My turn. Started HRT July 24, 2017

[Jessica]

Well that was an interesting year. 

A couple months after starting HRT I realized the mental and emotional changes I was experiencing were not new.  I was suddenly seeing and appreciating the world the way I had before puberty when testosterone and my brain disagreed.  In the early 1970s some of my best memories were riding a bicycle through horse trails, smelling the trees and enjoying the joy of a sunny afternoon.  Things I forgot about for four and a half decades... until last summer.

And a few other things.

• Switched from patches to weekly self-injections.  I've discovered that is easy except when it isn't. 
• 26 hours surgery, not including 4 hours to transplant 1,500 hair follicles.  Vaginoplasty, VFSRAC (VFS), Forehead & Orbital Rim contour, Jaw Bone reduction, Lip Lift, Rhinoplasty, Labiaplasty, Breast Augmentation.  Travel for surgeries (including evaluation visits) totaled 59,590 miles / 95,900 km.
• Surgeons saved the sawed-off jawbone at my request which I'll make into a necklace.  I won't wear it very often but it might make an interesting conversation starter.
• Gave away my male wardrobe.
• A relationship with my parents I didn't think was possible.  (I came out to them one week before HRT).  Within a month of starting HRT we drove together through Glacier National Park, Yellowstone & Teton National Parks, and watched the total eclipse in Idaho.  After getting a bit further with transition I spent a week with them in Japan.
• Wonderful memories with Cassie (Florida), Davina (Midlands), Dena (Arizona), Devlyn (Boston), Emma (Cheshire), Jamie (Arizona), Jess (California), Judith Lynn (England), Laurie (Oregon), Mariah (Arizona), Megan (London), Michelle (California), Sara (Wales), Stephanie (Florida), Tia Anne (Colorado),
  Tessa James (Oregon), Trudy (Arizona).  And of course Beth & Saha (Seattle).
  

I might as well mention the HRT Haiku from last year.

It's been quite a ride.  I want to thank everyone here for the support, and so many who provided the inspiration that unlocked my future.  I have never been happier.

Kendra

What a wonderful synopsis of your whirlwind transition.  Many of us wish we had the moxie that you have.  Congratulations on your successes!

Hugs and smiles, Jess

[JudiBlueEyes]

Kendra thank you for allowing us to take the ride along with you.  It's been a wonderful trip.
Judi

[Michelle_P]

A couple months after starting HRT I realized the mental and emotional changes I was experiencing were not new.  I was suddenly seeing and appreciating the world the way I had before puberty when testosterone and my brain disagreed.  In the early 1970s some of my best memories were riding a bicycle through horse trails, smelling the trees and enjoying the joy of a sunny afternoon.  Things I forgot about for four and a half decades... until last summer

Isn't that the neatest experience?

I had something similar, in that when i was put on testosterone (age 16) I lost my ability to 'focus' and do some higher math.  About 3 months into HRT is was experiencing long periods of calm and mental quiet.  One day I realized I had some of my 'focus' back, and the math was coming back.

I know I will never be 14 again, but this was an unexpected and welcome experience. I'm glad someone else here has had this happen for them.

[pamelatransuk]

Congratulations Kendra on your first HRT anniversary yesterday.

Congratulations also on everything you have achieved as per your list.

You have travelled far in more ways than one.

Wishing you future happiness.

Hugs

Pamela

[KathyLauren]

Congratulations on an eventful year.  You've been a busy girl!

[AutumnGurl81]

Well that was an interesting year. 

A couple months after starting HRT I realized the mental and emotional changes I was experiencing were not new.  I was suddenly seeing and appreciating the world the way I had before puberty when testosterone and my brain disagreed.  In the early 1970s some of my best memories were riding a bicycle through horse trails, smelling the trees and enjoying the joy of a sunny afternoon.  Things I forgot about for four and a half decades... until last summer.

And a few other things.

• Switched from patches to weekly self-injections.  I've discovered that is easy except when it isn't. 
• 26 hours surgery, not including 4 hours to transplant 1,500 hair follicles.  Vaginoplasty, VFSRAC (VFS), Forehead & Orbital Rim contour, Jaw Bone reduction, Lip Lift, Rhinoplasty, Labiaplasty, Breast Augmentation.  Travel for surgeries (including evaluation visits) totaled 59,590 miles / 95,900 km.
• Surgeons saved the sawed-off jawbone at my request which I'll make into a necklace.  I won't wear it very often but it might make an interesting conversation starter.
• Gave away my male wardrobe.
• A relationship with my parents I didn't think was possible.  (I came out to them one week before HRT).  Within a month of starting HRT we drove together through Glacier National Park, Yellowstone & Teton National Parks, and watched the total eclipse in Idaho.  After getting a bit further with transition I spent a week with them in Japan.
• Wonderful memories with Cassie (Florida), Davina (Midlands), Dena (Arizona), Devlyn (Boston), Emma (Cheshire), Jamie (Arizona), Jess (California), Judith Lynn (England), Laurie (Oregon), Mariah (Arizona), Megan (London), Michelle (California), Sara (Wales), Stephanie (Florida), Tia Anne (Colorado),
  Tessa James (Oregon), Trudy (Arizona).  And of course Beth & Saha (Seattle).
  

I might as well mention the HRT Haiku from last year.

It's been quite a ride.  I want to thank everyone here for the support, and so many who provided the inspiration that unlocked my future.  I have never been happier.

Kendra

Wow!!! This is so great! It's amazing that you can look in the mirror and see yourself for who you are, and feel like yourself again. I found it absolutely fascinating--your comment about before going through puberty, smells, feels, etc. I've had the same experience there and that's how I knew I was doing right. It's amazing that connection to our inner self and the experiences that we value for giving us happiness. So awesome! I'm very happy for you, congratulations! And btw, you look fantastic!

[Northern Star Girl]

@Kendra
Dear Kendra.... we are all here to Congratulate you on you ONE YEAR HRT anniversary.

Without question, from viewing your recent pictures since you went to PRIDE in Oregon with some of the other staff, the magic has definitely happened... just in a year, a dramatic and beautiful result. 
Of course with any HRT regimen it can only do what it can do, the rest is up to you... clothing, makeup, manners and body movements... and of course surgery as desired.

Kudos to you for all of your hard work on getting closer to you goals....   
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

[LizK]

Congratulations Kendra

What a year its been for you. That smile of yours has just gotten bigger and bigger as the year has progressed. I have to agree with you about feeling great with Oestrogen as your fuel. I suspect if you were not meant to be running on it then you would not respond in the way that you have. I wish you nothing but happiness or as they say in my favourite book "Long days and pleasant nights"

Liz