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T Reservations

Started by Farm Boy, August 11, 2010, 12:02:31 AM

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Farm Boy

So I've now had 4 appointments with my therapist, one of which was an informational one with my mother.  Today she (my therapist) asked me if I had a date set for when I wanted to start T!  That surprised me, but in a good way.  She says I way exceed the criteria necessary for her to write me a note, and that's exactly what I wanted to hear, but I guess I'm just still wondering if it's the right thing for me to do.

How did you know for sure you wanted to go on T?  (For those on it and those who want to be.)  From what I've learned GID is not a phase and it won't go away, and mine has been present for around 18 years now.  I tend to over think and over complicate things, so this is probably just typical 'me' behavior.  I just don't want to do it if it's the wrong thing for me and end up worse off than I started.  I've got a green light from my therapist and my mom, so the only one holding me back now is... me. 

How much hesitation did you guys have, and what were your reservations?  If you're on it, how soon did you know it was right?  Thanks!
Started T - Sept. 19, 2012
Top surgery - Jan. 16, 2017
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Jamie-o

I was in a similar situation a couple years ago.  My therapist was willing to write the letter, but I just wasn't sure yet.  I decided to take a few months to make up my mind.  A big part of it for me was adjusting to the idea of myself as not just a man, but a transman.  I had always thought of myself as male, but I had this idealized fantasy version of myself.  I had to re-envision what my life would be like as a short, average guy with no "junk".  Then I had to live with that person for a while in my head until I got used to seeing myself like that; until I had imagined how I would deal with potential lovers, people who are prejudiced against short men, family members who might not accept the change, etc.  Once I spent time getting used to this new vision of myself, my anxiety faded, and I soon found myself more eager than scared to start T.  I've now been on T for about 15 months, and I couldn't be happier.

A few months isn't likely to make much difference one way or the other, so give yourself permission to take the time you need to be really sure.  It's a major decision, so it's good that you aren't taking it lightly.
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Nathan.

I'm kind of in the same position right now. I could be perscribed T soon and it's kind of scary. I've wanted this for so long but now it's close i'm like what if it isn't for me? I think it's because this is the most permanent step so far, I can change my name back and ask everyone to use my birthname again but this is it, if i'm wrong I can't undo it.

I'm not too worried though, the anxiety is there but i'm mostly excited and relieved that I could be on T soon.
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no_id

Right-oh, I'm not ftm (as you know), but I do know what it's like to ask the question 'Is T for me' although in a not so similar situation.
Is it a big step? Of course it is.. And like Jamie pointed out: one that requires quite the amount of soulsearching. I think what he did can
also serve as a suggestion: take some time to make up your mind.

At the same time (if I'm not mistaking), there's a lot of different kinds of T with some that work slower than others. Maybe that's a thing
for you worth investigating... You can start with a low dose and if it makes you feel better and you think the changes aren't happening
quick enough then you have your answer right there. If it doesn't make you feel comfortable then you can always schedule an appointment
with your doc and quit. Lest not forget, changes on T come slowly.. Surely there's risks though (like insideontheoutside pointed out), but
all-with-all you're the one in charge of the rate.

I don't think you need to see this as a definite decisson. It's simply a means put available to you to figure out what you want and how you
can feel comfortable. No one will drop by your doorstep with a chainsaw if somewhere along the way you make another choice. ;)
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Tara: The one time in my life I thought I was happy, I was a f**kin zombie.

True Blood S3E2
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Ryan

I wanted T more than anything for so long, but then got quite worried when I was given the go-ahead for T. The massive and permanent decision of changing my body forever just hit me.
After thinking it out, everything was fine. I didn't want to live as female, and I couldn't live as a pre-T boy forever. I wanted all the effects that T brought, I was just scared of the decision more than anything else.

If all else fails, make a pros and cons list.
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zombiesarepeaceful

I had no second thoughts about T's effects on my body. I only worried about it being a steroid and somehow damaging my body. In my head I pictured my heart bursting and stupid stuff like that that is irrational to think of. But I never had second thoughts about what would change on T. I never hesitated to start it. I wanted it so badly and knew it was right.
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sneakersjay

My hesitation lasted all of 5 minutes.  The thought of growing into an old woman is what sealed it for me.  I was so sick of being perceived as female I couldn't deal.  Script in hand, off to the pharmacy I went.  Never looked back.  Over 2 years now.


Jay


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notyouraverageguy

Quote from: Farm Boy on August 11, 2010, 12:02:31 AM
How did you know for sure you wanted to go on T?  (For those on it and those who want to be.) 
Im the same way, I over think things.. One second you're sure, the next you have doubts.
I myself am not sure about going on T. When I first found out about it, it didn't really phase me. Then I hear and see all these guys on it, and it makes me want it. For many reasons: the amazing results they show, to match my outside with my inside, to sound more male. Thing is I look male, not my age, but who does. Right now, im not sure I want it. One of the main reasons being im a hairy dude already &I really don't like body hair at all. And I don't want to be a bear/wolfman even more. Another big thing being that im short, so ill be a little short man, with no junk.
Idk, T is for some guys and isn't for others. Its not something that'll make all your problems go away. T has permanent effects, both desired and undesired. You can't pick and choose. Its all up to you, what you feel. its a really big, really hard decision. Just make sure you're well informed on all effects, short and long term.
Gender expression is NOT gender identity.

Defective Catastrophe.
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insideontheoutside

Quote from: Femboy on August 11, 2010, 03:16:10 PM
Im the same way, I over think things.. One second you're sure, the next you have doubts.
I myself am not sure about going on T. When I first found out about it, it didn't really phase me. Then I hear and see all these guys on it, and it makes me want it. For many reasons: the amazing results they show, to match my outside with my inside, to sound more male. Thing is I look male, not my age, but who does. Right now, im not sure I want it. One of the main reasons being im a hairy dude already &I really don't like body hair at all. And I don't want to be a bear/wolfman even more. Another big thing being that im short, so ill be a little short man, with no junk.
Idk, T is for some guys and isn't for others. Its not something that'll make all your problems go away. T has permanent effects, both desired and undesired. You can't pick and choose. Its all up to you, what you feel. its a really big, really hard decision. Just make sure you're well informed on all effects, short and long term.

Well said!
"Let's conspire to ignite all the souls that would die just to feel alive."
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Farm Boy

Thanks everybody, your replies have been really helpful! 

Insideontheoutside- I have read about the possible health risks associated with taking T, so I am aware of the undesirable side effects like elevated blood pressure and whatnot.  I'd be monitored by a doctor and likely be on a lower dose, so I'm less worried about that.

Jamie-o- That's a good idea, and probably what I'll do.  I'll need some time to think it through as well as possible.

No_id- I'll probably do that too.  A lower dose also poses lower health risks than a higher one, unless I'm mistaken. 

Ryan- That sounds a lot like me.  I think it's mostly the fact that it is such a big and permanent decision.  I did actually make a pros and cons list; perhaps it's time to do some more work on it.

Everybody else, thanks again.  It's helpful to think about the things that deterred and encouraged you.  One of the biggest reasons I'd want to start T is because of the mental aspect.  I went on birth control for a short period of time and it really messed me up so I can't help but wonder how much better it might feel to be off of E completely (as completely as a normal dude).   Did any of you notice this? 
Started T - Sept. 19, 2012
Top surgery - Jan. 16, 2017
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jmaxley

Quote from: Farm Boy on August 11, 2010, 04:27:51 PM
I went on birth control for a short period of time and it really messed me up so I can't help but wonder how much better it might feel to be off of E completely (as completely as a normal dude).   Did any of you notice this?

Yes, they put on Provera (not estrogen, but progesterone, another female hormone) for a few days back in May and it was horrible.   I fell into a suicidal depression that lasted for weeks, had horrible cramps where I couldn't move for hours and had an allergic reaction to the pills where I almost had to go to the ER because I could barely breathe.  NEVER again.

I didn't have doubts about going on T until after I told my family.  It's been hard on my mom and she's been not so understanding at times.  I made out a pros and cons list too, pros definitely outweighed the cons.  I know it's not easy for my family but it's not easy for me either and if going on T can help me to actually have a life, it'll be so worth it.
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zombiesarepeaceful

T really stabalized me mentally. If you're worried about that it seems to be much more common that it gives us clarity. The first couple months were rougher but now I'm starting to feel more clarity.
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Farm Boy

Quote from: zombiesarepeaceful on August 12, 2010, 09:55:45 AM
T really stabalized me mentally. If you're worried about that it seems to be much more common that it gives us clarity. The first couple months were rougher but now I'm starting to feel more clarity.

I'm hoping that would be the case for me.  What do you mean by the first couple months being rough, though?  Did it make you feel worse at first? 
Started T - Sept. 19, 2012
Top surgery - Jan. 16, 2017
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