When I first started to transition, I figured I wanted to do the HRT (hormone replacement therapy) which included a pill that got rid of my testosterone, and a set of pills to give me the estrogen. I did this through the careful monitoring by an endocrinologist. I also went to a GID psych, at first to get a letter informing my Connecticut DMV that I was undergoing HRT and transitioning under the real life test guidelines. This was also for the Doctor recommendation, and after changing my name to a female name, the DMV would change the gender on my driver license (Connecticut doesn't require the surgery). Now as far as the transition went, there were just too many things to think about before I got the operation. Actually, I welcomed any reservation thoughts in my mind and considered them till I felt the OK to continue further on my journey. Getting the full SRS vaginoplasti is a serious step. There is post-op health related issues, living an irreversible life as a female with all the positive or negative perks that happen to cisgendered females, and willingness to get the operation regardless of the outcome being successful (90%) or problematic (10%). There's no way to sugarcoat the decision, it's an easy one ounce you've considered all the angles and are good with them. Now as far as the dysphoria issue was for me, I felt better continuing with the transition. But that's me. The way I see it, there is breast augmentation surgery (if needed), facial feminization surgery (if needed), getting an orchidectomy (cutting down the need for spyronolactone, and heavy estrogen medication), and if you still need to make yourself further congruent do the vaginoplasti (the big step). I remember when I said "the prayer" to myself one night when I was 14. I prayed to God to work a miracle on me and that when I woke up, I would discover that being a male was all a bad dream. I wanted to have my genitalia removed and enjoy living full time as a woman. By the time I was 50, I was 24/7 transitioning, at 52 it was time for the SRS. Alas, I did have some post-op difficulties. Being a progressing type 2 diabetic, my new genitalia suffered nuropathy. Vaginal stenting was very hard to do because of skeletal pubic bone problems. But all and all I'm happy and would do it again. I hope that has been helpful to you.
Brenda
