Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi guys! I'm Lana Castillo from the Philippines. I'm 29 and I started my transition April of last year. If you ask me, I wish I would have started sooner but I was so afraid of my family's reaction.  At first, I started experimenting on estrogen but eventually stopped. It was only last year that I've finally decided to stay on board in this new journey of my life. 

Unlike in other countries like the US and Canada, there is still no program for Transgender transitioning here in the Philippines. Most still  tread the DIY route. I myself am in this path. It can be a very dangerous undertaking but I can't wait any longer to transition. It's a risk I am willing to take...a calculated risk since I am not doing this blindly. I have been reading an ample amount of literature on the subject and I'm taking everything in with as much caution as possible.

Since I started on my HRT, I couldn't be any happier. (I'm on Spiro, Dutas, and Progynova).  My skin has improved greatly and I haven't had any recurrence of acne since I started.  My balding spots have regrown and that makes me immensely happy. My body has been changing slowly. I've gotten slimmer compared to my previous chubby self. At 5'11 and slightly overweight, HRT has helped trim down my over-all built. That alone is a big motivator for me to go on.

My over-all disposition and outlook in life has changed. I used to be so down just thinking about what could have become of me if I did this or did that. But now, no more "what if's"  It's all or nothing.

Before HRT
Taken during our rappelling practice. As you can see, I'm on the heavier side. (2010)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/28681_121798141183551_6595591_n.jpg)

(taken before our caving expedition) 2010
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/31181_126415694055129_13620_n.jpg)

6 months after HRT (August 2011). I'm a nurse in a hospital here in our city.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293644_260899263940104_3001560_n.jpg)

Last week (June 2012).
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/554414_457822077581154_478277531_n.jpg)


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I wish everyone the best as we trek this life-changing journey  :angel:

Hi, Lana, and Welcome!

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I had a good friend who came from a vacation resort city in the mountains above Manila called, if I remember correctly, Bagio.

You sound happy with your transition.  Being in nursing, are you able to receive your occasional blood tests for hormone levels and liver toxicity?

Thanks for joining our international community!

Hi Lana, it's nice to meet you! I am from the Boston area. You will meet a lot of helpful new friends here. See you around, hugs, Devlyn

Hi Lana!  Welcome to Susan's!  Thanks for sharing a little about yourself :)

Hi Lana, :icon_wave:

Welcome to our little family. Over 7284 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister. (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.on-my-web.com%2Frepository%2FAnimals%2Fferret-3.gif&hash=f49e2f86761323f2abd9c33941920389dbb3b10f)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.on-my-web.com%2Frepository%2FAnimals%2Fferret-5.gif&hash=cfc7a68438be4575d8493dfbe65d1b3586f10b81)
Janet  (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F3%2F32%2FPentacle_1.svg&hash=99e763d33bc5c4d79014cb34bf6acb3dfec8befb)

Hi Lana,
A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. Congratulations on coming to accept yourself as, YOU. That decision alone, allows you to move forward with greater confidence and conviction.

Being a nurse, at least you'd have a better idea on the pitfalls of transitioning. Hope to hear more from you in time to come, however in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

Welcome, Lana. Congratulations on your decision to transition.


:)

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome. From where i come from, there arent many like myself. I feel so isolated sometimes not knowing anyone i can relate to and share my experiences. I am so glad i stumbled on this site.

As a regular staff in the hospital im working, we have the benefit of getting free lab exams as we choose. It has helped me keep track with my levels. So far so good.

My ultimate goal is to fully transition with the proper medical supervision and eventually undergo SRS. Since i dont have that option in our  country, i will have to seek it there in the
US. A long undertaking but im keeping my faith.