Hello all.

So I'm turning 30 this year and I'm starting to see some very unpleasant change in my body; body hair to be more precise. My body hair is very thin but I'm seeing one or two thick hair just suddenly appearing. So I decided that it's time to finally accept who i am, and that this is not a phase and will never go away.

I've tried to come out many times going back to when I was only 17, I did some research back then, but I forgot most of the stuff or the website I used to look up information no longer exists. So I was hoping someone could help me with some questions and send me in the right direction.

I'm looking for a doctor ( informed consent) that is trans friendly. It seems like Dr. Paul Benson in Berkley, MI. Fits the description, I just want to make sure, before I go there.
If possible I would like that only a few people know that I'm transitioning. The fact of telling people I'm trans scares me to death.

Does Medicaid cover HRT in michigan? I've been getting mixed answers on this. Right now I don't have any insurance. I just applied at healthcare dot gov, and they said I'm qualified for Medicaid. I just need to wait for someone from the government to call me. And since technically I don't have a job right now I think my application might get accepted.  However, I have a sum of money invested. Which is enough to cover all surgeries except FFS. So I don't know if they look into that as well...

My goal is start HRT this month(February), and come out to my parents before my 30th birthday( before july). Do you guys think this is realistic?

Thanks!

P.S. sorry if my writing is all over the place, my brain is fried with questions and concerns.

Welcome to Susan's Place. I don't know much about that area of the country however as your primary interest is HRT, I am moving your thread to that section of the site where somebody local to you might see it. Don't worry about having a lot of questions as many of us do when we first join the web site. Just give us a little time and you should get answers to your questions.

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Eva,
   I don't have answers to your financial questions. Your schedule sounds realistic. I can understand you being scared to tell people, but eventually people are going to see a difference. Well unless you are moving and going stealth or something. In my experience, sometimes people treat you better when you respect them enough to come clean to them. If they see a lot of changes but don't know the reason, sometimes people are harder on you. Not telling people may stop you from dealing with a possible bad reaction or two, but you can also miss out on supporters. It has been so wonderful to have people happy for me, congratulate me after telling them I'm trans. You got to own it at some point.
Moni

Quote from: Dena on January 31, 2018, 04:04:50 PM
Welcome to Susan's Place. I don't know much about that area of the country however as your primary interest is HRT, I am moving your thread to that section of the site where somebody local to you might see it. Don't worry about having a lot of questions as many of us do when we first join the web site. Just give us a little time and you should get answers to your questions.

Things that you should read

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Thanks! I'll make sure to ask you guys a ton of questions then

Quote from: HappyMoni on January 31, 2018, 04:20:27 PM
Eva,
   I don't have answers to your financial questions. Your schedule sounds realistic. I can understand you being scared to tell people, but eventually people are going to see a difference. Well unless you are moving and going stealth or something. In my experience, sometimes people treat you better when you respect them enough to come clean to them. If they see a lot of changes but don't know the reason, sometimes people are harder on you. Not telling people may stop you from dealing with a possible bad reaction or two, but you can also miss out on supporters. It has been so wonderful to have people happy for me, congratulate me after telling them I'm trans. You got to own it at some point.
Moni

That's good to know, thanks!

To be honest. I don't have many friends, and the only friends I have all live in different states. I hardly go outside, when I do, it's to go to the gym, which Im planning on switching as soon as I start HRT. All the shopping I do is thru Amazon.
So the only people I'm willing to tell my darkest secret is the doctors and family, and eventually when I go full time to my friends.
I think I have a pretty androgynous face, or at least I like to think that, specially now that my hair's been growing. And I'm actually pretty small. So I hope that going full time won t be a problem once I decide it's time.

Although I wish I had more friends I could get support from, I'm glad I don't because of that fact of being rejected makes my stomach turn.

Hi Eva!

I'm in a somewhat similar situation about coming out. But when I finally realized I needed to, my f's to give were at about 0. I told my closest friends and family, which has been a rough ride, but found that everyone so far is supportive, even though some are confused- which is okay. I absolutely can't at work right now, but I only have a small time left committed to that job and the insurance covers my transition. But, I am aware that people will notice, as they have already noticed ive lost weight, or bulk, was never heavy set but they noticed I look much slimmer. So I figure in about 3-6 months I might start to get some curious looks, but, by then ill be close to done. The other thing is, I want to feel like myself (and i do), but also look how I would like, so that gives me something you work towards before going full time. Ultimately though, I believe trekking the people closest to you is a good way to start of you know its what you want. Hope that helps a little

-Justýna

Quote from: AutumnGurl81 on January 31, 2018, 11:37:36 PM
Hi Eva!

I'm in a somewhat similar situation about coming out. But when I finally realized I needed to, my f's to give were at about 0. I told my closest friends and family, which has been a rough ride, but found that everyone so far is supportive, even though some are confused- which is okay. I absolutely can't at work right now, but I only have a small time left committed to that job and the insurance covers my transition. But, I am aware that people will notice, as they have already noticed ive lost weight, or bulk, was never heavy set but they noticed I look much slimmer. So I figure in about 3-6 months I might start to get some curious looks, but, by then ill be close to done. The other thing is, I want to feel like myself (and i do), but also look how I would like, so that gives me something you work towards before going full time. Ultimately though, I believe trekking the people closest to you is a good way to start of you know its what you want. Hope that helps a little

-Justýna

Hey  Justyna, thanks for sharing your experience! It really motivates me to press forward with my plans. It's refreshing seeing people going through the same things I'm going. It makes me feel that I'm not alone in this fight.

Hi Eva,

I know this thread is a few months old, but I was wondering, did you go to Dr. Paul Benson's practice for HRT? How did that turn out?

I am kind of in a similar situation and have an appointment with a PA in their practice coming up regarding hormones and was wondering what to expect.

Thanks.

Quote from: Jlindsaw on June 12, 2018, 10:57:18 AM
Hi Eva,

I know this thread is a few months old, but I was wondering, did you go to Dr. Paul Benson's practice for HRT? How did that turn out?

I am kind of in a similar situation and have an appointment with a PA in their practice coming up regarding hormones and was wondering what to expect.

Thanks.

Hi, Jlindsaw!

Welcome to Susan's.

Every therapist or doctor has their own style.  Usually, in the first appointment or two, they will want to know a little bit about your background and why you believe you are or may be trans.  It is not uncommon to get a prescription within a few appointments.  Before giving you a prescription for hormones, they will make sure you understand the effects, both desired and undesirable, of them.  Some of the effects are not reversable, so they will want you to be sure before going ahead.  You will likely have to sign a consent form.

Please feel free to stop by the Introductions forum to tell the members about yourself.  Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

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Quote from: KathyLauren on June 12, 2018, 07:56:10 PM
Hi, Jlindsaw!

Welcome to Susan's.

Every therapist or doctor has their own style.  Usually, in the first appointment or two, they will want to know a little bit about your background and why you believe you are or may be trans.  It is not uncommon to get a prescription within a few appointments.  Before giving you a prescription for hormones, they will make sure you understand the effects, both desired and undesirable, of them.  Some of the effects are not reversable, so they will want you to be sure before going ahead.  You will likely have to sign a consent form.

Please feel free to stop by the Introductions forum to tell the members about yourself.  Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

Things that you should read

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
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Thanks for the welcome.

This is something that I have been considering for some time and have been discussing with a therapist, so I think I am pretty well informed in what I can expect from the hrt its self. I only recently started looking for providers however, and this is my first in-person meeting.

I also am in contact with UofM. My therapist sent them a WPATH letter of referral, but I am still waiting on them.

I don't mean to hijack the thread. Since Eva sounds like she is in a similar situation (MtF, looking for HRT, SE MI, 30yo) I thought it'd be nice to hear some feedback, or from anyone else who happens to be in South-East Michigan.

I will be sure to read over the links you provided. Thanks again.

Quote from: Jlindsaw on June 13, 2018, 10:10:18 AM
Thanks for the welcome.

This is something that I have been considering for some time and have been discussing with a therapist, so I think I am pretty well informed in what I can expect from the hrt its self. I only recently started looking for providers however, and this is my first in-person meeting.

I also am in contact with UofM. My therapist sent them a WPATH letter of referral, but I am still waiting on them.

I don't mean to hijack the thread. Since Eva sounds like she is in a similar situation (MtF, looking for HRT, SE MI, 30yo) I thought it'd be nice to hear some feedback, or from anyone else who happens to be in South-East Michigan.

I will be sure to read over the links you provided. Thanks again.

Hi! Sorry for the delay! I'm just now seeing your post.

Yes! I did go to Dr Paul Benson's office, after I got my informed consent letter, and as of today I've on HRT for almost 3 1/2 months.

At first I was a little nervous... actually beyond nervous lol. But as soon as I walked in the staff members were extremely friendly. The nurses, doctors, the pharmacist( even though he always calls me buddy lol. I don't mind probably habit), the lady that takes my blood, and etc.

And they're definitely lgbt friendly, since they have a bunch of pamphlets about the community.
From the 5 visits I've been there, I've come across many transgender people. As a matter of fact, the first day I came in, there was another person getting blood drawn ready to start HRT just like me. So don't worry! Nobody is going to judge you there!

If you have any questions feel free to message me and I'll my best to answer as soon as possible

Congratulations Eva on starting HRT. It is a wonderful feeling both to start and then to see the early results, isn't it?

I am another girl who started HRT in February.

Hugs to you

Pamela

Quote from: pamelatransuk on June 14, 2018, 05:08:27 AM
Congratulations Eva on starting HRT. It is a wonderful feeling both to start and then to see the early results, isn't it?

I am another girl who started HRT in February.

Hugs to you

Pamela

Thanks!

I hope I can come out at the end of this year, but I have some prerequisite before i can do so.

That's awesome! Do you have some kind of update page? I'd love to check your progress.

Hello Eva

I have just PM'd you with my HRT observations after 4 months which I had previously sent to Tatiana to whom I have copied my PM. She is also a Michigan girl like you whereas I am from UK but I am always willing to help.

I started 8Feb; if you know your start date, you may wish to insert a time ticker.

You may wish to insert your E & T readings after 3/4 months on my "Comparison" thread but you prefer not to, I completely understand.

I wish you every success both on your HRT regimen and on your transition as a whole.

Hugs

Pamela