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Here I go again :-(

Started by JeanetteLW, March 10, 2017, 12:45:20 PM

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The Flying Lemur

I can help you on the topic of what to expect.  The waiting room will be like visiting any other doctor.  They'll want to see your license and insurance card, etc.  No one there will be staring at you or silently judging you for being there.  The receptionist sees nothing but people with psyche appointments all day long, and the other patients are there for the same reason.  They'll probably have you fill out paperwork about why you're there and your general medical history.

The doctor will want to do introductions with you, and then they'll probably ask you to explain in brief why you're there.  (Even though you just wrote that down.  It's a thing.)  If they're a good psychiatrist, they'll keep their questions focused on the areas you've identified as wanting help with.  They should not be asking nosy questions about your transition, unless you've brought it up as something you want to talk about.  Gender identity is no longer considered a disorder, and they should definitely not try to "cure" you of being trans.  (If they do, find another doctor ASAP.)  Toward the end of the interview, the doctor will probably ask you if you have any questions.  You might want to write some down so you can remember them when they ask.  Some questions that might be worth asking include: "Why did you choose to try me on this particular medication?"  (They will probably start you on something.)  "How does the medication work?  If I have a bad reaction to the meds, or if I just feel worse in general, how can I contact you during non-business hours? How long should I expect to wait before these meds start to work?  If they don't help me, what then?  What is the usual prognosis for patients like me?" 

I also like to check out a new doctor's office, looking at any framed diplomas about where they went to school, what board certifications they have, what books are in the bookshelf (indicates areas of specialty), office decor that clues you in as to their personality, etc.  Some psychiatrists share offices, though, so the place may be pretty generic. 

A good shrink is like a miracle worker.  Here's hoping you get one of the best! 
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. --Joseph Campbell
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Laurie

Quote from: The Flying Lemur on October 24, 2017, 07:25:29 AM

A good shrink is like a miracle worker.  Here's hoping you get one of the best!

  Thank you Ben,

    And I  really do thank you for taking the time an effort to write that up. It was very thoughtful of you. One piece of information that you haven't picked up as yet is that I get my medical through the VA. The Mental Health Department it the Portland VA Medical Center is all in the same place and I go there for my Gender Therapy sessions. It is one common waiting room and the doctor fetches their patients from there and escorts them back to their respective offices. So up to that point I know what it's all about.
   The part I didn't know is how this particular visit will be conducted. It is there that your narrative is likely to be of service. That you for it. I have no expectation nor do I have any particular feeling toward having to see these people other than they may be able to help me with my problems and about that I am not even sure I care that much either. One way or another I will find a way to stop hurting inside. Drinking my feelings away doesn't work. I've tried that. Drugs might and the ones they may give me today are probably a better idea than me starting street drugs again. I'll give them a chance.
   Before this goes any further south I'll just thank you again Ben and get ready to go.

Thanks,
    Laurie
April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



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The Flying Lemur

Oh, I see!  Sorry . . . that's what I get for not reading all the pages of the thread.  :p  I fear I don't know much about the VA.  Even still, I hope today will bring you hope and peace.
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. --Joseph Campbell
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p

I am assuming that you are in your appointment right now--I hope that it's going well! I know that things can get very, very dark in a hurry for you. Please stay strong for us and all those who love and cherish you Laurie.  :-*
Patti

Something is off - 2016-17
Out to husband - 2/14/17
Full-time - 3/9/17
HRT - 6/14/17
  •  

Laurie

Well the appointment went okay I guess. I survive it with minimal tear flow. She seems to be a nice person and not intent on locking me up but rather more focused on medications. I gave her a bit of my history on a nutshell in trying to explain what I believe to be the reasons I have  emotional issues and the roots of this depression.
  She prescribed melatonin for me to take after supper and told me to go to bed at a decent time each night. No daytime naps and exercise would help. Speaking of exercise I haven't been going for my walks for quite some time, maybe even since all this crap began. As a result I've gained 3 of the 8 lbs I lost back. I am up to 199 lbs again.
  She also prescribed sertraline hcl (Zoloft) to start with as a trial to see if it's will help. Take the pills and someone will check with you in 2 weeks and come back in a month. Something got messed up at the VA pharmacy and I waitd almost 2 hours for the meds to get filled. But I got them and have already started to Zoloth. the meletonin is for after supper.

Well there's the update. Time will tell if it helps.

Hugs,
   Laurie


April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



  •  

p

I am glad to hear that the appointment went okay for you today. It sounds like the therapist had some good lifestyle recommendations as well as some meds to offer. I hope that they give you some relief. Always thinking of you Laurie!  :-*
Patti

Something is off - 2016-17
Out to husband - 2/14/17
Full-time - 3/9/17
HRT - 6/14/17
  •  

Megan.

Thanks for the update Laurie. I can't stress the value of exercise enough,  getting out into nature (natural or man-made) helps give perspective. X

Sent from my MI 5s using Tapatalk

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Sarah_P

Glad to hear, Laurie. I agree, exercise & outdoors can help you feel much better.
--Sarah P

There's a world out there, just waiting
If you only let go what's inside
Live every moment, give it your all, enjoy the ride
- Stan Bush, The Journey



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The Flying Lemur

I'm glad to hear the appointment went reasonably well, even though you had to wait.  Zoloft helps a lot of people.  Maybe once you're sleeping again and back to walking, the meds will help push you over the top to wellness again. 
The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. --Joseph Campbell
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Kendra

Sleep well!  Glad your appointment went well. 
Assigned male at birth 1963.  Decided I wanted to be a girl in 1971.  Laser 2014-16, electrolysis 2015-17, HRT 7/2017, GCS 1/2018, VFS 3/2018, FFS 5/2018, Labiaplasty & BA 7/2018. 
  •  

Laurie

Thanks everyone,

I took the  zoloft as directed ( lower dose for 6 days then full after) after getting home. And about 1 1/2 hours later I started feeling a bit weird thick headed, a little woosey and a bit drowsy the feeling has persisted. it reminiscent of my drug days over over 20 years ago.  After supper I too a melatonin pill too. my head still feels strange, thick and like a headache is hiding in there ready to pounce with a bit of tiredness. I'm ready to hit the rack (been ready for a couple hours) So I'm going to say goodnight and see if I sleep longer than the usual 3 hours.

Night folks,

Laurie
April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



  •  

Laurie

Sleep:

   I slept more last night going to bed around 10:30 but woke up at least 5  times between then and 5 am. I'd have to describe it as more fitful than restful.
   The first time a little after midnight and I woke in a panic thinking I had heard someone telling me my sister was having a heart attack. I had to get up and check on her. she was sleeping fine.  Between then and when I got up at 5:15 am I woke 4 more times having a little trouble getting comfortable before falling back to sleep.    Maybe tonight will bring better results.
  I'm supposed to take my morning zoloft with my other pills at breakfast but in light of the strange feeling yesterday I'll hold off until I return from taking my sister to her doctor's appointment.
  There  the morning after update for those interested.

Hugs,
   Laurie
April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



  •  

Kendra

Big hugs... hope you can settle into a routine that includes real sleep. 
Assigned male at birth 1963.  Decided I wanted to be a girl in 1971.  Laser 2014-16, electrolysis 2015-17, HRT 7/2017, GCS 1/2018, VFS 3/2018, FFS 5/2018, Labiaplasty & BA 7/2018. 
  •  

p

Hi Laurie! It sounds like day 1 was bearable. I know what you mean about the weird feeling in your head, that has happened to me before. I think it can take a week or two to steady out. I'm so happy that you are taking these steps to confront and deal with your depression. It is so hard to do, so I give you a lot of credit for sticking with the program. Be kind to yourself, lovely.  :-* 
Patti

Something is off - 2016-17
Out to husband - 2/14/17
Full-time - 3/9/17
HRT - 6/14/17
  •  

Laurie

#1614
   Thank you Kendra and Patti for the encouragement. Day 2 is just starting with the next dose of zoloft taken a few minutes ago. We'll see if the weirdness continues. With the exception of the strangeness yesterday, the day went pretty good. I think the only tears involved were in the shrink nurse's office. I call that a better day right there.
   Another thing. On the way to my sister's appointment I told her what my appointment yesterday was about. So she now knows of my depression and that I'm taking medication for it. Up until then she had no idea I'd been having problems. I have gotten pretty good at hiding things over the years. That doesn't apply to this forum. Here I am as open and honest as I am able to be. I am not used to asking for help, but here I get it without asking. Thank you all.

Hugs,
   Laurie
April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



  •  

Laurie

Day 4 on Zoloft is started. I switched to taking it at night and yesterday almost all the weirdness was gone. Today looks like it will be like yesterday. Yesterday was a good day. it's too early to be the Zoloft so I will chalk it up to having gone in Tuesday to talk with the Psych nurse, telling her all that I thought had something to do with my depression, and getting the melatonin to help me sleep and the Zoloft antidepressant. In other words a placebo effect from doing something to get help. I do not trust that it will continue though. The last 3 days have been nice as I haven't had a crying event or a mini meltdown during them. Those 3 days represent a long time as I cannot remember one day free of feeling bad since this started.
  I went to therapy and my therapist and I chatted a little about he vacation to Hawaii and my having lived there as a teenager. When we did get started he wanted to know why I seemed to be feeling better. I hadn't thought about it but he was right I was  feeling better and it showed. I hope it continues. Much like my  conversation with the Psych nurse we talked about what I though my depression was about and where I thought its real origins lay. I think there has been a great many things leading up to it and this isn't my first brush with it. Back in 1994/1995 I came close to doing myself in culminating with me wandering off into a forest sitting with my back against a tree and the barrel of a shotgun in my mouth trying to work up the courage to pull the trigger I've revisited those feelings several times this time around though it hasn't gotten to the point of taking any action like back then. It is a horrible place to be. Those issue back in 1994/95 never were addressed just put into a leaky box and shoved in a dark corner of my mind. The issues with my daughter has caused them to return. I truly believe I have lost my daughter and because of that my five grandchildren for good. That alone is enough for me to question continuing this existence. It's sad but the hopeless feelings are still there. whew enough  down that road.
  On a happier note. It looks like I better get cleaned up a little bit and put my face on for a trip to the mall. It' going to be a first for me! though I've been out to various stores since going full time I have yet to go to the mall. I ordered a pair of winter boots from J C Penny and to save on shipping I ordered them ship to store for pick up. The pick up is in the middle of the store upstairs. I figure since I'm going to be in the mall anyway I may as well take a stroll around at have a look to see what catches my eye. Too bad I haven't a girlfriend here to go with me.  Oh well I'l manage.
   I even managed 7 hours of sleep last night for the first time in a very long time. It was difficult to stay away until 10 pm but I had a nag online that would let me take a nap. I got 5 hours of sleep waking up 4 times between 10pm and 3am. then I had trouble getting back to sleep again and gave up after about an hour and started listening to my current audio book about 15 -30 minutes into it I fell asleep again and slept about 2 more hours I think. My longest sleep periods when I do sleep are usually the first and last periods with the last being unplanned like this time. Anyway I woke and felt  rested (another scarce feeling)
    I'm looking forward to another good day today.

Hugs,
   Laurie
 
April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



  •  

steph2.0

Quote from: Laurie on October 27, 2017, 02:20:48 PMYesterday was a good day.

...because of our phone conversation. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Steph(anie)


Assigned male at birth 1958 * Began envying sister 1963 * Knew unquestioningly that I was female 1968 * Acted the male part for 50 years * Meltdown and first therapist session May 2017 * Began HRT 6/21/17 * Out to the world 10/13/17 * Name Change 12/7/2017 (Girl Harbor Day) * FFS With FacialTeam 12/4/2018 * Facelift and Lipo Body Sculpting at Ocean Clinic 6/13-14/2019 * GCS with Marci Bowers 9/25/2019
  •  

Laurie

Quote from: Steph2.0 on October 27, 2017, 02:49:05 PM
...because of our phone conversation. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Steph(anie)
That was yesterday wasn't it. Yes that was another good thing for sure.
April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



  •  

MaryT

Quote from: Laurie on October 27, 2017, 02:20:48 PM
I truly believe I have lost my daughter and because of that my five grandchildren for good. That alone is enough for me to question continuing this existence. It's sad but the hopeless feelings are still there.

I can't imagine how that and everything else you've gone through must feel, but don't question continuing this existence.  From all of the posts I have read it is obvious that you are a close friend and sister to many.  It may be selfish of me to say so, but if anything happened to you it would be a devastating blow to every member of Susan's Place.
  •  

Laurie

Quote from: MaryT on October 27, 2017, 06:39:03 PM
I can't imagine how that and everything else you've gone through must feel, but don't question continuing this existence.  From all of the posts I have read it is obvious that you are a close friend and sister to many.  It may be selfish of me to say so, but if anything happened to you it would be a devastating blow to every member of Susan's Place.

  Thank you for that Mary. I do not doubt that I have many friends an sisters here. They, you and Susan's Place mean a lot to me. My immediate family was my life and I've lost them all. I think my sister needing my support and this site has had a lot to do with me still being here. As I said I have had those dark thoughts but stop short of feeling I need to take action on them.  At such times you are overwhelmed and thoughts of the impact on others are far from your thoughts, you just want the hurting to stop.

Hugs,
  Laurie
April 13, 2019 switched to estradiol valerate
December 20, 2018    Referral sent to OHSU Dr Dugi  for vaginoplasty consult
December 10, 2018    Second Letter VA Psychiatric Practical nurse
November 15, 2018    First letter from VA therapist
May 11, 2018 I am Laurie Jeanette Wickwire
May   3, 2018 Submitted name change forms
Aug 26, 2017 another increase in estradiol
Jun  26, 2017 Last day in male attire That's full time I guess
May 20, 2017 doubled estradiol
May 18, 2017 started electrolysis
Dec   4, 2016 Started estradiol and spironolactone



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