Susan's Place Logo

News:

According to Google Analytics 25,259,719 users made visits accounting for 140,758,117 Pageviews since December 2006

Main Menu

Introduction

Started by Stefanie, November 25, 2017, 08:17:52 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Stefanie

An introduction.  I am 70 years old and have struggled with my dysphoria all my life.  I've been in therapy off and on since the age of 19.  Most of the therapists were quite judgmental making me feel even more guilt.  I've been married for nearly 50 years to a wonderful woman who has struggled along with me.  We have two adult children neither of whom knew I was trans until last night.

Twenty-five years ago I found a therapist who was sympathetic to my situation, and I have been on hormones for the past 20 years.  I have a B cup, no body hair, and, I think, a milder disposition.  I dress privately but, for professional reasons and lack of courage have never socially transitioned.  I still feel quite alone.

Last May, my former endocrinologist reduced my dosages dramatically, and I went into a tailspin, seriously contemplating suicide.  I got a new endocrinologist and with the counseling of my old therapist and a new one have decided to have GRS.  It's scheduled for May.  I am very excited!

I told my kids and my daughter-in-law last night, and they were awesome!  Without skipping a beat, they expressed their unconditional love.  They cried with me and showed unbelievable kindness to my wife and me.

I know I'm an oddity in this group.  I'm medically transitioning but, unlike most of you, have not — at least up to this point — had the courage to socially transition.  I'd like to commiserate if there's anyone else here in a similar position.

Thanks so much for this protected space.
  •  

Laurie

#1
Hi Stefanie

I'm Laurie  I see that you are new here. So please let me say, Welcome To Susan's Place! Come on in and take a good look around.  I'll add some links and information below that can help you get more out of our site. Please take time to become familiar with them especially the RED one as we are always getting questions that are answered there.

Laurie
Global Moderator
Laurie@susans.org


Things that you should read




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



  •  

Dena

Welcome to Susan's Place. I am only a little younger than you but I have had a much different past as I transitioned years ago. I can help you with your question as I have accumulated a few links on the subject. I also know a few other members that might be checking in who are living much like you and have done so for several years. If there is anything I can help you with, just let me know.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,130268.0.html
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,218060.0.html
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,209589.0.html
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,207785.0.html
Rebirth Date 1982 - PMs are welcome - Use [email]dena@susans.org[/email] or Discord if your unable to PM - Skype is available - My Transition
If you are helped by this site, consider leaving a tip in the jar at the bottom of the page or become a subscriber
  •  

Bari Jo

Welcome Stefanie.  There are a lot of us that didn't get on hrt till middle age.  I'm one of them.  I am attempting social transition though.  My work and home life are ideal for that right now.  I'm impressed you are doing bottom surgery too.  Susan's is a safe place with friendly people.  I look forward to seeing your posts!

Bari Jo
you know how far the universe extends outward? i think i go inside just as deep.

10/11/18 - out to the whole world.  100% friends and family support.
11/6/17 - came out to sister, best day of my life
9/5/17 - formal diagnosis and stopping DIY in favor if prescribed HRT
6/18/17 - decided to stop fighting the trans beast, back on DIY.
Too many ups and downs, DIY, purges of self inbetween dates.
Age 10 - suppression and denial began
Age 8 - knew I was different
  •  

ToriJo

Congratulations on doing what is important for you! I'm happy that your family is being awesome!
  •  

Laurie K

Welcome stefanie.... just to let yu know.... im a late bloomer too....




The ball is now rolling....I hope it doesnt run me 0ver
  •  

rmaddy

Quote from: Stefanie on November 25, 2017, 08:17:52 PM

I know I'm an oddity in this group.  I'm medically transitioning but, unlike most of you, have not — at least up to this point — had the courage to socially transition.  I'd like to commiserate if there's anyone else here in a similar position.


There's no single right way to be trans.  You do you.

Welcome to Susan's.
  •  

KathyLauren

Welcome, Stefanie.  There are many roads to happiness.  Yours is right for you.  I am happy for you that your family is supportive.

I am another late bloomer.  I am transitioning at age 63.  I transitioned socially seven months ago, and am in the process of getting set up for surgery hopefully next year.
2015-07-04 Awakening; 2015-11-15 Out to self; 2016-06-22 Out to wife; 2016-10-27 First time presenting in public; 2017-01-20 Started HRT!!; 2017-04-20 Out publicly; 2017-07-10 Legal name change; 2019-02-15 Approval for GRS; 2019-08-02 Official gender change; 2020-03-11 GRS; 2020-09-17 New birth certificate
  •  

MaryT

Hi Stefanie.  Your story is inspiring.
  •  

Denise

Stefanie,

Your kids sound awesome.  I think they realize that your happiness is more important than their discomfort or confusion. 

Good luck on the GCS.

- Denise
PS I started HRT transition a year ago at the age of 54.  It's wonderful, isn't it?  No voices, no more what-ifs.

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

1st Person out: 16-Oct-2015
Restarted Spironolactone 26-Aug-2016
Restarted Estradiol Valerate: 02-Nov-2016
Full time: 02-Mar-2017
Breast Augmentation (Schechter): 31-Oct-2017
FFS (Walton in Chicago): 25-Sep-2018
Vaginoplasty (Schechter): 13-Dec-2018









A haiku in honor of my grandmother who loved them.
The Voices are Gone
Living Life to the Fullest
I am just Denise
  •  

Laurie

#10
Hi Again Stefanie,

  I started a lot later than you having less than a year on HRT. I will have 1 year on the 4th of December and I am now 65. So you have a big jump on me in that respect. I'm about a month behind Kathy in going full time I'm at about 6 months having started last June. Having GRS this late in life is not unheard of at all and one of our older members just had the surgery done a couple months ago. Tia Anne can tell you about it herself if she chooses to do so. As for myself? Well I just don't know. I'm dealing with a few other things right now that has me on hold for now.
  I'm glad you found us and hope you find all you need for support here.

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



  •  

Stefanie

Thanks so much to all of you who have responded!  As you know, this can be mighty lonely, and your replies helped a lot. I hope I can get to know some of you better through this site.  I need the support and hopefully some day I can assist others.

Much love,

Stef
  •