Hello ladies I'm new here. I've been lurking in the shadows for a few mos and decided to join the party.

It's been a long time getting to this point and it's finally here. I finally got my scripts on 09/25 (Spiro & Estrace). However I've only been taking the Spiro for 5 days now. I haven't started the Estrace yet because of my financial situation.  I'm afraid that I may not have the money for next mos refill and don't want to have to stop because I'm unable to pay. My insurance doesn't cover the Estrace only the Spiro. I'm currently in the process of moving hopefully soon and I've just completed job training so I'll be looking for work soon.

My question is should I just continue with the spiro in the meantime until I'm able to pay for the Estrace??

Also what kind of changes am I in for until I'm able to take the Estrace??

Congratulations on your big step with getting your first prescriptions! And a big welcome to Susan's.

We can't give medical advice or dosages here, but many sisters have been on spiro or another androgen blocker prior to starting an estrogen. It will give you the benefits of reducing testosterone production, but your estrogen levels will just be your body's background level produced by your adrenals and fat cells.

If cost is your main obstacle, there are generic forms of estradiol that are considerably less expensive than name brand estrace, usually about half. Also, if you live in a country like the US that has compounding pharmacies and where self-administered injections are legal, you can get a prescription for an injectable form of estrogen (which can often bring your cost down to less than $10 per month).

Going off of estrogen usually is not a health crisis - natal women experience drop offs in their estrogen levels every month of their cycle - but it can affect your mood and can be discouraging as a perceived setback to your transition progress. Many ladies find that they adjust their priorities so that their HRT gets paid for before anything else, because it benefits them that much, but everyone is different.

Thanks Madeline,

Yes I do live in the US. The cost isn't high at all it was actually $6.50 which was surprisingly cheap. As I said before because I haven't started working I'm not able to pay for it. But I have been taking the Spiro and don't plan on stopping that. At this point I'll just save the Estrace until I'm able to pay for it regularly. I had a feeling my insurance wouldn't cover it, Even though it would be great if they did...lol. I'm just a little bummed that I'm unable to pay for it. My Doc told me that when I come in for blood work if I feel I haven't seen substantial changes he has no prob prescribing injectables. 

I don't know if you have any health issues that might preclude you raising money, so ignore my suggestions if they don't apply or don't do you any good. I have found that there are many ways to raise a little bit of money even without having a 'real job'. I have:
1. Sold plasma.
2. Let my friends know that I am willing to do odd jobs for a little cash, and to keep their eyes out if they hear anything.
3. Let everyone I know with kids know that I am available for babysitting, and cheap.
4. Signed up with five temp agencies at the same time, and used their free training classes to improve my typing and computer skills.
5. Taken awful phone jobs that include up to six weeks of paid training.
6. Worked delivery jobs or tips only jobs.
7. Borrowed a lawn mower and some gas and mowed lawns.
8. Collected cans and bottles and turned them in.
9. Busked (performing on the street for donations).
10. Asked my doctor for samples (many physicians can provide name brand samples to their patients who are lacking funds; they can often obtain them too if given advanced warning)
11. Worked at a day labor place.
12. Worked odd jobs through my schools.
13. Worked for donations only - housecleaning, lawn work, moving...

6.50 a day can be a challenge, but 6.50 a month is doable for just about anyone.
My favorite quotation is "Be relentlessly resourceful".

Anyways, big hugs and good luck with all of your challenges.
-Maddie

hi welcome to susans money seams to be the main issue for alot of trans people it eventually comes down to where theirs a will theres a way start brainstorming and enlist any of your friends you can get to help they may think of something you havnt and they know yor location and circumstances better then we do
jessi

Thanks ladies I'm taking everything into consideration. And yes Jesse money is a major issue with us. It would be nice if it weren't but hey you gotta do what you have to right?? Once I have my move taken care of I can focus my energy on job hunting. It's been a pain waiting for others to do their jobs which is holding me up. I'm just trying not to stress about my situation and stay positive. 

If you save 21 cents a day you will have 6.50 every month. If you can't find 21 cents a day to save from your own income, scrounge for change in the Laundromat, look under couch cushions, ask someone for a quarter every day....there is no reason you can't find 6.50 for something as monumental as HRT. I understand you want to be financially secure befor ebeginning, but this cost is incredibly nominal. I don't know you or your financial situation, and I mean no disrespect, by all means you understand how much you can afford better than anyone else does - I just hope to offer some clarity about how attainable that seems to me...

**UPDATE**

I got the issue rectified. I told my mother my issue 2 nights ago during our usual call time. She said there was no way she'd see me go without what I needed. She said she'd give me what I needed until I find work.  I'm so happy she's always there for me. I didn't want to ask because she already does so much for me. So now I've started taking my Estrace along with the Spiro.

Quote from: Giselle on October 03, 2012, 06:11:55 PM
**UPDATE**

I got the issue rectified. I told my mother my issue 2 nights ago during our usual call time. She said there was no way she'd see me go without what I needed. She said she'd give me what I needed until I find work.  I'm so happy she's always there for me. I didn't want to ask because she already does so much for me. So now I've started taking my Estrace along with the Spiro.

HOORAY!!! I'm glad you got brave and shared your situation.
Sometimes we have to give others the chance to give to us. It's part of being a woman to understand that love goes both ways, and aid. You'll have many opportunities to give back or pass it forward, just gotta get on your feet.

I dont know if anyone brought it up or not, but check with any of your local LGBT groups/branches. sometimes they are willing to help you on occasion with that. a few months back they gave me the 20 dollar co pay to go to my endo appointment.