Hi everyone.

[Mariah]

I have also been lurking for a bit and it is time that I introduce myself a bit. At a young age many surgeries were performed on my genitals. These surgeries were followed up by another when I was in the 4th grade. So as a result, I have known that I'm inter-sexed to some extent but never truly knew to the full extent that I am. Along with that all along I have always known I was female, yet stuck in this male body. My father, when he was alive, was not very happy that I would play with my sisters toys and not my own and that my interests were that of a females and not a males. It wasn't tell recently that I had the courage and strength to tell the doctor that I wanted to formally start my transition after 36 years of dealing with all of this. That I was willing to finally take the steps I need to be able to move forward with my life and get my mind, body, and soul all aligned with each other. One side affect is they are now finally willing to look back figure out what happened in the past to gain a better understanding of my case, which I wasn't even asking for them to do. All I know is once I made this decision and I stopped caring about what happened in the past it felt like a big weight was lifted off me. Deciding to move forward with my transition is something I should have done years ago, but I'm glad I decided to start recently instead of letting this continue to cause stress on my body.

[Mariah]

I have a feeling they are not forcing those standards. I will let you know when I no more as to what rules they will or won't force upon me. Most of my medical records from Spokane are not available. They would be looking for needles in a haystack. It was very much buried. Secondly, my father has been dead since I was 13. The my previous primary care doctor even went through the trouble of ordering the hormone levels. Which I doubt even chose to look at. Those numbers were very interesting. Probably why my body has formed kidney stones since I was a teenager. I meet the new primary care doctor near the end of the month. I agree I hope the practice ends. To much pain and anguish as a result. I appreciate that. Once I get to the level where I can, I'm sure I will take you up on it.

[Jessica Merriman]

given your intersex diagnosis are your doctors requiring that you adhere to the trans* standards of care? Or is there another path for intersex people to transition?

I am intersex and they use the WPATH SOCs, but a more relaxed version. As far as they are aware of it is really the only comprehensive set of organized protocols to use. I am fine with it as long as the end result is met for me. 

A big welcome to the family Freeingmyself! You have found a really special group of people who will support you and help whenever they can. Transition can be a hard lonely road at times so don't hesitate to say what's on your mind. You will find friends are made real easy here so much so this place gets a little addictive at times.

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[Mariah]

Jessica, I figured as much regarding the rules. Thank you for letting me know that. Same here. The end goal is all that matters to me anymore, which is what I have focused on lately. It's the only way to move forward with my future. Oh and thank you for the links too. P.S. I have already found it addicting.

I am intersex and they use the WPATH SOCs, but a more relaxed version. As far as they are aware of it is really the only comprehensive set of organized protocols to use. I am fine with it as long as the end result is met for me. 

[Mariah]

I forgot to mention one other thing. I will be the second in my family to transition. My Uncle, now Aunt was first. I know that genetics were part of the reasoning behind it. My history clearly played a role in that which was clear when I found out that She had taken this step.

[Jessica Merriman]

I was put up for adoption because I was born intersex. My biological parents just couldn't deal with it after the "church" told them I was an abomination. And they wonder why we need Therapy now? 

[Mariah]

Jessica, sorry to hear that you had that happen on top of all this. My dad died of cancer before I started doing many things. I have a feeling that he would have tried to kick me out if he had been alive a few years longer. My mom at least understood and toned him down during the time he was alive. She still understands but deals with dementia now. My primary care doctor tried to preach the church thing. He found out I wouldn't hear of it. Hence, he is no longer the primary care doctor. Found one that would instead.