Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Newgirl Dani on June 24, 2014, 08:15:13 PM

Title: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: Newgirl Dani on June 24, 2014, 08:15:13 PM
I am so happy to say that I am now on my way!  My hrt starts tomorrow.  The only thing left to do is to pick up my perscription and take the estrogen to the clinic for the nurse to observe that I am giving my self injection correctly.  I am so very happy that all the dots finally got connected.  This post is not just because I have a sort of 'walking in the clouds' sort of feeling, but to let others know that persistence and trying to do it right is the key.  There were a number of times talking to my Dr. when that inner voice said 'dont say that, it could ruin your chances', well each time I had to put health as #!.  Then there were the times when I just got plain ole discouraged, and in those times I would come onto Susan's and get picked up again.  So now Estrogen Valerate, Spironolactone and myself are going to go forward and take on whatever may come my way.  You can do the same.  :)
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: Rachel on June 24, 2014, 08:32:55 PM
Congratulations,and welcome to womanhood :)
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: calicarly on June 25, 2014, 02:47:13 AM
Congrats Hun,

Please remember a few things from this point on:
-be patient, you will see a lot of almost immediate results and then after a few months you feel a little stalled, you won't be, that's the point when your body and face will slowly morph and show the most impressive results... 2 year journey!
-mood changes, your mood and even your personality may change slightly, enjoy the ride and don't freak out if you feel a little too emotional here and there :) particularly true at the beginning months of HRT.
-monitor yourself and how you feel, if anything in your lifestyle changes, see how it affects you hormonally and ask for the medical professional in charge to consider this and make the changes needed.

that's it! Congrats!
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: luna nyan on June 25, 2014, 03:30:56 AM
Congratulations!  Enjoy the ride and be patient!
Things keep happening even if you don't notice.
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: Newgirl Dani on June 25, 2014, 10:04:26 AM
Thanks to all three of you, every single word means alot and is terrific to read.  Cynthia you just mentioned something that caused me to consider a new idea  :) , starting a journal, it will be interesting to be able to look back on not just specific physical changes, but a detailed map of the evolution of how I think.  How very cool, Thanks again.  Dani
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: KayXo on June 25, 2014, 10:07:20 AM
Congrats. Be sure to drink plenty of plain water, when thirsty, on Spiro and eat as much salt as you crave, while limiting high potassium stuff and even diuretics. Best way to avoid complications, leg cramps, headaches, dehydration, dizziness, etc.

On estradiol, best to have injections weekly to avoid ups and downs. If you notice too much fluctuation, let your doctor know and ask if it can be taken more frequently. Good luck! A new beginning... :)
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: helen2010 on June 25, 2014, 10:25:06 AM
Dani

Congratulations.  While the changes will be profound, the emotional and physical changes are subtle but significant.  The journal is a great idea.  Ymmv and this information will help inform your conversations with your endo which in turn may impact the treatment regimen and best speed for your transition. 

Taking weekly photos may also be useful as they will later show you just how much your face and body has changed.  This is a good thing as we often don't see these changes.

Now, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Safe travels

Aisla
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: Newgirl Dani on June 25, 2014, 10:32:36 AM
Quote from: KayXo on June 25, 2014, 10:07:20 AM
Congrats. Be sure to drink plenty of plain water, when thirsty, on Spiro and eat as much salt as you crave, while limiting high potassium stuff and even diuretics. Best way to avoid complications, leg cramps, headaches, dehydration, dizziness, etc.

On estradiol, best to have injections weekly to avoid ups and downs. If you notice too much fluctuation, let your doctor know and ask if it can be taken more frequently. Good luck! A new beginning... :)

Thanks KayXo, I didnt know it was ok to inject every week....so I will talk to my Dr. about it.  She wants to see me again in a month to go over a new blood workup in order to increase my dosage, so I can use that for the oppurtunity.  I like salt, espcially from a small periodic binge on potato chips  ;D and I like to drink alot of water as I am rural and my well has really good tasting water.  Thanks, Dani
Title: Re: Persistence Towards HRT
Post by: Newgirl Dani on June 25, 2014, 10:42:27 AM
Quote from: Aisla on June 25, 2014, 10:25:06 AM
Dani

Congratulations.  While the changes will be profound, the emotional and physical changes are subtle but significant.  The journal is a great idea.  Ymmv and this information will help inform your conversations with your endo which in turn may impact the treatment regimen and best speed for your transition. 

Taking weekly photos may also be useful as they will later show you just how much your face and body has changed.  This is a good thing as we often don't see these changes.

Now, sit back, and enjoy the ride.

Safe travels

Aisla

Good info Aisla thanks much.  If anyone else responds I will not be ignoring you as it is nice and sunny here, so after my shower I am going to go out and sit for a bit in my garden and enjoy this prior to going to pick up my meds and then off to the Dr.  Bye Bye for now,  :)  Dani