TessB's introduction

[TessB]

Hi world!

My name is Tess and I am a 24 years old transwoman from the Netherlands. After deceiving myself for 21 years (albeit having a very nice life), I started my transition at 22. I crossdressed openly starting at 18, and progressed towards doing so from the age of 12. However, in retrospect crossdressing was an outlet for something bigger. The relief I felt when I started to live as a woman is indescribable. Almost two years later, I nearly finished lasering, got my FFS and tomorrow I am scheduled with dr. Chettawut for my SRS and tracheal shave. The biggest improvement was in my social and work life though. I started opening up and being more friendly to people than I used to and I feel more comfortable around other people. I feel almost complete now, with the final touch coming tomorrow. I never expected to do most my (medical) transition this fast, but I am glad that I did it before starting my PhD in law in Januari 2018.

The reason why I finally registered (after lurking for some while and scouring the posts of other Chettawut patients) is that I started to wonder if there are any other patients of Chettawut in Bangkok during the same period, but lets just see where this is headed afterwards.

Love,
Tess

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G903F met Tapatalk

[Kendra]

Hello Tess, welcome to Susan's!

Your introduction is nice to read.  I'm glad to see you have found a great path for your future.

I am MTF and also had social issues for many years... in my case I hid behind alcohol from right after puberty until age 39.  After I quit drinking I began to realize something wasn't right with me, and with memories of a better life before puberty I started to understand what was really causing my issues.  I'm getting an FFS evaluation this week in Boston, an evaluation in Marbella Spain a month from now, and a GRS evaluation next week in Arizona.  I have heard good things about Chettawut.

I'm not moving quite as fast as you, but I'll get there.

Great to see you here!

Kendra

[TessB]

Hi Kendra,

I have been amongst several LGBT communities for a while, mostly offline. What I noticed is that everyone has their own vision and pace. There is no right way nor a right speed. What matters is that you found a way to access your true inner self and take the staps that are necessary for you in a timespace that you feel comfortable with.

Great to hear that you are getting multiple opinions on the FFS by the way. My surgeon was a one-shot that yielded great results and was covered by insurance. However, most importantly, she immediatly got my confidence that she would do her best to make me look as natural as possible and she did what she promised. FFS can be a game changer if done propertly and I hope you surgeon og choice will do just the same for you. Good luck on your decision!

Love,
Tess

[Kendra]

> What matters is that you found a way to access your true inner self and take the staps that are necessary for you in a timespace that you feel comfortable with.

Yes, exactly.  I couldn't agree more.

[Bari Jo]

Welcome TessB.  I love the optimism I see in your posts.  I need more of that these days.  I look forward to you insight on the boards.

Bari Jo

[TessB]

Welcome TessB.  I love the optimism I see in your posts.  I need more of that these days.  I look forward to you insight on the boards.

Bari Jo

Thank you Bari Jo. I try to be as optimistic about my transition - and transitioning in general - as possible, without neglecting the darker sides. It sometimes is hard enough as it is, but I spent a lot of time cultivating understanding my with close relatives, friends and colleagues. The result is an astonishing and ever increasing amount of support with every step I take. I even ordered a birth cake with "Thanks for your support!" printed on it for my last day at work (per my request, my contract ended on the day I left for Thailand so I can recover in peace). My new colleageus are actually my former teachers who know me pre-transition. They have been - and hopefully will remain - very kind and supportive of my situation.

That being said, I do realize that I am lucky and that it's more difficult in other places in the world - and sometimes even in my own country. However, I do believe that being supportive of eachother and teaching your environment what it means to be transgender helps to breed acceptance. I prefer to correct people, rather than feeling insulted or let down when people do not get the right picture. That is why I try to stay optimistic. You cannot help people (in whatever way) if you do not.

[V M]

Hi Tess 

Welcome to Susan's Place    Glad to have you here, join on in the fun

Hugs

V M