Hello all!

My name is Kristen and I'm a 27 year old M2F living in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S.A. I have lurked around this forum for about a year before becoming a member and finally introducing myself.

I started HRT a little over a month ago with the help of my therapist and an endocrinologist. So far, it is going great as long as you consider nipple pain great.

I consider myself lucky because the only way I was able to build up the courage to begin transitioning and the only way I can afford it is due to the fact that I live rent free with my grandmother. One year ago she suggested I move in so I could afford to go back to school and she initially handled the news of my transsexuality well but now, it is becoming the focus of a lot of arguments. She went from saying that she would never kick me out to trying to kick me out twice now. Yesterday, she told me I should find someone to live with who will house a pervert and that she "shudders" whenever she has to use the bathroom after me. I have repeatedly told her that it is stressful enough to try and balance my role as a full-time student, full-time employee, and transfemale that if I were to be kicked out I would have to drop out of school. I feel trapped in a co-dependent relationship with her. The rest of my family is either fully on-board with the process or wishes to cut all ties with me completely.

So, other than a few close friends and my therapist, I have no one that I can talk to. I joined here in hopes of making some friends, getting questions answered as they come up, having some much needed support through this process, and occasionally smiling.

BTW, that is not me in my avatar pic. It is merely just a goal I have set. 

My hormone regimen.
Delestrogen
Spironolactone
Medroxyprogesterone acetate

I am self injecting and have had some trouble with the syringes I ordered online. I was recommended 22 gauge but every time I puncture the bottle it leaves a barely noticeable hole and some of the solution starts to run out as I fill the syringe! NOOOOO! Still, it is incredibly tricky to fill the syringe and I can never seem to get rid of all the air bubbles. Can any harm come from injecting air anyway?

Also, I have had 15 sessions of thermolysis (I don't recommend it), 10 sessions of blend electrolysis, 2 laser treatments with the eLos Syneron (IPL), and 1 laser treatment with the Candela GentleLase (Alexandrite). All of this was done on my face.

I guess that covers most of it. See you around!

Oh yeah, I work as a cook and I am studying to be a Social Worker.

My current pic before beginning HRT.




Dosages removed from post -- please go to Site Rules click at top of page -- Nichole

Hi Kristen. I'm new also. Can't wait to see how things go for you. A part of me is jealous.

I am envious as well.  Good luck to you, I hope your living situation works out for you.  It's hard for the older crowd to accept less traditional ways of thinking. 

I wish you the best.  We're hear to listen if you need it.

Hi Kristen

Thank you for the detailed introduction.

I'm sure you already know there are a lot of excellent resources and advice available here, and I wish you well in your journey.

Clearly you have a complicated set of circumstances to balance, please take your time to think though your options carefully, as it sounds like you may need to compromise your short term targets to secure your longer term goal.



Chrissty

Hi Kristen and welcome to the site.

Gennee

Thank you all for the warm welcome!

You are right Chrissty. That is just how I feel about my situation. Nothing could persuade me to stop or pause my transition. I have waited 27 long years and no force on earth will stop me. It is also important for me to stop and evaluate the situation every once in awhile but, my problem is that I often fail to make timely decisions while I am thinking my life away. Now is the time for action. This is a war! If I'm not advancing or moving then, I'm a sitting duck.

 

Hi Kristen,
Ok, first, be careful about talking about meds and dosage and stuff, we don't do that here. I think I'm ok to address the needle question since no mention of dosage and you may be getting these with a script, which I totally encourage by the way

You should have a 22 gauge for pulling the E out of the vial, then an 18 gauge for the actual injection.

Turn the vial upside down.

Pull the stopper back to the dosage level you need.

Stick it in the rubber pad as high as you can so that the tip of your needle is touching air, not E. Remember, the vial is upside down.

Push the stopper all the way in as far as it will go, then move the needle point down to the bottom of the vial (it's upside down and you went from having the needle in air to being in the E).

The stopper should start to suck up E from the air pressure inside the E. If it doesn't, pull back on the stopper VERY SLOWLY so no bubbles go in. Do this until you reach the prescribed dosage level.

Once the stopper is full, turn the vial right side up and then pull the needle out.

Examine the E in the syringe, then turn it so the needlepoint is facing the ceiling. Gently tap or flick the syringe until the bubbles rise to the needlepoint.

Hold a tissue over the end. Push the syringe a tiny bit until the syringe has no bubbles in it.

Bubbles won't hurt you, but they can cause a little discomfort if there are too many of them. Good luck and welcome to Susan's Meghan

Thanks for the advice Meghan!

I understand the concept. I think I just need more practice. I had a nurse do it the first time and she used a 22 gauge to get it out and an 18 gauge for the injection but the injection was painful because it took forever for my muscle to receive the "molasses" solution that the estrogen is based in. My issue is that her 22 gauge needle did not leave the pin hole that my 22 gauge does. So now I get drips while I am waiting for the syringe to fill and not wanting to lose any ,I get impatient which causes me to draw in air bubbles.

I think more practice is necessary and I plan on trying different needles on the next bottle.

Welcome to the site, Kristen.

Did you choose your avatar specifically? I can really see a similarity between your current picture and your avatar. *smiles* You're going to be one pretty lady, honey.

Wow, you are all so nice with the flattering compliments.

Leiandra, I am not very photogenic and that is the best picture I have in the span of 5 years. Yes, I did chose my avatar because of the similarity. As I said, it is merely just a goal but I also strongly believe in setting realistic goals. I got a big lift in my confidence the day I found that pic because I realized "passing" would be a real possibility for me.

Welcome to Susan's, Kristen!  I'm sure you already know about the TOS, so I won't bother you with all that.  It's great to have you here!

tink

New picture!

Welcome to susans Kristen!!!!

Quote from: Kristen on October 27, 2008, 10:49:40 PM
New picture!

I'm anxious to see the "real" Kristen... 

Quote from: Reluctant Kim on October 28, 2008, 04:10:00 AM
I'm anxious to see the "real" Kristen... 

I'm not sure what you mean?

This is as real as I get for now! 

Quote from: Reluctant Kim on October 28, 2008, 04:10:00 AM

Quote from: Kristen on October 27, 2008, 10:49:40 PM
New picture!

I'm anxious to see the "real" Kristen... 

She want to see you when you are presenting, I think.

By the way....
Hi Kristen,

Welcome to our little family. Over  2089 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion. Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers.  Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now.  And it is always nice to have another sister.