FTM's and Transitioning

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Ebon

The wheels are in motion. I contacted a therapist today so that I can get started on that. I'm kind of nervous and excited all at the same time.

I'm so happy for you. keep us up on changes.

All the best in this New Year, new Adventure/Journey for you

[Rufusboi]

Good luck Ebon. Keep us updated.

Rufus

[Leigh]

This month will mark 3 months on T and not only has My voice changed but I'm also growing facial hair ~ I'm loving it

Yay congrats Ebon, its gonna be a great journey for you

[Berlmeister]

"The T cream is homeopathic and not regulated under the FDA, so the contents of how much organic T one gets is up for grabs, but it also did help the libido. Your mileage may vary as with all things."

does that mean this can be obtained without a prescription? I cannot find a endocrinologist or physician in My state or outlying area that will prescripbe this to Me since I was born female. there is no trans healthcare or treatment in sc. My primary provider siad she would consider it in a dose appropriate for a woman with diminished libido, but from what I understand it isn't enough to get a T level anywhere near male ranges. sadly My care provider is a nurse practitioner and doesn't feel she is suited to help Me with transitioning even though she is willing to continue care for any health issue including gyno.

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by Berlmeister

"The T cream is homeopathic and not regulated under the FDA, so the contents of how much organic T one gets is up for grabs, but it also did help the libido. Your mileage may vary as with all things."

does that mean this can be obtained without a prescription? I cannot find a endocrinologist or physician in My state or outlying area that will prescripbe this to Me since I was born female. there is no trans healthcare or treatment in sc. My primary provider siad she would consider it in a dose appropriate for a woman with diminished libido, but from what I understand it isn't enough to get a T level anywhere near male ranges. sadly My care provider is a nurse practitioner and doesn't feel she is suited to help Me with transitioning even though she is willing to continue care for any health issue including gyno.

If you are looking to transition and take T then you should consult with a doctor who will treat you appropriately. I am in the rare position of not transitioning due to many factors, and homeopathic cream is the only recourse left to me. You may need to move if you find that you want to transition and have no recourse in your state to be treated. Homeopathic T cream can be obtained without a prescription and the effectiveness will vary as with all OTC medicines and remedies. There are online stores that sell this cream.

Welcome to the site and good luck in your journey.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Berlmeister

"The T cream is homeopathic and not regulated under the FDA, so the contents of how much organic T one gets is up for grabs, but it also did help the libido. Your mileage may vary as with all things."

does that mean this can be obtained without a prescription? I cannot find a endocrinologist or physician in My state or outlying area that will prescripbe this to Me since I was born female. there is no trans healthcare or treatment in sc. My primary provider siad she would consider it in a dose appropriate for a woman with diminished libido, but from what I understand it isn't enough to get a T level anywhere near male ranges. sadly My care provider is a nurse practitioner and doesn't feel she is suited to help Me with transitioning even though she is willing to continue care for any health issue including gyno.

I know SC has not much community and there are many states and counties near big cities that do not understand the transition process.

but i can help you find suitable help in the GA area. let me know.

good luck, happy new year and welcome

[Berlmeister]

the only thing I found in GA was in atlanta which is 6hrs away. I will however be moving to california in 3-6 months top so I can seek treatment.

[raising2alone]

Would have loved to have had this thread 10 years ago or more. If I can help, I will give my information. As someone else pointed out, the process, while similar, will be different for everyone but perhaps just the support helps.

Where are you in your transition? I am finished with all I will do in my transition. Started 11 years ago. Had my name legally changed immediately prior to starting T.

How long have you been on T? 10 years.

How much T do you take on a bi weekly or monthly basis? I am not taking any at the moment and doing fine.

How does your body react to your shot intake? I really didn't have any reaction.

Are you pre or post op top and or bottom? Top surgery is done, had complete vaginal hysterectomy, no scars there thank goodness. Won't have lower surgery at my age, mostly because of the cost and phaloplasty is just not proven to me to be a good alternative. After my surgery had my gender immediately changed on my birth certificate and drivers license.

Where and Who did your surgeries? My surgery was done by a great plastics guy in Kansas City. He is not on any list and not sure he even does any others. If you live in the area, I can find out for you if he does. He doesn't want his name out there in forums.

I used to do diversity training and was a pretty big advocate in the community on trans issues. I still get called to do some but since I have kids now I am semi retired . I would be happy to share information if it will help anyone.

[Jet]

Originally Posted by Berlmeister

the only thing I found in GA was in atlanta which is 6hrs away. I will however be moving to california in 3-6 months top so I can seek treatment.

Drag. Good luck. I'm in GA and had no problem getting T here in Atlanta. I have 4 10mL vials I haven't even touched because I stopped taking it during the summer. I'm going to start again soon though. In 15 weeks, my voice had changed and there was more hair growth.

[DamonK]

There are no absolutes...

Due to private issues, I must transition a slightly...different..way. For me, rather than just one, it will be two surgeries.

I'd thought to myself on Monday.."need to call the doc to set up an appointment to talk about ....". Apparently when I had my physical last year, I'd already set up this year's appointment and I got a notice of rescheduling.

Therefore, next month I go to the doc, and I will broach the subject for the first surgery.

As for T, my doctors are all through a Catholic hospital. Therefore, I know the chances of finding a doctor to guide my transition are extremely slim. My insurance will cover the first surgery, as it will alleviate health issues. However, I don't wish them to be..suspicious. Later, I will go for T, paying out of pocket as to not have ins involved. I'm hoping the first surgery could possibly be done this summer.

But..won't know more until I see the doc and find out what he suggests.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Berlmeister

"The T cream is homeopathic and not regulated under the FDA, so the contents of how much organic T one gets is up for grabs, but it also did help the libido. Your mileage may vary as with all things."

does that mean this can be obtained without a prescription? I cannot find a endocrinologist or physician in My state or outlying area that will prescripbe this to Me since I was born female. there is no trans healthcare or treatment in sc. My primary provider siad she would consider it in a dose appropriate for a woman with diminished libido, but from what I understand it isn't enough to get a T level anywhere near male ranges. sadly My care provider is a nurse practitioner and doesn't feel she is suited to help Me with transitioning even though she is willing to continue care for any health issue including gyno.

When I first started I started with creme at the levels for a women whose levels were low. Primarily because I wasn't sure what transtional path was for me and because my levels were low! My dr. was different and gradually increased the dose. However even though you won't get the effects you want it is a place to start, but it isn't cheap it was like 80 t0 90 dollars for a month ...now with the shots i can go ateast three months on 45 dollars. Just something to think about until you get into another situation

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by DamonK

There are no absolutes...

Due to private issues, I must transition a slightly...different..way. For me, rather than just one, it will be two surgeries.

I'd thought to myself on Monday.."need to call the doc to set up an appointment to talk about ....". Apparently when I had my physical last year, I'd already set up this year's appointment and I got a notice of rescheduling.

Therefore, next month I go to the doc, and I will broach the subject for the first surgery.

As for T, my doctors are all through a Catholic hospital. Therefore, I know the chances of finding a doctor to guide my transition are extremely slim. My insurance will cover the first surgery, as it will alleviate health issues. However, I don't wish them to be..suspicious. Later, I will go for T, paying out of pocket as to not have ins involved. I'm hoping the first surgery could possibly be done this summer.

But..won't know more until I see the doc and find out what he suggests.

Damon, hang in there bud. You will find a way. It is SOOOO hard to be patient when you know what you want and you are ready for it. I have been there myself and I still am. Just don't give up!

[Logicaly]

So I thought I would share. Started seeing a doctor to get a health checkup, etc so I could get started on T. How long did it take everyone after they first saw their doctor and say hey, I want to start T?

I had all my blood work done, results where a bit off in one or two areas that they are now running more blood work and im waiting on those results hopefully any day now. It seems you go in for one thing, and instead, they find something else wrong.

[Greyson]

Originally Posted by Logicaly

So I thought I would share. Started seeing a doctor to get a health checkup, etc so I could get started on T. How long did it take everyone after they first saw their doctor and say hey, I want to start T?

I had all my blood work done, results where a bit off in one or two areas that they are now running more blood work and im waiting on those results hopefully any day now. It seems you go in for one thing, and instead, they find something else wrong.

Initially I had to get a referral from my primary care physician to see the endroconologist. My primary care gave me a list of potential endos told me a little about each one and let me make a decision as to which one I wanted to see.

I went home did a little background research on the proposed doctors, chose the one I wanted to see and got back to my primary care. About three weeks later I had my first appointment with the Endroconologist and about 4 to 5 weeks later, I had my first T shot.

Part of the wait for me was giving my Endroconologist educate himself a bit on Trans stuff. I knew I would be his first "FTM" patient and needed a little time to make a decision to take me on as a patient. I specifically stayed within the group of medical doctors affiliated with my primary care physician because I wanted to do what I could to educate and bring "transitioning" into the conciousness of mainstream medicine here in the SF Bay Area. Up close and personal so to speak.

I get my levels of T and other blood work done quarterly. So far, so good. Good luck to you. It will happen.

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

When I first started I started with creme at the levels for a women whose levels were low. Primarily because I wasn't sure what transtional path was for me and because my levels were low! My dr. was different and gradually increased the dose. However even though you won't get the effects you want it is a place to start, but it isn't cheap it was like 80 t0 90 dollars for a month ...now with the shots i can go ateast three months on 45 dollars. Just something to think about until you get into another situation

The OTC Testosterone Cream is between $26 and $33 depending on where one gets it. It can be purchased online with a shipping charge of aprox $4.99.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by DamonK

There are no absolutes...

Due to private issues, I must transition a slightly...different..way. For me, rather than just one, it will be two surgeries.

I'd thought to myself on Monday.."need to call the doc to set up an appointment to talk about ....". Apparently when I had my physical last year, I'd already set up this year's appointment and I got a notice of rescheduling.

Therefore, next month I go to the doc, and I will broach the subject for the first surgery.

As for T, my doctors are all through a Catholic hospital. Therefore, I know the chances of finding a doctor to guide my transition are extremely slim. My insurance will cover the first surgery, as it will alleviate health issues. However, I don't wish them to be..suspicious. Later, I will go for T, paying out of pocket as to not have ins involved. I'm hoping the first surgery could possibly be done this summer.

But..won't know more until I see the doc and find out what he suggests.

Well that stinks (only having one place you can go for care). :-(

When you say suspicious are you saying that you are trying to get it done under a "breast reduction", as your insurance won't pay for top surgery? I have often wondered if there are doctors willing to do that. Then many more people would have the means to get it done.

The only insurance I know that pays for top surgery is Aetna. Does anyone know of any other insurance company that now pays for it at this point?

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Corkey

The OTC Testosterone Cream is between $26 and $33 depending on where one gets it. It can be purchased online with a shipping charge of aprox $4.99.

I'm guesiin I wasn't on the OTC because I needed a prescription for mine. The cost varied on the strength

[Corkey]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

I'm guesiin I wasn't on the OTC because I needed a prescription for mine. The cost varied on the strength

Nods it isn't the same thing.

[Jet]

Originally Posted by DamonK

There are no absolutes...

Due to private issues, I must transition a slightly...different..way. For me, rather than just one, it will be two surgeries.

I'd thought to myself on Monday.."need to call the doc to set up an appointment to talk about ....". Apparently when I had my physical last year, I'd already set up this year's appointment and I got a notice of rescheduling.

Therefore, next month I go to the doc, and I will broach the subject for the first surgery.

As for T, my doctors are all through a Catholic hospital. Therefore, I know the chances of finding a doctor to guide my transition are extremely slim. My insurance will cover the first surgery, as it will alleviate health issues. However, I don't wish them to be..suspicious. Later, I will go for T, paying out of pocket as to not have ins involved. I'm hoping the first surgery could possibly be done this summer.

But..won't know more until I see the doc and find out what he suggests.

Good Luck Damon.

This is going to be hard isn't it?
As for T, my doctors are all through a Catholic hospital.

Are you in KC, would it be possible to find a doc there? My ins pays for my T. The doc set it up that way as the T being necessary (for something)

j

[DamonK]

To answer the questions,

Yes, I have Aetna. However, no trans-friendly docs that I'm aware of. My psych doc is trans-friendly, but that's another story. He's hilarious.

In fact, when I changed jobs, I kept the docs at the Catholic hosp just so I could keep my psych doc. He means THAT much to me. I will "happily" struggle with the rest as to keep him on my medical team.

Seeing as my docs are based of Catholic hospital, it could potentially be difficult for me to just go straight to top surg. Since I do NEED the other surg, I don't want to cause issues to get it, such as asking about top surg.

If I can't win them all, I might as well win at least ONE.

Likely for T, I will end up in SL or KC.