FTM's and Transitioning

atomiczombie · 07-08-2011, 11:59 AM

I have decided not to go back on T. The side effects were more stress than I want to deal with, and after my chest reconstruction I am much happier with my body. So this is as far as I am going to go. I am very much at peace with this decision, because thinking about going back on the T, even for a short while, stresses me out.

Thinker · 07-08-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I have decided not to go back on T. The side effects were more stress than I want to deal with, and after my chest reconstruction I am much happier with my body. So this is as far as I am going to go. I am very much at peace with this decision, because thinking about going back on the T, even for a short while, stresses me out.

Good for you, Drew! It's obvious you've put a lot of thought into it. There are so many stressors that we have no control over; it's good to take control when we can.

See you Sunday!!!

Leigh · 07-08-2011, 02:06 PM

Hey guys,

I figure since I have a chance to get online I'd update everyone with a few things that are happening with My own transition. I had asked last month for an increase in My testosterone, but they wanted to do tests to make sure all of My levels were decent so they did that and ......... everything is fine! As of next week, My shot is being upped from 100mg every two weeks to 100mg every week so soon My shots will be weekly. I have quite abit of facial hair (especially on the chin and neck) as well as some hair growing on My stomach and legs :-)

I also had My meeting with the psychiatrist and she has approved My need for top surgery, and the paperwork has been sent away so right now I am just waiting for a consultation date with the surgeon! I'm very excited and wanted to share this good news with My friends ~ hope things are all going well with everyone!!!!!

atomiczombie · 07-08-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew

Hey guys,

I figure since I have a chance to get online I'd update everyone with a few things that are happening with My own transition. I had asked last month for an increase in My testosterone, but they wanted to do tests to make sure all of My levels were decent so they did that and ......... everything is fine! As of next week, My shot is being upped from 100mg every two weeks to 100mg every week so soon My shots will be weekly. I have quite abit of facial hair (especially on the chin and neck) as well as some hair growing on My stomach and legs :-)

I also had My meeting with the psychiatrist and she has approved My need for top surgery, and the paperwork has been sent away so right now I am just waiting for a consultation date with the surgeon! I'm very excited and wanted to share this good news with My friends ~ hope things are all going well with everyone!!!!!

Awesome Matthew! I am so psyched for you!

Leigh · 07-08-2011, 02:20 PM

Thanks Drew, seems life is finally falling into place :-)

Thinker · 07-08-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew

Hey guys,

I figure since I have a chance to get online I'd update everyone with a few things that are happening with My own transition. I had asked last month for an increase in My testosterone, but they wanted to do tests to make sure all of My levels were decent so they did that and ......... everything is fine! As of next week, My shot is being upped from 100mg every two weeks to 100mg every week so soon My shots will be weekly. I have quite abit of facial hair (especially on the chin and neck) as well as some hair growing on My stomach and legs :-)

I also had My meeting with the psychiatrist and she has approved My need for top surgery, and the paperwork has been sent away so right now I am just waiting for a consultation date with the surgeon! I'm very excited and wanted to share this good news with My friends ~ hope things are all going well with everyone!!!!!

Wow........such good stuff, Matthew!!! Congratulations!

Leigh · 07-10-2011, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thinker

Wow........such good stuff, Matthew!!! Congratulations!

Thanks Thinker, I'm extremely excited about everything :-)

Ebon · 07-10-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I have decided not to go back on T. The side effects were more stress than I want to deal with, and after my chest reconstruction I am much happier with my body. So this is as far as I am going to go. I am very much at peace with this decision, because thinking about going back on the T, even for a short while, stresses me out.

T isn't for everyone. Good for you.

Greyson · 07-10-2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

I have decided not to go back on T. The side effects were more stress than I want to deal with, and after my chest reconstruction I am much happier with my body. So this is as far as I am going to go. I am very much at peace with this decision, because thinking about going back on the T, even for a short while, stresses me out.

Drew, it was good to see you at the Diva Luncheon. I did not see your above post until after the lunch. T does not make the person who you are. I am pretty sure most of us know what is on the inside is the measure of who we really are. Take care.

Leigh · 07-11-2011, 02:53 PM

I certainly agree with Greyson, I'm taking T and the dosage will be incrased starting today but that certainly doesn't make Me who I am ~ things like My personality, My likes and hobbies, interests etc do!

Your awesome just as you are Drew :-)

atomiczombie · 07-11-2011, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthew

I certainly agree with Greyson, I'm taking T and the dosage will be incrased starting today but that certainly doesn't make Me who I am ~ things like My personality, My likes and hobbies, interests etc do!

Your awesome just as you are Drew :-)

Thanks Matthew!!!

Logicaly · 08-02-2011, 01:32 PM

So I had a 3 month checkup yesterday. I have been on T for about 6 months now. My good cholesterol has gone up a little bit, my bad cholesterol is still higher than what the doctor wants, and my triglycerides are also I guess higher than what the doctor wants. On top of that, I have gained 5lbs in the last 6 months. So, I go back in 3 months for another checkup, doctor said if my cholesterol doesn't start dropping even more than we are going to have to look into putting me on meds for it. I would still like to avoid that, so now I need to hit the gym more than ever I think, and stay focused on that, as well as continue to try and improve my eating habits.

All that being said, the doctor did feel comfortable raising my dose. I am now taking 1ml every two weeks. She said my hormone levels where at about 142, and a biological male should be around 410-600.

So far I have had a very minor amount of facial hair start to grow on my chin, you have to really look to see it. My voice is getting deeper as well. So changes are happening, and well now they should continue to happen.

Linus · 08-02-2011, 10:06 PM

Just saw this on one of the lists:

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/20...-be-a-musical/
`Southern Comfort' Documentary on Transgender Friends to Be a Musical

By Robin Pogrebin
A new musical based on "Southern Comfort," Kate Davis's award-winning documentary about transgender friends in rural Georgia will be presented by CAP21 Theater Company in Manhattan this fall.
The musical, also called "Southern Comfort," features a folk-bluegrass score by Dan Collins (book and lyrics) and Julianne Wick Davis (music). The show, to be presented at CAP21's Black Box Theater on West 18th Street, will star Annette O'Toole ("The Kennedys of Massachusetts," "Smallville") and Jeff McCarthy ("Urinetown," "Beauty and the Beast"). Tom Caruso directs. Previews are to begin Oct. 5.

======

A musical? really? I don't think I can picture how such a tragedy could be a musical.

Ebon · 08-19-2011, 02:18 PM

I need to come out at work but of course I'm hesitant because I don't know who is a narrow minded asshole and who is not.

Linus · 08-19-2011, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ebon

I need to come out at work but of course I'm hesitant because I don't know who is a narrow minded asshole and who is not.

Good luck! When I came out I was surprised at how positive things were overall, even from the extra-conservative born-again Christian that is a colleague. Does your work have an HR dep't?

Ebon · 08-19-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linus

Good luck! When I came out I was surprised at how positive things were overall, even from the extra-conservative born-again Christian that is a colleague. Does your work have an HR dep't?

Yeah they do. I am hoping it is the same and I will expect that. I just looked in our handbook and our policy has no protection for transgendered or even the GLBT community for that matter but one of our head bosses is gay so hopefully it will go well. I think they just care if I'm good at my job.

J. Mason · 08-19-2011, 06:05 PM

I hope things go well for you Ebon.

Logicaly · 08-20-2011, 03:28 PM

Good luck Ebon. I know it can be a bit of a nervous situation. I was hesitant too at first, but once I did honestly I was amazed at how easy it was and the great reaction that I received.

Ebon · 09-30-2011, 02:31 PM

Did anyone go to the doctor and ask to be put on T without needing a letter from a therapist? If so did they just put you on T or did you have to do some tests first and wait for the results? Can the doctor say no is what I'm asking. Also did anyone have issues with hbp and was still able to take T?

Thinker · 09-30-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ebon

Did anyone go to the doctor and ask to be put on T without needing a letter from a therapist? If so did they just put you on T or did you have to do some tests first and wait for the results? Can the doctor say no is what I'm asking. Also did anyone have issues with hbp and was still able to take T?

Hey Ebon...

I started without a letter from a therapist. I had a letter in my possession, but the doctor never asked. That damn thing is still sitting...sealed......in a file folder.

I started with a guy in DC who had a lot of exposure to the MTF community there. I think he had gotten to the point where he was pretty comfortable making that decision for himself after a couple of visits with the patient.

I don't recall the specifics, but I am almost certain he went through a laundry list of labs before I started. I remember that I did not get my prescription until around my third or fourth visit; even then, I started on a very low dose of a transdermal patch. We both wanted to ease into it slowly since I have a history of migraines that were often triggered by hormonal changes. I started injections after about 3 months, I think.

I did not have a history of high blood pressure, but I did see changes once I started on T; it was high almost always. After about a year or so, that was no longer an issue.

A doctor can certainly say no. Finding a doc who, like mine, is very familiar with the trans community and our issues/obstacles with health care is pretty important.

07-08-2011, 11:59 AM	#1
atomiczombie Member How Do You Identify?: Femmesensual Transguy Preferred Pronoun?: He, Him, His Relationship Status: Dating Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Rio Vista, CA Posts: 1,225 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,949 Thanked 3,220 Times in 759 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	I have decided not to go back on T. The side effects were more stress than I want to deal with, and after my chest reconstruction I am much happier with my body. So this is as far as I am going to go. I am very much at peace with this decision, because thinking about going back on the T, even for a short while, stresses me out. __________________ http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/k...orums_2000.gif Russian Unicorn http://occupiedmedia.us/

07-08-2011, 02:06 PM	#3
Leigh Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, etc Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 7,767 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,029 Thanked 13,024 Times in 4,784 Posts Rep Power: 21474860	Hey guys, I figure since I have a chance to get online I'd update everyone with a few things that are happening with My own transition. I had asked last month for an increase in My testosterone, but they wanted to do tests to make sure all of My levels were decent so they did that and ......... everything is fine! As of next week, My shot is being upped from 100mg every two weeks to 100mg every week so soon My shots will be weekly. I have quite abit of facial hair (especially on the chin and neck) as well as some hair growing on My stomach and legs :-) I also had My meeting with the psychiatrist and she has approved My need for top surgery, and the paperwork has been sent away so right now I am just waiting for a consultation date with the surgeon! I'm very excited and wanted to share this good news with My friends ~ hope things are all going well with everyone!!!!! __________________ "When you fall off the wagon ... clutch the sides of it until you get a better grip!"

07-08-2011, 02:20 PM	#5
Leigh Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, etc Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 7,767 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,029 Thanked 13,024 Times in 4,784 Posts Rep Power: 21474860	Thanks Drew, seems life is finally falling into place :-) __________________ "When you fall off the wagon ... clutch the sides of it until you get a better grip!"

07-11-2011, 02:53 PM	#10
Leigh Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, etc Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 7,767 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,029 Thanked 13,024 Times in 4,784 Posts Rep Power: 21474860	I certainly agree with Greyson, I'm taking T and the dosage will be incrased starting today but that certainly doesn't make Me who I am ~ things like My personality, My likes and hobbies, interests etc do! Your awesome just as you are Drew :-) __________________ "When you fall off the wagon ... clutch the sides of it until you get a better grip!"

08-02-2011, 01:32 PM	#12
Logicaly Member How Do You Identify?: Transgender Male Preferred Pronoun?: Male Relationship Status: She is the gamer girl to my gamer boy Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: California, Bay Area Posts: 683 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 395 Thanked 1,742 Times in 513 Posts Rep Power: 8641139	So I had a 3 month checkup yesterday. I have been on T for about 6 months now. My good cholesterol has gone up a little bit, my bad cholesterol is still higher than what the doctor wants, and my triglycerides are also I guess higher than what the doctor wants. On top of that, I have gained 5lbs in the last 6 months. So, I go back in 3 months for another checkup, doctor said if my cholesterol doesn't start dropping even more than we are going to have to look into putting me on meds for it. I would still like to avoid that, so now I need to hit the gym more than ever I think, and stay focused on that, as well as continue to try and improve my eating habits. All that being said, the doctor did feel comfortable raising my dose. I am now taking 1ml every two weeks. She said my hormone levels where at about 142, and a biological male should be around 410-600. So far I have had a very minor amount of facial hair start to grow on my chin, you have to really look to see it. My voice is getting deeper as well. So changes are happening, and well now they should continue to happen. __________________ ~Logicaly~ Geeky guy extraordinaire Always and Forever

08-02-2011, 10:06 PM	#13
Linus The Planet's Technical Bubba How Do You Identify?: FTM Preferred Pronoun?: He/Him/Geek Relationship Status: Married to my forever! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,440 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,929 Thanked 10,726 Times in 3,172 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	Just saw this on one of the lists: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/20...-be-a-musical/ `Southern Comfort' Documentary on Transgender Friends to Be a Musical By Robin Pogrebin A new musical based on "Southern Comfort," Kate Davis's award-winning documentary about transgender friends in rural Georgia will be presented by CAP21 Theater Company in Manhattan this fall. The musical, also called "Southern Comfort," features a folk-bluegrass score by Dan Collins (book and lyrics) and Julianne Wick Davis (music). The show, to be presented at CAP21's Black Box Theater on West 18th Street, will star Annette O'Toole ("The Kennedys of Massachusetts," "Smallville") and Jeff McCarthy ("Urinetown," "Beauty and the Beast"). Tom Caruso directs. Previews are to begin Oct. 5. ====== A musical? really? I don't think I can picture how such a tragedy could be a musical. __________________ Personal Blog \|\| [] \|\| Cigar Blog "We become Human Doings instead of Human Beings." -- Ram Dass

08-19-2011, 02:18 PM	#14
Ebon Senior Member How Do You Identify?: With my souls eyes. Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: lol Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Here Posts: 3,476 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,524 Thanked 11,143 Times in 2,757 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	I need to come out at work but of course I'm hesitant because I don't know who is a narrow minded asshole and who is not. __________________ In Lak'ech Ala K'in I'm a Soul Rebel http://wannabereverend.wordpress.com/ Spirituality is not a belief system or ideology, it is the surrender of one's ego to the infinite wisdom and knowledge that is the universe.

08-19-2011, 06:05 PM	#17
J. Mason Timed Out How Do You Identify?: Banned 11/9/2011 - Previously banned member back under new name Preferred Pronoun?: He and His Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Texas/Oklahoma Posts: 861 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 250 Thanked 741 Times in 361 Posts Rep Power: 0	I hope things go well for you Ebon.

08-20-2011, 03:28 PM	#18
Logicaly Member How Do You Identify?: Transgender Male Preferred Pronoun?: Male Relationship Status: She is the gamer girl to my gamer boy Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: California, Bay Area Posts: 683 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 395 Thanked 1,742 Times in 513 Posts Rep Power: 8641139	Good luck Ebon. I know it can be a bit of a nervous situation. I was hesitant too at first, but once I did honestly I was amazed at how easy it was and the great reaction that I received. __________________ ~Logicaly~ Geeky guy extraordinaire Always and Forever

09-30-2011, 02:31 PM	#19
Ebon Senior Member How Do You Identify?: With my souls eyes. Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: lol Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Here Posts: 3,476 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,524 Thanked 11,143 Times in 2,757 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	Did anyone go to the doctor and ask to be put on T without needing a letter from a therapist? If so did they just put you on T or did you have to do some tests first and wait for the results? Can the doctor say no is what I'm asking. Also did anyone have issues with hbp and was still able to take T? __________________ In Lak'ech Ala K'in I'm a Soul Rebel http://wannabereverend.wordpress.com/ Spirituality is not a belief system or ideology, it is the surrender of one's ego to the infinite wisdom and knowledge that is the universe.