bloodwork to start T

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I did my bloodwork to start T yesterday at a GLBT clinic. They couldn't find a vein easily, so I have this huge bruise on my arm. It feels like a badge of pride.

I get results back in a week, then I get prescription and they'll teach me how to do my shot.  I will do SubQ shots weekly.

I've put off starting T for over a year - I began therapy in Feb 2012, but the place where I will get the T prescription does informed consent, so I could have started at anytime. My only regret is waiting this long.  I first began thinking about my gender around March 2011. I moved to WA from TX at the end of 2011, so I guess it just took me awhile to catch up to all the changes in my life.

I can't believe it is finally about to happen. It will be a long week.

One question - did anyone start an acne treatment in anticipation of problems before they actually appeared in full force? I already have problems, and I want to prevent a full blown break out if I can.

[Soren]

Did they not tell you to clench your fist first? It makes the veins stand out.
Oh, and congrats.

For acne, I would be careful of chemical treatments, as many of them have estrogens in them to clear out the pores. I would say wash your face in morning and night. Use a lotion afterwards, or your skin will get oilier to compensate, and change your pillowcase on a regular basis. For ones on your chest and back, I've found washing your binder once a week and letting it air-dry will keep it from rubbing bacteria into your pores.

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Did they not tell you to clench your fist first? It makes the veins stand out.
Oh, and congrats.

For acne, I would be careful of chemical treatments, as many of them have estrogens in them to clear out the pores. I would say wash your face in morning and night. Use a lotion afterwards, or your skin will get oilier to compensate, and change your pillowcase on a regular basis. For ones on your chest and back, I've found washing your binder once a week and letting it air-dry will keep it from rubbing bacteria into your pores.

thanks

Yeah - I did clinch my fist, but they had to go in twice to get more blood and the second spot is where the bruise is.  I don't mind, really.

I do tend to dry out my skin. I use witch hazel and cetaphil right now. I guess I should find a good moisturizer.  Anyone have a good recommendation?

I think I remember someone saying once that they got a prescription for something topical to start alongside T to help with acne, but I don't remember what it was

[Soren]

thanks

Yeah - I did clinch my fist, but they had to go in twice to get more blood and the second spot is where the bruise is.  I don't mind, really.

I do tend to dry out my skin. I use witch hazel and cetaphil right now. I guess I should find a good moisturizer.  Anyone have a good recommendation?

I think I remember someone saying once that they got a prescription for something topical to start alongside T to help with acne, but I don't remember what it was

For really bad drying, I would suggest Eucerin (I don't know how to spell it). The overnight stuff is made differently, so it really is best to use it at night, but if you plan on using it during the day, you should get one with spf.

My older brother used proactive, but at the time there was barely a spot on his face that wasn't covered. I would say keep going with what you're doing, maybe get a spot treatment cream. And try to keep your hair off of you face.

Where in Washington do you live? (Just curious, I live here too.)

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Where in Washington do you live? (Just curious, I live here too.)

In Seattle.

I don't think I could have picked a better place to transition. My therapist is trans, and so is the person prescribing me hormones.  I haven't had to explain myself to a non trans person in a medical context once.

[ford]

my doc prescribed me clindamycin after I was two months on T because the acne was getting to me a bit. It's just a topical wipe. So far, so good. Actually my face looks pretty darn clear these days, usually only two or three minor spots at a time.

I also use a generic 'oil-free' spf face moisturizer pretty religiously. And exfoliate.

[Soren]

In Seattle.

I don't think I could have picked a better place to transition. My therapist is trans, and so is the person prescribing me hormones.  I haven't had to explain myself to a non trans person in a medical context once.

You're probably right about that. Too bad the traffic is terrible. (I live in Everett, but I go down to Seattle occasionally)

[randomroads]

You could be dehydrated if they had to hunt for the vein. Try drinking a few glasses of water about an hour before your next blood drawing if this is a common problem for you.

[Soren]

You could be dehydrated if they had to hunt for the vein. Try drinking a few glasses of water about an hour before your next blood drawing if this is a common problem for you.

How often do you get blood work done? Some people have veins that are naturally hard to get to, no matter how much they drink.

[aleon515]

I have had more trouble with oily skin than acne. I was my face a LOT (3-5 times a day). I got a moisturizing type face soap and non-oily moisturizer. It's worked pretty well but that's for me. Don't actually know anybody doing it like this. I got Proactiv, but really haven't needed it.

I don't waste my time with regret. If I did, I'd probably waste all my time with it. I started my transition, let me assure you, MUCH older than you.


--Jay

[brayden4]

I'm in the same boat right now.
I had my blood work done Thursday and since I'm borderline diabetic I had to do a 3hour glucose test plus all the regular blood panels they do.
So 4 hours and 11 vials of blood later  I got my appointment to start T on the 1st of August

I'm a little worried about acne too but I got one of those face scrubbers and it has kept it away really well so far, I just hope it works just as good once I start on T

[D0LL]

I'm starting to worry about my blood test coming up on the 5th. I have hypothyroidism, but my blood tests show I have normal thyroid levels. That's because my body produces the correct amount of hormones, it just can't function to properly absorb and use the hormones it produces. Since I treat myself and don't have saliva tests to prove my condition, I'm worried they're going to look at my results and think that I have hyper and tell me that I need to treat it...

If I can get more money coming in, I'm going to buy my old acne wash that worked so well on me during puberty, just so it's ready when I start T (it's not at all expensive, I'm just that poor right now). I also have a few supplements I want to buy in anticipation for starting, but I doubt I'll have the money by then. I at least wanted to buy some MSM to help my body produce new tissues faster at the start of T to kind of get the ball rolling, but MSM makes other supplements and food more likely to give you acne (it itself doesn't necessarily give you acne). Aaaannnndddd that's probably a deal-breaker for me on that supp...

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I'm starting to worry about my blood test coming up on the 5th. I have hypothyroidism, but my blood tests show I have normal thyroid levels. That's because my body produces the correct amount of hormones, it just can't function to properly absorb and use the hormones it produces. Since I treat myself and don't have saliva tests to prove my condition, I'm worried they're going to look at my results and think that I have hyper and tell me that I need to treat it...

Let them do the blood test and see how they interpret it. Try not to worry about it until then. You have something going on with your neck you mentioned in another thread? I would just describe your symptoms without telling them what you think it is, and it will work out one way or another. Probably good you are having the blood work done for more than one reason. Hopefully nothing will complicate you getting started.

My own blood work apparently shows that I am anemic. I have never had this problem before, and I got a prescription for iron pills. They still gave me a T prescription, so just waiting on that to get mailed now. Finally. I am a bit worried about the anemia, though. Apparently, the T can also help with this issue, so that is something.

Question for anyone reading this - did anyone start T in the middle of their TOM? I think the timing is going to work out that way, and I forgot to ask about it at my appointment. I don't know if it is worth it to call and ask now or just to try it and see what happens. I am sorta afraid it will make it last longer than normal or something bizarre.

[LordKAT]

T will likely 'cure' your anemia.

[ford]

T will likely 'cure' your anemia.

^^^ This is looking to be true for me. That whole not losing blood monthly thing.

Question for anyone reading this - did anyone start T in the middle of their TOM? I think the timing is going to work out that way, and I forgot to ask about it at my appointment. I don't know if it is worth it to call and ask now or just to try it and see what happens. I am sorta afraid it will make it last longer than normal or something bizarre.

Not quite but I did start a day or two before. It turned out to be a lot longer lasting that usual (9 days vs 4-5). But. It was the last one I had (although I understand when it actually stops varies wildly from person to person).