorder. I am fully clear and confident in my transmasculine/transgender male identity, mind you. I know who I am and who I am not.

That said, I am at a place in my life where it is now time to contact my doctor to start testosterone therapy and transition physically. Now that the moment of truth has arrived, it seems my anxiety has ratcheted up. I don't have doubts about who I am or whether this is really what I want, I swear! I am totally clear about who I am and have been for several years. I want to physically transition. I need to physically transition. I want to feel whole.

So why am I so anxious about making that call? I have no freakin' idea, and I wonder if any other guys have felt this way and how they have dealt with it. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Drew

I'm gonna take a stab at this, Drew. I wonder if it's fear of a doctor saying "No, you're not!" and questioning your decision to take this path. Does it bother you when someone doesn't clue in that you're a guy?

This is not an easy choice to make for some...there are variables. Maybe you should touch base in the PTSD and recovery thread. They could give you input about why you're not at peace. One thing is certain...honesty about everything is everything.

I'm a trauma survivor. I had to put my T sessions on hold because of PTSD and reaching its core. I will start this year, but it's delayed because of this. I don't want the effects of T entwined with trauma issues. It could be distasterous. Honesty and more honesty.

http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...ead.php?t=1184

Hey I would appreciate any and all participation on the above thread!

Thanks

Maybe this is "too simple", but it could be the fear of being judged.

That's what the anxiety was about for me.....plain and simple.

As for dealing with it... Having an ally beside you will certainly help.

It's scary shit, Drew, so I can honestly say that I feel ya.

Take a deep breath and make the call.....without apology. You can do it.

Good luck.

I had a lot of your same feelings. I think my stuff was

A) I'm old and tired. I spent my whole life fighting for queer rights, and I'm kinda tired of fighting. I don't have to 'talk about' being queer all the time anymore, because our rights have progressed. I didn't know if I wanted to have to go back 25 years into that bullshit again with trans issues, and anyone thinking they can ask any old question and be a complete asshat

B) The questions of just doing something new and different. Wondering if I was going to have regrets. Am I gonna lose my hair. Blah blah blah all that stuff.

C) Will I ever have another job? I mean, it's not like people are knockin' the door down to hire transfolks

D) Do I want to deal with other people's stupidity

E) Am I gonna get killed if I'm walkin' down the street, because of another person's hatred and all that

I had a lot of anxiety for a couple of years, and then, I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to transition, and the more I put it off, the older I got...and I wasn't going to live my life at the expense of other people's comfort levels.


The Anxiety Will Pass (or at least it did for me),
Dylan

hey guys, thanks for all the input, it really helps!

I did make that call, and saw my general practitioner. She referred me to an endo doc. I have an appointment on May 6th. I will need to bring a letter from my therapist, and that won't be a problem.

I think my freaking out did have a lot to do with that fear of being told no by my doctor. That didn't happen, so I am really excited about the next step now. I think any big change causes a spike in my anxiety because of the PTSD. The sign that I am healing from it is when it doesn't over-take me to the point where I am paralyzed and can't do anything. I moved through it this time and that is big progress for me. :)

Gday everyone,

Where are you in your transition? i began that for long time back possible 95 or 96 and didnt have time to see dr, so finally see dr 2006 after i met a friend of mine who is MTF i ask her where is FTM/MTF dr she gave me the addy because it private and done a long process for a year

How long have you been on T? since November 2007 (2 years and 5 months), omg i will never forget huge embarrassment first time after first shot oh god dont tell me lol

How much T do you take on a bi weekly or monthly basis? 250mg Enanthate every fortnite (every onces 14 days)

How does your body react to your shot intake? on depends if im relax had no problem, when im not relax sometimes it hurt on my leg feeling like sting from bees after i injection than next day it fine though make sure careful not to bumped it it freaken hurt when u bumped it, i am very happy as who i am now, as far i love myself too much some days but some days i feeling like grrrrr, it great experience as i feel it rewarding each day

Are you pre or post op top and or bottom? at the moment i am still trying to save $$$ to get top done i have not thought about bottom maybe future or will not.

Yes someone has mention about hairy body, deepen voice, yes it does i also have little hairy on my body and bit deep voice as well, my hair started thicken just like my dad (that doesnt worry me) i dont feel trap in me anymore it was like let it go and freedom i am more and more happier as who i am now, but one thing i feel sad or heart broken that some people who are not accept as who i am but i have few wonderful support from my friend that who understand what i was going though (before i was FTM) they were very interesting asking me alot questions about being FTM and what my experience etc, always listen my dr and every 6 month get blood test for the T level make sure everything is ok.

What i hate: when is it summer i get sweat easy from humidity, middle in the night i can get easy horny from dreaming.

Im going to change my name soon when i get enough $$$, but dont forget in aussie is very expensive at the moment all i can do is my best to get it done.

Great stuff going on around here. i wish i had more time to spend with ya'll.

My surgery looks like it will be dec 15th. so im looking forward to it. i needed off season to heal well.

Im taking my own steps for healthier living. i am now at 165lbs, actually running the treadmill and blading every other day.

hard part is quitting smoking, but i will try cold turkey sept 1st. gives me enough time before surgery to get my blood flowing lol.

I am so excited for you! You need to call your BFF!(best femme friend) I feel there is alot to catch up on! I miss you and love you very much!

Congrats!!! You must be very excited about this. BTW, when you have the first shot, not a lot will happen afterward other than slight pain at the shot site ;)

great news. good luck, you feel great after a few months.

Congratulations, Braedon!

I started on Androgel today for the first time. Starting low at 2.5 g per day. In a month I check with my endo doc and see if she wants to take me up to 5g. This is it, the first day of the beginning of a new life, and I'm not scared at all. :)