After going to 2 therapists and them both agreeing I am transsexual, I was able to make a doctor appointment.  I went to that appointment today, got a prescription, and got a month's supply of hormones/anti-androgens.  I'm waiting until tomorrow to start taking them since they recommend taking them in the morning.

One thing my doctor recommended with taking hormones is to take baby aspirin daily.  This counteracts the thickening (and possible clotting) of the blood that results from estrogen.  Well, I have a followup appointment in a few weeks to see how it's working out for me.

Melissa

Thats great Melissa, Yep asprin is the key, I take aspro clear. I would think they have started you off on a low dose as there can be some side effects (hot flashes / depression) when taking antiandrogens and estrogen. Not always and it depends on the person but it happened to me.
I am really excited for you and I hope everything turns out the way you want it to, in mind body and spirit.

Sara.

Hang on to your scarf Melissa... now is when it gets interesting.

I do not mean to be nosy but how is Shari doing and taking this?

That's great news Melissa,

My doctor also has me on low dose asprin.  It's a fairly common practice to help alleviate the possibility of clots, but it doesn't remove the danger.  Just make sure you heed the warning signs of clots hun.

Congrats again.

Steph

Melissa:

Congratulations on achieving another milestone!  I'm very happy for you.  I will be interested in reading about the progress and changes you experience over the next year.

Molly

Congratulations Melissa! And give Shari a big hug from all of us for being such a great partner.

Dennis

Melissa,

This is wonderful news. Remembering or SO"s chat the first of the month, I'm sure you both are taking a sigh of relief for the next is now step underway and meeting the needs you journey requires and the #1 priority.

Haven't heard back how your son's doing and Sharie's Classes are going but I understand that there can bee a lot of pulls in all directions for her and you with all you have on your plates with the children as well. How's the job search going? I look forword to hearing back from you both. I think of you all often.

Smiles,
Peggiann

Congratulations Mellisa.

Sarah L.

Thank you all.  I took my first dose this morning.

Sara, I was started out on a low dosage.  I think at my followup appointment, my doctor might bump that up.  The doctor I am seeing has treated 335 transsexuals and is one herself.

Kimberly, Shari has been very supportive and has no problems with me taking hormones.  I know it is a big issue for some people and it sort of was in the beginning, but even SRS isn't an issue anymore.

Steph, I will.

Molly, I'm interested in actually experiencing the changes and progress. 

Dennis, thanks, I will.

Peggiann, Shari has been very busy with school and all and I'm not sure she'll be able to make it to the chat. I'll have to fill you in on the other details when I have some more time.  Right now I'm not searching for a new job because things are starting to look more promising where I am now.

Sarah Louise, thanks.

Congratulations, Melissa,
and good luck!

x
Alex

Congratulations Melissa. I know you are excited. I take Enteric Aspirin. Its a low dose aspirin (81 mg per. tablet) They are buffered and cheaper than children's aspirin. You might ask your doc as to the right dosage for you.

Cassie

Thanks Alex and Cassie.  My wife was already taking baby aspirin, so we had some.  She had seen something on TV about it being healthy, so I just am taking what was recommended there.  I swear I am feeling a little bit weird this morning and it's mostly in my head (not mind) I feel it, like I'm just a tiny bit dizzy.  Maybe it's a coincidence, but I don't think so.

Melissa

As you just started taking your hormones it probably has nothing to do with it but be sure to tell your doctor about it especially if it persists and/or gets worse. Could be signs of a bad, maybe allergic reaction. I wouldn't worry for now though could be nothing more than a little early morning low blood sugar. Still, better safe than sorry.

Cassie

Well, it's mostly gone away now.  I'll update you if anything else changes.

Melissa

Doh!  I just remembered that the side of the Spiro bottle says "May cause dizziness".  Silly me. 

Melissa

Have fun and be safe melissa.
Love Sheila

Dont be alarmed Melissa if the Spiro gives you tingly pins and needles, it can do this too as your body adjusts. The light headedness you feel is also common and as your T gets lower you will feel a little hot but after a while you will feel very calm and your Doctor has probably filled you in with the details and as I said it is an individual thing. One thing I found out after being on hormones for five years, dont ever stop cold turkey even if you think it may be the tablets causing some kind of problem cause that can have a bad effect on your state of mind (T caused me so much depression) I hope you will have a safe and happy journey.

Sara.

Hi Melissa,

         Spiro is a diuretic that can cause minor dehydration which will cause dizzyness. My doctor directed me to make sure to drink plenty of water. Ask your doctor if that would be true in your case. I'm glad to hear the news.


beth

Thanks Sheila.

Thanks Sara.  I'll be sure to look for feeling tingly or lightheaded or hot.  I knew about the calm feeling and look forward to that.  As for stopping cold turkey, I definitely don't intend to do that, nor to stop at all.  This is something I have thought through meticulously and have also done a lot of reading on the subject. I had the "Wow, I'm doing something to myself permantly that will be with me forever" thought and although a little scary at first, it makes me happy.  It's kind of like moving to a new house.  You don't know what lays ahead of you for certain, but you know you need to move on.

Thanks Beth.  The doctor did tell me about it being a diuretic, but I didn't know that the dehydration would be the cause of it.  Maybe it's a stronger diuretic than caffeine though.  Anyhow, I'll just drink lots of water anyway.

Melissa

I'm looking for the green with envy icon and all I found was this!     

Congrats on your milestone, Melissa.  I'm hoping I won't be far behind. 

Take care of yourself,
helen