Finally Started T!

[Hughie]

Awesome!!! Is that you in that pic,  ? Always liked it.

Oh, and happy new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first year on T,  !

Cheers! It's more or less me - the stubble is dark here rather than blond, which is what I have right now.
And yes, very happy to be starting the year on T. Such a relief after so long.

[Hughie]

So the last couple of days I was feeling a little frustrated about the rate of changes (I know, Week 5, settle down lol). I had some minor changes that I noticed in the first week but not much of note lately. At least I was busy with the cold and Christmas. I had started on a low dose, then my doctor said after three weeks I could increase to a full dose. I went to a level between the low and full dose the last couple of weeks, then I decided to start with the full dose today. Mood has been good, so no worries there.

Then at work today my colleague was worried that I was sick because my voice sounded different. I couldn't stop smiling after that.    My throat had felt a bit tight but I didn't think there were any voice changes.

I'm also thinking I should get rolling on the name change paperwork next payday. This is all rather expensive! But worth it.

[TransAm]

So the last couple of days I was feeling a little frustrated about the rate of changes (I know, Week 5, settle down lol). I had some minor changes that I noticed in the first week but not much of note lately. At least I was busy with the cold and Christmas. I had started on a low dose, then my doctor said after three weeks I could increase to a full dose. I went to a level between the low and full dose the last couple of weeks, then I decided to start with the full dose today. Mood has been good, so no worries there.

Then at work today my colleague was worried that I was sick because my voice sounded different. I couldn't stop smiling after that.    My throat had felt a bit tight but I didn't think there were any voice changes.

I'm also thinking I should get rolling on the name change paperwork next payday. This is all rather expensive! But worth it.

That's awesome, man. The voice changes can most definitely be weird. I went through a period where, one day, my voice would be very deep and then the next almost return to its previous state. Frustrating, but it panned out. You're probably going to see a lot more solid changes now that you've bumped up to full dose. Congratulations!

The name change thing is expensive but it's worth it. Just make sure you think of all the bases you can once it's done at the major places (license, SS and all that).

For example: I got everything changed the year before last--I even stopped by my dentist and had everything altered--and everything was going great. I went to get a new fishing license and had to play it super cool/ignorant/confused when the guy behind the counter said, after swiping my ID four times, "Uh... uh. ... I know you're not X, but it's popping up for some reason? I've never seen anything like this before man, you may want to get in touch with the DNR."

Me: "I wonder how that happened? Huh. Yeah, I'll give them a call."

Me in the car: " ****. "

[Hughie]

That's awesome, man. The voice changes can most definitely be weird. I went through a period where, one day, my voice would be very deep and then the next almost return to its previous state. Frustrating, but it panned out. You're probably going to see a lot more solid changes now that you've bumped up to full dose. Congratulations!

The name change thing is expensive but it's worth it. Just make sure you think of all the bases you can once it's done at the major places (license, SS and all that).

For example: I got everything changed the year before last--I even stopped by my dentist and had everything altered--and everything was going great. I went to get a new fishing license and had to play it super cool/ignorant/confused when the guy behind the counter said, after swiping my ID four times, "Uh... uh. ... I know you're not X, but it's popping up for some reason? I've never seen anything like this before man, you may want to get in touch with the DNR."

Me: "I wonder how that happened? Huh. Yeah, I'll give them a call."

Me in the car: " ****. "

Ahaha! That's a great story about the fishing license.

I need to write down a (very long) list of all the things that will need changing. I've gone through the costs of getting my birth certificate again (and the notary for that), and fingerprints, now there's legal name change fee and I believe the name change papers need to be notarised too. Then costs to change passport and driver's license. I'm also changing my last name and I keep going back and forth between two versions of it. And I need to approach HR at work and begin that . *deep breath*

I've also noticed today that I have gained a bit of weight, even though I've been working out more and generally didn't over do it at Christmas. My appetite has gone up a lot though. I'm aiming to eat well, but I'm sure it's more calories overall than before. I had a little extra, but not much. Trousers are tight! No good.

[Ryuichi13]

*snip*

I've also noticed today that I have gained a bit of weight, even though I've been working out more and generally didn't over do it at Christmas. My appetite has gone up a lot though. I'm aiming to eat well, but I'm sure it's more calories overall than before. I had a little extra, but not much. Trousers are tight! No good.

Just realise that "muscle weighs MORE than fat." 

So if your pants are tight, you might be gaining MUSCLE in those areas instead of "getting fat."

Just keep that in mind when you work out and then weigh yourself. ☺

Ryuichi

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Hughie]

Just realise that "muscle weighs MORE than fat." 

So if your pants are tight, you might be gaining MUSCLE in those areas instead of "getting fat."

Just keep that in mind when you work out and then weigh yourself. ☺

Ryuichi

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

I don't know for sure if I've gained actual weight, and I hear you on the muscle weighing more than fat. I do know that my trousers are getting difficult to button and there's a bit more of a belly, so that I don't think is muscle.   I have been working out, so I get why shirt sleeves are tighter and things a bit across the chest too. I'm aiming for a reasonable diet and upping the exercise, so hope that will help too! My appetite's definitely increased.

[Hughie]

Just a quick update: still fighting the bloat a bit but I think the raving hunger and weight gain has stabilised. I've been on a full dose for about a month. I did do blood work a couple of weeks back - all good. I did gain around 4kg/10 lb, my doctor confirmed. The overall weight bothers me less than the inches gained around my middle. Even with workouts.

Changes that I've noticed are more gradual... more hair growth everywhere, soft fuzz. I actually shaved the peach fuzz on my face a couple of weeks back.  My voice has lowered slightly, but not tons. Still female sounding. I'm still misgendered 100% by strangers... lame. Fat has shifted some in my face but not enough yet. When will I pass, I wonder? Trying to be patient. Also... sex drive... hello. Right. Not used to that.

I did get the dread monthly thing, full on. That sucked. We'll see what happens this month. I suspect it will happen again, but we'll see.

I got my legal name change certificate in the mail the other day. That was awesome. The only downer is that I have to deal with my dad as his power of attorney. I'm not out to him and didn't plan to be, since he's anti-LGBTQ. Sooo... that's awkward. I need to start changing ID this week and then also deal with his bank, international couriers, etc. I have to also call work and 'come out' to HR and begin the process of my official transition. So there's a lot of stuff happening mentally too. A lot of stress but overall glad with how things are going.

[PurpleWolf]

Hughie, sounds awesome  !!!
And great about the name change and all! I finally manage to change mine too,  .

It's great to hear your things and life are moving forward!!!!!

Keep up the good work, man!