I think it's time I started a blog. This seems like the right time, because next week is my first visit to my GP since the New Year's crash. I first joined Susan's in mid-February of 2023 and everything I had posted was lost in the crash. So, I'm going to fill in a little history.
When I first talked to my GP at the end of 2022 (November I think). I was mostly interested in implants, not HRT. I had been wearing bras for years and recently had started very clearly padding them. I expressed to her that I felt that I was missing something. I must have been convincing; she gave me the names of a couple of plastic surgeons and suggested I see a therapist.
The plastic surgeons wanted some kind of therapy history before they would seriously talk to me. So, I found a therapist near the end of March and had about a half dozen sessions. At the end of May, I went back to my GP and after a nice talk about what's happened since our last visit, I started HRT. I sure didn't see that coming 6 months prior.
I was started on a very low dose and had a follow up 90 days later to check my labs. My Hormone levels were still low but it was still early on and the rest of the labs looked good, so we set the next follow for 90 days. (There was a lab follow up at the initial 30 day point too but no office visit at that time)
At 6 months, I was not seeing or feeling much change since starting HRT and was really feeling disappointed at that time, going into the next follow up. For some reason she had change the lab work request and the test for my estrogen level was a different metric. One that I didn't understand, so going in to my appointment and I didn't have a clue where I was, level wise.
Overall; my labs were good but my Blood Presser was a little low. It's always been on the low side. Because my BP was low, she kept the Spiro at the same level, but she did double the Estradiol. The previous level was having some effect and I was thrilled to get the new dosage. I did feel like I had lost a few months of development. Of course, how do you know for sure. YMMV applies.
Now, time wise I'm at 10 months on HRT, going into my next follow up appointment on Wednesday. About three and a half of those at the new estradiol level. The last 3 months have been good. I'm a good solid A cup, maybe a little more, maybe not. I have some breast tenderness too. I didn't have that on the lower dose. Anyway, I'm happy with my development since the dosage change. I think my Spiro dose being very low might have something to do with my good results at my current Estradiol levels. I may ask about a different Anti-androgen, but since things are working, maybe not.
I feel good going into my follow up, but I wish I had a copy of the labs before for my appointment.
Warm Regards,
Paulie.
@Paulie
Dear Paulie:
I am so very happy to see that you have started your own Blog thread here on the Forum.
I am aware that you were previously a member here on Susan's Place for about a year before
the site crash on New Year's Day, but I do not recall that you had a Blog thread back then.
The site crash gave all of us a new start.
You can consider your Blog here as your shared personal journal that you can use to
write down your thoughts and comments as you navigate your journey and life endeavors.
Also your Blog thread can become your "HOME" here on the Forum where your readers,
followers and friends can find you and leave comments for you to read and respond to.
I have some older Blog threads here from several years ago that I still go back to
read what I had shared... great memories of my trials and tribulations as I documented
my own journey.
I also keep a personal "old school" pen & paper journal in a 3 ring binder for my eyes only...
....complete with colorful doodling and snapshot pictures.
On a cold and rainy night I can be found in my comfy chair in front of my warm fireplace
reading over some of my past writings... sometimes with tears in my eyes and sometimes
with a smile on my face.
As you feel free to share your story you can find comfort in knowing that when you
share your heartache, trials, difficulties and unpleasant experiences that test your
resilience and strength... that you have like-minded members and friends here that will
be at your side to offer their shoulder for you to lean on.
On the other hand, when you share your successes, accomplishments,and happy moments we will
rejoice with you and help you to celebrate those good times in your life.
I look forward to following your "So here I am.... Paulie." Blog thread and I also am
eagerly looking for your future postings around the various threads and topics on the Forum.
My warmest HUGS ... and happy Blogging and Journaling
Danielle [Northern Star Girl] :icon_flower: :)
The Forum Administrator
Paulie,
Its a bit strange but my breast growth has mostly happened in the last 4-6 months and I have been on HRT for 19 months. Now at a solid C cup. Its a slow process.
From my understanding, doctors start estradiol at a low dose and then slowly increase it. The reason is that starting too high a dose can actually impair breast growth. I started estradiol in January 2020 and my levels have still not hit the "target". It is an ongoing process. They stopped Spiro and I now get an Eligard injection every 90 days to block T production. Then they added Casodex which blocks T receptors so that any estrogens converted to T will have no effect. You are just getting started, so enjoy the ride!
Hugs!
Quote from: LoriDee on April 01, 2024, 10:08:30 AMFrom my understanding, doctors start estradiol at a low dose and then slowly increase it. The reason is that starting too high a dose can actually impair breast growth
I'm really okay with the level my GP started with and happy with how she followed up on the lab work. I would have liked to have had the increase at 3 months but I got the one at 6 and the results have been good. I'm very happy so far. If the next 3 months are like the last 3, I won't have to pad my bra's. I won't have to but I still might.
Quote from: Northern Star Girl on April 01, 2024, 01:38:26 AMI am aware that you were previously a member here on Susan's Place for about a year before
the site crash on New Year's Day, but I do not recall that you had a Blog thread back then.
The site crash gave all of us a new start.
You're right Danielle, I didn't have a blog. I did start a thread on one of the other boards, when I started HRT. I don't recall but I think it was the "Transitioning" board. I had updated it a few times, like when I had a follow up with my GP. I received some good advice and nice comments on that thread.
-----------------
I still haven't received my copy of the labs yet. The lab was supposed to mail me a copy. My GP office will give me a copy, I just wanted one before my visit. Since "things" are developing well, I'll be happy just staying on the same dose. So not having the labs going in is not that big a deal. The only issue could be if there was something wrong with the lab work that called for a lower dose, but I'm not epically worried about that.
I definitely don't want to increase the Spiro. It's very low and from what I have read lately, that seems to be a good thing. Like I said earlier, I may ask about a different anti-androgen, just to get her opinion. But since things are work as they are I'm inclined to keep things the same.
I have to get into work very early tomorrow, so I'm going to need to pick out what I'm going to wear tonight. Something I never would have given a thought to in the past. :)
Warm Regards,
Paulie.
My latest follow up was just over a week ago and was pretty uneventful, which is what I was looking for. My labs were in and showed my Total Estrogens at 435. Last August they were at 234, so I went from just barely above normal to well into where I want to be. Since I'm happy with how my development been progressing in the last 3-6 months, we are going to leave my doses as they are.
I have my yearly wellness checkup in early June so we didn't talk about the next HRT follow up, but she did order my next 3 months of Estradiol (I still have over a month left on the last). My labs included the lab work for my wellness checkup so I will not be getting new labs for June.
My Total Cholesterol was high. Maybe Higher than it's even been. I need to make a better effort on avoiding meat and dairy which will be tough. I typically only have meat 2-3 times a week, and then just a little cheese 4-5 times a week. I need to get back into exercising again too. It will help now that summers is coming. If I'm good I can drop my cholesterol 50 points by doing this.
My A1c and Glucose are high, but they alway are. I eat a lot for fruit and of course all of that is converted to sugars. 10-12 servings of fruit just in the morning alone. At this point she knows I don't consume much in the way of other sweets so she does not get on me about my Glucose and A1c levels. They are just right at the top of the range too.
Last time my cholesterol was high my GP wanted to put me on a statin. My plan is to get a little more disciplined and to bring it down before the wellness check in June. I've never had to take a long term medication and I'm going to do what I need to avoid any. (Exception made for HRT)
Paulie.
Paulie,
You did not say what fruit you eat. Berries? Oranges? Perhaps some fruits would be better for you, see what your doctor says.
Breads and carbs I know I watch as they tend to pack-in calories for me, but I enjoy them in moderation.
Asparagus can taste so good, do you like it? Broccoli? Cauliflower?
Chrissy
Chrissy,
On work days may I have a large fruit smoothie. 3-4 fresh oranges, 5-7 frozen bananas, some frozen strawberries, and some vegan protein powder. I'v tried other fruits at times but I keep coming back to this combination. I've been doing this for well over 20 years. I drink it through a large straw on my way to work.
I Don't care for asparagus but my wife loves it. Cauliflower is ok, but I do love Broccoli. There aren't' many vegetables that I don't like so that does make my diet easier to keep.
I think broccoli and romaine lettuce are where I get most of the calcium from in my diet.
Paulie.
I cook broccoli in a wok to an Indian recipe, splash of rapeseed oil, pinch of asafoetida, 1/8tsp each of cumin and mustard seeds, when the mustard seed pop put in the broccoli and shake on 1/2tsp salt and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. 4tbls of water and cover till tender. I will be doing this in a bit to go with my chilli pork chops.
Quote from: davina61 on April 15, 2024, 03:52:03 AMI cook broccoli in a wok to an Indian recipe, splash of rapeseed oil, pinch of asafoetida, 1/8tsp each of cumin and mustard seeds, when the mustard seed pop put in the broccoli and shake on 1/2tsp salt and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. 4tbls of water and cover till tender. I will be doing this in a bit to go with my chilli pork chops.
There were a couple of ingredients here I didn't recognize and had to look up. When I retire (soon I hope) and have more time I'm going to give this recipe a try. Thank you.
Work is sending me to Las Vegas again. They sent me there on an overnight trip a couple of months ago. While I really don't like traveling for work I did take the opportunity to get out in a skirt, with a more feminine top then usual, and shoes with a little bit of heel.
I only got "out" for about an hour in the evening, and then just enough time in the morning to go down to the main floor for a cup of coffee. I met with a co-worker in Vegas at the casino and we worked a long day with no breaks. Afterwords we had dinner in the casino and we spent a lot of time BS'in so when I got to my room it was pretty late.
I changed clothes pretty quick but it did take a little while to get the nerve to leave the room. Once I did get out the door I was fine. Actually I really enjoyed it. I got a beer and found a quite place to sit and I read my book for short awhile.
This trip I won't be staying at the casino so I don't know how things are going to play out. When at a casino you can leave your room and hang out on the casino floor. That doesn't work in a standalone hotel. I've never been to this hotel so I don't know if they have a breakfast dining room. If they do I may dress for breakfast and then change before heading into the Vegas office on day two.
I don't leave for Vegas until Wednesday so I have some planing time.
Paulie.
The good;
The company I work for is in the beginning stages of merging with another. It's due to be completed near the end of this year or early next. All the managers are putting together presentations of what their teams are working on. So, one of the managers got the bright idea of putting together slides of each team member with their education, projects, and a picture. I've never been thrilled when my employers try to do this. I've been a microwave communications engineer, mechanical engineer, software, and a firmware engineer; I don't have a degree in any of them. Not having a degree to list leaves a gap in my profile that other don't have. But this time it wasn't as much the degree part that bothered me, as much as the photo part.
I tried to make up a few tongue-in- cheek excuses why I couldn't get one for him, hoping he let it go. Well he found a very recent picture somewhere, sent it to me and asked "how's this one, it's a little fuzzy but it looks good". Surprisingly I liked the picture he found. Recently I had started trimming my eyebrows and getting my hair cut a little more on the feminine side, and the fact that it was a little fuzzy softened my looks some. I was feeling good about how I looked.
The bad and the ugly;
Today I had to submit a background check that included finger prints and a photo. The gentleman processing the background check took care of the paperwork (online forms), fingerprints, and then stood me in front of a gray wall. He used his cell phone to snapped one photo about as quickly as one could, and off he was to upload it. No "say cheese", no nothing. The photo was close, sharp, crisp, a little distorted from the camera angle, and OMG I looked bad.
Sigh.
It's not like it's going to be on a name badge or anything. The only people that will see it will be the processing agency. But it still bummed me out.
With trying to prep at work for my trip and a pet issue going on at home, it's not been one of my better days. Tomorrow's not going to be any better, (I'll explain this latter this week).
I'm not looking for really sympathy, just venting today, overall I don't have much to complain about and life is good.
Warm Regards,
Paulie.
Pauline,
Keep your head and spirits up. The alternative is not likely going to be of any help any way!
Hugs,
Chrissy
It's been quite a while since I've updated here. I've been pretty busy with life and while I've had some time to reply to a number of other posts, I never really felt I had enough time to update mine. So instead of one long post I thought I do a number of shorter posts.
I'm going to start with the comment I made at the end of my last post:
Quote from: Paulie on April 23, 2024, 12:03:14 AMWith trying to prep at work for my trip and a pet issue going on at home, it's not been one of my better days. Tomorrow's not going to be any better, (I'll explain this latter this week).
The "pet issue" had to do with one of my girls, a beautiful 10-year-old lab. A real sweet heart. She adored me and I cherished her. Up until about 2 weeks prior to that night she was in excellent health. We are still not sure exactly what was going on with her. She was in and out of the Vet 3 times and then 3 days in the vet emergency hospital, multiple x-rays, ultrasounds and other tests. She was having trouble at both ends and the whole digestive track in between.
The vet had an opening and we had made the decision earlier that day, that we'd be taking her into the vet for the last time the following day. The people at the vet were great, can't imagine a more caring group of people. We brought her home and some close neighbors came over when we placed her in the ground. These were the neighbors with the pond that Rosie loved to visit.
It's been over a month; thought I was done crying.
Paulie,
Losing a pet is losing a family member. We are dealing with an old dog with a serious health issue. I have started crying at work and sometimes cry myself to sleep at night. Pets love us unconditionally and it breaks our hearts when they are gone.
You are morning and take all the time you need. Tears are healing your heart.
Paulie,
I am sorry for your loss.
Do keep posting, I like hearing from you here.
Have a restful and nice weekend.
Chrissy
My wife and I have an arrangement, I pretty much get to wear what I want around the house and yard, but I need to keep my hair trimmed short. She says "I need to be able to look at part of you and see a man". So along with trimmed hair, it's no makeup or earrings too.
So, for the last month or more she's been on me to get my hair cut and I've been trying to put it off and grow it out a little. She's been telling me "We have a deal, next time you're at Sharee's have her cut your hair". Sharee is one of our neighbors. I'm pretty handy with repair work and I help her and her son with miscellanies repairs on their house. In return she'll trim my hair, not that she needs to do anything, but it makes her feel good to be able to do something in return. She does a very nice job too. Very nice.
Last weekend was her birthday and we had her and her son up for a bar-b-que lunch and birthday cake. I found out earlier that day that my wife asked Sharee to bring her scissors along. So right after lunch I got a haircut sitting on the deck. A lot of hair came off and I could tell it was quite a bit shorter than it was. It wasn't until later that evening that I got a look at it. It's short, but it has a little bit of a pixie look to it. I think it looks nice, and my wife thinks it looks nice, so it's a win/win.
Warm Regards,
Paulie.
Sounds like your wife is making an effort... sounds like you're trying to find a way to accommodate her wishes... in other words? It sounds like the kinds of things you hear people say when they're in a committed, loving marriage. ;D
Lovely! Congrats to you both and here's hoping you continue to navigate things together this well! Rooting for ya!
Love,
Allie
Quote from: imallie on June 11, 2024, 12:59:27 AMLovely! Congrats to you both and here's hoping you continue to navigate things together this well! Rooting for ya!
Thank you Allie,
We had our moments when she first found out. It was before we were married, but we were pretty committed at that point. Back then it was underdressing and only crossdressing in the evenings, after she'd go to bed. After a few years, one evening she came to me and said understood that it's a mental wellbeing thing for me and that the crossdressing was okay (with some limits). I'm not sure exactly how she figured that out but I'm thankful that she did.
Shortly after that we'd be out shopping and she'd bring something from one of the racks over to me and say "You'd look good in this." or "This looks like your style.". I can't tell you how good that felt. I do try to stretch out the time between haircuts, but when she says it's time, I don't argue. I know I have the better end of the deal.
Warm Regards and love,
Paulie.
I took off work tomorrow. I'm going to cram for the General Ham license, Ham Level 2. I'm taking the test on Saturday morning. I had the Technician license (Level 1) but it expired in May. I'm going in cold and I have to pass by 75%. That's 26 out of 35 questions and the 35 questions are random out of a pool of 454 questions. I did take a few online practice tests and was in the 60-65% range, so I really thinking I can do this.
I have a set of flash cards with all 454 questions and I thinking 2 hours on, 1 hour off, 4 or 5 times through the day should do it. So it's off to bed early tonight.
Paulie.
Hi Paulie,
Good luck on getting your General Class ticket! It should be the entry class as the Tech doesn't offer enough useful privileges now that hams are starting with HF digital.
Marion
Good luck on the test, Paulie!
I had a very nice day today. I spent most of yesterday cramming for the Ham General Level Test. I passed the test this morning right at about 90% on the first try. You can try 2 time in the same day. A couple friends were there for their Technician Level tests, both passed. I met a neighbor there too that I didn't know was going to be there. He was going for his General Tag, he passed too.
When I got back home and put on a nice navy-blue sundress with a lager blue and yellow pastel flower pattern. It has spaghetti straps, came to just above the knees and I put on a pair of flats too. I have some bigger projects I need to take care of but none of them could be done is a sun-dress with flats. So, I spent the day doing a bunch of little chores in the yard. The weather is cooling down a bit but it was still a very pleasant day and I really enjoyed being out in the dress.
Tomorrow's going to be a denim skirt or shorts, a heavier cotton tank or t-shirt. Oh and work boots too. Stuff I can get dirty in.
Paulie,
Dirty day for me as well working on my hot rod, work trousers, old work polo and sweat shirt. Logo is stitched in so have to put up with it but they were free when I retired! Steel toe cap work boots as well, you get used to them after 54 years-------
Well, it's been a while since I've been here to update my blog. Mix between being very busy and too tired, both mental and physical. I've been on Susan's off and on in the past few months. Mostly to scan the recent activity and reply if time allowed. I have fallen behind on keeping up with some of the other member's posts that I had been following. I hope to do some catching up but winters coming and I have so much to do still. Funny, Autumn arrives tomorrow and I concerned about winter.
I have two 4-wheel drive vehicles that need work before the snow arrives. One is my plow truck. It had an issue with the transfer case but was still drivable, now the clutch linkage is out and it's not drivable. I'll probably have a neighbor look at these two vehicles, I hear he does good work. I have another vehicle that needs some work too. I'll probably do that one.
I have some windows that I should replace and I need to get fire wood too. I'll cut some, buy and stack the rest. I need to get some gravel on the driveway. The driveway is 700ft long and is way over due for gravel. There's other work that should be done before the gravel is put down but that's not going to happen. I also need to change propane companies and get the septic tank pumped.
Overall, the above doesn't sound too bad, but I need to finish setting up the greenhouse too. The greenhouse is what's put me so far behind for the last year. We bought a 14 by 29 ft greenhouse on a whim. That 4.3 x 8.8 in meters. We had wanted a greenhouse but probably would not have gotten one this large except that a great deal came our way. Putting the greenhouse up was quite an ordeal of which I may go into on another post.
There's still a number of items regarding the greenhouse I need to take care of before winter. It's about 200 feet from the house and I need to get water and electracy to it. We do freeze here in the winter so I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with the water yet. I also need to expand the electric fence to include the greenhouse and garden area. We have bears in the area. They got into the chick coop last fall and we lost most of the hens. When they get hungry in the winter the greenhouse will become a target.
So, on top of all that, my wife had 2 knee replacements (planed). Wound up in the hospital for a week (un-planed), and has some other medical issues to boot. My mother wound up in the hospital twice. Mom is 92 and has dementia. Last November we moved her to where I could better take care of her (another long story). She's in a great group home so I'm not doing 7/24 care, but she requires a lot of time none the less. I also make time just to spend with her.
We had three dogs but lost the young one a couple of months back to some intestinal issue. Many days at the vet and lots' of $ latter and we never figured out what it was. She was a real sweet heart and we miss her dearly. The old lady of the bunch was diagnosed with cancer about a year ago, but damn she just keeps on going. Bless her, you'd never know there was anything wrong with her. The other gal has always had some kind of issue going. The last was a growth on her left arm. We had it remove last Wednesday and are still waiting on the biopsy to see if it was cancerous.
Part of the problem time wise is that I'm still working. Actually, other than taking up a lot of my time, work is good. I've become more valuable as of late at my job and demand for what I do has increased greatly in the last few years. My manager lets me do my job with very little oversite and I can pretty much come and go as I need. I'm careful not to abuse and take unfair advantage of my situation. What I do has also change over the last few years and I enjoy what I do much more. I'm very thankful to be in the place that I am.
So, all caught up for now.
It's late, no time to proof read this, pleases excuse the grammar errors.
Warm Regards,
Paulie.
Thank you for your update Paulie.
Lots going on. It is good to be needed, at work and other places.
Sorry about the loss of your dog.
The health issues can be tough too.
Hope you get the gravel you need too.
I also hope your vehicles get into tip top working order.
Do stock up on the wood. Unsure about your windows. Do the frames need replacing or just the glass? Sometimes just the glass inserts need replacing, if you have the windows that use them.
It would be a good time to get wood and to pump out the septic.
Nice to hear from you.
Chrissy
Busy on then dear, hope you get the house stuff done before winter.
Thanks for the update. It is always good for us to read an update even if it is not all good news. Take your time and do what you need to do. Once winter sets in, hopefully, things will slow down so you can focus on work and play.
Hugs!
This Thursday will be my year and a half checkup since starting HRT. Well 17 months actually, not sure how that happened. The lab work should be there and I expect everything to stay the same dose wise. I'm a healthy B cup and still tender, so still growing I hope. Maybe a little less body hair growth, though it's hard to tell since I've taken care of most of that with ILP many years ago. The hair on my head feels a little fuller but that could just be wishful thinking.
As I mentioned before, I'm on a very lose dose of spironolactone. This is due to low blood pressure (it's always been low). I'm thinking of asking about a different androgen blocker during the visit. I posted an article on spiro a while back and Lori Dee has cautioned me about it too. I'm going to have to do a little research before Thursday morning.
Paulie.
18-month HTR follow up didn't go well.
The Dr's assistant that normally takes me back to the exam room came out and asked for another patient. That got my attention but I didn't think much of it. Minutes later another Dr's assistant came out and took me back. Weighted me, had me sit, and brough up my chart. Then she asked what are we seeing you for? I said "really?" I was dumbfounded that she as asking about a follow up appointment that I was told to make.
She said doctor "not my doctor" needs ..... I'm not sure exactly what she said after that cause I stopped her and I said my doctor is "my doctor". She said your appointment is with doctor "not my doctor". I said - I made an appointment with doctor "my doctor". She said there must have been a scheduling conflict, you're seeing doctor "not my doctor". I sat back and let out a big sigh.
I'm thinking to myself, I'm not going to do this. I'm not explaining the last two years to someone new so they can try to make a credible evaluation of where I'm at. Epically since I wanted to discuss changing androgen blockers.
Before I could object the assistant offered to reschedule my appointment with "my doctor".
The next open appointment was on the 9th of October. Two weeks away. I was bummed but I took it. She took me out and asked the gal at the desk to schedule me for the 9th.
The gal at the front was a real sweat heart. When she found out I had not been seen, she found me an appointment for next Monday, the 30th. She made my day; it didn't matter so much that I have to wait the weekend. I was a little disappointed but it didn't ruin my day.
Warm Regards,
Paulie.
I think you did the right thing.
I would have demanded to see MY doctor. At the start of my transition, on every visit, I saw some different new intern. I said I wanted to see someone that I could visit with every time and who knows me, so we don't waste an hour answering the same questions that are already in my chart.
I am proud of you for standing up for yourself. You go, Girl!
I had my follow up with my GP today and it went well. I told her that I was looking to get off spiro and gave her a couple of other anti-androgen that I was interested in. She said my first choice wasn't really appropriate for what I needed. She was fine with the other so, now I'm on Finasteride along with my Estradiol. My Estradiol dose didn't change and I was told I'm good for another 3 months. It Would have been 6 months but for the med change.
My results were good on Estradiol and Spiro, but I'm really looking forward to trying the Finasteride. We're using it "Off Label" but the common side effects are what we're looking for.
Paulie..
Quote from: Paulie on October 01, 2024, 01:13:20 AMI had my follow up with my GP today and it went well. I told her that I was looking to get off spiro and gave her a couple of other anti-androgen that I was interested in. She said my first choice wasn't really appropriate for what I needed. She was fine with the other so, now I'm on Finasteride along with my Estradiol. My Estradiol dose didn't change and I was told I'm good for another 3 months. It Would have been 6 months but for the med change.
My results were good on Estradiol and Spiro, but I'm really looking forward to trying the Finasteride. We're using it "Off Label" but the common side effects are what we're looking for.
Paulie..
Paulie,
It is good to have constructive, informative conversations with your medical doctors. I am on both the F and E, tablets. F is often not considered to be an anti androgen per se, but it helps me with my head hair for sure, and it may have the side benefit for some as an anti androgen. Only your MD, lab tests, and you may know for sure!
Chrissy
Finasteride is like Spiro in that it is not a testosterone blocker. Like Paulie said, it is used off-label because it has ant-androgen effects. It is stronger than Spiro, so hopefully you will benefit from it. It didn't work for me because it messes with all of your hormones. Spiro and Finasteride have their effects by messing with the 5a-reductase enzyme. That has the effect of reducing testosterone but also messes with estradiol, progesterone, and others. Everyone's body chemistry is different, so it may be enough of a tweak to get levels where they need to be. After four years I dropped both Spiro and Finasteride and was put on leuprolide injections. That blocks T production at the source and works for me. But it is expensive, so not everyone can go that route.
All packed for my trip to San Diego tomorrow and in bed. Two others from work will be at the hotel so the only extra thing I packed was a night gown for the room. I did pick out a nice cami and bra to wear under my blouse tomorrow. Some women might notice its a blouse but it's a style that most men wouldn't. The blouse for the following day has darts on the sides in the bust area. These are not really that noticeable, and if I keep my over shirt on they are pretty much hidden. I often wear a light weight unbuttoned shirt in place of a jacket in air conditioned buildings.
Normally I wear pull over tops but out on business I try to wear button up tops.
Warm Regards.
Paulie.
The Trip to San Diego went as expected, except the flight back. It was delayed about 5 hours and I didn't get home until after midnight.
It was just a 2 day trip, and on this trip there were 2 coworkers from Las Vegas along. We all stayed at the customers Hotel, so other then in my room there was no opportunity to dress and get out.
I have another trip at the end of the month to Las Vegas. It's a 3 day trip, and on the first day I'll be on my own, no coworkers. So when I'm done, I'll be going to my hotel on my own. I'm staying at one of the bigger casinos and it has several restaurants. I'm hoping that I'm comfortable enough to put on a denim skirt or my skinny jeans and some heels and get dinner. Then to hang out a little on the casino floor. Maybe have a cup of coffee or a beer and find a place to read a book.
The second day I'll be out with a coworker so I'm sure well have dinner together and that I'll get back to the casino much latter. I'm still hoping to hang out in the casino some that evening.
I have a couple of nicer looking high waisted denim skirts that I'd feel comfortable wearing out.
Paulie.
I'm mostly packed for my trip to Las Vegas on Wednesday. Three skirt options, one pair of skinny jeans and 5 tops, 2 pair of shoes. I may bring a simple dress too. I don't get to wear skirts and dresses out in my home town. I also will not be wearing them while I'm working in Las Vegas. I will have one dinner by myself on one if the nights, two if I'm lucky. I'll be with a co-worker on the second day and he'll probably want to join me for dinner. He's a nice guy and I enjoy his company so it'll be nice whichever way it goes. I'm planning spending some time down to the casino floor in the evening to have a beer, just to get out again.
If there's a coffee shop in the casino that opens early enough, I may dress up and go down for breakfast too. If not, I'll just dress up and go down to get a cup of coffee to bring back up to my room like I did last time.
The last time I was in Las Vegas it was very hard to leave the room dressed up for the first time. It was easer the second time, but that was just to get a cup of coffee in the morning to bring up to my room. I'm think (hope) it will be easer this time.
For a short time today, I thought my customer for the third day was going to canceled on me. When they found out I couldn't change my schedule they made arrangement to accommodate me. If they had canceled it would not have made sense to stay over the third day. I would have lost my second night out. It also would have made the whole trip less worthwhile for my employer.
Paulie.
I think that the more time you get to spend out the less apprehensive you will be about it. I used to spend hours getting ready so that I felt everything looked just right. The more I was out and nothing bad happened, reinforced my confidence that it was ok to look the way I wanted to. Then there were times when I spent little to no effort and still got gendered correctly, and that helped boost my confidence too. It is just a matter of training your brain to relax and be yourself. Realize that you are not putting on a show for anyone, but just doing what makes you feel good. Others can take it or leave it. It is their decision on how they react, so I tend to ignore them unless I am directly interacting with them. Even that has gotten easier over time. Enjoy your time out.
I got pretty comfortable this week wearing skirts out in Las Vegas. Enough that I thought I'd wear one home on the plane. I figured what are the odds of someone I know seeing me on the plane or in the airport. So when I finished working I put on a slim fitting mid thigh denim shirt that went well with the nice business type blouse and a sweater vest I had on. Then I headed for the car rental return and the airport.
Everything went fine until I got to the baggage claim. I had just gotten my second bag off the carousel when a woman came up beside me and leaned in. She very politely whispered that she needed to tell me, that my skirt was split up the back. She tried to make me feel better by telling me that it happened to her once too.
I pulled a shirt out of one of my bags and wrapped it around my waist and headed for the parking garage. I tried to figure out where it split as I waked to the garage. I think it may have happened when I sat down in the plane, but that might just be wishful thinking. Oddly enough I was more bothered that it was one of my favorite skirts that split than I was that it happened in public.
Quote from: Paulie on October 26, 2024, 12:14:46 AMI got pretty comfortable this week wearing skirts out in Las Vegas. Enough that I thought I'd wear one home on the plane. I figured what are the odds of someone I know seeing me on the plane or in the airport. So when I finished working I put on a slim fitting mid thigh denim shirt that went well with the nice business type blouse and a sweater vest I had on. Then I headed for the car rental return and the airport.
Everything went fine until I got to the baggage claim. I had just gotten my second bag off the carousel when a woman came up beside me and leaned in. She very politely whispered that she needed to tell me, that my skirt was split up the back. She tried to make me feel better by telling me that it happened to her once too.
I pulled a shirt out of one of my bags and wrapped it around my waist and headed for the parking garage. I tried to figure out where it split as I waked to the garage. I think it may have happened when I sat down in the plane, but that might just be wishful thinking. Oddly enough I was more bothered that it was one of my favorite skirts that split than I was that it happened in public.
Oh my, I am sorry that happened to your skirt.
Chrissy
@Paulie Dear Paulie:Having "wardrobe malfunctions" seems to be more of a woman's problem
than a man's.
I have had my share of things like my blouses "magically" coming unbuttoned,
my leggings splitting in the back, my panty tops showing when I bend over, even
a "nipple slip" or two.
Lots of fun!!! especially for the spectators.
HUGS, Danielle
Happy Thanksgiving Paulie!
Yesterday I met a couple of friends at a bar for a drink and to catch up a bit. They don't know I'm transitioning and due to the weather, I was pretty bundled up, so they still don't know. The party broke up pretty early and I was kind of disappointed. A very dear friend of mine recently moved to Texas. We didn't get out often but when we did, we would meet at 5 and we never finished before 10 or 11. Oh, I miss him.
Anyway, since I was out, I did a little shopping. I wasn't really in the mood but I live 20 minutes out of town so I thought I'd take advantage of being in town. Especially since it hardly seemed worth driving in for the short visit with the guys. I wandered through the women's department of several stores and didn't see anything the got my attention. On the way home I was thinking that it's fine that I didn't find anything, since I don't have a place to wear half of the cloths I already have. That didn't help my mood any.
None of my body measurements have change much since about February of this year. I mentioned in another thread that my breasts had stopped hurting awhile back, which may or may not mean anything. Although I'm inclined to think it does. For quite awhile I was happy wearing my bras with just "me" inside them. Lately I've been finding the need to add some padding in them.
I had my blood work done last week and I have a followup with my GP on Wednesday. If my blood work looks okay, I'll probably keep my meds at the current level. Three months ago we dropped the Spiro and replaced it with finasteride. I really need to give it a little more time to see if it's going to do anything. I have notice some other changes lately. I had ILP'ed most of my dark body hair away yeas ago but there was still the gray and a little dark hair I had to deal with. I'm finding I can skip a couple of days or more and my legs still feel smooth. Same with my tummy. My chest does require a little more attention but much less than just a year ago. I'm very happy about that. Especially when I'm wearing a skirt or a dress where I can run my hands over my thighs. I think the hair on my head might be thickening up a bit too. But that could just be wishful thinking.
Overall I'm doing well. I felt much better this morning and today than I did yesterday evening. I don't have many days like that. I think it mostly had to do with the get together breaking up early.
I don't carry much extra weight but what I do have is around my middle section. I think if I can lose a little of that, I'd have a bit of a curve. I'd really like that, but damn it's hard to lose weight this time of year. It's hard anytime of year as we all know, just harder this time of year.
Hugs and Warm Regards,
Paulie.
@Paulie
Dear Paulie:
I loved reading your update and the fact that you are staying positive as you continue in your personal journey.
Along with your other avid followers I will eagerly continue to look for and read your future postings,
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
Paulie,
I am wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Chrissy
Merry Christmas, Paulie!