Last Tuesday I finally had my first appointment with the endocrinologist. He is very famous in my country , because he knows best what we need to take on us - formerly known and practising as a woman, now as a beautiful man. http://www.20min.ch/schweiz/news/story/18129070 (sorry, it's not an english-site)

So, I was there, they checked my blood-pressure, and he asked my about my medical backgroud, family stuff and so  on... it didn't last long (he allready had the transfer-paper from my psychiatrist) and he wrote a 3 month recept for Estradot patches, Oestrogel and Androcur and explaind everything, what most of us already know. I was so happy, that I neither asked him some questions which later apperd in my head... But I'll write him an email later.

But there is something I wanted to ask you here... I was confused that I received estrodat patches AND Oestrogel... is it common? Also, I'm going on a beach-holliday for two weeks now, so I thought it would be ok, if I wait with the patches until I'm back... Should I ask him frist, if it's ok to wait with them for two weeks but allready start using the gel and androcur?

There's something else what confused me most... they took my blood for a checkup at the end. Wouldn't it be more logical first to check the blood, and then to handle out the medication? But I think they will simply call me, if there would be something wrong with my blood...

.:eleonore:.

PS: I hope that I did not violate forum rules , I was rather uncertain although I have read the rules

Congratulations of getting started Eleonore,

Taking the blood sample at the time you start HRT gives a baseline of what your various hormone levels and associated proteins are from the start of treatment, so it is quite usual for this to happen.

As for Estrodots and Gel and the same time, well that just shows the experience of the endocrinologist and the combination that they have found to give the most benefit to their clients. I doubt that there are 2 endocrinologists who agree on their favourite combination.

Why are you reluctant to use the Estrodots on holiday? They are very discrete and I have had no issues with them falling off or anything.

Thank you Cindy

Ok, good to know!

I was thinking they could fell of all the time, because it's so realy hot there (sweat) and because I'll sure be often in the sea to cool down... So, I don't have to worry about that?

Well I haven't been swimming with them, but I shower with them. I stick them on my buttocks, I take turns swapping sides!

I haven't had one come off yet. I follow the instructions, dry skin, no oil or moisturiser or talcum powder. I press the patch one and smooth it down with a dry cloth or hand towel.

I know some girls use some tape over them as well. Estrodots are the small patches, I have also used Estroderm that are larger and they are not as sticky.

I know some girls use leucoplast tape or an equivalent to cover them and stop them coming off.

I'd give it a try and see how you go.

If I had to choose between HRT and swimming I know which one I'd choose.

I don't think you do though.

Quote from: AnonyMs on July 22, 2016, 03:13:38 AM
If I had to choose between HRT and swimming I know which one I'd choose.

I never saw it that way...

Quote from: Cindy on July 22, 2016, 03:11:03 AM
Well I haven't been swimming with them, but I shower with them. I stick them on my buttocks, I take turns swapping sides!

I haven't had one come off yet. I follow the instructions, dry skin, no oil or moisturiser or talcum powder. I press the patch one and smooth it down with a dry cloth or hand towel.

I know some girls use some tape over them as well. Estrodots are the small patches, I have also used Estroderm that are larger and they are not as sticky.

I know some girls use leucoplast tape or an equivalent to cover them and stop them coming off.

I'd give it a try and see how you go.

Thank you Cindy, I'll try it and hope they will stick good enough!

Quote from: Eleonore on July 22, 2016, 03:23:22 AM

Quote from: AnonyMs on July 22, 2016, 03:13:38 AM
If I had to choose between HRT and swimming I know which one I'd choose.

I never saw it that way...


You are in your early days and excited. It takes a while to get use to the ramifications, AnonyMs and I have been on HRT for years and I doubt that we would survive emotionally for long if we went off it.

To be honest, I am a fully transitioned woman and I struggle to recall what the past male person was like, I certainly doubt that there is anyway I could go back.

But you are in the early days so just take your time, enjoy the HRT trip, it is a woozy! Enjoy your holiday and have a lovely enjoyable life as the woman you truely are.

Cindy

Thank you for you advisr Condy!
It looks like it is realy stichy and i don't believe it will fell off!

Something whats new for me: is it usual to feel somethink like a "pressure" where you stick it in? You know it feels like someone is oressing with a dumb on it... It's no pain, but just feels unknown ...

Hello Eleonore,
Can you find easily Estradot in Switzerland ?
In France the same product is sold as Vivelledot (also made by Novartis), but it has been no more available for several weeks. 

Hi Lucie,
Actually I got it from my Endo directly, but now as I read this, I remember he couldn't give me the bigger pacakge, because he only had the 10-Patches package there... Maybe it's a general problem, I don't know, but I'll soon go to the pharmacy to pick it up, so I'll inform you if it was available or not...
What arr you doong if you don't get them? Use something diffrent?

There seems to be a world wide problem in supply from the company making estrodots, the alternative is Estroderm which are bigger and don't seem as sticky, but I haven't had any fall off as yet. You may need to make sure your Doc gives you scripts for both.

I have tried two different alternate brands (Femsept and then Estrapatch) but they are seven days patches, they are very big and they don't stick well. Moreover I am feeling a lot less fine with either of these alt patches than I was with Vivelledot ones. Hopefully Vivelledot and Estradot will be soon available...