Quote from: A on May 02, 2012, 11:53:16 PM
Yes, too much to ask for. Too many people hurt themselves by doing it wrong, or without solving something else first. They deserve to be protected.

And really, assuming the therapists are good and not greedy, what's one or two months of therapy for a life-changing surgery one has waited all their life for?

People hurt themselves EVERY DAY. There are limits to social responsibility and I think people like you need to stop treating everyone like children.

Who are you to decide what doing it right and doing it wrong is? Who is some therapist who doesn't know anything about what it's like and what they do know will be out of date in ten years?

I'm going to say to you what I say to doctors.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP TRYING TO HELP ME!

LEAVE US THE **** ALONE!

Quote from: Asfsd4214 on May 03, 2012, 12:26:20 AM
People hurt themselves EVERY DAY. There are limits to social responsibility and I think people like you need to stop treating everyone like children.

Who are you to decide what doing it right and doing it wrong is? Who is some therapist who doesn't know anything about what it's like and what they do know will be out of date in ten years?

I'm going to say to you what I say to doctors.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP TRYING TO HELP ME!

LEAVE US THE **** ALONE!

Let me guess: liberatarian?

Pssst...she was only trying to help. Did someone miss her E shot?

Quote from: lecoeurdegrey on May 03, 2012, 12:30:19 AM
Let me guess: liberatarian?

Pssst...she was only trying to help. Did someone miss her E shot?

I haven't had a cigarette in 3 days and I'm about to ASPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODE. 
And yes, you're right, of all classical political theories, I am best described as a libertarian.

But I have a lot of viewpoints that separate me from traditional libertarian values. E.g. I believe in public health care and am generally pro-life, go figure. I don't fit in anywhere.

And I know she's trying to help and that's the problem.

The problem, and I do understand, is the desire to help everyone blindly. But in real life you can't save everybody, and stupid people will do stupid things. But the gatekeeping system I feel does more harm than good to the people who DO know what they're doing.

Qualifications and competency are not the same thing and so many become confused by that.

Quote from: Asfsd4214 on May 03, 2012, 12:37:27 AM
I haven't had a cigarette in 3 days and I'm about to ASPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODE. 
And yes, you're right, of all classical political theories, I am best described as a libertarian.

But I have a lot of viewpoints that separate me from traditional libertarian values. E.g. I believe in public health care and am generally pro-life, go figure. I don't fit in anywhere.

And I know she's trying to help and that's the problem.

The problem, and I do understand, is the desire to help everyone blindly. But in real life you can't save everybody, and stupid people will do stupid things. But the gatekeeping system I feel does more harm than good to the people who DO know what they're doing.

Qualifications and competency are not the same thing and so many become confused by that.

I know gatekeeping makes it fustrating for those of us who know for a loooonnnng time already but if we don't gatekeep at all some confused people slip through the cracks and presto! A month later they are on Jerry Springer telling everybody how evil the surgery is and how such things should never be allowed *le sigh*

Quote from: lecoeurdegrey on May 03, 2012, 12:42:41 AM
I know gatekeeping makes it fustrating for those of us who know for a loooonnnng time already but if we don't gatekeep at all some confused people slip through the cracks and presto! A month later they are on Jerry Springer telling everybody how evil the surgery is and how such things should never be allowed *le sigh*

They do it anyway. Meanwhile the rest of us suffer.

Social change will happen regardless. But treating us as if we all have mental disorders doesn't help.

Quote from: Asfsd4214 on May 03, 2012, 12:37:27 AM
I haven't had a cigarette in 3 days and I'm about to ASPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODE. 
And yes, you're right, of all classical political theories, I am best described as a libertarian.

But I have a lot of viewpoints that separate me from traditional libertarian values. E.g. I believe in public health care and am generally pro-life, go figure. I don't fit in anywhere.

And I know she's trying to help and that's the problem.

The problem, and I do understand, is the desire to help everyone blindly. But in real life you can't save everybody, and stupid people will do stupid things. But the gatekeeping system I feel does more harm than good to the people who DO know what they're doing.

Qualifications and competency are not the same thing and so many become confused by that.

Yea for libertarians!

Did you go cold turkey?

Quote from: Jamie D on May 03, 2012, 12:58:53 AM
Yea for libertarians!

Did you go cold turkey?

Patches, full strength ones too and it's still driving me nuts.

Problem is I kinda don't actually want to quit but my boyfriend hates it.

Quote from: Asfsd4214 on May 03, 2012, 01:04:52 AM
Patches, full strength ones too and it's still driving me nuts.

Problem is I kinda don't actually want to quit but my boyfriend hates it.

Well, I have a post here about my mom's painful, agonizing death from smoking-related cancers.  You're doing the right thing.  But don't feel bad if you fall off the wagon.  Just dust yourself off and get back on.  The psychological cravings will last a lot longer than the physical cravings.

I'm not going to get all preachy in you.  You know what you need to do.

Quote from: Jamie D on May 03, 2012, 02:05:24 AM
Well, I have a post here about my mom's painful, agonizing death from smoking-related cancers.  You're doing the right thing.  But don't feel bad if you fall off the wagon.  Just dust yourself off and get back on.  The psychological cravings will last a lot longer than the physical cravings.

I'm not going to get all preachy in you.  You know what you need to do.

I'm more concerned about it leading to increased disease activity in my multiple sclerosis.

Unfortunately none of the lung cancer deterrents work on me because in my heart of hearts I tend to doubt I'll live much past my late 20s early 30s, but I'm a pessimist. 

"A pessimist of what an idealist calls a realist" - Sir Humphrey Appleby.

Rabbit,

My heart and thoughts are with you . It saddens me to hear your pain, but still, you sound resilient.

From what I have read of your posts, you're a strong and intelligent woman, I'm positive you'll get thought this. There will be light at the end of the general anaesthetic.
- Plus, you'll have something to put into the autobiography now!!

Yeah !!!

Love

Jenny

OXOXOXOX

Quote from: MrTesto on May 02, 2012, 10:31:38 PM
I'm a bit confused why you are seeing a master's level clinician. Will that be enough for your surgery letter?

HRT and 1 of the surgery letters can be from a master's level therapist.  The other surgery letter does have to be a phd.  My master's level LMFT already knows which Dr she wants me to see so she took care of finding the other one for me.

Quote from: Asfsd4214 on May 03, 2012, 02:18:53 AM
I'm more concerned about it leading to increased disease activity in my multiple sclerosis.

Unfortunately none of the lung cancer deterrents work on me because in my heart of hearts I tend to doubt I'll live much past my late 20s early 30s, but I'm a pessimist. 

I'm sure you've read everything about MS, but isn't the rate of disease progression variable?
If you think of tobacco cessation as a means of maintaining a better quality of life for longer - maybe that might help?
In my thinking, the quality of life is more important than the quantity (even though everyone desires both).

If you've missed it on the news, there was an announcement by MS researchers in Australia that they've gotten some results in slowing the disease process by blocking a protein.

lecoeurdegrey:  immediate after SRS pictures aren't that bad - there's a bit of bruising, but that's pretty normal for any surgery.  The gross looking photos after surgery are the ones around 3-4 days later as the healing process really starts up. =)

Quote from: luna nyan on May 03, 2012, 07:54:23 AM
I'm sure you've read everything about MS, but isn't the rate of disease progression variable?
If you think of tobacco cessation as a means of maintaining a better quality of life for longer - maybe that might help?
In my thinking, the quality of life is more important than the quantity (even though everyone desires both).

If you've missed it on the news, there was an announcement by MS researchers in Australia that they've gotten some results in slowing the disease process by blocking a protein.

lecoeurdegrey:  immediate after SRS pictures aren't that bad - there's a bit of bruising, but that's pretty normal for any surgery.  The gross looking photos after surgery are the ones around 3-4 days later as the healing process really starts up. =)

I agree with you about quality over quantity.

As for rate of disease progression, it depends on the subtype, in my case relapsing remitting MS, which is highly variable yes.
Studies have shown however that smoking can worse disability caused by attacks and worsen long term outcomes. I personally haven't had an attack since I started medication for it, and if it were just up to me I'd probably just take the risk. But as I said, my partner hates my smoking so that's my main motivation.

Take it on the bright side: if your non-smoking partner was able to bear your smoking, including the smell and how it must feel like kissing an ashtray... I call that genuine, deep love! ^^

unfortunately i have to  wait two months to three months to ever see someone becuase the gender center here is that booked in advanve , one doctor the the entire city who deals with trans issues . and im majorly depressed and need to talk to someone now . it sucks hardcoe . but on the plus side the sessions are covered under universal health

Quote from: lecoeurdegrey on May 03, 2012, 12:30:19 AM
Let me guess: liberatarian?

Pssst...she was only trying to help. Did someone miss her E shot?

i think there should be gatekeepers making sure someone is of sound mind before getting irreversable surgery . its not like its a nosejob .

but when it comes to hormones and gatekeeping that can get ridiculious certain states / countries etc not allowing people to go on hormones till they are 18 through the proper channels / legal

i mean if they decide hormones were wrong they can just go off them later  and have the breasts reduced / removed . sure they might be sterile but they can always adopt , where as with srs its not like a regret in that can be fixed

Quote from: mementomori on May 03, 2012, 11:02:14 PM
i think there should be gatekeepers making sure someone is of sound mind before getting irreversable surgery . its not like its a nosejob .

Because we aren't adults who can take responsibility for their actions?

Yea... this isn't like a nosejob... it isn't a cosmetic thing because I have self esteem issues...

It is a medically needed procedure (suggested by my doctor) so I don't need to suffer the ill effects (and risks) of the drugs / extra hormones I am taking.

If I wanted to buy a gun (because I felt I had superpowers and wanted to test my invulnerability to bullets)... I would be okie dokie smokey to do that A waiting period for my history to be checked ...but then I'm on the way to the shooting range with my best friend batman

But, if I want to get a couple organs which have been pretty much shut down (but are decreasing my quality of life and putting my health at greater risk) at the suggestion of my doctor... well... oh, that is curayzeee and there has gotta be something wrong with my brain? They need to just double check I am capable of accepting responsibility for my choices in life? They need to make sure I'm even mentally sound to make that choice??

Then again... a short time ago homosexuals were seen as mentally ill too...and sodomy was illegal (actually till very recently that was true in some states)....

So... that they think we are nutso for being feminine is pretty in line with the backwards world we live in....

Might I suggest online therapy. I've been using it for three sessions and I have my letter. She didn't charge me a thing for the letter, and the cost of each session is only $40. She is certified, and my doctor accepted the letter. I highly recommend her, because she is down to earth. I felt great about myself after leaving our sessions.

http://www.brandnewdaycounseling.com/index.html
The website is rather dated looking, however don't let that affect your decision

Hmmm, ohh that actually seems like a good idea Thanks tyler

Quote from: mementomori on May 03, 2012, 11:02:14 PM
i think there should be gatekeepers making sure someone is of sound mind before getting irreversable surgery . its not like its a nosejob .

Why?

To protect people from themselves?

So because of a tiny handful of people who do it and regret it, the solution is....

Me, someone who has lived 'full time' (god I hate that term), who is known by everyone as female, who would happily have SRS tomorrow if I could and have to deal with daily depression because of my anatomy, who therapists told me I needed to wait a year before even starting HRT only to decide to self-med against their advice and never regretted it, who told me I 'needed' to find a new shrink when I left brisbane and didn't and never been better as a result.

Me, I can't have SRS unless I do the following.

Go to my doctor and get referrals to (usually) 2 therapists. Explain to them about my life story and have a good chance if my history is anything to go by they'll make me come back to them indefinitely wasting tons of money I don't have.

Why am I punished for a tiny minority of people who usually get approval sooner or later anyway.

I would love to have SRS but I haven't and won't until I recover from the exhaustion caused BY my former therapists. The anxiety of having to waste time all the time seeing them, repeating myself, wasting money and 40 minutes of my life of what's supposed to be a 60 minute session, listening to their crap that I know fully well is crap and know they won't be able to produce any sources for and will just belittle their dropout drug addict patient if I call them out on it.

Just so some idiot who barely knows me with an astoundingly unfounded sense of self-confidence can say I'm mentally sound?

And I'm not mentally sound, it's catch 22. The overwhelming amount of bureaucratic nonsense gatekeeping causes keeps me from more actively going for SRS because I hate therapists, is in itself depressing, as is the fact I haven't had SRS. Complicating that I have multiple sclerosis and a childhood abuse and substance abuse history that will no doubt be used as an excuse to milk as many therapy sessions out of me as possible. All in the name of 'dealing with other issues first'. Well you know what, some issues can't be 'dealt' with, can't be 'put behind you'. Some things happen that change you and nothing's ever going to make you the person you might have been had they not happened. You just have to learn to live with it. I've tried talk therapy, doesn't work for me.


I've had 5+ therapists in the past few years and I hate them. I've been in the mental hospital after a suicide attempt where I was constantly exposed to therapists and group therapy and all that rubbish.

Seeing a therapist for me is like I have a boss I hate and have to listen too and pretend I have respect for, only I'm paying THEM.

So thanks for that, thank you so much for supporting that system.

The worst part is not even the transgender community is a source of support for me, indoctrinated and brainwashed by the system that controls them convincing them it's needed.