Hello everyone. My name is Ricki. And I'm 50. I'm from Iowa. My egg cracked on Wednesday. I've had feelings since I was around 10, but, it was a taboo subject, so I buried the feelings over the years. I was married for 19 years, and have 3 adult children. These feelings came out of nowhere, and all at once. I have fully embraced them, and accepted the fact that I'm a woman.

Thank you for that wonderful Introduction!

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Welcome to Susan's Place.

Lori Dee

Hi RickiDonna

Thank you for sharing your story.  It takes a lot of courage to open up about such personal and private feelings.  I'm glad to hear that you've embraced your true self after all those years.  It must feel like a huge relief to finally acknowledge those feelings you have carried for so long.

If you're comfortable, I'd love to hear more about your thoughts and how you came to acknowledge those feelings.

Remember that Susan's is here to help you wherever they can.  As Lori said:

Quote from: Lori Dee on October 05, 2024, 10:08:13 AMJust be cautious about what you post. This is an ALL-AGES PUBLIC forum and the internet never forgets. Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public. Safety first.

Is extremely important

Take care and all the best for the future.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@RickiDonna
@Lori Dee

Welcome Ricki!

Chrissy

Ricki,

Please return to Susan's Place often!


Chrissy

Welcome RickiDonna. You're in good company - many of us have found ourselves in the same place.

Thank you, my sisters, for the kind words. Sarah B, I was at work, when I had a rush of emotions, and feelings. And it was feelings that I've had many times before, but much stronger. I've always felt like I was a woman, but now, I'm following how I feel. Since I've embraced who I really am, my true self, all of my depression that I've been holding back is gone. I shaved my legs and arm pits for the first time last night, and trimmed all my chest hair, and I feel absolutely amazing. I don't remember ever being this happy. I haven't shaved my face yet, because I'm not completely out yet. My ex gf currently lives with me and our 2 small children, and she's been nothing but supportive. My life will be getting better for me, mentally. I'm going to look into the meds to start transitioning very soon.

Quote from: RickiDonna on October 05, 2024, 03:33:57 PMI'm going to look into the meds to start transitioning very soon.

The first step is realizing that this is the real you and that transitioning is what you want. The next step is to seek out a therapist with experience in Gender Identities. They will be crucial as you progress. They can help you get a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria. Once you have the diagnosis from a Mental Health professional, the medical side is considered treatment for your symptoms. Your Primary Physician can then begin to prescribe hormones. Many will prefer to refer you to an Endocrinologist as they routinely handle patients with hormonal issues.

They will want lab tests to see where your hormone levels are now, then can prescribe what is needed to get you started. Usually, you will have lab tests done about once a month while they tweak your meds and dosages. Once your levels are in the female range, monitoring your levels will get spaced further apart to every three to six months.

It is very important that when you first start on hormones if you feel like something is wrong, mood swings, worse depression, suicidal thoughts, or any sign that things are not right, STOP the medications immediately and contact your doctor.

If your experience goes as mine did, those first 30 days will be heavenly. You will feel great! That feeling you have now of truly being yourself will amplify. Then you know you are on the right track.

It isn't all gravy though. You will have ups and downs. You will encounter obstacles and difficult times. It happens. That is why it is so important to have a therapist available who knows you and can help you navigate your way along your journey.

All of us here have been down that road and have shared our stories. You are not alone. We will be here to help guide you through this exciting period of your life. Buckle up, Buttercup. It's going to be a wild ride!

Hugs!

Lori Dee

Hi RickiDonna

It's so uplifting to hear how embracing your true self has brought you such joy and relief from depression.  Waxing can be so much better for smoothness, feeling and lasts longer than shaving.  I never tried waxing or shaving on my arms or legs, I just let the professionals do that and today I don't need to do that as basically my hair on legs and arms are so fine you need a magnifying glass to see them.

It sounds like you're making wonderful strides in your self care and I'm glad to hear your ex-girlfriend is supportive as you navigate this path.  Seeking therapy with a focus on informed consent can be a great step as you look into medical side for transitioning.  Remember, you're not alone in this, and we are happy to support you as much as you need it.

Take care and all the best for the future

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@RickiDonna