New Here -would like input

[Hannah]

Your'e right. Cross gender hormone therapy isn't rocket science, and those of us eyes deep in it may very well have better specific knowledge than the average practicioner. I can even applaud your informed approach, with enough research and effort you can probably devise a regimen that is safer and more effective than what a gp could off the cuff...or you could blow your liver out and have a stroke. You know this dear, you found out about your own clotting issue and have been taking care of it.

Where's the harm in taking a round of blood tests to a trans-friendly physician and getting their input? It might seem wasteful but who knows? They have a broader view of the body that we can't really get from individual research, and while I agree with you that just being passive and doing what they say without question is foolhardy, you have to admit their experience could come in handy as well.

[severin]

Where's the harm in taking a round of blood tests to a trans-friendly physician and getting their input?

Thanks Becca. I've actually done just that, but it was a couple years ago and I do intend to do more blood work. Anyway, the topic of this thread has skewed far from it's original intent. That question has been answered well. As you said, it's no longer an "if" anymore, just what and when.
Post Merge: July 23, 2009, 09:07:21 AM
Recently I had an appendicitis -and would have died if not for the help of a surgeon. It's pretty lame in the context of a near-death experience -but it got me thinking in that direction. I was complaining to mom about the ugly new wounds on my abdomen. She said something like that she's just thankful not to be attending my funeral right now. "...one day in life and the next turned to ashes." (marcus aurelius) For the first week at least I had a strange ethereal view of life with the thought that I had already died in a trivial, insignificant little way. The only thing holding me back was me. But that cautious person died and flickered out like a little candle. It was at this point that I decided to really move forward with transition -because anyone can die at any time. If I had actually died two weeks ago it would have been a life categorized by bitterness and fear. This new me has neither of those things.

[K8]

Good for you, Severin.  It sounds like you've done a lot of the internal work that each of us needs to do before being able to move forward. 

The only thing holding me back was me. But that cautious person died and flickered out like a little candle. It was at this point that I decided to really move forward with transition -because anyone can die at any time. If I had actually died two weeks ago it would have been a life categorized by bitterness and fear. This new me has neither of those things.

One day my therapist was laughing at me.  She pointed out that I had always been very tentative and cautious, but once I decided to transition it was: Look out world, here I come!  It sounds a bit like you are at that point, too.  Old what's-his-name was OK but a bit too quiet and reserved.  Kate is much bolder, and I am delighted to be Kate.

I wish good things for you in your new, bold life.

- Kate