FTM's and Transitioning

[Greyson]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I hope things go well for you Ebon.

[Logicaly]

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]

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]

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.

[Ebon]

Originally Posted by Thinker

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.

Thanks for the info.

[Liam]

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?

According to the new standards of care for transgendered and gender non-conforming people, "an assessment is still required, but it can be done by the prescribing hormone provider."

Yes, labwork must be done, and yes the doctor can say no.

Nadeest started a thread about new standards:
http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/foru...ead.php?t=3914

She also posted this link:
http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/...forming-people

[DapperButch]

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?

Ebon, read this:

http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/...forming-people

I am not certain when version 7 Standards of Care go into effect, but they came out 2 weeks ago.

What you need to know:

In version 6 (updated 2001), you had to have one letter from a therapist (of any graduate degree who worked with trans individuals), say that you should be able to receive hormones. You also needed one letter for top surgery.

NOW, although an "assessment" is needed to determine if one needs hormones, the doctor who is prescribing the hormones can do the "assessment". It no longer has to be a therapist.

I would suggest that you call all of the endocrinologists on your insurance list to see if you can find one who works with transpeople. If you find one who does, ask if they know/let them know, it can now be done without a therapist letter and see what they say.

An endocrinologist has a greater knowledge base than a primary care physician about, well, the endocrine system. :-)

Obviously, if you know anyone in your area who has transitioned, contact them to see who they go to.

Good Luck

ETA: Also see: http://www.wpath.org/documents/Stand...11%20WPATH.pdf

Here is version 7 Page 33 talks about criteria to receive hormones.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Ebon, read this:

http://www.thegavoice.com/index.php/...forming-people

I am not certain when version 7 Standards of Care go into effect, but they came out 2 weeks ago.

What you need to know:

In version 6 (updated 2001), you had to have one letter from a therapist (of any graduate degree who worked with trans individuals), say that you should be able to receive hormones. You also needed one letter for top surgery.

NOW, although an "assessment" is needed to determine if one needs hormones, the doctor who is prescribing the hormones can do the "assessment". It no longer has to be a therapist.

I would suggest that you call all of the endocrinologists on your insurance list to see if you can find one who works with transpeople. If you find one who does, ask if they know/let them know, it can now be done without a therapist letter and see what they say.

An endocrinologist has a greater knowledge base than a primary care physician about, well, the endocrine system. :-)

Obviously, if you know anyone in your area who has transitioned, contact them to see who they go to.

Good Luck

ETA: Also see: http://www.wpath.org/documents/Stand...11%20WPATH.pdf

Here is version 7 Page 33 talks about criteria to receive hormones.

To add what Dapper posted, this seems to vary from state to state/province to province and city to city. In NYC I didn't need a letter from a therapist. I ended up having a 30 min interview with a social worker and that was it. Even then it wasn't really required as the doctor, who specialized with gender variant people, was already ok with my decision. Part of this has to do with age, life status and the experience of the doctor themselves.

Now, I will say, that prior to this I had done about 9 months of a support group so a lot of the self-exploration that is often a requirement I had done.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by Linus

Part of this has to do with age, life status and the experience of the doctor themselves.

Yes, yes, yes... Well put.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Linus

To add what Dapper posted, this seems to vary from state to state/province to province and city to city. In NYC I didn't need a letter from a therapist. I ended up having a 30 min interview with a social worker and that was it. Even then it wasn't really required as the doctor, who specialized with gender variant people, was already ok with my decision. Part of this has to do with age, life status and the experience of the doctor themselves.

Now, I will say, that prior to this I had done about 9 months of a support group so a lot of the self-exploration that is often a requirement I had done.

I was speaking to WPATH's Standards of Care. It is not a state thing, and yes, any doctor can ignore WPATH's reccomendations for hormones or any type of surgery.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

I was speaking to WPATH's Standards of Care. It is not a state thing, and yes, any doctor can ignore WPATH's reccomendations for hormones or any type of surgery.

It's funny. I didn't know that there was a Standard of Care or that WPATH existed until after I started to medically transition. I always thought that the Hippocratic Oath was enough but learned, as part of this process, that there is far more than just what I believe and feel I need. I would say that the best resource I had for all this stuff was Hudson's FTM Guide.

I'm glad that the standard is there. I do believe it's for those who are doing it for "fad" or because someone told them to do this. I think the challenge is because not all physicians can distinguish between the someone who really is a transsexed individual versus someone who doesn't really know and is doing this for the wrong reasons.

[The Oopster]

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?

Originally Posted by Thinker

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.

Originally Posted by Ebon

Absolutely agree 100%! I have researched this other stuff and I do appreciate everyone's input, but I was looking for more of other people's experiences rather than information that I already had. Thinker (and now I know why you have that name) I am exactly the same way. I am in my body no one else is. This is my life I have to deal with any consequences of any decisions that I make. I have to walk my own path. I don't need someone else telling me when I am ready to do something and when I'm not. The only reason it's taken me this long is because of the whole going to a therapist that probably isn't even transgendered that is going to tell me if they think that I'm ready. I only recently found out that quite a few guys didn't even need to go to a therapist. The medical aspect I understand but when it comes to my emotions and my body it's up to me.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

Ebon

Originally Posted by Thinker

The EXACT same thing was true for me, Ebon.

I totally get that...and respect it.

You can do this your way; it's just a matter of finding the right doctor.

Originally Posted by Linus

It's funny. I didn't know that there was a Standard of Care or that WPATH existed until after I started to medically transition. I always thought that the Hippocratic Oath was enough but learned, as part of this process, that there is far more than just what I believe and feel I need. I would say that the best resource I had for all this stuff was Hudson's FTM Guide.

I'm glad that the standard is there. I do believe it's for those who are doing it for "fad" or because someone told them to do this. I think the challenge is because not all physicians can distinguish between the someone who really is a transsexed individual versus someone who doesn't really know and is doing this for the wrong reasons.

I was also hesitant about doing what I needed to take care of my body the way I saw fit and having it have to be approved by a therapist. I'm not against therapy. I have done therapy for areas of my life that needed it but by the time I was ready to make changes there was no need to brood it over with a therapist. However my path was slow. I used other avenues of support to come to my decisions. If anything I'm the type of person who needs a prod at doing something versus doing first and thinking second.

In fact I even feel life gave me the prodding. My T levels were low. So my normal physcian put me on the cream. I had other health issues and actually the higher my T level went on the cream the stronger I seemed to get. After a couple of years of this I was as high as the cream could go and be effective. At this point I already had 2 jobs that accepted me as male. Again another prodding by life. The first job my boss wondered, asked his therapist what he should do, and his therapist said to just ask me. From that point even though my government id still has the "F" my jobs have let me be Koop. The second job was funny because they started out calling me she, I rarely saw the people and it just wasn't worth going into but by the time I left everyone called me he. They figured it out. The only reason they called me she is they had seen my gov't id and knew. They realized all the clients didn't see my id so they didn't know and they called me he. In fact it's cool cause my id for that job has koop on it. It actually helped me get my mail at the post office. The guy was hesitant, and I said if you had this name, my birth name, would you want anyone else to know it? hence if somebody mails me something it's going to say Koop. "He said, you got a point, and let me sign for the package."

When it was time to go on the shots and to have my top surgery any of the drs I've seen just asked questions and could observe that I've been doing this for awhile and it's not a whim. I'm also in a recovery program and a lot of my self examination came through that program. If I wasn't i may have needed therapy. But I have changed in front of hundereds of people and again the professionals know that someone doesn't do that on a whim.

Now with that said there are drs here that are well established in the community that still expect that stuff, no exceptions. I chose not to go to those drs.

Now all the blood work and stuff I did have done and is monitored. That is important. It is also important to have it monitored by someone familar with ftm patients. My experience is everyone wants to blame every health issue that comes along with me on the T. Having a dr. who has dealt with lots of people I can get a proper assessment to whether that is a possibility or not.