Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I drove three hours, met my sister and her husband for lunch, went shopping for dresses (purchasing two both of which are age inappropriate but today was a big day), and was still more than a half hour early for my appointment at Planned Parenthood. No protesters gathered outside the door, but I think it would have been easier to enter Fort Knox than get admitted through the doors of Planned Parenthood. But I made it. Then, I spent the next ten minutes talking to a woman I couldn't understand because of the inch thick sheet of bullet proof glass between us.  Fortunately, she was a very patient woman. A young woman and someone of indeterminate gender ushered me into a treatment room and were soon joined by Rachel (an NP). This moment occurred more than a week ago and marks the beginning of my HRT. Or, perhaps, it doesn't. The reason I've delayed this announcement is because Rachel could not make an on-the-spot decision and needs to consult with the Medical Director (when I was young it never occurred to me that I would get old and, somewhere along the way, acquired Type II diabetes and COPD). But Rachel is hopeful and I expect a message any day asking me where she should send a prescription for transdermal Estradiol. I have never been to a medical appointment where I felt more at home and at peace and was called 'Annika' out loud for the first time. If seeing 'the doctor' can be spiritual, my appointment qualified. However, I am on tenterhooks and assured Rachel that if the medical director declined to authorize the prescription, I would go rogue (I've seen a month's supply of estrogen advertised online for about $10). So, you might be asking yourself, what is the point of this topic? I'm asking myself the same question. This isn't a blog, I just needed somewhere to dump a few pounds of anxiety.   

I am glad you had your appointment and I hope this all works out for you.

It is likely that your medical doctor and NP who is likely working under the supervision of a MD in many states, if not all, will make the best recommendations for you, based on what they know of your specific circumstances and medical history. 



Chrissy

I appreciate you taking the time to dump it here, Annika. It sounds like it was a mixed-bag experience but that the positive elements outweighed the discomfort of the uncertain outcome. At least I hope that's the case. Did they say how long it would take to make the decision? I'd prefer you didn't have to get your E on the grey market.

I'm contemplating HRT myself, but I figure I'd wait until the summer and its heavy physical demands have passed. Hearing about your big step helps clarify my interest in it for myself. Thank you.

@Mrs. Oliphant
Dear Annika:
Your posting was good news/bad news ....  I am wishing you success in getting your meds approved with
the Medical Director at Planned Parenthood. 
I trust that Rachel's positive attitude will help convince the Medical Director for approval.

Please, please, DO NOT plan on going "rogue" .... avoid getting any HRT drugs "online"...
...you will have no idea where there are manufactured and have no idea about the quality.

Online procurement of HRT drugs may not work like bona fide prescription drugs and without
doctor monitoring and guidance ...  can be dangerous and detrimental to your health.

If the Planned Parenthood Medical Director doesn't come through, please be safe and find
another doctor and clinic and do your HRT the safe way.

The official policy of the Susan's Place Forum is as follows:
We cannot in good conscience condone the self administering of these medications. Not only may self medication be illegal, but HRT medications can cause serious health problems, and many have the potential for life-threatening side effects that can only be detected and prevented with proper medical supervision.
 
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Admin
                cc: @Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Lori Dee  @Sarah B

Quote from: Northern Star Girl on June 10, 2025, 06:59:10 PMPlease, please, DO NOT plan on going "rogue" ....

Thanks so much, Danielle. I know Rachel will do her best to advocate for me and assured a response by week's end. Words cannot express how much I appreciate your concern and cherish your advice. I am more terrified of dying without fully experiencing the person I know I am than I am of death of itself. But I am neither a fool nor reckless. There is one other gender affirmation service provider I've identified in Montana and will go there if Planned Parenthood is unwilling to manage my transition. In the old days (a few months ago), the VA would have helped me on this journey (my VA therapist often apologizes for the end of the old days). The whole hormonal aspect aside, visiting Susan's makes me feel like a woman.

Annika, I want you to know that not only are all of us here at Susan's Place rooting for you, but so are other people with whom you've never interacted. My wife often asks me "How are the girls doing?" and I'll update her on the day's postings. I told her about this post of yours, and she tearfully asked, "When will she find out?" I said by the end of the week, and she wanted me to be sure to let her know when we find out.

I love the way we all care about one another. Our supportive loved ones care, too.

You feel like a woman here because you are a woman. It's my fondest wish that you can fulfill your dream and feel it completely and at all times.

Hi Annika,
I'm so sorry to hear that Rachel could not make a positive decision for you. I sincerely hope that she will come through for you and that you can start on your HRT soon.

Hugs,
Ciara

Here are some sources of healthcare providers Annika:


https://lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org/

https://www.glma.org/find_a_provider.php

https://www.outcarehealth.org/

https://www.406pride.org/healthproviders          [Montana]

https://www.outcarehealth.org/outlist/montana/    [Montana]

https://doctor.webmd.com/providers/procedure/lgbt-care/montana         [Montana]

Quote from: Pema on June 10, 2025, 11:31:23 PMI love the way we all care about one another.

Thanks Pema, and everyone for your support. I should hear by the end of the week if PP determines I meet their medical standards for prescribing HRT. I assure everyone that I will do nothing rash like ordering a bunch of off-label estrogen from a supplier I've never heard of (of course, there are people who would consider someone who looks like me wearing a dress while doing yard work in rural Montana a wee bit rash). Love you all.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on June 11, 2025, 02:41:05 PMHere are some sources of healthcare providers Annika:

Thanks, Chrissy! Hopefully, I won't need them, but in case I do...

Quote from: Pema on June 10, 2025, 11:31:23 PMI love the way we all care about one another.

Yes, that's what helps maintain our community. We do care. I care about all of you. :)

Quote from: Mrs. Oliphant on June 10, 2025, 05:39:58 PMSo, you might be asking yourself, what is the point of this topic? I'm asking myself the same question. This isn't a blog, I just needed somewhere to dump a few pounds of anxiety.   

The point is that different things are huge to different people. That's really what this place is for. It's a million different experiences coalesced into a beating heart of human empathy and understanding. Thank you for sharing yours. <3

In the spirit of the thread title, I'd like to offer this:

"The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place." - Barbara de Angelis

I am crossing everything crossable for you, Anni. This is a big step. I am so proud of you. Whatever happens. *massive hugs*

Quote from: Sephirah on June 12, 2025, 02:27:51 PMI am crossing everything crossable for you, Anni. This is a big step. I am so proud of you

Thanks, Sephirah, and everyone at Susan's.
  Because of you, I take comfort in knowing this is one lonely valley I don't need to walk by myself.
  Tenterhooks all day long. My primary at PP assured me that she would be able to give me an answer today as to PP's willingness to manage my HRT.
  But nothing showed up on my chart. No message other than the results of my bloodwork (my T level is 273 which means virtually nothing to me).
  So, wearing my good luck way too short yellow dress didn't do its magic today. Actually, since I washed it, I'm considering renaming it my lucky blouse.
  Happy Father's Day everyone. Honestly, I wrestle a bit with that holiday but Mother's Day is almost a year away so I'll take what I can get.

I'm sorry, Annika. Hang in there. I literally never expect offices to get back to me when they say they will. I usually give them another day, maybe two, then call them. It just seems to be how most things work now.

I'm still very hopeful that they'll approve your treatment. Don't give up on that dress/blouse, either. It may have protected you from something you know nothing about.