Next month I'll be seeing a new psychiatrist. This one is not going to be in the area where I live, so I may discuss with him about my transsexuality, hoping that he'll at least know more about it than my last one did. I think it's very strange that four years ago my first psychiatrist puts me on medication to control my depression instead of trying to find out why I'm depressed. But I guess that's the way the medical field has gone now.

Gina 

Hi, Gina!

Absolutely talk about your transexuality!  They can't help if the doctor doesn't know what the situation is.  If this new psychiatrist is not a help, then keep on searching!

Chaunte

Thanks Chaunte. Really nice hearing from you. Unfortunately you see, the psychiatrist's jobs nowadays are just to monitor medictaion. You see a psychotherapists if you want to talk about things.  But I still feel that a psychiatrist should know about my transsexuality and that he should know that I am depressed and that I do have fits of rage that are related to my depression. So upon your good advice, I will discuss my transsexuality with him when I see him next month.

Gina 

hi Gina

Keep in mind if you are not completely confortable with any medical professional then find one that you  are confortable with.  They cost to much money, and it would be a total waste of your time and money if you are not able to talk with them freely. 

Hang in there lady, and make sure the Psychiatrist meets your needs.

Thanks Caitlyn for your kind words. I will see if I'm comfortable with my new psychiatrist, and as said if I'm not, I'll look for  a new one. Fortunately, all I pay is a co-pay, but even that can be expensive when my time is involved. 

Gina 


Posted at: April 24, 2006, 06:07:11 AM

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Today I saw my new psychiatrist. My mom came along, because she is an observer. She sees my mood swings and is able to tell the psychiatrist about them. We spent an hour with him and she brought up about everything including my transsexuality which she is still referring to as 'cross-dressing.' After listening to her, my psychiatrist told her and me that he feels that it is more brought on by my accident than it was something that I was born with. Then my mom told  him how confused I am about my sexual orientation. She told him that I don't have the characteristics of a homosexual person so I can't be a homosexual person.  He's going to be changing my medication now, so that it will be controlling my depression even more.     My psychiatrist also feels that my going to The Bottom Line nightclub every Friday night is an obsession, and that I should only go once in a while. Now that I'm going to be undergoing electroylsis, I will be going once in a while, because it doesn't look too good with three days of growth. 

Gina 

Why is your mom an observer?  You are not underage!

Steph

You see Stephanie, my mom is an observer only because of the fact that I get into some very violent rages or I'm very depressed. When she sees that happening, she knows how to intervine and prevent me from having any further problems. She's had to call the police on me a few times because of my violent rages.

Gina 


Posted at: May 11, 2006, 06:06:36 AM

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I've recently joined another transgendered support group, and here are some things that some of the members are saying on this topic:

I'd back off a bit from him if he only listened to your mom
regarding transsexuality. The only real determination is by you and
him, not your mom who isn't inside your brain and doesn't know how
you really feel. I'd especially be doubtful of him if he is making
this determination after only an hour session with TWO of you. I'm
not a Psych or therapist, but I do know it is YOU he needs to listen
to, draw out and concentrate on and not your mom. She may be helpful
in describing the mood swings related to your accident, but that's
about it. Try leaving her out of the sessions next time, so he has
to listen to you, your concerns and feelings and he can ask
questions to draw you out.
Just my thoughts; but I do know from my uncle that was a Psych, that
he was treating a lady that had many problems until she admitted to
her lesbian feelings; he said after that many other issues
disappeared. It could be the same with you, the other issues are
masking the true underlying TS issues.

Your Therapist should be helping you explorer your feelings and thoughts. Your mother may have some information as to your accident and  external manifestations ... but everything else is just her opinion (which is heavily influenced by how she feels regarding you and your situation).

Your mother should not be part of your Therapy (leave her in the waitting room). Later on, your Mom might benefit from Therapy on her own, regarding acceptance of your situation... but that's her Therapy, not yours.

Now I'm not trying to slight any of you and your valuable opinions, but I always like to get outside opinions as well.

Gina 

Gina,

I have to agree with the opinion that was given you at the other site but with a small observation/question.  If your mother is an "observer" then why was she also participating?  I suppose for the first session or so it may be beneficial to have her participate in the therapy but after the psych gets to know you better I think it would be very good to have her wait outside.

You may want to tell the psych this yourself and if you do it in a kind way, then your mom will have less opportunity to object.  Especially if the psych agrees with you and tells her so.

I hope the new therapist works out for you and becomes a useful tool for your continued growth.

helen

Gina, Gina, Gina,

You keep letting your mother interfere with your treatment over and over again.  You don't seem to realize that she seems to be purposely holding you back because she doesn't want you to change.  If I let my parents in on my treatments, I would be in pure misery.  They are completely against my transition and the one area they had control over me, is gone now.  I definitely feel liberated from them.  I was talking to my Dad last night, because I am hoping to keep some kind of relationship with them and he seemed happy to talk to me.  I am wanting to update them on my life so far.  However, I will not let them dictate or influence how I live my life.

Melissa

Yeah I know Melissa, that I keep letting my mother interfere with my plans over and over again. But she doesn't have that much control over me now, since I've moved out.    She does plan on coming with me to my next sesssion with my psychiatrist, but after she's finished telling him about my mood swings, I'm going to insist that she waits for me in the waiting room, so that I can talk with the psychiatrist by myself without her influence or derogatory opinions or comments.

Has your life improved since you're no longer working with your parents? Did you feel that they were smothering you a bit? You look great in your aviator photo. Very nice and mature! 


Gina 

Quote from: gina_taylor on May 15, 2006, 06:39:29 AM
Yeah I know Melissa, that I keep letting my mother interfere with my plans over and over again. But she doesn't have that much control over me now, since I've moved out.    She does plan on coming with me to my next sesssion with my psychiatrist, but after she's finished telling him about my mood swings, I'm going to insist that she waits for me in the waiting room, so that I can talk with the psychiatrist by myself without her influence or derogatory opinions or comments.


Gina 

Gina,

Hon, why don't you tell your doctor about your mood swings.  Your mother doesn't need to be there at all. 

Chaunte

Quote from: gina_taylor on May 15, 2006, 06:39:29 AM

Has your life improved since you're no longer working with your parents? Did you feel that they were smothering you a bit? You look great in your aviator photo. Very nice and mature! 

To be quite honest, yes it has improved.  Although, I had a nightmare after that, that I was working for him again.  It's not that they were smothering me, but the fact that they had control over an important part of my life.  Besides, my Dad micromanages and I hate that style of management.

Aviator?  You mean avatar?  Thanks.  I thought I needed an updated and more realistic photo.

Melissa

I'm really glad that your life has improved Melissa. Hopefully my life should improve. Not sure how or when, but it will.  I can understand some of the control that they may have had over you, but being out of that environment, I'm sure that it's alot less stressful.
Sorry about the misspelling. It was too early in the morning. But yes, your avatar does look good.

Gina 

At this point, I wouldn't say my life has gotten worse or better than pre-transition, but just different.  I can't really compare the 2 lives because they are so different, but I'm happy with where this is going.

Melissa

I'm really happy for you Melissa that your life is getting better in a round about sort of way. You've been on HRT for what . . . six months now, and I can see the slight changes, and they are looking very nice. Does anyone at your new job ask you any questions? I guess you portay more of a male side at your job and then you portray more of your feminine side at home. Just a thought.

I can't say what's going to happen with me when I start HRT, but I hope that I have the same good results. 

Gina 

Actually, I've only been on hormones for 3 1/2 months.  I have not had any questions asked.  Also, I do not really display a masculine side at all.  I want my "news" to come as less of a surprise.  I hope you have good results as well.

Melissa

Hmm, that's a very interesting approach there Melissa. Unfortunately too many people already know about me, so I really don't have too much to worry about. I'm really glad that nobody has asked any questions, and that you're just taking it in your stride. 

I've decided that I'm going to be starting HRT next month instead of waiting till early next year. This weekend will be my first session with an electrogist. 

Gina 

You're still working for your Mom, right?  I decided on this new approach when I was forced to change jobs anyway.  To tell you the truth, if other employees knew, I would think that would make things easier, unless your work environment is hostile or tense.  If it is, I would find a new job ASAP, just so you can get out from under your Mom's thumb.

Congrats on starting electro next month.  I recently switched to laser and I am loving the results so far.  The electro di a tiny bit, but I have only dark hairs, so I expect good results from the laser.  After that, if I have a few hairs remaining, I'll either find an electrologist or get one of those home kits, as I hear they do work pretty well.

Besides, with a home kit, I can work on some more private areas.

Let us know when you do start HRT.

Melissa

Yeah, I'm still working for my mom, but I'm not sure for how long though. My father is starting to show signs of forgetfulness, and my mom's worried about that in the business, so she fears that she may have to sell the business soon, which may be good for me.  When and if I do find a new job, I won't be going in 100% stealth, if questions arise or whatever, I'll just honestly answer them. I'd really prefer to find a job as a woman though. 

My mom fears that my rage , which is caused from the damage to the frontal lobe of my brain may casue me to lose more jobs than to keep  them, so she's watching me and how I'm reacting to the new dosage that my psychiatrist has put me on. If she still feels that my rage is still there, she'll be talking with my psychiatrist about changing my medication.

Thanks for the vote of confidence about starting electro. I'll be getting it done once or twice a month. My electrologist has a tight schedule soem months. I had went for a consultation for laser last month, but the doctor wanted a lot of money  for the complete six sessions. He also told me that due to me being out in the sun so much that my face has tanned and he may burn it with the laser.    I'm really glad that you're having such good results with the laser hair removal. Word of advice. I've tried the home electrolysis kit, and they're a waste of money. Stick with a professional, you'll save money and get better results.

I'll keep y'all posted on when I start HRT, and how it goes.

Gina 

Hi Gina,

I wouldn't recommend attempting stealth until you have been living fulltime as a woman for at least a few years.  You can try it, but your chances of success are unlikely.  Especially if you are going the electro route and still haven't started yet.  You may have to wait a good 2-4 years if you are only going once or twice a month.

HRT may help with your rage.  However, what your Mom may also be sensing is your frustration with your body.  Be aware, she may be hypersensitive to it just so she can spite you.

The laser is more of an upfront cost, but cheaper in the long run.  I don't want to get into the electro vs laser debate here.  Your doctor was right that you need to stay out of the sun at least 3-4 weeks prior to treatment.  I was able to get my package deal split into 3 payments.  So it ended up being around $400 for the next few sessions and I get the guarantee (i.e. Free treatments after the first 6).  On the home electro kit, I think it depends on which one.  I heard good stuff about the "One touch" unit specifically.

Melissa