Well I had my first appoitnment for HRT yesterday.  They drew blood and gave me a basic physical examination.  I was all full of butterflies when I arrived, but the staff were wonderful and supportive.  Aside from my blood pressure being high everything went well.  Whew!!!!!!  I should get the blood results back next week, and start HRT as well.   .

I will have the option for pills, patch, or shot.  I'm still not certain which is the best choice.  The doctor told me that they would all work the same.   The cost is different, and of course the application is as well.  I have heard that pills are less effective since the medicine has to pass through the liver first.  but I'm just not sure which type to take.

Here's a ton o reading material on all things transgender. 

http://www.vch.ca/transhealth/resources/library/

Personally, I found that the information I read, and the treatment that other girls were recieving helped to form a base knowledge about different drugs, combinations etc.  But there wasn't any one source or definition that I ended up with.  I've been through several doctors and finally found one I have absolute confidence in. I have also learned lots about what is right for me personally which makes me feel a lot more comfortable about what I am doing.  I would suggest that you do lots of reading and to learn as much as you can from your doctor.  Don't be afraid to take notes and bring them in and ask questions when you go to your doctor's appt.  I feel that besides being aware and armed with knowlege, the doctor becomes more genuine in relating to the you and they respect you for taking an active role.  Best, Brielle

Congrats Sylvie, i just got back from my first appointment too, and it went pretty much as yours. My Dr. puts anyone over 40 on the patch due to less risk of dvt and it bypasses the first pass thru the liver. I hear shots are better but you would have to learn to do them yourself or go to the Dr. office every time to have them give it to you. Most Dr's are reluctant to let you do shots, mine included.

Paula.

general info:

on the subject of DVT - I read quite a bit about it, and discussed it with my doctor.  He mentioned something that I was unaware of:  blood clots can be caused by banging yourself (like in the leg in sports etc)  He said that he has had to back off from the rigorous work he used to do in the riggings while sailing, just for that reason.  I ain't no linebacker, so I'm not worried - but if you do bang yourself up a bit in the leg area, it may be something to keep an eye on with your doctor.

Congrats sylvie! Bet your jumpin' around for joy!

Well here's hopin' it's a big green light for the HRT!

Good new's...

Chrissty

fingers are crossed (toes too) for Friday.  The doctor was concerned last week because my blood pressure was a little high.  But I was nervous as all get out so hopefully it was no big deal.   I hadn't fully decided to start until the last couple of days (long story on a different thread).  But I have decided that it is definately time to start transition.  I have an appointment for electrolysis consult tomorrow.  And then back to the doctor on Friday for the answer to HRT. 

Congratulations Paula.  I wish you luck with yours as well. 

Shawna (thank you Emelye, Paula, Dani, and SaraAno for the name suggestion)

well had the second appointment yesterday.  The doctor said no to hormones.  She is a little concerned for my liver.  A couple of the tests came back high showing that I might have hepatitis b.  I shouldn't seeing as I have had the immunization series of shots due to my daughter being positive.  But my blood tests didn't even show any antibodies.  So now I need to go to a gastroenterologist for more blood work before she will prescribe hormones.   
Add to that, my wife said she wants a divorce as soon as we can.  Soo much for support although she keeps saying she will as much as she can.    But that is a different topic.
So anyway back to the topic.  Guess I will call my primary doctor on Monday and get scheduled for more blood.  Oh joy.

I'm sorryto hear of your HRT delays...

At least your doctor is trying to look after your health.

...on the divorce thing...I was thinking about this myself the other day...I do wonder if we decide we are eventually going to "divorced", then its better to do it while we are still "male" in a relationship, rather than complicate matters by leaving it to later...Your wife may feel less stressed by this, and might find it easier to support you as a friend in the coming years.

Good luck Honey, I hope this all works out for you soon..



Chrissty

Thanks  Chrissty,

I know that she is just looking out for my health.  What worries me is the fact that although I have had the immunization shots, I am not showing any antibodies for hep b and my enzymes are running high.  My blood sugar was high (113) but she isn't worried about that as I am dieting.

As for my marriage.  Last weekend I was really sad about it.  However as the week progressed, it feels like the best course of action.  We just have to get caught up on some bills and put the house on the market.  Which isn't a good time to do with the market the way it is.  My only regret over this is what it is going to do to my daughter.  We just adopted her one year ago last year, and now we are going to put her through this.  And add daddy is going to be going through some changes soon to be a girl.

Hi Sylvie,

Sorry on the divorce thing, but been there. The health thing is what is important.  I am tested every 6 months on my liver.

You get there as soon as she is satisfied that your liver is ok.

Janet

Thanks Janet.  By the way I love your new picture.  I just made an appointment with my primary care doctor for next tuesday to go over the lab results and maybe get new ones.  This should be fun since although he knows about me, this is the first that he'll be handling it.  The first time he found out was fun in and of itself.  I had to go in for a twisted ankle, and he depanted me before I could say anything.  The look on his face was priceless when he saw my panties, but he regained his composure quick and went right back to work.  We talked a little about it then but that was 7 years ago