I really love the therapist I've been seeing, I find she's absolutely spectacular. Today, she really surprised me (and made me extremely happy and excited) because she brought up the topic of when I would like to begin hormone therapy.(!!!)

I have really been keeping a "three-month" mantra in my head so I don't start getting impatient or frustrated, and for this to have been brought up on the third visit, I was a bit taken aback! In the best way, of course. She simply asked when I wanted to start hormones, and what was holding me back. I told her that I've been telling myself three months almost daily so I don't start getting too impatient, and she said that she sees me as being very level-headed about the situation, that I've done the research that she's never had a patient do pre-therapy, and that she feels completely comfortable writing a letter within the next few visits.

I am beyond thrilled to start, but my biggest worry is how I'm going to afford my medication. I did the research and discovered that my insurance will only cover the psychotherapy, but absolutely nothing thereafter. I'm very heartbroken about this because I've heard of peoples medications costing $250 and more without insurance, and I don't have a job at the moment! (I do have an interview come tomorrow morning... fingers crossed!) So I'm struggling a little bit with that, and finances are the one thing that were holding me back from just saying "I'm ready now!" in therapy.

Aaaah, so much to think about and work out!

Good for you. Hope things continue in this vein.

Sad to note, many of her patients don't do the research necessary for a good transition. That can be the difference between an absolutely glorious experience and horrendous ride to hell and back.

Huggs
Catherine

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on January 18, 2013, 11:49:09 PM

Sad to note, many of her patients don't do the research necessary for a good transition. That can be the difference between an absolutely glorious experience and horrendous ride to hell and back.

Huggs
Catherine

As Catherine knows I couldn't agree more. Lots of people here who have a lot less angst, problems and much more success if they did some research. It isn't difficult, it is all on the internet and even on Sue's Wiki pages.

I presume you are in the USA? The Incredible Catherine and the Glorious Cindy are Aussies. From prior posts from the place over the pond, once you get you HRT sorted out, there appears plenty of places to buy your scripts at discount prices. Chat to your medics about the options.

Just remember, as I think you have understood: there are no problems, just solutions we haven't found as yet.

Never give up. Never ever give up.

Hugs

Cindy

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on January 18, 2013, 11:49:09 PM
Good for you. Hope things continue in this vein.

Sad to note, many of her patients don't do the research necessary for a good transition. That can be the difference between an absolutely glorious experience and horrendous ride to hell and back.

Huggs
Catherine

I've been doing my own research as I slowly started coming out to myself, and before I began coming out to my family and friends. I just wanted a few months to organize my thoughts and learn more about what, at the time, I was only potentially feeling. And the more videos I watched and the more I read up, the more sure I felt in myself. We've definitely brought that topic up in therapy! She's told me that some of her patients come in such a wild state of hysteria that they can't even tell her where they want to go with what they're feeling for the first month or so! I can't imagine how awful that must feel, and how difficult that would make transitioning.

Quote from: Cindy James on January 19, 2013, 01:48:04 AM
As Catherine knows I couldn't agree more. Lots of people here who have a lot less angst, problems and much more success if they did some research. It isn't difficult, it is all on the internet and even on Sue's Wiki pages.

I presume you are in the USA? The Incredible Catherine and the Glorious Cindy are Aussies. From prior posts from the place over the pond, once you get you HRT sorted out, there appears plenty of places to buy your scripts at discount prices. Chat to your medics about the options.

Just remember, as I think you have understood: there are no problems, just solutions we haven't found as yet.

Never give up. Never ever give up.

Hugs

Cindy

Yes, I live in the USA. I'm definitely not done with my research on this topic until I've worked out an affordable solution to getting hormones. The thought didn't even cross my mind that there may be cheaper options out there. There almost always are cheaper alternatives though, so I will definitely be proactive and figure out what I can do.

Thank you both so much!

Quote from: Charlequin on January 19, 2013, 07:55:49 AM
She's told me that some of her patients come in such a wild state of hysteria that they can't even tell her where they want to go with what they're feeling for the first month or so! I can't imagine how awful that must feel, and how difficult that would make transitioning.

Unfortunately this fact represents more the norm, than the exception. Albeit the degree of hysteria may vary.

I sincerely believe your transition, Charlequin, will be a transformation with grace, understanding and enthusiasm that hopefully will inspire people within your circle of influence, to do the work to achieve the goals. Certainly there will be tears along the way, but you will know their reasons and accept them graciously.

Keep on keeping on

Huggs
Catherine