The waiting room:(

[sweetjohnnylat]

Hi I'm just checking in. I'm seeing a gender therapist I started in November. I asked him how long it would be before I could start taking hormones he said in December it could be several months. I put on my strong face and said I understand and in the meantime I'll just work save money keep growing my hair out all the things I know to do to feel like I'm going in the right direction. Lately I've been really trying hard to keep it up be patient and positive. At work I wear my work clothes and since Christmas I've had my fake breasts in under my baggy shirt feeling normal trying not to draw attention to myself. At home I live alone and I'm back to normal in my female clothes. I understand we've all had to live the two lives. I wish I wasn't so frickin tall I'm 6.5 and finding clothes like jackets and shoes are a bit of a challenge I think I'll have to find specialty stores for this. Please pray for more patience for me I constantly think why didn't I start sooner but I can't change the past I'm going forward to be the woman I'll supposed to be. I thank you all for the posts it is encouraging to see that I'm not alone and we all have good days and bad moments.


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[Cassi]

You might want to consider getting another therapist.  I think some either don't have the knowledge and or skills or are looking for that fee you pay to see them.

There's the "Consent" that you can give to a doctor.  You'll probably have to find the doctor on your own as I would think your therapist would know someone if they had any experience.

Good luck

[Katie Jade]

Hi
Are you UK - if so I am not waiting the 2 years for a referral to the Gender ID clinic and then have some Doctor not wanting to go over his/her budget stop me from progressing so I am with GenderGP. Have done all the psych and 121 assessments and I am now on hormones and starting to feel like a whole person for the first time. If not then I don't know what you can do other than change therapist as suggested.
BTW is that an F2, looks nice bike. I'm stuck with a TRX 850 (girl bike!!) with stage 1 tuning, K&N, Scorpion pipes (removed the Db killers) and changed final ration... Like black retro bikes though.
Hugz Katie

[Toni]

Hey Johnnylat, don't get discouraged, it's tough when you start out for everyone as you work through the system.  They still run you through the wringer, even on your own dime, here in the States too.  Just don't take no for an answer and beat the bushes as necessary to get with the people that will help you and don't be bashful about who you are.  You're not alone, we're all with you in spirit at least.  From what I can see in the pictures, even though you're a tall girl, you're going to be happy with the results of your efforts.
  FWIW, I like vintage bikes as well, ride a modded FJ1200.  Breaks my heart that I may have to give her up though.  I'm pretty light these days (about 65 kilos) and no way can I pick her up any more if she gets over center and I have to set her down (happened twice over the years).   May have to accept that the old girl is just too much for the new girl .  Toni

[sweetjohnnylat]

Hi
Are you UK - if so I am not waiting the 2 years for a referral to the Gender ID clinic and then have some Doctor not wanting to go over his/her budget stop me from progressing so I am with GenderGP. Have done all the psych and 121 assessments and I am now on hormones and starting to feel like a whole person for the first time. If not then I don't know what you can do other than change therapist as suggested.
BTW is that an F2, looks nice bike. I'm stuck with a TRX 850 (girl bike!!) with stage 1 tuning, K&N, Scorpion pipes (removed the Db killers) and changed final ration... Like black retro bikes though.
Hugz Katie

I live in Greenville SC my bike is a 1975 cb750f I love my lil cafe racer.


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[Allison S]

That's too long of a wait in my opinion (if it even counts). Can you go somewhere else? Do you know how much experience with trans people your therapist has?

I get it can be a long wait but if you know it will be something that bothers you then don't sit with it. Also I don't think height matters I've seen plenty women your height and no one blinks an eye at them or question their gender. I think it's cool!

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[Cassi]

While I recommend having a sound track record for therapy, you don't need a therapist's approval for HRT in the US of A.  The Consent is basically a form saying you know what's involved and you want it.

Endo doctors are as I understand it usually the ones to go to, but some GP's have or do it too.

[Rachel]

Where I go. Mazzoni in Philadelphia, you schedule an intake then get a blood test and HRT is prescribed. Usually 2 months is what is needed unless there are physical or psychological issues that needs to be addressed first. The time delay is about scheduling the appointments and getting the blood results. 

[Cassi]

There's a Jonathan Stegal MD that does HRT in Greenville.  Couldn't access his website for some reason. 

[RobynTx]

You can also try Planned Parenthood for informed consent.  That's what I had to do.

[Lena101]

Sorry you are being made to wait before starting the hormones.  Did he say why it would take "several" months before you could start the hormones?  He must have a reason, ask him & see. 

In the mean time, consider getting a second opinion if you can.  A few people up thread have offered some names & ideas to get a second opinion. I wish you all the best.

[sweetjohnnylat]

His reasoning was that if we try and go start the dr might think I'm rushing into it. I wish there was a way to show the past 20 years and even last year leading me to this point. Self denial you're a painful thing.


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[Lena101]

I would definitely get a second opinion if that is his reasoning.  Also ask your doctor if they really think you need to wait "several months" , before starting hormones.   Your doctor may agree with you, that you are ready for hormones now, or at least sooner then your gender therapist believes.  My fingers are crossed that it works out for you. 

[Cassi]

His reasoning was that if we try and go start the dr might think I'm rushing into it. I wish there was a way to show the past 20 years and even last year leading me to this point. Self denial you're a painful thing.


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Again, if you see the doctor and do the Consent route you can get the HRT.  And you can continue to see the therapist if you want or find another one.  Sounds like the one you're seeing isn't very well versed in our situation.

[Lady Sarah]

I live in Greenville SC my bike is a 1975 cb750f I love my lil cafe racer.


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I rode an 1976 cb750 until some tool put sand in the crank case. Poor thing could only do 125mph at full throttle.

As for seeing a doctor for hormones, it should be easy enough to find one. You do not have to have a list to go by. Just make some phone calls.

[sweetjohnnylat]

Sorry to hear about the sand in the crankcase that's sad. [emoji26]


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[josie76]

Ah yes the waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more. 

I spent 3 months seeing my therapist almost every week before she signed off on the letter. I hated the waiting. Especially after she had said she was sure it was what I needed and wanted to do. From her side I think I see the point. She was signing off on something that she was taking a personal and professional responsibility for. She is a LCSW licenced clinical social worker. Her professional licence would be at stake if she was not careful and someone changed their minds and it turned bad. My therapist did have some experience with trans patients, but it had been a long time. We sat together in her office and I showed her the WPATH standards and a sample letter online.

There's always finding an informed consent clinic.