Hello everyone~!
I'm Destiny, a 19 year old transgender who has seen herself as female since as long as she can remember (age 4 is the earliest I can remember tbh
). I started hormones July 5th of this year and hope to attain SRS/GRS in the near future (though expenses and coverage is probably going to look slim for a while).
I've been lurking on many Trans forums and resource websites for several years trying to gather as much resources and information as I can, and Susans has been a major help in the journey of my evolving self.
I hope to be able to be a reputable contribution to the community at Susans ^^
P.S
On many resources and lists for doctors, not once have I noticed my doctor, Dr. Massarella, who I find possibly one of the best doctors to receive transgender treatment from Ontario.
Making such a claim seems closed I know, as I'm receiving treatment from 1 doctor. Though, after almost paying 200$+ for a referral note, I was able to get treatment after 5 months of seeing her. No referral letter and no costs (except travel and prescription of course
), just a few appointments talking about how prepared I am, some documents I signed with descriptions on possible risks, some sample tests (ex. urine, blood, etc..) and then the prescription.
Dr. Massarella is a MtF Transgender herself who works for McMaster University hospital and is the lead Physician of the Transcare Program at Quest Community Health Centre in St. Catharine's (where I go for my treatment).
The way she approaches transgenders looking for HRT is not your typical "diagnostic". She doesn't question you, you aren't treated like you need to be "fixed" and you aren't pathologized as a mental illness, which would require a psychiatric evaluation before proceeding with care options.
I thought I would just point this out with my introduction for my fellow Ontarians who can't seem to get passed the dreadful CAMH
Hello Susans and my fellow users~!
