Okay, so it's been 13 hours since my appt. with Dr. O'Dea and I just wanted to post my results for those who were interested!
Dr. O'Dea himself: Okay so I get what JennyGirl said, this guy is kind of a rebel and an individualist, and does like to shoot the breeze and get to know his patients personally. Some may find this off-putting. For me, it was right up my ally! I really liked his personality, and found it charming. His way of working things is maybe a little bit different from some other methods, but results don't lie- this guy knows what he's doing.
Pellets VS Orals: I'm noticing that the levels being constant has helped me EXTREMELY. After talking to him and doing a little research (and talking to medical professionals in the family), I realize now WHY taking orals gives you mood swings. It's because even taking under the tongue, the E pills only stay in your bloodstream for 4 hours tops. Even if you're taking 2 or 3 doses a day, that still leaves the better part of the day where your levels are at almost nothing.
I stopped the orals cold turkey before going in. Had my last oral 20 hours ago, and had pellets injected 12 hours ago. Normally if I was late on taking the orals by this time I'd be a basket case of anxiety and have a huge upset stomach. I only slept 5 hours over the night and woke up very happy and bubbly.
I got the highest dose Progesterone shot, and my nipples are already getting puffy and sensitive. True, some of that may be the orals I've been on for almost 2 weeks, but the Progesterone seems to have pushed things along a bit faster already.
The Price: I won't lie, the first visit is quite expensive as you have to pay for the consultation / dr. visit. However, I did do the absolute maximum that he was willing to do. And also, w/o insurance, it's not too much more than what I'd pay for orals. If you can afford it though, go for it! My reasoning was that I would much rather try a safer, more effective hormone method in hopes I wouldn't have to pay through the nose for electro and top surgery.
Overall: Can't recommend this method enough. Sure, it is a lot of money, but as I mentioned previously I'd rather spend more money on a safe and more effective way of doing hormones than having to go through more surgeries later. I realize I still may have to do surgeries as almost everything with transisitiong is YMMV, but for me the price of admission is worth it just for the mood change alone. Taking orals I felt like my female self for a few hours and those male traits would slowly start to creep back in. Now I feel completely female all the time, and I'm loving it.
Thanks JennyGirl for all the info, I really am glad I went in!
