Ok, I need some advice, please

[Rita Irene]

Perhaps I should "search" for this, but I never have any luck with forum searches...if you could guide me that would be fantastic...

Im ready to start my HRT process....what should I do?

I live in OHIO and am currently unemployed without insurance, my wife works...but our income is not great. Ive thought about a "medical card" through the state....but havent been able to bring myself to that yet. I do have trouble with jobs because of my mental state...but that isnt a deal breaker yet, but insurance will be a long way off.


So, with that type of start...any suggestions?

Thanks so much for your helps!

[Robyn]

Step one, of course, is an authorization letter from your gender counselor and - hopefully - a recommendation for a transfriendly medical doctor to write the prescriptions.

Ask the doctor about the least expensive antiandrogen and estrogen regimen for you as well as what lab work you need and when.

If the state will help you with costs through a medical card, why not?

Please don't even think about 'do it yourelf.'

Robyn

[Rita Irene]

Thanks Robyn!

No do it yourself here, so Id say a medical card and a therapist is step one...then let them in on all my transgender issues and my wish to start therapy?

That sounds like it will get the ball rolling.

[lizbeth]

hi Rita,

Robyn gave some expert advice there. I am in the same boat as you and just fired off some emails to local gender therapists today as a matter of fact. I am employed and have insurance but I have no idea what will and wont be covered. I read my plan and it says I get 50 mental health visits a year so I would think at least the therapy will be covered but i have no idea about the labwork and I doubt that HRT will be covered 1 penny.

another suggestion for you would be to inquire to your local GLBT center about recomendations for a therapist. i've been told some are friendly and willing to help you transition and others are going to attempt to "cure" you, so a recomendation from someone that has successfuly transitioned is very valuable.

good luck on this big step!
~beth

[Rita Irene]

no novella....I asked and you provided....thank you....bunches!
everyone

[mickie88]

if you live in Cleveland, Toledo, or the Columbus area there are plenty of people who know how to help you. i understand you are low income, i'm in the same boat, and live in this place they want to call a state. if you get a medical card they look at everything, i don't believe they help transgendered individuals as when i watch the video each time they don't even include sexual orientation in it. at least in the version i get to watch they don't, wherever you are, you might have better luck. but i doubt it since this is mostly a republican state and they don't want to give any protections to public and private trans people unless they work for the government and that's limited to the governor leaving office.  if you weren't legally born here and you've already changed your name you may not have too much  problem, but if you were, it's going to be more hell than what you think, in ohio its not easy to change much of anything without having to explain yourself to everyone. pm me and i might be able to help with endos. depending on your area. is that you in your avatar??

[Rita Irene]

is that you in your avatar??

Uh....yes....its me

Im guessing thats a good thing?