The Journey of Katie Ellen

[Katie Ellen]

Wow! Two posts in two weeks.

So, just when I decide to discontinue any further transition, I lose 95% of my support system. My therapist of 8 years tells me that she's starting her own practice, and it won't be accepting my insurance. She said she would try to help me find someone new that does. I told her I wasn't interested in starting over. So that's it. I'm on my own!  I can do it though.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Hey Katie, so sorry to hear that you are now losing your therapist after finding someone that works for you. I can totally understand that you don't want to go back to square one with another therapist that you may or may not relate to.

Of course all of us here are happy to support you as best we can and be somewhere you can share your thoughts should you wish to. Certainly no replacement for a therapist but at least people to lean on rather than be alone.

I will say that maybe in future you might be able to warm to another therapist, even though you probably need some time first. I've been through a few, mainly because NHS only offered 6 sessions maximum, but have found a few good ones.

Charlotte 😻

[Lori Dee ✅]

Sorry to hear that, Katie.

Maybe the new therapist will be helpful. With a referral like that, you won't be starting from square one. They will have some background, so it will be mostly just getting to know each other and figuring out what you need help with.

We are always here if you need us. You are never alone.

Hugs!

[Katie Ellen]

Hey Katie, so sorry to hear that you are now losing your therapist after finding someone that works for you. I can totally understand that you don't want to go back to square one with another therapist that you may or may not relate to.

Of course all of us here are happy to support you as best we can and be somewhere you can share your thoughts should you wish to. Certainly no replacement for a therapist but at least people to lean on rather than be alone.

I will say that maybe in future you might be able to warm to another therapist, even though you probably need some time first. I've been through a few, mainly because NHS only offered 6 sessions maximum, but have found a few good ones.

Charlotte 😻

Thanks! Medicare here in the US doesn't limit visits, it's just that not many accept it!

[Katie Ellen]

Sorry to hear that, Katie.

Maybe the new therapist will be helpful. With a referral like that, you won't be starting from square one. They will have some background, so it will be mostly just getting to know each other and figuring out what you need help with.

We are always here if you need us. You are never alone.

Hugs!

Thanks! Maybe I'll give it a try, I guess? Just might have to come around here more often!

[Katie Ellen]

No luck finding a new therapist yet. I talked to one who is a transwoman, but of course she didn't take my insurance.

That got me thinking, I realized that I've never met, in person, another transperson. I've talked to a couple on the phone or a video doctor appointment, but not in person. I've seen people that I thought might be, but never had a conversation.

Covid played a part in that, but it's still hard to believe. I don't think this is normal?

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Sounds like it's going to be a somewhat involved task finding a therapist that takes your insurance, but at least you're onto the task. I'm sure you'll succeed and I'm hoping them to be a perfect fit when you find them.

I guess your liklihood of meeting another trans person in real life depends on your lifestyle. I've been active in the queer community for years, so I know a brilliant trans house DJ I talked to a lot at my local pride. Then I goto furry meets...there are a lot of gender diverse furries!

If I didn't frequent those circles I too probably would not have met another trans person IRL.

So I guess it's not that unusual in your case.

[Stottie Girl]

No luck finding a new therapist yet. I talked to one who is a transwoman, but of course she didn't take my insurance.

That got me thinking, I realized that I've never met, in person, another transperson. I've talked to a couple on the phone or a video doctor appointment, but not in person. I've seen people that I thought might be, but never had a conversation.

Covid played a part in that, but it's still hard to believe. I don't think this is normal?

I have never "met" another trans person though there is a girl who frequents my local supermarket. I have "talked" to another trans girl at work but unfortunately she does not know I know she is trans and we have only talked over the phone at work. I was totally unaware she was trans until a co-worker told me so maybe you have met a trans person before and you just didn't know it!

No one knows I am trans yet other than my mother and best friend. It is dificult not having someone to talk to directly but this place is filling the void for me at the moment

[Dances With Trees]

Because of SP, I feel like I'm besties with scores of trans folks.

But, as far as I know, I've never really touched one. I need to start getting out more. And more out.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I had never met another transgender person until I started going to the VA's LGBTQ Veterans Support Group. There I met seven! They all had their own separate journeys, from just getting started to fully transitioned, some out and open, others still stealth. It made me realize that I was not alone.

Then the VA shut down any DEI initiatives, so the support group folded. I ran into one of the gals a couple of times at the store, so we got a chance to chat for a few minutes.

Since I have moved back to Colorado, I have Jessica Rose living in the next town over, and I have met Rayna a few times in Colorado Springs. Then I went to the Pueblo Pride parade, and oh wow. Yeah, we are never alone. Just because we haven't run into anyone doesn't mean we aren't in the area.

I would recommend checking out a local support group. Even if it turns out not to be your thing, at least you will meet some people that you can talk to.

Of course, we are always here for you, too.

[davina61]

We had a UK meet of SP folks but covid stopped that, we had some good nights out!

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

We had a UK meet of SP folks but covid stopped that, we had some good nights out!

Sounds like something worth doing again sometime as a few of us about 😊

[ChrissyRyan]

Happy Valentine's Day!



Chrissy

[Katie Ellen]

So I had a colonoscopy yesterday. Good news, no polyps! Doc says I've graduated and don't need anymore. One good thing about getting older!

Before I went in, I weighed myself. Now after going through the prep. I knew I was extremely dehydrated, but I was still shocked. I checked in at 151.5. An overall loss of 30 pounds. I know I'll gain some back quickly, but I haven't weighed that much since I was 14 and probably 4 inches shorter!

People that haven't seen me in a while, think I'm sick. Most of my male clothes don't fit, but I look a lot better in all of my female clothes!

My health is 100% better, but I may have gone too far?

[Lori Dee ✅]

So I had a colonoscopy yesterday. Good news, no polyps! Doc says I've graduated and don't need anymore. One good thing about getting older!

Before I went in, I weighed myself. Now after going through the prep. I knew I was extremely dehydrated, but I was still shocked. I checked in at 151.5. An overall loss of 30 pounds. I know I'll gain some back quickly, but I haven't weighed that much since I was 14 and probably 4 inches shorter!

People that haven't seen me in a while, think I'm sick. Most of my male clothes don't fit, but I look a lot better in all of my female clothes!

My health is 100% better, but I may have gone too far?

Hi Katie!

Thanks for the update and congrats on no polyps!

I have seen people gain or lose ten pounds just from water weight. Every pint weighs one pound. You most likely were dehydrated after the prep, so drink up! Use a drink with electrolytes, but be careful not to overdo it. Electrolytes are salts (sodium, calcium, or potassium), so read the labels.

If you are feeling good, you are good to go. Don't try to push your body weight up or down too quickly. Rapid weight gain or loss carry their own health risks. Five to ten pounds in a month is doable. More than that stresses the body.

Glad to see you back again.