After the dust has settled...

[Dodie]

Where has 20 months gone... I started about that long ago..so excited, ready to do whatever it took to transition.
The ride has not been easy.  Now the dust has settled.. I am divorced but wife and I living together again as best friends.. and divorce was done in a gentle way with love.
After the dust settled I lost a bunch of guy friends.. but gained even more girl friends from High School.. that I dearly love.
After the dust settled I lost my male privilege but don't care.. I have female privilege.. in the girls club.. rather have girls as friends now anyway...
After the dust settled I am attracted to men.. always have been but did not have the right body ... its complicated.
After the dust settled, I am at peace.. but still wonder why I had to be a woman.. and the simple answer is I am.
After the dust settled, I no longer have GID.... sure I get jealous of prettier women.. but all women do.. its just that I am a woman so I don't have that pain of GID.. wishing wanting yearning for what I did not have.   
After the dust settles.. I can watch a movie with women in it and relate to them without GID hitting me.
Most importantly to remember is.....
After the dust settles I still have the same problems in life I had before.. just without GID.. life is not perfect.. its not perfect for anyone..
Love you girls.
Keri.. AKA Dodie

[Sammy]

After the dust settles, peace has finally come to Your mind

[iKate]

Omg Keri, I have the same feelings about many things.

I still have career, stress, family etc to deal with. I have new challenges that have nothing to do with gender dysphoria. I sometimes think to myself - did I do the right thing? But when I'm treated like a lady and I remind myself that I Am a lady, the answer is a resounding YES.

[katrinaw]

Keri, we have watched you grow and become the engaging spontaneous woman you have become. Definitely an inspiration to me and many.

And its so true, the GID and awkwardness we felt before transition/HRT goes, life does go on, the world does not change for any of us, we make our own destiny and enjoy our life within it and adapt to it, we become better people for what positivity we bring to it.

Katy xx

[Jacqueline]

Keri,

Thank you for sharing that.

I am so early in my journey I can only guess at most of the steps. I have been doing therapy for half a year but little esle.

However, I am already in a better spot. I still have the dysphoria kick in regularly. However, have coming to realizations at different times that a particular day or event sucked. It would no matter where one is on any spectrum. It was just lousy. Then I move on.

I am finding I get over anger easier and depression. I can only hope with hormones, less body hair(although I could really use all the hair I lost on top of my head to come back) and a few other triggering aspects, life will get easier. As it will get more complex for a while.

Reading your post and so many of our members that have experienced the entire journey is invaluable. I shows us light at the end and it might not just be the train.

Thanks again,

Joanna

[Mariah]

Keri, Thank you for sharing. It's been amazing to watch you grow over time and it's true we lose things coming in, but I have no doubt what we gain exchange for out ways what we lose. I can totally relate to your post except Replace 20 months with 14. Hugs
Mariah

[Rachel]

Hi Keri,

I admire how you handled the tough personal situations.

You are a loving person and that shows in how your children responded to your change.

I am happy for you.

[cindianna_jones]

Keri,

Thank you for sharing such a creative and truth filled piece of writing. I am sure it will help many here better understand the final goal.

Cindi

[deeiche]

SNIP
After the dust settles.. I can watch a movie with women in it and relate to them without GID hitting me.
Most importantly to remember is.....
After the dust settles I still have the same problems in life I had before.. just without GID.. life is not perfect.. its not perfect for anyone..
Love you girls.
Keri.. AKA Dodie

Congratulations, I read your posts while you went through FFS.

Yep, GID disappearance post transition is awesome.  I transitioned >30 years ago, but decided this past May to have FFS.  My employer told me to apply for leave under FMLA, but needed info regarding diagnosis and procedure.  My FFS surgeon asked which diagnosis I wanted, 302.85 ( GID ) or 744.9 ( Unspecified congenital anomalies of face and neck ) .  I haven't had GID in in >30 years, 744.9 was the obvious choice.  BTW, my employer determined FMLA leave was appropriate for my timeoff for FFS.  YEA.

[Dodie]

Deeiche,
That is wonderful.  I bet your excited. 
I have a tendency to forget negative things in my past.. sometimes, especially in the morning when I am barely awake I notice my chest, look in the mirror and go wow.. I really did it..
But being half awake sometimes I am like WTF.. why did I do this.. then I go back in time and realize the pain I endured for so many years.. and move one.
I do GRS Spring next year.. can't wait..
Keri

[Richenda]

What a beautiful, poetic, post Dodie. Thank you xx