For those on T...

[Lachlann]

I'm curious to see what the wait was between therapy and getting to testosterone. How long after you started therapy did you get put on testosterone?

I know everyone is different but I'm just wondering.

[kestin]

I had my three months or so of counselling, then the Psychiatrist whom wrote my letter of recommendation... then a couple weeks later I saw my specialist who'd told me to do all that, and I got my prescription! XD

Course, this is New Zealand so other countries might be different. As far as I'm aware, our standards are based from the UK's ones. Uhm, I see no reason why anyone couldn't start T as soon as they've been given the go ahead from their Psyche's.

[Kevin]

I had almost three months of therapy while in school and I got my letter in January (after abt 3 mos) before I left school because she was willing to write it for me, thankfully. Then I didn't end up being able to use my letter until May, so there was a wait of 3 months for the letter then another 5 for the T.

[Christo]

4 months.  But I was already livin as a dude when I got my doc's letter so dunno if that's got somethin to do w/it.   A buddy from d.c. got to wait 1 yr so yep its different 4 everybody 

[Jay]

Well 8 months because my quack is INCREDIABLY slow at sending out referral letters.

I am still waiting for my letter for top surgery from him a month and a half later!

[sneakersjay]

Three months.

[Dennis]

Three months as well here.

Dennis

[J.T.]

Started Therapy Oct 10th... was approved for hormones Jan 6th or so.  Didn't get my first shot until April 1st 'cause of various foul ups on their end.

[Mister]

One therapy session.  Four days between therapy session and injection day.

[Lachlann]

Thanks guys.

Looks like on average 3-4 months. I just wanted to see whats usually expected, but of course, its different for everyone but it doesn't hurt to get an idea.

J.T.: That sucks about the wait. I can only imagine how stressful that could have been but at least you've got it now.

Mister: Wow, that seems fast. I assume thats a rare case though, right? Either way, you're lucky.

Kevin: Did you have to wait for personal reasons or was it related toward medical?

[Kevin]

Kevin: Did you have to wait for personal reasons or was it related toward medical?

Personal reasons. I had to wait until I had the money and then I had to wait to get in at the endo because there was a few months wait for an appointment. So it could have been done in about 3-4 months if not for those factors.

[Elwood]

I've been in therapy for 5 months. I think my "real" therapy starts when I start working with Dr. Demara on the 17th. Then it'll probably be 3 more months... or more. :/

[Lachlann]

Kevin: Ah, I see. Thanks for answering.

Elwood: Ouch, yeah I believe I've heard you talk about this here before. That really bites with whats happening to you... hopefully Dr. Demara will be able to help you out better.

[J.T.]

J.T.: That sucks about the wait. I can only imagine how stressful that could have been but at least you've got it now.

yeah it did suck and was very stressful.  I had two bouts of crying in the doctors office which was more than a bit embarrassing.  But its all good now.  I could have started in mid January but that doesn't matter anymore.

[Mister]

Mister: Wow, that seems fast. I assume thats a rare case though, right? Either way, you're lucky.

yes and no.  my therapist says that anyone can spot a case of classic transsexualism from a mile away.  her personal theory is that transition would be much easier if therapists would realize that months and months (or years) of therapy for someone well-adjusted to be allowed to become more well-adjusted is, in fact, gatekeeping. 

I don't consider it luck.  I walked into therapy with a clear sense of who i am, a thought out plan.  all i needed was the assessment of not being crazy to begin.

[Lachlann]

Interesting.

I pretty much feel the same way about it. I've had a couple of months to figure out who I am and my parents have been drilling me for plans and all that. I'm not going to hold my breath that it'll turn out to be as fast as yours, anything can happen. I'm just going to hope for the best and speak from the heart.