Hi guys! I'm Lana Castillo from the Philippines. I'm 29 and I started my transition April of last year. If you ask me, I wish I would have started sooner but I was so afraid of my family's reaction. At first, I started experimenting on estrogen but eventually stopped. It was only last year that I've finally decided to stay on board in this new journey of my life.
Unlike in other countries like the US and Canada, there is still no program for Transgender transitioning here in the Philippines. Most still tread the DIY route. I myself am in this path. It can be a very dangerous undertaking but I can't wait any longer to transition. It's a risk I am willing to take...a calculated risk since I am not doing this blindly. I have been reading an ample amount of literature on the subject and I'm taking everything in with as much caution as possible.
Since I started on my HRT, I couldn't be any happier. (I'm on Spiro, Dutas, and Progynova). My skin has improved greatly and I haven't had any recurrence of acne since I started. My balding spots have regrown and that makes me immensely happy. My body has been changing slowly. I've gotten slimmer compared to my previous chubby self. At 5'11 and slightly overweight, HRT has helped trim down my over-all built. That alone is a big motivator for me to go on.
My over-all disposition and outlook in life has changed. I used to be so down just thinking about what could have become of me if I did this or did that. But now, no more "what if's" It's all or nothing.
Before HRT
Taken during our rappelling practice. As you can see, I'm on the heavier side. (2010)
(taken before our caving expedition) 2010
6 months after HRT (August 2011). I'm a nurse in a hospital here in our city.
Last week (June 2012).
------------------
I wish everyone the best as we trek this life-changing journey
