Getting closer every day

[DawnOday]

Went to the Doc that would prescribe hormones for me and although I discussed all my attendant DES related health problems he did not say no. He said he would consult with the program director at Group Health. I hope so because I would love to spend one day with stability of emotions. But hopefully I have a number of years to enjoy myself as I envision my life would be on hormones. I appreciate they are cautious but every one of the thirteen drugs I take right now has a health warning of some kind. One will make me sterile and give me breasts, One will make me sweat, and possibly overdose. One will make me bleed, One can give me a stroke, several will make me drowsy. some make me dizzy, and one makes me pee like a racehorse. I am amazed really at how little resistance I am getting. I must be really screwed up. A note to anyone considering suicide. I'ts not worth it. not to you, family and friends. I've been living with this for 65 years and not once have I ever felt death was preferable to life, in any form it takes. Seek help.

[Kerry30Den]

Hi Dawn,

Hopefully you've been able to start hormones and finding the peace you seek.  Hang in there! And I agree that suicide is never a good option.  We recently had a friend end his life due to depression and the chaos and pain that brings leaves a mess in its wake.

Keep pushing until they help you find a way to feel better

[Michelle_P]

Dawn, you're doing the right thing, and I certainly hope you get the green light!

I'm going through a similar fire drill, and it turns out that at least one of the drugs, the anti-androgen spironolactone, addresses a couple of my old issues, benign prostate hyperplasia and sodium sensitive hypertension. I've got an endocrinology phone session tomorrow to figure out what to do about my prolactin and desire for estradiol.  So many moving parts!

But, it is so worth the effort!  I'm still emotionally fragile, so it's no cure-all, but the anti-androgen has had an amazing effect on my mind after a month. I've had some amazingly good days.

Just hang in there and persist!  You need it and deserve it after all these decades!

- Michelle, the Weird Old Lady In Training

[chris.deee]

Dawn, did you wind up getting started on E yet?

[DawnOday]

Dawn, did you wind up getting started on E yet?

Not yet but the therapist did submit the letter and notified the social worker. I have a appointment for the therapist again on Aug 2 and will be meeting with the prescribing Doc on the 18th. I wish I had someone to exercise with as I need to strengthen up. As I have been sick for the last 25 years I kind of gave up on exercise as well as the dream of living the life I was meant to. But I want to live with the knowledge I did my best and will do whatever it takes. With the extra strength and toning the side affects won't be so prevalent and will help minimize the weight gain I expect. It would be tragic after losing 70 lbs to gain it all back.  Thanks for asking.

[Deborah]

I can almost guarantee you won't gain any weight if you don't want to.  You already know the weight control drill so just keep doing it.  In my opinion the whole weight gain on HRT fear is overstated.  Yes, it can happen but it can and does happen without HRT all the time too because of too much food going in.

Your metabolism may slow some but it's not a drastic decrease and it takes a while before that happens anyway.

And I'm hoping for your best in your upcoming appointments. :-)

[DawnOday]

I can almost guarantee you won't gain any weight if you don't want to.  You already know the weight control drill so just keep doing it.  In my opinion the whole weight gain on HRT fear is overstated.  Yes, it can happen but it can and does happen without HRT all the time too because of too much food going in.

Your metabolism may slow some but it's not a drastic decrease and it takes a while before that happens anyway.

And I'm hoping for your best in your upcoming appointments. :-)

If metabolism were slowed it would be non existent.  It is so strange the very thing that made me who I am also is responsible for so many other ailments. I do have a way to lose weight. Lots of water, no soda's, no bread, no pasta no sugar. I do allow myself a mini candy bar twice a week. All I need to add is exercise. I think I will be going to the Y for swim aerobics, as I see it as being easier on my joints. Thanks for your kind comments.