hormones are go! woohoo!!

[jeni]

Jeni... It's interesting you say that your interest in porn has dropped when you decided to transition.  I feel the same way.   It feels like I'm cheapening my decision. 

Sorry, but can you explain what you mean by "cheapening my decision"? I don't think I understand. Do you mean that looking at porn is inconsistent with your decision?

It's been a month on estradiol today. Things are AWESOME. I've had a few physical changes, notably skin softening (which happened within the first week) and a complete change in my sweat smell. Through daily activities, there's basically none any more, and 3 days worth of workout stank on a t-shirt leaves it with a sharply sweet almost floral scent. I knew this was coming, but it is really a bizarre feeling (though SO welcome).

Psychologically, wow. Just.. wow. Things are different, but really hard to describe. I just *feel* girly through and through, to the point that I have to remind myself that nobody else sees me that way yet. Sometimes this leads to the most amazing euphoric feeling, where a giant smile just won't leave my face, but there's no identifiable reason to be smiling.

In terms of porn, things are sort of complicated. My interest in it has actually come back to a degree, but I feel very different about it. I guess I'd say the female stereotype is showing up. It's also more of an "interest" whereas before it was an outright "urge." If it's not convenient or something comes up, I just put it away and move on without any frustration. Again, that is SUCH a welcome change. It is amazing to feel like I am in control of myself.

It's interesting because I used to feel a lot of guilt about that. I didn't want to download this or that, but I found myself doing it anyway, and I felt terrible about it. It felt like an addiction, and maybe it was, but I am inclined to think it was just my T-laden body demanding something my brain wasn't wired to want.

Anyway, hope that isn't too much sexuality talk for this board. (If it is, mods, please let me know and I'll edit it down.)

[Kitty June]

Just to add myself to those just starting. I got my script for spiro two days ago. I'll have to monitor my blood pressure and show that's it's come down before he will give me the estrogen scrip. I'm just thankful that I've at least started.
Oh, the things I can't eat are the worst. I just looked at s good potassium free or at least low diet. Pretty much everything that I ate the day before was a no no. Now to figure out a healthy diet. I had the munchies last night and as I was looking at what you can substitute, I saw Doritos. Kryptonite to my will power.
Reset time. Now to eat healthy lol.
Good luck to all that are starting this journey now. It will be nice to compare notes along the way.

[islandgirl]

Well it has been one month since I started on spiro. Other than the going to the bathroom issue, I have not noticed anything else. My dysphoria is still with me and I have approximately 7 more weeks before I get back to my doctor. At that time I think it will be time to start low dose of E. I will have my next blood test by then. I know that I must be patient! But it is so hard!

[jeni]

FYI, as far as I can tell, ultra low potassium hero diets are not generally necessary when on spiro. One shold not eat unusually large quantities of it, but ordinary amounts don't usually cause trouble. Of course, you should consult your doctor about your particular situation and follow his/her advice.

islandgirl, are you finding you still have to use the bathroom a lot? I was constantly peeing for the first two weeks or so, but since then it's back to normal or close to it. Well, either that or I'm just used to it now....

Good luck being patient! It'll be worth it in the end.

[Jessika]

I'm so happy for you. 
I'm still waiting for VA to approve my consult with an Endo. It's been a week and they have not told me Approved or Disapproved.

The wait....uuuugh. lol

Edit: My Mom just texted me and called me "Jessika". Feels great. She'll slip as most family does LOL.
In due time...

[islandgirl]

Jeni - It is better now, similar to you my trips to the bathroom are less. I, too, was told by my endo that the body adjusts and is able to handle low to moderate amounts of potassium. I was advised not to take in to many bananas!

Jessika - That is a great  response from you Mom! Patience is hard especially when you see the path ahead but have to wait.

[jeni]

Ah. Mine didn't say anything about it except to avoid salt substitutes.

[Kitty June]

I was told to avoid salt substitutes as well as bananas and dried fruit especially. I just figured that I would try to avoid as much as I could, but I will have to still eat so I'm just going to avoid the biggies and see how I fare.
Ella

[Jessie Ann]

Add me to the list of just starting out.  I've started Avodart and Fenstride and will get my first injection of E on Monday.  I am so excited!!!   

[jeni]

Woo!

(I know SOMEBODY who's weekend is going to last f--o--r--e--v--e--r--... good luck surviving the wait!  )

[Jessika]

I just got off the phone with VA. They approved my referral to the Endo of my choice. Is was labeled "Emergent" the Lady told me so they are expediting it, I guess. Now I just need to wait for them to do all their computer/paper work and send the request so the Endo can contact me and set up the first appointment.

[jeni]

Woo!

(I think I'm beginning to sound like a broken record today. In any other thread that might be a bad thing.)