T and denial

[Radar]

Two different topics here. First, I got my first T shot Tuesday and did it myself! Coming from a man who has a syringe phobia I did better than I thought. The needle's really long, but it didn't hurt at all inserting it. It was kind of weird because I could feel it going through the fat and into the muscle... but it didn't hurt. My muscle was sore some afterwards and yesterday. It's just barely sore today. Here's my question- Will the muscles normally stay sore for 2-3 days or does it get "better" over time? I ask since I take T once a week.

Second question- After you've come out to someone did they ever tell you you're not transgender but "just" have a psychological problem? I know that's part of denial, but I can see how someone uneducated on transgender issues would think that. Did anyone else have this told to them? I'm glad I had those two psychological tests to back me up, because I can see alot of my family thinking this.

[Nero]

I've only been on T for a little bit, so don't know about long term, but I found sometimes the injections site got sore and stayed sore and others it didn't. I'd say most the injections didn't result in soreness.

As to the second question, haven't had anyone say that yet. Show them some literature. Most laypersons tend to believe something if a bunch of doctors back it up.

[Ender]

First question: yep, first T shot was the sorest (lingering soreness, ~3 days).  That lingering soreness mostly stopped after the first 3 or so shots.  I occasionally get sore from shots now, but it doesn't last nearly as long, nor is it as sore as those first few shots.  I shoot weekly.

Second question: all the time.  That is my #1 reaction from people.  If I tell them that underlying psychological causes have been ruled out, the response is "well, you're just confused."  If I show them literature backing it up, then "the doctors are quacks."  There are times when no amount of reasoning or logic will prevail...

[myles]

While it sounds strange my left leg aches more than my right. I have actually just been injecting in the right more frequently. I don't have much fat so it goes into the muscle pretty quickly.
On the second one, I have not had that happen yet. I sent out a letter to everyone (that I posted here somewhere) and have just been very this is the way it is confident and matter of fact about it. I think literature might be the way to go. I also have a blog for my friends to see my updates on, on the blog I have added some links to transgendered sites where they have info on T and other general info (Hudsons (?) guide is one of them, can't remember the other). This gives them other places to answer thier questions or address thier concerns.
Cheers and Congrats on the first T shot!
Myles

[Mister]

1.)  Your technique will improve over time.  My injection sites are now sore for about ten minutes.

2.)  Nope, I cut off my association with any such idiots long before I came out.

[Radar]

At this point my husband doesn't want to read any literature on transgenders yet, but hopefully soon. I even have stuff for him to read focusing on the transgender's spouse/partner. He's showing alot of improvement now and we've been talking alot. He's starting to accept things better. I'm not pushing him on anything, he needs to do things when he's ready.

He has been talking to people, seen a counselor and will be going with me next week to talk to my psychologist. I notice the more he decides to talk to people the better he gets. I really, really hope he'll be willing to learn more about transgenders. I think it would help him immensely.

[Mister]

i thought you left your husband b/c you could love a man?

[Radar]

i thought you left your husband b/c you could love a man?

No, I can't love a man romantically or intimately, but I still love him like a close family member. I've had alot of time to reconcile this with myself... he's had 6 days. I want to make sure he gets through this O.K. and I want to help him the best I can. Of course we're separating and on platonic terms now. I only hope he'll want to remain friends in the future. But, that's his call.

[sneakersjay]

T and a hysto were the things that finally  made me feel human for the first time in my life.  Top surgery was the icing on the cake.  If I'm mentally ill, at least I'm happy!  Which is more than I can say for a lot of the population who is miserable yet deemed 'sane.'


Jay