So close

[Dayta]

Two weeks ago, I had my follow-up appointment at the L.A. LGBT Center for the report on my blood tests and (hopefully) a prescription for HRT.  Good news: Nothing in my blood analysis contraindicated starting hormone therapy.  Bad news: They wouldn't move forward without a clearance from my oncologist regarding my condition and medications (multiple myeloma).  It took a few days to get an appointment with him, but we finally saw him this week. 

It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had for a doctor's appointment.  He walked in, smiling and very chipper, and immediately began spitting out all of the research he'd been doing about drug interactions, expressing finally that although there was an elevated risk of blood clotting on high doses of estrogen, we could offset the risk by switching from low dose aspirin as a prophylactic to warfarin.  He wasted no time in scribbling out the scripts for warfarin, and scheduled a follow-up for Monday morning, which if successful, would give him all the confidence he needs to grant a clearance.  I'm almost there! 

General question, though.  When does one actually and earnestly begin transition?  I've been working for the last two years or so on hair removal, although only recently on my face (maybe 2 months ago?).  I ought to be starting HRT (barring the unforeseen) Monday, and will be getting my face cleared once for the first time at E3K next month.  I don't want to jump the gun, but I kind of feel like I'm making some significant progress, finally.  Thanks. 

L

[Devlyn]

I think it starts the first time you admit to yourself "I'm transgender". 

Hugs, Devlyn

[Michelle_P]

Congratulations, Dayta! You are making tremendous progress.  Like Devlyn says, it starts when you admit to yourself what your true nature is, and moving into hair removal and HRT are both huge affirmative steps for yourself.

This is something to be proud of.  It takes courage to move ahead with realizing ourselves, and you've got it.

[Dayta]

Thank you, Devlin and Michelle!  OK, time for an update. 

After two weeks and four trips to see my oncologist to settle on a Warfarin dosage, we tried to call the Center to get my HRT prescription.  Sigh.  No response.  We left a few messages, and finally found out that today was an in-service day, and no one was around.  So we plan to go have crabs for dinner anyway, and I meet my wife there.  Halfway through the meal, she suggests that we have a special dessert.  I try to guess  a few times, and she finally spits out that they called while she was driving to the restaurant the tell us that they had called in the prescription!  So, I JUST finished taking my first spiro pill and sublingual estradiol and am moving forward!  Thanks again for the kind and encouraging words. 

L

[Cindy]

Now that deserves an applause and flowers!!!!!

[Sinclair]

Thank you, Devlin and Michelle!  OK, time for an update. 

After two weeks and four trips to see my oncologist to settle on a Warfarin dosage, we tried to call the Center to get my HRT prescription.  Sigh.  No response.  We left a few messages, and finally found out that today was an in-service day, and no one was around.  So we plan to go have crabs for dinner anyway, and I meet my wife there.  Halfway through the meal, she suggests that we have a special dessert.  I try to guess  a few times, and she finally spits out that they called while she was driving to the restaurant the tell us that they had called in the prescription!  So, I JUST finished taking my first spiro pill and sublingual estradiol and am moving forward!  Thanks again for the kind and encouraging words.

Congrats! I'm happy for you. 

[SailorMars1994]

OMG congrats

[Anne Blake]

Congratulations Dayta, such a big step. I agree that transitioning begins when you realize who you are. Taking the first steps on the path, whether it be discussions with your wife, coming out to someone close, beginning therapy........to your first pill, all of that just validates it a bit more. And it sure feels great, doesn't it? Enjoy the journey and get ready for the roller coaster ride.

Anne

[kaitylynn]

Congratulations on the awesome news and it sounds like a really fun surprise!

[Dayta]

OK, update:

I finished my third month on HRT and discussed it with the doctor, and she agreed to write a letter for me.  That was just about one week ago.  So I started filling out all of the papers for my name/gender change in anticipation.  Friday was my regular every-other-week off day, so I had the stack filled out and ready to go.  So when we got up on Friday, we realized that we still hadn't received the letter.  I guess we were going to have to wait until after Christmas to get it done.  We kind of goofed around and didn't get out the door for a late lunch until about 3 pm, and as we left the house, we saw a big envelope in the magazine rack, too big to fit into the mail slot.  Lo and behold, it was the letter!  We quickly made a copy and shuffled the papers together, running out the door to the courthouse in Santa Monica. 

I was a complete nervous wreck by the time we got there, but there were only two people ahead of us in the civil case filing line.  The man there was so sweet and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed.  In about 20 minutes, we had a court date!  Jan 20th (yes, it's Inauguration Day).

Now on top of that, we had visited a hair doctor a few weeks back, and signed up for a transplant, pulling a couple of thousand hairs from the back and seeding them in front to restore my hairline.  That's tomorrow morning at 8. 

Then, next week, we fly back to Lewisville (E3K) for my second facial clearing.  I'd say we can conservatively call that progress. 

oh. p.s., I gave up on "Elle," mostly due to my brother-in-law being referred to as "El," so I decided upon "Erin."

Erin out.  (OK, almost)

[Anne Blake]

Greetings Erin,

I like that name and I bet it sure sounds good to your ears. Three months ago you asked the general question of, "When does one actually and earnestly begin transition?". Several folks suggested it started when you first accepted that you were transgender. You have made so much progress since then and it has been fun watching you take each new step along the path. Do you feel that you are the new person, new woman, that you seek to be? Have you begun transitioning and how does it feel? - Anne

BTW, when you get to Lewisville tell Denise that Tia says hello

[Dayta]

Thank you so much, Anne!  What a lovely note.  I am starting to feel like the rest of the things are more like housekeeping, and that I can almost relax, with just a few more steps to go.  And in truth, these are more about others than they are about me: the court recognizing me, my friends and coworkers accepting me (or not, I suppose ).  It feels good to be able to confide in friends here, so I hope I can do then same for someone. 

Erin

p.s. I will tell her!

[Dayta]

And thanks to all for the lovely thoughts and encouragement.  I thought it was all going to be so hard, but it's getting easier all the time, and I never feel alone in this anymore.  Happy holidays, everyone.

Erin

[Dayta]

BTW, when you get to Lewisville tell Denise that Tia says hello

Mission accomplished!  She was delighted to hear from you and sends warm wishes!

Erin