Hiya,
I am a 58 year old woman in a man's body who has finally decided after years of waiting that its time for me to do what I have always wanted. I want to finally look like who the me I see in mind. I got sick a few years back and nearly died a couple of times, wasn't expected to live. After recovering initially, I began to really need to become the me I visualize instead of the me I see in the mirror. I've improved a great deal, and am expected to continue to improve.
Now, I want to finally take that step and start HRT. I don't feel right not doing that. I've known I was trans since age 10, but times back then weren't cool with trans, especially in the bible belt (Alabama). Almost switched when I was 30. When they told I had a 1 in 4 chance of living thru the night, well, its like an alarm bell went off telling me its almost too late to become trans.
I finally told my closest sybling that I want to change genders. My attraction has always been to trans-girls. My sis was suprisingly supportive. I don't expect that with the rest of my family or friends. Alabama is not especially kind to "gays."
I have been out of work for a few years due to the severity of the disease I have (though I'm improving still) and filed for disability. Jury is still out on that one. I am probably back to where I could work, thought I'd have more sick days that everyone else. The lawyers give me a 85% chance of winning and receiving back pay for the 2 years I have missed. So little income now.
I am so wanting to start this process. I find my anxiety about it to be high. Or how to find the money. I have no idea how or what it entails, nor what the costs are going to be. I'm not so much worried about the things that come later, like hair removal, breast implants, etc. It is the stuff to actually get on HRT. I don't expect I'll start taking them and a week later I'll need new clothes or laser hair removal.
Can anyone explain exactly what I'm up against in trying to get to HRT, what the process is, expected costs, things to avoid, things that help? I live in Alabama, I assume the things are pretty much the same across the US. Insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield.
I'm sure somewhere this has been discussed before. Feel free to explain it to me or point me where to go to find out. I have to be somewhere this morning, so its close to bedtime and I may not get to check any replies until Monday night.
Thank you so much for reading this and any help offered!
